Since you were a part of the Legislature for a long time you became conditioned to how the game is played.   However, being able to cope with something, though admirable, is really not in the interest of the people the government was designed to serve.   

Recently, I attended a couple of meetings where candidates for local and state seats gave talks.   What was simultaneously impressive and discouraging was the fact that they were already thinking according to 'how things are done'.   

Now, I admit I am a radical.   My background is math and computing, not law.   So, when I see a problem, I construct a solution in my head and then begin implementing the solution which most efficiently addresses the problem to be solved.   

This is what the founding fathers did in framing our constitution - state and federal.   

Unfortunately, we now have 250 years of knots being tied into the legislative bodies' rules and procedures subverting the original design for the governments intended by their constitutions.   

When a house is old and decrepit with many issues then it is better to tear it down and rebuild.   It is the house and not the land that is the problem.   We have constitutions.   We need the structures built on those constitutions, reconstituted.   

Now, you have the inside experience and you have the wisdom to step back and assess what needs to be done and to propose a new model which would fix the problems with the legislature that prevents it efficiently serving its original purpose - the needs of the residents of NC.   

Are you jaded?   Do you think this is possible?   

I am a minister who knows how this age of the world will end.   It is not pleasant.   But, I am determined to do what I can do to push back against the spirit of antichrist which is moving secular-minded people headlong to the end.   

I am not confident that my efforts will bear fruit.   But, it is worthwhile and pleasing to God to fight.   (I tell folks: we are not responsible for results, we are responsible for obedience).   

Knowing your faith in God, I am sure you are like-minded.   

It might be worth a paper for you and some of your experienced colleagues to put together such a proposal - for the record.   

Thanks for your service.   

Blessings in Jesus' name!   

-- Randy Lucas