“Politician” routinely ranks as one of America’s least trusted professions. Last month, legislators in Olympia did little to help their case. In a process devoid of transparency and deliberation, legislators fast-tracked a bill which would have effectively placed oversight of the state Public Records Act in the hands of those it is meant to regulate. It passed 41-7 in the Senate and 83-14 in the House. Senate Bill 6617 was vetoed by Governor Inslee after significant public outcry, but the whole legislative misadventure warrants a closer look.

The day of the vote, I happened to be shadowing Representative Melanie Stambaugh in Olympia. A former Washington Policy Center intern herself, Representative Stambaugh often invites current interns to spend a day with her at the Capitol. Having devoted the majority of my week to researching democratic erosion in Europe for my senior capstone, I was excited to watch functioning democracy in action.

Upon arriving in Olympia, Representative Stambaugh and her Legislative Assistant, Shelbi Hogenson, informed me that I had picked a "really good" Friday to visit. This sentiment was echoed by just about everyone I met. Over the course of the morning, Ms. Hogenson shared her impressive knowledge of the Capitol’s history and introduced me to Senators, Representatives, and staff. I was struck by the camaraderie I witnessed. Members, staffers, and security officers exchanged updates about their families and swapped jokes with an air of closeness. As I answered questions from a State Senator about my personal interests and thoughts on policy, I amusedly remembered almost being run over in a hallway by a US Senator and his entourage while I was interning in Congress last summer.

The floor debate on SB 6617 was notable because of its brevity. After a single pro speech from each side of the chamber, the bill proceeded to a vote. The juxtaposition between the debate on SB 6617 and the debate on a bill pertaining to bump stocks later that day spoke volumes. Floor debate on the bump stock bill involved numerous impassioned speeches both for and against. Representatives shared conversations with constituents, their experiences as veterans and mental health professionals, and engaged in deliberation worthy of the institution. On the bill threatening to significantly curtail government transparency, there was no such debate.

Representative Stambaugh cast one of the fourteen votes against SB 6617. Over lunch, we discussed the bills of the day, the state of American politics, and her future plans. Representative Stambaugh is retiring at the end of her current term. Only 27, she looks forward to attending graduate school and growing her small business in Puyallup. While I wish she, a fellow Millennial (and Husky), was running for another term, her commitment to life beyond politics is what makes her a good legislator.

Today, many Americans feel like they have been “run over” by the politicians who walk the corridors of power in Washington, DC. By design, state legislators enjoy a degree of proximity to their constituents that their counterparts in the other Washington do not. Our legislators in Olympia should embrace this and seek opportunities to dispel negative perceptions of their work. Last month, our representatives were faced with a clear opportunity to affirm the principle of transparency and their commitment to those they serve – the majority balked. I hope that in the future, Olympia will serve as a model laboratory of democracy, rather than succumb the pessimism and dishonesty that tarnishes Washington, DC in the minds of so many Americans.