How Sausages Really Get Made

The general belief of most persons not directly involved in law making is that legislation is created through weighty public policy determinations. 

Months, perhaps years, of laborious scrutiny lead to flawlessly modulated funding formulas, equitable staffing ratios and intricate program redesign. 

 Not unlike so many other things in life, the truth is far different. 

My long-time colleague at the Chronicle, Rob Gunnison, was fond of saying, “No matter how petty you think it is, it’s even pettier.” 

Good advice. 

All too often, vexing problems get resolved with a coin flip because they’re so vexing that’s the only way to Read more »

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