Our Opinion: Close the gap that divides branches

At the risk of being called "cockeyed optimists," we believe people can disagree without being disagreeable.

Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon and Republican lawmakers, who hold majorities in both the House and Senate, represent different political parities and separate branches of state government.

Their relations often are prickly and can be improved.

In politics, differences not only are inevitable, they are necessary to assure checks and balances.

In the aftermath of the recent veto session, however, lawmakers renewed complaints about Nixon's distant, disengaged posture. Consider:

"He (Nixon) continues to push his agenda through speeches and fly-arounds instead of working together with legislators to craft real solutions to the complex issues facing Missouri." - Senate President Pro Tem Tom Dempsey.

"What our founding fathers likely did not envision was a governor that barricaded himself in his office and never engaged in difficult discussion with lawmakers during the legislative process, preferring instead to simply lob in vetoes and articulate his concerns via press release ..." - Sen. Mike Kehoe, R-Jefferson City.

Even a fellow Democrat voiced the need for greater gubernatorial engagement. "I think it's good for all of us, including the governor, to use this opportunity to work together more and more, to talk more to each other." - Sen. Paul LeVota, D-Independence.

Beliefs on some issues - for example, the extended waiting period for abortions - stem from a person's core values and, invariably, will be polarizing.

But opinions on other issues - such as fiscal restraint - largely are shared. The differences tend to focus on adjustments to revenues, taxation, or spending, and how those adjustments influence economic development.

Where common ground exists, the governor and legislators must meet, discuss and deliberate.

Conciliation and/or compromise may not always be possible. But when the governor and lawmakers fail to work together, it never is possible.