I don’t have to agree with someone on everything in order to work together on a specific problem. I focus on what needs to be accomplished, how it can get done, and on building personal relationships. Then, if we can agree that a problem needs to be tackled, I work to bring in the voices and wisdom of the people who are being directly affected by that problem.
The year I was elected to Congress was the year of the Tea Party Republican wave and I was one of only nine incoming freshman Democrats along with 65 Republicans. Among other things, I was determined to make vital changes to the framework that governs child welfare systems across the country, and getting anything done would require working across the aisle in a big way.
When I co-founded the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth, naturally I looked around for a Republican co-chair. I didn’t have much else in common with Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN), but I discovered that she had had 23 foster kids and knew well the limitations of the system. We formed the caucus, launched Foster Youth Shadow Day to highlight the stories of young people affected by the system, and helped pass important legislation.
I compartmentalize and stay focused on the needs of real people. This helps me to find a balance that lets me work with sometimes unexpected partners to get things done.
Karen Bass is the 43rd Mayor of Los Angeles, and previously served as Speaker of the California State Assembly. @mayorofla
