PERSPECTIVE FROM THE 19^TH HOLE: This is the title I chose for my personal blog, which is meant to give me an outlet for one of my favorite crafts – writing – plus use an image from my favorite sport, golf. Out of college, my first job was as a reporter for the Daily Astorian in Astoria, Oregon, and I went on from there to practice writing in all of my professional positions, including as a Congressional press secretary in Washington, D.C., an Oregon state government manager in Salem and Portland, press secretary for Oregon’s last Republican governor (Vic Atiyeh), and a private sector lobbyist. This blog also allows me to link another favorite pastime – politics and the art of developing public policy – to what I write.

If I were going to run for public office – and let me assure any readers of this blog that I am not – I have given some thought to my personal political platform.

One reason is that, in retirement, I have time for this irrational pursuit. Another is that I have become so irritated by the state of politics today, especially nationally politics, that I wanted to propose, at least for myself, a more positive political future, however unrealistic it may be.

So here goes:

• I’ll work to solve pressing public policy problems.

• I’ll work to find middle ground with the “other side” – which is where the best solutions lie anyway.

• I’ll be skeptical of the contention that government has a solution for every problem, making sure to ask a basic question first – should government be involved, a question that, today, is seldom, if ever, asked.

• But, I’ll be open to government solutions when impartial analysis shows they have the potential to work.

• I’ll avoid using derogatory labels for representatives of the “other side.”

• I’ll be interested in re-election, but not at the expense of “doing the right thing.”

Now, I understand the reality is that none of these planks would resonate with most voters who have become accustomed to sound bites that drip with derision, as well to derogatory comments on Twitter, Facebook or other social media.

The noise has soiled the process of political discourse in this country, none more evidently than in the last year of a debilitating presidential campaign. It’s as if criticizing an opponent stands for something.

Elections are supposed to be a prelude to governing. But, not today. They are mostly a prelude to the next election, which actually starts immediately after “election day.”

If I were to run, would I win? No.

But, if you have a moment, think of your own platform, one that reflects your own commitments, as well as is designed with an eye to putting American politics on a more satisfying plateau.