By Ken Schram, political commentary

What do you say we all strive for some consensus?

Next month’s legislative session should be interesting.

Some crystal ball gazing: The project that was so obvious, so necessary and so neglected will be one that finally draws lots of attention once the gavel comes down.

Everyone knew the Chehalis River was a flooder.

Everyone knew because for years its swollen waters would meander into fields and farms and neighborhoods.

Back in ought-three, there was some momentum and state money to fix the problem.

Back in ought-three, the nickel gas tax plan was passed with $30 million nestled inside to keep the Chehalis River within its banks.

The people who lived in the area had some good ideas as to how to keep the river contained.

The higher-ups in state government, along with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, had others.

And because never the twain shall meet, the conflict of ideas created a lack of consensus (I have come to so hate that word!) and the $30 million to fix the Chehalis was sucked away to other state endeavors.

Hey, here’s an idea: How about those who can, join with those who should, and come up with a concept so unique and so daring that it rattles the very foundation of Olympia politics.

I’m trying to come up with the word…it’s right there at the edge of my thoughts…right there on the tip of my tongue…

Oh, oh, I got it! Leadership.

And while we’re at it, why not employ that same unique and daring concept to some other stalled projects?

You know, like fixing and replacing decrepit ferry boats; like coming up with the money and a design to replace the 520 bridge before it sinks into Lake Washington; like figuring out what to do about Seattle’s Alaskan Way viaduct before it becomes a pile of rubble along the city’s waterfront.

Yes, it most certainly is going to be an interesting legislative session next month.

Particularly when you realize that the day of reckoning for what is, and is not, accomplished by our lawmakers and our governor will come 10 months later.

That would be election day; the day when we will decide if we’re content with what was done for us; the day we will decide if those who have the job of working on our behalf will get to keep the job of working for us.

Recognizing that there is a considerable length of time between January and November, and further recognizing that the ones who count on being re-elected also count on the short memories of those who do the electing, might I suggest that we all keep a tally sheet.

Identify who represents you in the State Senate and the State House of Representatives.

Take the time to check on what issues they champion and what votes they cast.

Keep a notebook; an election diary. Mark down what they did that fit with your expectations.

Mark down what they didn’t do. Jot yourself a short note about you felt about their efforts.

Then put your notes away until late October.

When the election is near, take that notebook and use it to decide if you want to put those people back in office.

How’s that for consensus?

Ken Schram is a KOMO-TV and radio commentator whose radio feature with John Carlson, “The Commentators,” airs weekdays from 3 to 6 p.m. on AM 570 KVI. E-mail: kenschram@komo4news.com.