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'The Conversation' will hopefully touch on issues that will move people to want to strengthen communication and look to each other for solutions.

When meetings are the norm - the first resort, the go-to tool to discuss, debate, and solve every problem - they no longer work.

I think we can work through a lot of these issues.

These are challenging times at home and around the world. We will have to work together in a bipartisan spirit and with our international partners if we are going to achieve progress and peace now and for future generations.

Bipartisanship helps to avoid extremes and imbalances. It causes compromises and accommodations. So let's cooperate.

We will face the challenges head on. We will work with both parties, across the aisle, to make our state better.

I'm willing to meet with anyone, Democrat or Republican, who has a good idea, an open mind and a willingness to come together to tackle the challenges we face.

Negotiate with those who wish to talk - and take action against those who create mischief.

I think any advocate who is effective has fully acquainted himself or herself with the legislator they are going to meet. Know what committees they are on, what issues they are interested in, all in an effort to build a bridge for communicating with them.

There are things they tell us that sound good to hear, but when they have accomplished their purpose they will go home and will not try to fulfill our agreements with them.