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Counselor

Grab your pencils. Here's a pop quiz:

● Who is Alberto R. Gonzales?

A. A pop singer and member of the Backstreet Boys

B. U.S. attorney general.

● Who is Justin Timberlake?

A. A pop singer and member of 'NSync.

B. U.S. Attorney General.

Pencils down. We hope you knew that Gonzales is the nation's 80th attorney general. Timberlake made his name as a member of the boy band 'N Sync before going solo.

This silly little quiz was given to make a chilling point: Pop culture personalities get more of our collective attention than the people shaping the policies that have a profound impact on our lives and our pocketbooks.

In a recent discussion with a reasonably well-informed, politically interested group, a comment about Tom Horne's recent speech at Sahuarita High School received deer-in-the-headlights stares. Several asked, "Who?" (Horne is Arizona's superintendent of public instruction.)

Later, during an energetic discussion about pop singer Jessica Simpson's love life, no one in the same group seemed to question Nick Lachey's identity. (Lachey is a former member of the boy band 98 Degrees and is separated from wife Simpson.)

Perhaps this sad state of awareness is because Gonzales, Horne and other decision-makers are not covered on MTV or "Inside Entertainment." Perhaps, the policies and decisions of political leaders are not as titillating as the pop stars' escapades. Whatever the reason, it's our responsibility as members of a democracy to know who our leaders are and what they're doing.

Misidentifying leaders makes for a late-night laugh when Jay Leno does a "Jaywalking" segment on "The Tonight Show." But as the camera catches folks who can't identify a photo of Vice President Dick Cheney, it's a poignant reminder that all too often we don't know who is sculpting the policy.

This apathy or ignorance slaps Arizonans in the face every January. As the Arizona Legislature begins making new laws, too many people don't know (or care) who's making the decisions.

The Legislature begins its second regular session at noon Monday. There will be 90 people — 30 members of the Senate and 60 members of the House of Representatives — who will spend the next 100 or so days maneuvering and manipulating bills. Some of these bills will become laws that you may or may not like. You'll want to watch your checkbook on some of the bills.

Do you know who's making these decisions on your behalf? Do you know who your district representative is? How about your senator?

While it may not be quite as much fun as downloading music or shopping online, go to www.azleg.state.az.us and you can find your district and a roster with e-mail addresses and phone numbers of those in the Legislature. There is also information about the legislative process and the status of bills and legislation.

Before you decide that the Legislature is boring and plug in the iPod, know that the special-interest groups with professional lobbyists find the Legislature fascinating. These lobbyists are negotiating to get legislation passed that is in the best interest of their group. Local legislators don't know how their constituents feel about issues unless they hear from them.

It's still January — not too late for a New Year's resolution. Resolve to keep up to date with the Legislature and let your representatives know how you feel about issues. Know who your elected officials are and join the public discussion.