No doubt elected officials want to win their next election. They want to continue working on the issues that matter to them and their constituents, including public services, spending and regulation. They want to keep the job.

But, as parents tell Little Leaguers, winning isn’t everything. Values matter. Doing good matters.

The ability to listen and learn matters too, particularly for elected officials passing judgment on public policy. They are not expected to know everything about every issue, budget item and law when they come into office, but they should be willing to learn and change...