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Happy new fiscal year!
While July starts a new accounting period for most public agencies, it also marks another birthday in the great history of America. Many of you know that I think freedom rocks, so I love a good celebration of our country!
A cornerstone of freedom is free speech, which manifests in so many incredible upsides and some downsides, too. At the local level, I value and respect the viewpoint diversity I hear at public workshops or public comments at council meetings. On the other hand, I have also seen agency staff and council members berated or insulted in very public ways that are simply wrong. I have felt that sting once or twice too when leading community discussions. But, what’s the alternative? Controlled speech? Controlled by whom? What is the limit (beyond Constitutional guidelines)? Eh. Pass.
Rather than focus on those negative experiences, I try to remember the upsides of face-to-face contact with people who disagree. Community workshops and town halls give community members an opportunity to share their opinions and discuss solutions to challenges. But when they have to look another person in the face, often the temperature drops and polite respect prevails. When you know you may see the person you are insulting at the grocery store next week, you sometimes strike a different tone.
As we reflect on the 248th birthday of our country and consider it in the context of what has to be one of the most odd/volatile/historic periods of national politics, let's find some peace in the stability of our local communities. Remember, your fellow community resident is a person, a neighbor and is likely well-intended with their viewpoint - no matter how wrong you think they are. Embracing civil discourse and free speech honors America’s founding principles and is more inclusive and unifying than alternatives.
With Love of America,
Ryder
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