Civility When It Is Hardest

Over the past few weeks, I shared some thoughts on X/Twitter about civility and compassion given recent events. I believe they are worth noting here so that residents know more about me and the values I have.

I love a good debate where all parties come to the table with sincere intentions. In fact, I believe we can make the best decisions when we have conversations with people we don’t agree with. President Lincoln famously used this in his “team of rivals” - his cabinet that included three people who ran against him for the Presidency.

But we can’t get to a place of deeper discussion if one side of the discussion is wall of vitriol. Name calling and mockery do nothing but create hurt and mistrust. It is truly sad that some people resort to misogyny and slurs instead of conversation and communication when policy differences arise. Most of my colleagues on Council de-escalate hateful rhetoric: I hope we get to a place where all do.

A final thought: our country is in a very tense place right now. No matter what, please know that you are loved, some people still care, and will work to protect you and your loved ones. It starts locally.