Columbia is different. I believe that to my core. This is community that values and practices growth of individuals. That being said, our electoral process is somewhat less than desired. Last week almost all of the Columbia Council Representative and Village Board contests were decided (and remember Long Reach, you still have a chance to vote this Saturday!). As much as we all desire a spirited discussion of policies and positions among the candidates (and yes, we did see that to a certain extent), more than one village election was marred by whisper conspiracies and a good bit of mudslinging.
To an extent, I believe the reason why village elections are so vicious regardless of our lofty ideals, is because the differences are so small. As an example, one of the purported campaign issues this year was Symphony Woods Park. As it turns out, all candidates are in favor of a park in Symphony Woods. This was not a debate between a park and a cement plant. For this reason, some folks engaged in highly speculative, negative and imagined positions of one candidate to energize what they perceived were the base of the candidate they supported. In addition, given the lack of impropriety of the candidates running, an appearance of impropriety was invented. It is this kind of behavior that brings down Columbia and until candidates openly refute these tactics and disassociate themselves from those that choose to do it, we will continue to inhibit growth and enrichment of Columbia.
In the short term, it is now very important to focus on all those that chose to put their hat in the ring. For those newly elected, they are about to find out the legal and regulatory structure that surrounds the Columbia Association and the Village Boards. Give them your patience. For those re-elected, this is a time for them to stretch their skill set and take on new tasks. Give them your encouragement.
For those not elected, they need you most of all. In the past few weeks, they have been subjected to accusations that no one would ever think of prior to their declared candidacy. I have been there. The feeling of loss is expected, but what is really jarring is trying to integrate back into the community. There is a pariah effect. Do people in the neighborhood really believe those things that were said? I ask both supporters and especially those that did not vote for them to let them know you are proud of them. Write a thank you note or send an email of appreciation. Remind them that it takes a certain amount of courage to run for office, and that kind of courage is welcome in your neighborhood. Find some aspect of their candidacy that you agreed with, and let them know that you can work together on the subject.
In closing, please consider that voting in village elections is a critical part of being a community, but it remains only a small segment of being a community. If you value your neighbors, if you value growing, reaching, evolving, then let’s do the good work of being a real community.
hocoblogs@@@
To an extent, I believe the reason why village elections are so vicious regardless of our lofty ideals, is because the differences are so small. As an example, one of the purported campaign issues this year was Symphony Woods Park. As it turns out, all candidates are in favor of a park in Symphony Woods. This was not a debate between a park and a cement plant. For this reason, some folks engaged in highly speculative, negative and imagined positions of one candidate to energize what they perceived were the base of the candidate they supported. In addition, given the lack of impropriety of the candidates running, an appearance of impropriety was invented. It is this kind of behavior that brings down Columbia and until candidates openly refute these tactics and disassociate themselves from those that choose to do it, we will continue to inhibit growth and enrichment of Columbia.
In the short term, it is now very important to focus on all those that chose to put their hat in the ring. For those newly elected, they are about to find out the legal and regulatory structure that surrounds the Columbia Association and the Village Boards. Give them your patience. For those re-elected, this is a time for them to stretch their skill set and take on new tasks. Give them your encouragement.
For those not elected, they need you most of all. In the past few weeks, they have been subjected to accusations that no one would ever think of prior to their declared candidacy. I have been there. The feeling of loss is expected, but what is really jarring is trying to integrate back into the community. There is a pariah effect. Do people in the neighborhood really believe those things that were said? I ask both supporters and especially those that did not vote for them to let them know you are proud of them. Write a thank you note or send an email of appreciation. Remind them that it takes a certain amount of courage to run for office, and that kind of courage is welcome in your neighborhood. Find some aspect of their candidacy that you agreed with, and let them know that you can work together on the subject.
In closing, please consider that voting in village elections is a critical part of being a community, but it remains only a small segment of being a community. If you value your neighbors, if you value growing, reaching, evolving, then let’s do the good work of being a real community.
hocoblogs@@@