Guest Column: Let’s Return to Civility Please
I am always baffled when local elected officials and others talk smack about our state and federal representatives. How can this possibly be a successful strategy to solicit help for our community?
Our Governor, Congressman, State Senator, and Assemblyman are all Democrats, who got elected fair and square by the majority of voters in our district. It is a disadvantage to our community to be disrespecting the very people who have been elected to help us.
Why can’t people disagree without being disagreeable or resorting to personal attacks? Politicians are human and are subject to the same emotional responses as the rest of us. Fortunately, responsible professionals will do their best to represent our interests despite the insults that are hurled by a few local politicians and gadflies.
At a Board of Supervisors meeting last year, regarding the possible realignment of our Congressional district boundaries, some Supervisors stated how they did not like Congressman Huffman and voted to support a new district that stretches to the east from here. The redistricting did not happen as they wished, and Huffman is still our congressman. He did notice this action and will likely remember this.
However, Congressman Huffman is a true leader, who I believe will continue to represent us to the best of his ability. It was Congressman Huffman who helped start the stakeholder group that is working to improve Last Chance Grade. We should all remember that fixing this road will require a massive amount of federal funding. It would be wise to maintain a good relationship with our congressman.
On March 8 several Supervisors spoke very dismissively of Governor Newsom. They suggested that the Governor doesn’t care about us and will take too long to appoint an interim Supervisor. They were wrong. It took about three weeks for the Governor to appoint a replacement Supervisor.
Governor Newsom very clearly understands that leaving this 5th District Supervisor position vacant while a lengthy election is underway would be a disservice to the constituents who live in the 5th District.
After almost a year of inconsistent representation, leaving this position vacant for another nine months until the election is decided, would have deprived one fifth of our county from having the representation to which they are entitled.
You may disagree with the Governor’s political affiliation or his policies, but it is not fair to smear the local person he chose. From what I can see, Supervisor Masten understands the value of civil relationships and is well prepared to step into this job to do some good for our county.
In June and November, the voters in the 5th District will have the opportunity to vote for Supervisor and Susan Masten is one of the five people running.
In the meantime, it would be best if we would give Supervisor Masten the respect that she deserves and work with her to address the many issues that our community faces.
