It goes without saying that any person that chooses to brave the treacherous realm of government service has the certainty of drawing fire from others that have an opposing point of view. This usually sparks debate, which in turn develops into a meaningful understanding of each other’s perspective. Elected officials should expect dissenting arguments and listen closely for skews that may have escaped the building blocks for their own developed standpoint…but that does not give free rein to use the elected officials as punching bags by others that happen to have a differing outlook on an issue.
Aldermen in Menasha do not place the one step forward and insert their name in the election hat to derive a hefty income from the city coffers, nor do they have an insatiable craving for power. If the intentions are to acquire the preceding they are doing it for the wrong reasons and will experience culture shock on how inaccessible both of those aspirations are. The people who choose to run for elected office are compelled by the inner need to assist a community in a higher capacity than most, and each person that runs and/or is blessed with an election win brings unique concepts and experiences to the table that they feel would aid their community and bring about a positive outcome. If presented properly, the electors cast ballots with favor and the designated official proceeds to lay claim to the daunting task of city politics.
Dissent is needed and healthy in any democracy, but the ones that are throwing the sandbags cannot loose sight that even elected officials have wives, husbands and children that become collateral damage to a process that excuses reckless rock-throwing in order to achieve a desired result. Any elected official, or those that strive to become one, that rely on stealth Kamikaze personal attacks to force a viewpoint or stance on any subject should raise a brow or two.
If damaging a family brings no concern to a person tossing mud against a wall to see what sticks, then fearful should be the eyes of the public when that person addresses them. Dissent is good and healthy…but accomplish it with a little respect and class.
