– We would all do well in our community to commit to civil discourse in the new year, especially at the regular meetings of our local government, whatever else goes on nationally. Too often, some people misuse the public comment period at public meetings in ways that won’t solve anything.
Just recently at a school board meeting, one commenter shared an anonymous anecdote as “proof” that the Paso schools aren’t preparing our students with life skills.
If anyone sees a real deficiency in our schools or elsewhere in our community, they should be ready to offer solutions, identify potential resources, or even volunteer their time and talents to help address the issue. Be constructive, or be quiet. It’s easy to complain.
It’s a lot more work to be part of a solution, but that’s the only work worth doing. Our local elected officials run campaigns to take demanding positions that offer little, if any, material reward. Let’s show some respect for those who take the time to make a better community, and also to the many city and school district workers who plug away each day to keep things running.
Every citizen should take an interest in our city government and schools, and (to quote the Staples Singers) “When you talk, better have a solution. Respect yourself.”
Michael Seden-Hansen
City Paso Robles
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