It was so refreshing to read the article, “Select Board curbs stances on US issues,” [Gazette, Feb. 5. While likely well-meaning, two residents wished to inject a national issue into local government, asking the Belchertown Select Board in November to “uphold and adhere to the United States Constitution.” Wisely, recognizing the town’s political diversity, two members of the board, Chair Lesa Pearson and Nicole Miner, worked to draft a policy that states the Board “cannot make statements, issue resolutions or give commentary to any federal or national topics that do not impact municipal affairs.” It was accepted by the board with one abstention.
In that, the board showed itself to be a governing body that saw its duty is to the whole of the municipality and did not let itself become embroiled in affairs over which it has little if any jurisdiction. Pearson also said of their work to develop the policy, “I think it’s an important example that we can show to the public that regardless of where we are on the political scale that we can and should be able to talk to each other. “
As a member of the Western MA chapter of the largest non-partisan organization working to bridge our toxic political divide, Braver Angels, I heartily concur with Pearson: we can and should talk to each other. Such talk, too, should focus on listening to understand, not to score points, and be conducted respectfully and civilly. It is the only way to end the endless “us vs. them” talk that dominates too much of our political speech.
And if you concur, join Western MA Braver Angles Feb. 21, 4-5:30 p.m. for our “Depolarizing Ourselves” workshop at the Easthampton Library Annex. Register at depoarizingwmass@gmail.com and be part of our country’s necessary civic renewal.
Linda Clark
Easthampton