A recent article in the Salem News that outlines Councilor Dibble’s late file from the city council meeting on 10 September notes: “Dibble said he, Dominguez, Flynn and Sargent have faced criticism and name-calling because they did not support the mayor’s policies.” Dibble’s order and this subsequent news item got me thinking about the state of politics these days. The tenor of national politics is ugly, and unfortunately, we have seen local matters become quite contentious, as well. As such, I think it’s important to review the role of government and our rights as community members and stakeholders. We should have access to information, so that we can make informed decisions. We have a right to advocate for or against legislation, even passionately, and our elected officials have an obligation to listen to us. We also have the right to hold elected officials accountable for their votes, their words and their deeds.
Access
Government has an obligation to be transparent and accessible.
Over the course of this year, businesses, schools, community groups, and individuals have had to shift models, processes and expectations to accommodate lock-downs, social distancing and public health restrictions. As a result, public meetings have been more accessible. Local meetings are on Zoom, posted on Facebook Live, and available on Salem Access TV. State meetings are likewise being live-streamed, and there is always the trusty C-SPAN for national matters. The number of residents engaging with government is on the rise, and we are thrilled to see it! But, still, not everyone has time to engage with meetings directly (local, state, or national), and many people still rely on news reports to get their information.
Citizens and residents are responsible for being informed
What constitutes a “trusted source” can reflect inherent or overt biases, and we encourage citizens to be critical of what they consume. Additionally, state law is explicit about how long materials have to be made available for public consumption and commentary. You have the right to read proposed legislation directly. Inform yourself, whether you seek to gather your information directly from government websites or through secondary news outlets.
Advocacy
Once residents or citizens are aware of pending legislation or policy debates and impending decisions, they have the right to advocate for their position. That can involve organizing groups of people to send letters or call their representatives. It can involve protest. It can involve public engagement through social media. None of these actions are bullying. They are an inherent part of democracy.
Accountability
Once the vote is taken, people have a right to hold elected officials accountable for their position. That means that people can write letters to the news, post opinions and verbally discuss condemnations of an elected official’s votes, comments or affiliations. This is not bullying behavior, it is democracy. Ultimately, voters will determine whether the elected official is adequately representing their values and positions. No elected will walk away with 100% of the vote, and it is incumbent upon the elected to understand and engage with even those who did not vote for them.
The late-file order that Dibble put forward, which he himself claims is not supported by evidence, is an attempt to disparage and discourage voices who disagree with him. City councilors have the power to shape the city. ALL community members have a right to be at the metaphorical table, engage in policy discussions, and ultimately express their thoughts on legislative outcomes and policy directions.
Respectfully submitted,
Jen Lynch