To the Editor,

I was disheartened to read the latest comments from Bela8ted on the Sounder’s website. This individual went to the board meeting, was welcomed to speak and treated respectfully, yet feels justified in posting comments challenging the character of the school board volunteers and the district staff. He compares the issues concerning the school district to a ‘war’ and the last board meeting to a ‘battle’ and suggests targeting the board chair to ensure defeat in the next election. We all have the right to our opinions. But when those opinions veer into destructive discourse, they stop being acceptable or productive contributions to the community dialog on critical issues. Good community leadership requires strong boards representing a diversity of experience and opinion. The school board is a fine example of the breadth of viewpoints needed to represent our community. Each of us recognizes a school board member with whom we share views and those with whom we do not. This diversity ensures healthy debate on critical decisions and broad community representation. If we allow personal attacks and public condemnation for those with whom we disagree, who in their right mind will step up to volunteer for the school board or any other board? If we turn debate on important issues into a ‘battle’ or a ‘war’, who wants to engage? While it is certainly fair to challenge ideas and opinions, personal attacks have no place in our conversation and violent rhetoric only serves to inflame, not inform.

Hilary Canty

Olga