An unfortunate behavior in dialogue about public policy has emerged in Durango. Especially troubling is that this sometimes seeps into news coverage.
Increasingly, argumentation is being advanced by questioning the integrity and honesty of our elected officials, volunteer boards and advisory commissions – your neighbors and fellow citizens, doing their best for the community.
In a recent Herald article, “John Simpson led fight against Durango’s proposed tax increase” (Feb. 17), the reporter writes that Mayor Sweetie Marbury hissed, serpent–like, at a presenter during public comment. The report omits that the mayor and others on the council perceived that the presenter had just charged them with operating in bad faith, questioning their honesty.
I would think anyone would push back against unsubstantiated charges of that kind. Would a male councilor have been described as “hissing?”
Further, recent ad hominem attacks on council took place in an op-ed article, “What is happening to the quality of life here?” (Feb. 16). That opinion piece was well presented until it veered into unsupported charges of conflict of interest, accusing three councilors by name.
Ironically, in a recent letter to the editor, the same person doubted the integrity of the city’s Ethics Commission.
Unsubstantiated assaults on the character of people who have to make difficult, conflicted decisions is no way to advance arguments or enlighten us.
I am hopeful we can curb this behavior and move on to substance.
Bill LeMaire
Durango
