Perspective after the election
When I relocated to Idaho more than two years ago I was surprised to see the total dominance by one party, the Republican Party, even though there are two main parties and a couple of lesser parties. The 2018 election was my first opportunity to learn about candidates and issues in Kootenai County. I live in District 4 and became most familiar with those candidates.
One of the things I found most interesting in these campaigns was the civility. I know each of these candidates had different views, some very different. Yet, I never heard any belittle or berate the opposing candidate. Each listened and presented their view. There were a few forums in which both political candidates attended and spoke (even in the same room). Isn’t that the purpose of a political campaign?
If we, the voters, decide to only vote for candidates who support certain issues to the exclusion of others, that is not democracy. If we only vote for one party, one gender, or certain age candidates, that is not democracy. We all form our opinions based on our personal experiences and beliefs. Listening to two or more candidates discuss their opposing views is a way for us to learn, to be informed. Listening may or may not change our opinion. Listening may lead us to thinking, which candidates are correct or incorrect. After listening, perhaps I will have a different solution to a problem which others may reject — or at least question. When this reasoning process is ongoing then we are thinking, using our brain power to vote as an informed individual. That’s how the process should work and that’s democracy.
Perhaps each of these candidates who lost will not seek public office again. That is for them to decide. My hope is that both those elected and not elected will remain in the public view. My preference would be that civic and social organizations ask both those in office and those who are not, to appear and speak on issues that are of concern. This would not be a debate, just informed individuals who have demonstrated a pride in our community and a concern for issues speaking at a monthly type meeting on relevant topics to keep a discussion going. Both the elected and those not elected have provided thoughtful positions. I may not agree with some of their opinions and that’s OK. The problems we face as a community are the same for us all. The solutions may vary but that’s what we all need to hear. It’s by listening to informed and opposing opinions that works best and leads to the best public policy.
I believe this campaign cycle was informative without the venomous attitude we may have seen previously or in other places. Truthfully, I never expected a blue wave in Kootenai County, but maybe a hint of purple. That was not to happen but I believe something beneficial is happening. The quality of candidates and voters actually hearing opposing views may be leaning Kootenai County in the direction of a healthy working multi-party system. Hearing opposing views presented with reason as opposed to being based on emotion should lead to the improvement of Kootenai County and to even better leadership. Elections should be a marketplace for ideas where we show up, listen up, read up, alter or perhaps form our own opinions.
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Phil Ward is a Coeur d’Alene resident.