Letter to the Editor – “Speaking Up Should Never Be the Problem”

Letter to the Editor

I appreciate Mayor Kirk Crespin’s recent letter discussing the importance of community involvement, volunteerism, and citizens stepping forward to help build stronger rural communities.

I agree that communities are built by people who care enough to serve. Volunteers, elected officials, nonprofit leaders, first responders, and citizens all have an important role in creating communities where people can thrive. However, public service also comes with a responsibility to listen to the people being served, especially when those people are facing urgent problems.

I would like to share my own experience when I reached out to Mayor Crespin regarding the situation in the Town of Hartman. When the town’s water was completely shut off, I contacted him because I was desperate to find a solution. This was not an attempt to create conflict or attack those who serve in government. It was an urgent situation involving a basic necessity of life, and I was seeking assistance in reaching the appropriate county officials, including the county commissioners, to find a possible path forward.

When citizens face serious issues, they often turn to government because government has a responsibility to protect the public interest and address matters affecting the health, safety, and welfare of residents. Citizens should not have to remain silent when they are concerned about the conditions impacting their neighbors, their families, or their communities.

The right of citizens to communicate with government, raise concerns, request information, and seek solutions is a cornerstone of our democracy. The ability to petition government for answers and to seek redress of grievances is not a problem to be discouraged; it is a protected part of civic participation.

The problem is not citizens asking questions. The problem is when citizens who speak about government actions, public concerns, or community issues face hostility, retaliation, personal attacks, or efforts to discourage them from continuing to participate. A healthy democracy requires room for disagreement, discussion, and accountability.

Public officials are entrusted with positions of responsibility because they serve the public. That responsibility includes listening to criticism, responding to concerns, and recognizing that accountability is not an attack. Likewise, citizens have a responsibility to communicate respectfully and focus on facts.

Many people are willing to serve their communities, but many others become hesitant when they see people punished socially or personally for speaking out. When citizens become afraid to ask questions or report concerns, the entire community suffers.

Strong communities are not built by only those who hold positions of authority, and they are not built by silence. They are built when leaders are willing to listen and when citizens are free to participate without fear. We need volunteers, elected officials, and engaged citizens working together.

As Mayor Crespin stated, communities require people willing to pick up a hammer and help build. But a strong community also requires people willing to point out when the foundation needs attention. Both roles are necessary.

Respectful accountability is not the enemy of public service. It is one of the things that helps protect and strengthen it.

Sincerely,

Murisa Jackson