We have a voice with our votes at the Oct. 7 election to stem the incivility that has crept into our borough assembly. 

The assembly members who currently treat our mayor with disrespect at the dais, and those who refuse to acknowledge the existence of citizens they disagree with (me, among others) have chosen a posture not befitting of an elected assembly member. 

Such persons may know Robert’s Rules of Order, but do not demonstrate an understanding of the role of governance or the responsibility they hold to be fully transparent in their legislative decisions. Such leaders are doing a disservice to themselves and the public they serve.

I firmly believe we all share a love of the Chilkat Valley and all it provides us with, and like you, know we are willing and able to help each other in crises. Our declining population and the divisions so starkly proclaimed are a crisis. 

We do not need to be divided in camps of us versus them, such as we see in national politics. 

Unless we decide to engage in deeper conversations on our local issues and listen openly to each other, especially when we disagree, the common ground we live on remains unstable. 

We are reduced to counterproductive, redundant fault-finding in our attempts to solve our challenges in the public sphere.

Vote informed on Oct. 7.

Carol Tuynman