Op-Ed: A Need for Civility in Easton

This week Easton’s bipartisan Task Force for the Protection of Town Officials and Civility in Governance unanimously approved multiple recommendations to the Board of Selectmen. The task force has recommended that the Town of Easton adopt a civility pledge. 

All board and commission members, elected officials, and town employees would be required to sign an acknowledgement of this pledge. Further, board and commission chairs and Town Meeting moderators would be required to remind the members of the public prior to each public comment period in a meeting that the Town of Easton has made civility in public discourse a community priority. 

A copy of the civility pledge would be accessible by the public at these meetings. Finally, the Town of Easton should create an ongoing public awareness campaign regarding the town’s commitment to civility — a town-wide program. 

Civility in governance and public discourse is lacking in America. The polarization of politics in today’s environment has affected every level of government from federal to local.  According to Reuters, a recent survey by the American Bar Association stated that 85% of respondents believed civility in society today was worse than 10 years ago. 

Former President Ronald Reagan and former Speaker of the House Thomas “Tip” O’Neill Jr. often disagreed, but they were civil in their debates over policies and often found common ground. We can disagree and stand by our principles, but we should do so with respect, courtesy, and openness. This is particularly true in a small and unique community like Easton.

Politeness and mutual respect are the foundations of civility. Despite politeness declining in our society, it serves an essential purpose by signaling respect and consideration for others while helping facilitate social cooperation.  We can agree to disagree while not being boorish in the manner we present our viewpoints. 

Regardless of party or ideology, we must acknowledge the legitimacy of differing opinions. This mutual respect requires actively listening, avoiding personal attacks and focusing on the merits of arguments. It sets the tone for public discourse.

Civility allows for compromise and common ground.  These are essential ingredients in crafting policies and creative solutions that best represent the will of citizens. Without civility, progress stalls and entrenched positions harden. Civility does not stifle dissent. It in fact allows for a robust debate without resorting to personal attacks. 

The path to a more civil public discourse requires efforts from all stakeholders. Leaders must model respectful behavior. Citizens must strive to understand opposing viewpoints, even while disagreeing. The media should focus on substance over sensationalism.