Editorial

 

Council Civility Lessons

 

About eighteen months ago, the Gray Council became crabby. They thought that people who spoke at meetings didn't like them. They wanted to institute rules that ensured that citizens who spoke didn't say mean things, (mostly things that indicated that citizens disagreed with the Council.) So they formulated "Civility Rules" to ensure niceties, but did not include a clause to show that the rules applied to the Council too.

Last night's Council meeting demonstrated that it is time to make some Civility Rules for the Council.

"Manners for the civility-challenged."

1. When people come to a meeting and approach the microphone, be attentive. Look at them. Do not shuffle papers, pass notes, or whisper to each other.

2. Accept what they have to say with grace. Do not interrupt. Do not argue. Do not be so obviously ego-invested in your own outcome that you turn off the second they start speaking.

3. Thank them. Accept the comment for the gift that it is. These people have chosen to spend the evening with you, instead of their spouses, children, parents. Just listen and say thank you.

4. Don't talk down to them. Just because you're on a stage and in a physically higher-up position, doesn't mean that you can patronize, condescend, or denigrate their intelligence. Saying things like, "Figures confuse people," or "You are shooting from the hip," or "Your comments are random and gratuitous," is not a sure-fire way to endear yourself to those who elected you.

5. Remember that sometimes the microphones and cameras are not turned off immediately after you say, "Let's adjourn." Don't ever say anything that you wouldn't want broadcast to everyone in town. Assume that every mic is open and that every camera is on- and be on your best behavior.

Start practicing at the next meeting, April 20. It will get easier with time. And if it doesn't, just remember that the citizens "do not suffer fools gladly"- and elections can take care of the problem.