To the editor
It was encouraging to hear the Waldport City Council president call for a moratorium on attacking members of our community, whether in person or on social media. The holiday season reminds us of kindness, love, joy, and peace, and I fully support efforts to move in that direction.
Recent attacks and verbal assaults became so relentless that I ultimately found it necessary to permanently delete my social media account. No one should be driven to that point.
I believe this call for civility should become a permanent standard for all of us. There is a meaningful difference between honest critique, even when it is uncomfortable, and the personal assaults and slander that have been circulating on Facebook. I encourage the City Council and city staff to set the tone for civil engagement.
At the recent meeting, Susan Woodruff mentioned that the city cannot let rumors and falsehoods go unchecked, and Robin Morris expressed a similar concern. I agree that misinformation should not be ignored, but I also believe the response can be more constructive. Rather than multiple individual councilors or staff members replying separately to a citizen’s post, a single factual clarification issued from the city’s official Facebook account would be more effective. This approach would reduce the personal impact on residents and help de-escalate tensions rather than intensify them. Facebook gives us all a sense of urgency that we must respond immediately to every post that doesn’t align with our perspective. Taking a beat and waiting to respond thoughtfully can help further the long term goal of collaborative care for our town.
I also ask that the council avoid referring to supporters of the mayor as opponents of the city. Hundreds of residents voted for the mayor, and many believe their concerns are not being heard. When they hear themselves described as adversaries, it deepens division and mistrust. I encourage the council to recognize and listen to the concerns of the roughly 20 percent of the community expressing dissatisfaction.
In the spirit of the season, I ask the council to lead the way toward peace. The current environment is highly charged, and many people are angry. Leadership requires calming the situation and avoiding actions that inflame it further.
I believe, especially at this time of year, that Waldport can move toward being a kinder and more unified community. We will not agree on everything, and passionate debate is part of civic life, but now is the time for our leaders to guide us toward hope, understanding, and peace.
— Karun Olson/Waldport
