The depressing reality that informs our every day is a national disconnection from what should be shared truths, and a disposition to dismissal and vilification of those in disagreement.
The leap from falsehoods and half-truths to stone-carved certainty; the unwillingness to consider the accuracy of other data and the value of other opinions; the seeming joy to be found in volume and the approval of like minds; the methodical discrediting and “otherizing” of individuals and groups; and the creation of “straw men” in service of fear and intimidation. These are the tools of self-service and forced dysfunction, and as we all know, far too many people in the country, in the region and even in our city have embraced them.
But there are so many others who are solution-oriented and quietly working in collaboration with their neighbors to address issues and enhance what is good and worth celebrating.
Without fail, I have found them to be champions of respectful dialogue and the quest for facts upon which to build the foundation for discussion. My God — they don’t all agree on everything. But they are agreeable.
They’re everywhere, and I’m blessed in my role as mayor to know so many of them. I am luckier still, to get to work with them.
Rather than retreating to a corner from which to lob verbal or digital insults, they opt for the center of the ring and the opportunity to engage, (maybe spar), knowing that we occupy the ring with a shared purpose. An opinion may prevail, but it will have been buttressed by agreement on facts and principles. Collaborative strategies are what come of that.
And collaboration is the key.
I am proud to say Oneonta is teeming with partnerships. There are dozens of professionals and community members working to address our homeless and mental health crisis, and there are many more who are devising and producing new art and performance opportunities in our downtown to benefit our economy and our quality of life.
At the highest levels of education, health care, business, institution and agency, there’ve been discussions unburdened by past differences and very much for the public good.
That’s especially true of the city and town. I don’t know if we’ve ever been more in-sync.
We have monthly meetings to discuss shared services and other coordinated efforts. Huge strides have been taken on our waterfront’s revitalization, as we share costs and work together every step of the way.
(Note: From 4:30 to 7 p.m. June 24 at St James Church, we’re asking the public’s input on potential plans.)
Together we’re sharing the match expense for a grant to make the entrance to our city and its connection to and along Southside pedestrian and bicyclist friendly. (Another note: a presentation is planned for the June 18 Common Council meeting. Another will be scheduled later at Town Hall.)
In addition, the city is assisting the town’s further development by expanding access to our water infrastructure. This is all good. And it’s the product of mutual respect and a desire to work together for the common good.
It’s been said that Randy Mowers, the town supervisor, and I are as unlike as two people can be. But we share the same goals and vision.
Our desire to see a cleaner Oneonta gave impetus to our recent shared clean-up efforts. Yep. We were a picture, two old men hoisting bags of garbage, collected by volunteers, into the dumpster at Tri-County Glass. (Thanks, Steve.)
My message? We won’t agree on everything, but let’s agree to work together, as a community and with respect for one another.