Editor, The Smithfield Times:

Trust in government is at a troubling low — and our leaders aren’t helping. When elected officials dismiss or demean public participation, they deepen the divide between citizens and their government.

Take, for example, James City County Supervisor Mike Hipple’s recent comments after passing the county budget despite vocal opposition. He said: “Out of 80-plus thousand people, we had 21 here tonight. Twenty-one out of 80-some thousand. I look at the odds on that … I wish there were 50,000 citizens here — complaining or praising or whatever they want to do — giving us guidance. We can always use guidance. It is always important to hear from citizens.”

On the surface, this may sound like a call for more engagement. But the underlying message — that 21 citizens out of thousands aren’t representative — echoes another troubling statement from Surry County Administrator Melissa Rollins, who said: “We will continue to do our job with our elected leaders who will continue to make bold and courageous decisions rather than the same ten people who can have an opinion but just don’t like the way we look … .”

When officials imply that those who show up are just a noisy minority — and that the “real” majority is silent — they undermine the value of civic participation and erode public trust. Citizens who take the time to speak at meetings do more than voice their own concerns; they represent the many others who’ve grown too disillusioned or discouraged to even try.

Rather than brushing off dissent, I hope leaders in Surry County and across Virginia will “hug the haters” — not by agreeing with every critic, but by respecting and encouraging diverse voices. That’s how trust is rebuilt, and how democracy works best.

 

Dr. Daniel A. Shaye

Surry County