Letter to the Editor: Positive Disagreement

Why is there so much negativity in our community about issues on which we disagree? I posted a comment supporting my friend Jason Collin in this online news site and Kenny Curtzweiler replied that people should not donate to the non-profit organization I work for – the Tahoe Prosperity Center. How is that acceptable? Are we not allowed to voice our opinions and not be branded for them? My opinions are my own and not those of the Tahoe Prosperity Center. To equate one with the other (and then to ask people not to support the incredibly important work we are doing) is irresponsible. The Tahoe Prosperity Center is working hard to improve our community by expanding high speed internet and cell service, adding fire prevention cameras to protect us from wildfire, and implementing solutions to workforce and housing issues. These are improvements that will help all who live in Tahoe – no matter who you vote for or what issues you believe.

I always try to be positive. I don’t agree with Kenny on many issues - the loop road being one of them and certainly the ill-conceived ballot measure to stop it – but I don’t tell people not to hire Kenny for construction work. I’m still going to be a Sierra Club member even though Laurel Ames is one of the leaders of the group. I’ll spend money in the new restaurant or brewery or whatever lands in John Cefalu’s newly renovated building. And although I disagree with Bruce Grego’s remarks on almost everything – he is always entitled to his opinion – as I am.

In my opinion Jason Collin would be an excellent City Council member and I hope he chooses to run. He would bring smart, thoughtful, family-oriented decision making to the Council. And I will support him even though I can’t vote for him as I live in the county. Jason and I don’t agree on every issue either – we’ve had discussions about firefighter and police retirement issues – but we respect each other’s opinions and we keep the conversation about the issues – we don’t attack each other.

That is my hope for our community –instead of trying to make everyone else out to be the bad guy or girl, or put people down for disagreeing with you, or implying that someone has ulterior motives – that we rise above the negativity. Our community deserves better and a healthy debate is one thing, whereas personal attacks are something altogether unnecessary.