Editorial/Op

Whatever Happened to Consensus?

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An Editorial by Dave Freneaux

    Looking back over the months and years since Central became a city, I see either complete agreement or distinct division.  On most of the really important issues the people of Central seem united.  We want the best education for our children.  We want good jobs for all of our citizens.  We want to feel safe on our streets and in our homes.  We are not real excited about taxes, but then again who is?

    On other issues that impact our community, but are less global in nature, there seems to be a recurring practice of “taking sides”.  While that practice likely starts from the grass roots and works its way up, it certainly manifests itself most obviously in our most visible public forums of City Council and School Board meetings.  Let me stipulate that most issues that come before these groups seem to be passed by unanimous vote.  But, in many cases over the past few years it seemed you almost knew before discussion of the item began that the vote would be 3-2 or 5-2, one way or another.  I’m not saying that is wrong, only that it has become predictable.

    Public comment during these meetings seems divided along similar lines.  After attending a few meetings it is again fairly predictable that certain individuals and groups will take one side or another of the issue, usually supporting the stance of the same Council or Board Members.  I refer to them as groups, because those likely to side together on an issue also seem to sit together at these meetings.  Again, I’m not saying that this is wrong, only predictable.

    So my question is this:  Whatever happened to consensus?  I know that consensus is not always possible, or even desirable, but recently it seems like consensus is often not even a consideration.  It is likely in a 3-2 vote that 40% of the people will be 100% dissatisfied.  In compromising to find consensus it is entirely possible that 100% of the people will be 80% satisfied.  I will choose 100 somewhat satisfied people over 40 completely irate people every time.  I do not advocate compromise to find consensus in every situation, but I do encourage both citizens and elected officials to at least be mindful of the possibility of finding consensus.

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