By DAVID HACKETT
As I’m nearing the end of my two-plus terms on the Vashon Park District board, I urge good-hearted, intelligent and hard-working islanders to consider running for a seat on one of our elected island boards. The school board, the park board, the fire board and a patchwork of other island districts have positions open for the fall 2013 election. In order to make the election ballot, however, you have to sign up by this Friday with King County Elections. These boards offer the only true form of “local” government on Vashon, where we have the opportunity to manage our own fate.
Having served on the park board since 2005 and armed with a trusty degree in political science, I’d like to think I’ve learned a few things. Vashon sometimes has the reputation of being “ungovernable,” which earns us a gold star in some circles, but it also makes it really difficult to fill potholes in a timely or efficient manner. In the spirit of George Washington’s farewell address, here are my “sentiments which are the result of much reflection, of no inconsiderable observation, and which appear to me all important to the permanency of [our] felicity as a people.”
First, our passion should be to seek compromise in our local affairs, not to inflame controversy. Let’s face it — compromise is boring. Apologies to Henry Clay, but no one remembers “The Great Compromiser.” We celebrate the firebrands and the impassioned speakers. Although a rousing speech to the cemetery board can enliven an otherwise dead meeting, the hard work of local government is best accomplished by cool heads and rational discussion. An approach to a problem, or a solution that leaves most people reasonably happy, is the one we should celebrate.
Second, we must stop admiring our problems and work toward practical solutions. Like the City of Seattle, Vashon often mistakes process for progress. After more than a decade of debate and handwringing, our new high school will offer less than we need for more money than was necessary had we acted sooner. We have too many self-appointed “community activists” who, by force of habit, are well-practiced at opposing or delaying things. What we need are “community leaders” — the type of people who can transform activism into action and posses the vision to get things done.
Third, we should beware of islanders who claim to be fighting special interests because they are most likely furthering their own. There is a fine line between a righteous position and a self- righteous one. By sticking to facts and presuming the legitimacy of your opposition, you can avoid crossing it.
And finally, we should treat our “elected officials” as friends and neighbors because they are. Our local district officials give up countless hours with their families in order to serve our community. The men and women who hold these positions — often without any compensation — deserve our appreciation. Disagreement should be stated respectfully, not like you are a pundit who is auditioning for Fox News or the Jerry Springer Show.
So with all the clamor, controversy and contentiousness that too often accompanies public issues on Vashon, why would anyone want to serve on a district board? The simple reason is because you should. Absent good people willing to step forward and manage our public endeavors, we risk slipping into the island of the ungovernable. The vibrant, cooperative community that drew so many of us to Vashon depends on the determined efforts of the many, and the extraordinary leadership of a few.
— David Hackett is a lawyer and a Vashon Park District commissioner.
