A Challenge

The latest issue of the Ruston Connection asks if the “political ship of Ruston government is sinking?” What do you think? No one can deny there are growing problems. We have always had a healthy dose of disagreements in this town. But the vicious personal attacks are new, especially the intensity and frequency. In my view, the attacks are coming primarily from the Ruston Connection folks – but I’ve seen some attacks thrown back at them recently.

I don’t think our ‘political boat’ is sinking. Remember, the question comes from a group that met with Tacoma to discuss annexation just a few months after taking office in 2006. The sooner the boat sinks (or appears to sink), the sooner Ruston folds into Tacoma. No grand conspiracy theory, just questions about RC’s motive for portraying our current struggle (most of which is due to their own tactics) as a sinking ship.

OK, enough pointing fingers for today. This silliness could go on forever. It's been 3 years now - and getting worse. It is way past time to find ways to mend the fences. But I don’t think you do that by requiring minority groups (or anyone for that matter) to be quiet and compromise their souls. I firmly believe that all parties can come to the table, be honest and strong in their convictions and still reach consensus.

We saw that process work in the early Asarco redevelopment planning process. It was hard, messy and gut-wrenching at times. But it worked – we found a plan that everyone bought into. The world changed and the plan didn’t materialize as hoped. But the community created a plan – it was from us and for us.

We can do that again for Ruston. I firmly believe we can develop a common vision of who we want to be, a strategic plan if you will. And I don’t think we have to pay big bucks for yet another consultant to jump in a rescue us (although an outsider might get everyone to the table). The process starts by working through the current issues as adults – not as children insulting each other or hiding things behind our backs.

I challenge the mayor and council to make this a priority. Hold roundtable meetings right now. Invite us into your homes to talk – not to talk at us, or to take our conversation out of context and use it against us later. And I challenge the Ruston Connection folks to come to the table. No name calling, no attacks, no belittling those you don’t like. You have refused any neutral conversation so far, to the great determent of our town. Let’s see who’s up for the challenge…

~ Karen