Good Faith

This morning, our little Facebook page has 485 followers. Most of the names I recognize as either local people or businesses. One is my mom. A few others are admittedly family friends. But, the vast majority are local.

I have set little personal goals for this effort along the way. Little milestones I can celebrate with a cup of coffee. We have crossed another marker. Last fall, 478 people voted to repeal the zoning code. We have now collected more followers than voted to repeal-and that means something.

Momentum is a real thing. We've added more followers since Labor Day than at any period since this effort began. Six of the top 10 "most read" posts have gone up in the last few weeks. Thank you for continuing to read, comment, like and share.

Last evening, in between Senior class parent meetings and pick up from volleyball, I dropped into a great little backyard party. So many positive people gathered on a perfect evening.

Of course, there was conversation about what comes next in the city. I caught myself continually coming back to the phrase, "Good Faith." I said I was confident that if people came to the table in good faith, then we could find a common path forward together.

Significant changes have been made to the zoning code in the last year. Nearly every concern has been addressed in a significant way. Many issues have been resolved in ways that do not reflect my preference, but consensus had been sought and found.

If people approached the process in good faith, then they would surely see that real and positive progress has been made. Right?

The concern now is that the concessions that have been made and the consensus that has been built may be all for nothing because the goal posts continue to be moved.

A perfect example is accessory dwellings (backyard housing units above garages or guest houses). At the last Planning Commission meeting it was agreed that in the new code all accessory dwellings anywhere in the city would require a special use permit. No one will be able to build one "by right." That is more strict than either the current code or the repealed code. It is exactly what those opposing the code wanted.

But now that doesn't seem to be enough. The goal posts moved.

Friends, look for those who reach out and work in good faith. When agreement is found, let's celebrate rather than searching for more reasons to be upset.

Last night, several people asked how we get past all this acrimony. As we have talked about here often, one of the largest points of frustration is for a few meeting halfway (or more than halfway) doesn't seem to matter. It should.

It seems so easy. People should be genuine and act in good faith. That is how community is built, thrives and moves forward.

Thank you for being a part of this online community and for your kind words and support. I am proud this effort is surrounded by people of good faith.