Our Responsibility

There is a piece of wisdom that both appears in the gospel of Luke and in the first edition of Stan Lee's Spiderman comic. In Luke it is phrased, "From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded." In Spiderman is reads, "With great power there also must come great responsibility."

I've been thinking a lot about those sentiments lately. At its core, the message told to us by both Luke and Lee is that we are all held accountable for helping others in need. We must do our part.

For me, one of the most disappointing parts of the conversations of the last few years in Harbor Springs has been that a few who have so much continue to give little.

Their primary actions have not been to meaningfully contribute to the conversation during meetings, but rather to trade in misdirection and distrust in a way that furthers personal ends rather than the good of the community.

Oh, and call people names. They do that too.

The chaos and confusion some continue to cause in our town is a reflection of the general course our national conversations have taken. I have zero doubt that the tenor here is an echo of bigger issues.

I know many of you feel it too. Despite the best efforts of volunteers who have poured time and energy into the process, some are using their wealth and power to tilt the scales against regular folks who call Harbor Springs home every day of the year.

In this effort I have not asked for a dime for this page. Every nickel spent has come from my pocket and I am responsible for what is said here. I have no secret funders. I have no political consultants. I am not a developer. Its me, a keyboard, incredible supporters and several sleepless nights.

I have tried to use the time you have graciously given to me on this site for good. I am proud of the change we continue to make together.

While the other side is raising $75,000 for consultants to continue the drama, we helped raise $30,000 to send the High School Robotics Team to the World Championships. I try to point to all the good that is happening in Harbor Springs in places like the Food Pantry, neighbors providing aid in the ice storm, the Garden Club's beautiful work, kids digging dino bones in the sand, world-class Regatta races, big-time school team triumphs and dozens of other extraordinary ways this town punches far above its weight.

I have been told several times that I have not lived here long enough to earn the right to have a voice. I disagree.

In the days ahead, I hope you continue to pay attention. I will keep working to share information I think it is important for you to know.

It is a privilege to call you all my neighbors and we all have a responsibility to care for one another. Let's keep it up and, as always, thank you!