Respect in our community spaces

 The Weiser Signal American and the Weiser Chamber of Commerce hosted an informational Meet the Candidates forum on Thursday, April 9. The purpose of the event was simple: to give the public an opportunity to hear directly from the individuals who will appear on the May 19 primary ballot.

 We have hosted many Meet the Candidates events over the years, and as we set up chairs in the Vendome Events Center, I assumed half the room would be plenty. I was wrong — and happily so. As people continued to arrive, attendees helped us add more chairs until the room was full, with many standing along the walls. It was encouraging to see such strong interest in the issues facing our county.

 The evening featured candidates running for District 9 legislative seats as well as local county offices. In past years, these forums have been marked by courtesy, attentiveness, and respect – both for the candidates and for fellow community members. Most of the audience continued that tradition this year.

 However, a small group chose not to.

 Their behavior – loud gestures, mocking reactions, and disruptions more fitting for a sporting event than a civic forum – was disappointing. These events are meant to inform, not to entertain. They are opportunities for voters to listen, learn, and consider. They are also opportunities for us to model the kind of community we want to be.

 Respect should not need to be explained to adults. Yet this year’s disruptions made it clear that we may need to set expectations more directly.  In the future, we will provide clearer guidelines for audience conduct, and we will have law enforcement present to ensure that everyone in attendance – candidates and citizens alike – can participate without distraction or disrespect.

 Weiser is a community that values involvement, conversation, and neighborliness. We can disagree passionately without being disagreeable. We can ask hard questions without belittling the people who step forward to serve. And we can show our children, who often attend these events, what civic engagement looks like at its best.

 My hope is that our next forum reflects the true character of Weiser: engaged, curious, and respectful.

 Respectfully,

Sarah Imada

Weiser Signal American