Respectful Disagreements

    I recently spent more than a few months sidelined from my normal editorial style to take on a special project.  It was a great experience and I met and spoke with literally thousands of Central citizens.  Based on the comments of those I met, I return to my editorial keyboard more convinced than ever of the need to spend a few minutes each week calling attention to and commenting on the important current events and issues in Central. 
    Sometimes I see the need to shamelessly promote one of the many great events in Central.  Take Cooking in Central for example.  (This is a shameless plug.) It happens May 30 and 31, next Friday and Saturday and it is a great charitable event that has supported our schools, our veterans, our neighbors, hurricane and tornado victims, and more.  Plan to come spend some time with a few thousand of your Central neighbors for a good cause.
    Any regular reader of Central Speaks knows that I have a long history of speaking out when I believe a matter before our Council or School Board is important, that there is a clear cut best decision, and that the people should be made aware of how it will impact their lives.  I have no plans to change that stance, and if that includes disagreeing with a few or even many people, I will disagree respectfully.  Remember, this column is just one person’s opinion.
    An example of this is the Rezoning Ordinance coming to a vote next Tuesday at City Council.  Our Master Plan is a great concept and much effort has been put into it.  Used wisely, it should help shape our city and help us to grow wisely for generations.  There are several issues still to be resolved, and we must remember that this is a “Living Document” that can and will be amended as our city grows and changes.  If you have opinions or concerns, come to the meeting and express them, but if you disagree, let’s do so respectfully.
    Finally, I will be more than willing to express an opinion where I see injustice.  Elie Wiesel, an Auschwitz survivor and Nobel Peace Prize winner, wrote: “There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail to protest.”  I will not be hesitant in this column to advocate for accountability and change and to oppose things I do not feel put the citizens of Central First, and when I disagree with some of you, and I will, I will seek to do so respectfully.