During a recent government meeting in Salisbury, residents voiced their concerns and perspectives on community issues, emphasizing the need for empathy, compassion, and a focus on basic human needs such as housing.

Stefan Feliciano, a long-time resident, urged city officials to prioritize kindness and patience in their decision-making processes. He highlighted the importance of remembering that the citizens are the true stakeholders in governmental decisions, advocating for a more compassionate approach to governance. Feliciano quoted George Bernard Shaw, stressing the significance of community service and the joy of contributing to the greater good.

Dr. Sheila McQuinn, a neuroscience expert, echoed Feliciano's sentiments, emphasizing that addressing the needs of the vulnerable not only benefits those individuals but also positively impacts the entire community. She pointed out that neglecting visible needs can have detrimental effects on the collective well-being, urging officials to act efficiently in caring for all citizens.

Lynn Bratton, a city sales representative, shifted the discussion towards the importance of housing, referencing Maslow's hierarchy of needs. She expressed her belief that all attendees would agree on the necessity of housing and criticized the meeting's deviation from its intended purpose of discussing an ordinance related to housing. Bratton supported the mayor's cautious approach to a recent contract, advocating for thorough understanding and clarity before proceeding with any resolutions.

The meeting underscored a collective call for greater attention to the basic needs of the community, with residents urging city officials to act with integrity and compassion in their governance.