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Residents urge civil political discourse and better city communications
Summary
Speakers urged elected officials to avoid partisan personal attacks on social media and asked the city to provide more anticipatory communications on events and civic happenings.
Multiple residents addressed the Board of Aldermen on Sept. 8 urging higher standards for political discourse and better city communications about upcoming events and local news.
Damon Ralph, who identified himself as a candidate for Planning & Zoning, said he had been forwarded partisan memes posted by elected officials and said such posts “personally insult” and “widen the political divide.” He asked aldermen to “avoid generalizations, hyperbolic attacks and personal insults” and to communicate to “educate, to inspire, to bring the community together.”
Una Petrovsky and other residents asked the city to use its official Facebook and Instagram pages not only to post pictures after events but to publish advance notice of city events, youth sports schedules and business openings so residents can participate and support local activities.
No formal policy or ordinance was proposed; speakers asked aldermen to consider improving communications strategies and to set a higher standard for elected officials’ social-media conduct.
