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Arcola official urges residents to reject online vitriol and re-engage in city politics
Summary
An Arcola agency official used a public address to call out online attacks, urged residents to participate in civic life, and invited the public to review disputed video evidence of a June parking-lot incident.
An agency official speaking for the City of Arcola on the 'state of the city' said the municipality is in good fiscal condition but that rising political hostility is driving residents away from public engagement. The official said they had posted a video about 'the need for better politics' and encouraged residents to decide for themselves after viewing the footage.
The speaker described hearing that some residents are 'a little scared' to show public support because of online reprisals, and said anonymous social-media attacks on staff and officials have become 'senseless, immature, and potentially dangerous.' "We cannot be afraid to have a voice," the agency official said, urging Arcola residents to participate in local decision-making rather than 'bury our heads in the sand.'
