Much is made about our naysaying. We are said to be fed up and not going to take it anymore. Our contentiousness is given a C-minus or worse for civility.

Not so fast. Local habits deserve a better rap.

The best test of a public truth is in the marketplace. When new ideas aren’t so hot, they merit a fresh dose of skeptical “Robinhoodism. (aka: The Just Outlaw).” This outlier side of us causes better give-and-take results.

This type of exchange is essential for public officials who want to work with us as The Good Umpire.* That is, except when they don’t want to.

When they don’t, we expect they can handle some criticism from those of us not content to not act at all. It does sound prim to claim it’s too late or just out of place, especially if “hide-the-ball” decisions are going on. This is how it must work with transparency and telling it like it is.

On one night our artists can shake their red paint brushes despite the red ink, like they did on Nov. 23. On the next, business folks can waive trowels for wider sidewalks. Both groups deserve to do it, but in the open marketplace.

Our chronic hairshirts can choose between them. They know they fit in here.

(* Credit to novelist John Fowles.

R.O. Conoley

Sunrise Drive