Now that our local election season has passed, and we’re almost in full swing for the presidential election a year from now, I’m struck by how I view the differences.

In national politics, the discourse is really about philosophy and ideas. And while pundits talk about the “likability” of a candidate, the reality is that very few will ever get to know a presidential candidate personally – or senatorial candidate, or even congressional candidates. So it’s easy to idolize and demonize them depending upon how they stack up against our view of the issues.

But in a small town like ours, that approach can quickly degrade the civility of our community. We should be better than that. Unquestionably, we need to be able to challenge our public servants. But we can do so with civility and respect. I find it unlikely that any of our current (or former) council member ran for fame or glory. Or for the money.

They likely ran because they have a desire to serve the community – all of us. Not only is it likely a pretty thankless job, more often there are any number of people questioning judgment, ideas – or worse, their motives.

Since I don’t have a personal relationship with any of the current or former council members, I just want to take a moment here in a public forum to say “thank you.” I may not always agree with your decisions, but that doesn’t mean I don’t respect and appreciate all that you are doing (and have done, or will do) on behalf of our community.

When we say it’s a thankless job, we shouldn’t mean it literally.

John Livengood, Bainbridge Island