From Tony Neihoff – Madison County Commissioner District 3 Seat 2 –
Civility is defined as a polite act or expression. Clearly in our culture we have an issue with this idea.
In a recent survey I read that 95% of Americans say that civility is a problem in American politics.
On Monday the 19th of September, several citizens including myself served in our first Madison County Commission meeting representing you. This meeting accomplished many things, first we heard about a VA event in November, second a wonderful presentation from JMCSS, then we appointed people to several committees and passed some budget amendments.
At the end of the meeting I along with anyone who watched or was there witnessed the uncivil behavior that is plaguing our country and is not what’s best for our region and county.
We all need to be better and approach everyone with a spirit of service. Be a Servant Leader, not a Divider. The age of Social Media has changed the way we interact with people. We judge people more than ever based on what we think we know or what we read on Facebook.
It’s ok to disagree with people and it’s great to agree to disagree. America was founded on many principles and in her foundation the idea of fair civil debate is at its core. We must keep that in mind everywhere we go either as my role as a Commissioner or just as a person on a thread on social media.
We can do better, and we need to because Jackson, TN is a wonderful place to live and raise a family. I chose this community 20 years ago and we can do great things.
Abraham Lincoln said, “A house divided against itself cannot stand.”
(PHOTO: Tony Neihoff)
