Letter: Rudeness at meetings hurts democracy

The League of Women Voters of Glenview-Glencoe's Observer Corps attends Glenview community board meetings, including those of School District 34 and High School District 225. Consistent with our mission of encouraging informed and active participation in government, the observers bring awareness to our members of issues for further discussion or action.

Based on several years of the corps' observations, it's clear our school district board members, staff and faculty have a difficult job. We thank them for the work they do in the best interests of our children, especially board members, most of whom are not professional educators. They're our neighbors whose volunteer service requires significant personal time for public meetings and behind-the-scenes training, preparation and research.

Our observers report disturbing levels of incivility from the public at school board meetings in the form of disrespectful language, disruptive behavior and veiled threats. This doesn't advance reasonable, responsible solutions. We encourage community involvement and dialogue between elected officials and those whom they represent. Residents have a right to voice opinions and concerns. But the lack of commitment to civil discourse results in angry people on all sides of an issue and meetings which devolve into unproductive shouting matches.

The league is concerned that this lack of civility makes it more difficult for public servants to fulfill the responsibilities for which they were elected and erodes interest in holding office. We fear a shortage of qualified candidates in upcoming local elections. And perhaps, most importantly, this becomes an unfortunate model for our children who are watching how adults resolve differences.

LWV envisions a democracy where every person has the desire, the right, the knowledge and the confidence to participate. We won't give up hope that local citizens can set an example for our youth and future generations to do better.

Susan Swaringen, President

Glenview