Chris Harris Puff Piece : Ridgewood to hold public discussion on civility in society
NOVEMBER 24, 2014 LAST UPDATED: MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2014, 1:21 AM
BY CHRIS HARRIS
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD
RIDGEWOOD — Mayor Paul Aronsohn will lead a public discussion tonight on the overall need for more civility in society.
“I’ve been in municipal government for more than six years and most of the time there’s a good exchange that happens — whether people agree or disagree,” Aronsohn said. “But there’s this certain level of hostility that sometimes takes the conversation in a bad place.”
Tonight’s event also will feature Councilwoman Gwenn Hauck, the Rev. Jan Philips of the Religious Society of Friends and Rabbi David Fine of Temple Israel.
Aronsohn said that during his years in municipal government, he’s seen coarseness be a distraction and watched as people berate experts testifying at public meetings. He has fielded complaints from parents, who sometimes deal with incivility on athletic fields, and he’s seen the issue pop up in online comments on articles reporting on village news.
“It’s good and fine to disagree, but we should be able to disagree without being disagreeable,” Aronsohn said. “I don’t want to sound Pollyanna-ish, but there has to be a better way to do this.”
https://www.northjersey.com/community-news/civility-in-society-is-topic-of-ridgewood-meeting-1.1140233
. “But there’s this certain level of hostility that sometimes takes the conversation in a bad place.” Yes Paul your right just look in the mirror
“I’ve been in municipal government for more than six year” Aronsohn said. Enjoy it while you can. I think you should start handing out you resume and take the other two with you.
I think the Mayor heart is in the right place but Albert is just on a ego trip and Gynn is way way over her head. She should have just stuck with planning events for Valley Hospital
Most politicians deserve to be berated because you are not worth a damn.
I suggest the Blog editors and commenters try to attend that meeting. It could quite fruitful. Thanks …
Dom
I dont think the mayor is absolving himself here. I would hope that he will begin the meeting by offering his apologies for when he has been less than civil.
Maybe this meeting really could be a chance for elected officials and concerned citizens alike to take a step back and realize what common ground exists. We all love Ridgewood and are trying to do what WE think is best. It is great that people are passionate about Ridgewood because that passion is what makes it a town worth living in. However, we could ALL do a better job of focusing on what is the best solution instead of just trying to be “right” all the time.
so Chris Harris is writing press releases for the Mayor?
Wow. I haven’t been to a council meeting in years.
Hard to believe that the civility focus is no longer there….
wow the morons are coming out of the woodwork! nice job james.
Abdoo for Council.
Mayor and Council … Heal Thyself.