Public Service Matters
I haven’t posted anything for a while, but it hasn’t been for lack of thoughts to share. Even though I’m retired, it’s hard to find time for reflection and writing. I finally started writing this on the Amtrak Coast Starlight train, traveling from LA to Seattle to spend Thanksgiving on Bainbridge Island with friends and family. We enjoyed California central coastal scenery, then passed through snowy forested areas of Oregon. Sunset and sunrise farther north, and the view of Mt. Shasta; each scene as spectacular as the one before it. And we arrived in Seattle on time. Thanks, Amtrak. I think your workers deserve paid sick leave!
The November election is over. We can all take a deep breath. I worked at a 4-day polling center near my house. Most voters used the mail ballots sent automatically to every registered voter in California. That was the easiest way to vote, and the complexity of the ballot made thoughtful voting a time-consuming commitment. Clearly some voters were told not to trust mail ballots, and came to the polling center with hostile, suspicious attitudes, determined to cancel their mail ballot so they could vote in person. We served them with a smile and did our best to create a “positive voter experience” as we were trained to do.
It was an interesting civics lesson. Despite three days of good weather when voters could have come to the poll, most in-person voters waited until the very cold, rainy Tuesday that they perceive as THE election day, to cast their ballots. I was particularly moved by both the first-time 18-year-olds who we registered and celebrated, and the 98-year-olds from a nursing home who pushed their walkers up a steep ramp to get into the facility, despite easier access options available to them.
I was also moved by the first graders at an elementary school where I volunteer. In October they had a segment on being a good citizen, and the teacher invited me to talk about my experience as a candidate and later as a poll worker. When I asked what was the most important way to be a good citizen, the children answered “be nice” and “pick up trash.” I love that! Several of them knew the names of local candidates, and clearly had seen lots of television ads. I’m grateful that my public school district includes discussion of good government and good citizenship, starting in first grade. And the results of the school board election suggests that sensible, open-minded educational policies will continue.
It is my hope that young folks will learn to value public service and appreciate what good government can mean for their quality of life. I also hope to find a way to advocate for mandatory (or at least strongly encouraged) public service for 18-25 year-olds. If everyone had to give a year or two of their time to a cause greater than themselves, and work with people from a variety of backgrounds, it could help reduce prejudice and broaden horizons and acceptance.
It has been ten years since I was sworn in as a member of the Encinitas City Council and appointed deputy mayor shortly thereafter. I’m very glad to have served for four years, and very glad others have stepped up to do their part. In the next few weeks, newly elected officeholders will be sworn in and outgoing officials will say their goodbyes and be recognized for their service. The end of the year is always a time of transitions, personal and societal. May the new year bring you greater understanding, compassion, kindness, and meaning, and may it bring our society some healing.
