vision2020@moscow.com: Consensus Building Exercise
Consensus Building Exercise
Jo Williams (tajs@potlatch.com)
Fri, 27 Mar 1998 18:33:02 -0800
Visionaries,
Bear with me here, as this may not be short. Just finished watching a
segment on the PBS Newshour (w/Jim Lehrer). The discussion focused on the
increasing polarization in all aspects of life due to our cultural bent
towards an adversarial approach. The guest suggested that instead of
always having a pro/con side on every issue, there might be many sides to
an argument or situation. Better to sometimes have many speakers on a
topic, or just one, she said.
Though I do love a good argument, there are usually always a few points I
can agree with from the other side. While listening to this speaker, it
occurred to me that this is exactly what's happening in the discussion of
the new swimming pool issue being discussed here. Even the sides I
disagree with have some good points, and visa versa. And I do believe
that the differences, questions and doubts expressed here will be
reflected in the city at large when the bond election comes around.
Before the indoor/outdoor sides become so polarized/angry with comments
from the other side, maybe it's time for a Vision 2020 face-to-face
meeting with all those who have been interested in this issue. But
instead of debating, take all the suggestions and try and find the 'common
ground' that will really sell and also achieve the goals of speed,
funding, school swimming classes, swim team and leisure- and try and
address some of the new questions about valuation, the donor, the flood
plain site, etc.
This may have been the goal of the pool committee, but obviously it
didn't get the job completely done; invite them to help bring all these
pieces together. The new endowment suggestion may well solve the real
issue of 'what will voters tolerate in the way of new taxes' which must
have been a big part of the committee's reality-based decision. Likewise
the suggestion to build one piece now and add on could solve the need for
speed- a goal every parent with a child on a hot summer day can
appreciate. It seemed that speed and low cost were the major reasons for
the committee's result- new ideas and suggestions may change many minds.
I don't think stopping the discussion or toning it down is the solution;
it is the approach that needs to change; I really feel that so many of
these suggestions may be do-able with all sides coming together, in
person, to 'get it right'. And what a good example for the kids--working
things out.
At the meeting, each side/view could admit what they like about the other
side; maybe put each suggestion in the form of a quilt square......and do
what I do when I didn't cut them quite right; you fudge a little here, a
little there, and MAKE them fit.
There is a time for honest disagreement, and this PBS speaker didn't
advocate 'caving in' to peer pressure (not a great example to anyone);
but there are so many good ideas floating around this discussion I think
they all WILL fit, if this group will go another mile and be true
visionaries.
Well, Sam, that's my soapbox speech for the evening. No catchy title, no
puns, hopefully, no sarcasm. Quite a challenge for me. Jo Williams
tajs@potlatch.com
This archive courtesy of:
First Step Internet