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Dear Editor:
Constructive criticism is always important for growth. When we are doing things well, it is important to look at our peers as well as our competitors to see if there are ways we can improve. Being open-minded in this regard allows us to be in a constant state of improvement and keeps us from falling behind.
When we refuse to accept feedback, get angry at those who question us, or automatically dismiss our critics as haters or enemies, we run the risk of stagnation and a closed community.
Over the last few decades, the Carmel community has undergone a period of rapid growth and development. A good portion of the development has been brought about with a strong government hand using tax incentives. Some very positive results have been brought about by this practice, with others being questionable.
Unfortunately, constructive criticism and open debate have not been celebrated by our current leaders in city hall. People asking simple questions have been labeled as haters and as being against their entire community. This is a practice used to shut down debate and to marginalize those that are not 100-percent subservient to the current administration. This rhetoric has spread across our entire city as people get incensed at their fellow neighbors who ask simple questions about the practices of our current city leaders.
This is not healthy for our community or our democratic process.
I love our city and will not apologize for wanting to help improve things where I can. I am always willing to listen and learn from people on the other side of the debate, and to look at other communities to see if we can do things better. This is how we will continue to improve and have a great community long into the future. We will also have a city where people with differing opinions can still be supportive and get along as neighbors.
We have a great community. Part of being great is not only being proud of what we have done, but also being open to other ideas and constructive criticism. Being open-minded in this regard makes us a better city for all.
Fred Glynn
Carmel mayoral candidate