Sorry for my absenteeism from my column. I have taken the family on some nice family vacations starting off with visiting my Marine Corps son and then taking the family to see the Grand Canyon in all its majesty. Seeing something so beautiful and large is awe-inspiring and gives a perspective on some of the County Council issues we face.
As you know, we discuss some benign things at Council, and much of what we do is procedural, but I think people like reading my column because of the “Paul Harvey” spin I have on what is discussed. What bothers me is that the tenor of the dialogue at Council becomes the topic of conversation and not the subject matter reviewed. This is what happened in June.
Sadly, it is similar to what I see unfolding nationally.
June’s meeting included two items of note. The first was a procedural public hearing on a project that has been prioritized highly by both the Council and Commissioners – the expansion of our Hamilton County Courthouse. The second was a discussion on the request to bring our outsourced legal counsel in-house. Both topics had lively discussions but at times came across as argumentative.
The public hearing on the Courthouse expansion went forward without much fanfare. Much of the conversation centered on – why now? The short answer was this was just a procedural step to enact a resolution that enables the Council to move forward with the project. This project will be what is referred to as a controlled project, meaning it is of a value that it may be subject to a referendum so there are a few more procedural steps we must undertake, including multiple public hearings. This project is important.
The second big topic was relating to our County’s legal counsel. This is not about the Council’s legal counsel but the County as a whole. This team deals with HR issues, land acquisitions, project bidding/bonding and general legal counsel on issues that the County undertakes. It is a large task and extraordinarily complex which is why we are already contemplating creating a legal department within the county. I must state that I have heard no one complain about our legal counsel and everyone is onboard with the person representing us. The dialogue for this topic was again – why now? This agenda item was eventually tabled as we wait for additional information. The conversation got very heated.
The tenor of the meeting was ho-hum but when topics arise that are contentious, our dialogue gets heated. Why do tempers seem to flare regarding any conflict? Can we not disagree in a civil manner? Is it a lack of trust or respect with our collaborators? Is it anger that fuels these fires?
I watched the 2023 local primary elections play out and even some of those races within the two parties were awfully negative. This is the path that has turned people away from politics and has marred our federal election process for decades.
I ran for County Council in 2018 because I believed that local politics is vitally important and overlooked by so many. I also believed that at a local level we can show people how to have an exchange of ideas without being argumentative. It was my naive attempt to brand the party upwards and not allow the negativity so pervasive at the federal level impact what we have built here in Hamilton County.
I get angry on occasion, but I generally seek to understand an opinion, ask questions, and understand that people can share the same principles but that their background and experiences might give them a different opinion in the end. That is okay. I may try and convince them otherwise but generally, I move on.
There is a lot to be proud of in Hamilton County. Our cities rank in the tops of the country for places to raise a family. Our towns are unique and hold on to the beauty of Indiana’s past. This has been created by our focus on families, safety, smart growth, parks, and economic vitality.
Changing direction at times can be necessary, but disregarding the values and principles of the people is not how we work in Indiana.
I know we have lots of people who have moved here recently and many fleeing the inner cities marred in violence and public distrust. They bring ideas and experiences with them. Do not fear this. I view it as an opportunity to help people see that we are not the Republicans that they see vilified on TV. We are just citizens who respect each other, listen attentively, care for one another and seek to maintain the quality of life in this county. By being positive we will attract more people and have a better chance of winning them over.
A healthy debate is good for everyone. If you have watched our Council meetings during my presidency, I have tried to bring levity and allow for a healthy dialogue. When I need to reign it in, I try to do so, but it can be difficult when emotions start getting involved.
“Seek to understand” is an often overused saying, but it is so key in promoting a healthy debate. That is why I stay away from social media and sensational journalism. It does not promote a dialogue or an attempt to understand a point of view. We are merely stating our opinion and then starting the argument. We need to do better and as we look at our political processes, remember that there is usually a principle or value behind a decision, and it is rarely how it is presented from the opposing view.
I ask that we all do our best to seek to understand “the rest of the story.”
Ken Alexander represents District 4 on the Hamilton County Council, which includes Adams and Washington townships, and part of Clay Township. He currently serves as the President of the County Council.