At the end of January, I eclipsed into a new decade, my 30s. Reflection is a common activity when hitting major life milestones. One of the things that I think about (in addition to the grey hairs I see in the mirror) is whether we are regressing as a people in how we view each other.

I have since pondered how the last 10 years of my adult life have been surrounded by political rhetoric trying to be the dominant narrative. I could write a dissertation of examples across the political spectrum (and many have). But I want to take the focus away nationally and move it locally.

Dyer Models a Message of Unity

I have worked, organized, and advocated in Fresno County for years. It is difficult to ignore the hard work from officials such as Mayor Jerry Dyer, who does his best to look at the humanity of communities that call the city “home.”

When the mayor has not agreed with groups asking for change, he has publicly sought to understand and promote the God-given humanity of the community. He has been solutions-oriented, instead of trying to dominate the narrative for higher office campaign material.

Take it from a member of the LGBTQ community who has done his share of advocacy. Though the mayor is not without his faults, I still stand grateful he chose a different way of leading. Constituents want someone who works to an agreement, a compromise. We’re tired of the trivial social media fights that inflame and divide more than unite.

Our communities are incredibly diverse in thought. Local ballot measures and their slim margins speak to the arduous process of finding a majority of people to agree on a legislative issue. Leaders in Fresno know that it takes a coalition to bring parties to the table and do the difficult work of negotiations.

Drop the DC-Style Politics

This means to disagree without being disagreeable. We can criticize behaviors without taking people down, although there are certainly cases where that does not hold up to scrutiny, and stronger condemnation is warranted and justified.

Our elected officials need to switch gears from the Washington D.C. way of controlling the narrative politically. Fresno County feeds the world, educates a large percentage of the local workforce, and provides opportunity back to those who love it back. The county will not thrive if we keep dragging Washington-style politics into grandstanding press conferences and X posts that dehumanize the constituents we serve.

What good is having “In God We Trust” in local legislative assembly rooms if the God-given dignity and humanity that unites all of us is not held by our leaders that voted for that motto?

About the Author

Stetler Brown, M.A., is a nonprofit officer and advocate in the Fresno community.