After Zita-Farmer race, common ground needed

For those of us waiting for the final results in the Port of Olympia’s district 3 race between E.J. Zita and Jerry Farmer, this is my pitch to the candidate who prevails: Let us find a way to common ground.

In a race too close to call, there will be no mandate of the people. Whoever ends up sitting on the port commission will represent a county equally divided in its concerns, hopes and agendas.

I believe this is a golden opportunity. The ability to effect real change for the betterment of our economy and environment requires a broad base of support. We need each other.

If you consider yourself a progressive, I ask you to stop demonizing those you label conservative. And vice versa. Conservative people are people. Progressive people are people. Talk to each other.

There is no way we are really divided half and half, as a community, or as a country. This is an illusion. As long as this illusion is maintained, we will have this push-me-pull-you political process that accomplishes nothing for the average citizen.

Many candidates in this season, ran on a platform of more public inclusiveness. My question to the winners is: Will you listen only to the constituents who put you in office, or will you listen to and work with the “others” as well?

For the work that lies ahead, we absolutely need both conservatives and progressives at the table, each bringing their unique experience, perspectives, resources and gifts.

This story was originally published November 20, 2015 at 1:30 PM with the headline "After Zita-Farmer race, common ground needed."