CIVILITY FIRST: A Full House for Last Week’s Discussion
Civility First, a community organization based on Whidbey Island working “against increased polarization in our country”, sent an email on Fri., Jun. 16, 2023 which included the following statement on their recent event. NOTE: The Voter Interests Project was a co-sponsor of this event.
A Full House for Last Week’s Discussion With Lt. Gov. Heck (D) and Sen. Muzzall (R)
About 70 people joined Civility First and our co-sponsors last Saturday in Coupeville for a moderated discussion with two of our state’s political leaders.
Lt. Gov. Heck and Sen. Muzzall are personal friends and have maintained that relationship even though their Party affiliations (and political views) differ. Both said they believe that open communications and civility are crucial for the future of our state and nation, especially in today’s climate.
You can view the discussion here on our Youtube channel.
“I believe civility is the antidote to the toxic divisions and tribalism we are currently seeing in our society,” said Sen. Muzzall. “It’s hard work to learn to work constructively with people who disagree with you, but in the end it is worth it. It’s the only way to accomplish what we’ve been elected to do – – representing all our constituents.”
“Learning to work with those whose views we may strongly disagree with is crucially important to keep our democracy functioning,” said Lt. Gov. Heck. “Our state government has critical work to get done for the people of our state. But we can’t do it if we’re not listening and talking to one another.”
The two engaged in a wide-ranging, moderated discussion that covered their lives in politics, their views of their respective political parties, how they perceive the current political divide, stories of working with people they disagree with, and other topics. The event was expertly moderated by retired communications director Kenneth R. Harvey.
The discussion was co-sponsored by: The Island County Democratic Party, the Island County Republican Party, the League of Women Voters, Whidbey Weekly, Skagit Valley College, the Voter Interests Project, and the Republican Women of North Whidbey.
