Most newspapers have an opinion section as part of the service
they offer to their readers in order for them to comment on current
events. Opinion columnists offer their views, and sometimes readers
respond, pro or con, to that view.
Most newspapers have an opinion section as part of the service they offer to their readers in order for them to comment on current events. Opinion columnists offer their views, and sometimes readers respond, pro or con, to that view.
Typically, opinions are offered to weigh-in on issues as a public forum. This last week, I received both positive and negative feedback regarding the column that I wrote about certain people in the community. This, I think, is a healthy process that supports democracy. Elected representatives often consider these forums as valuable tools with which to consider potential decisions they will make that affect their choices on public policy, something that I am passionate about.
The majority of people who read these columns understand the nature of opinion columns and the meaning of the word “opinion.” Some, apparently, do not. For those people, here is the definition of the word opinion as described by the Merriam-Webster online dictionary: Opinion 1a: a view, judgment, or appraisal formed in the mind about a particular matter 2a: belief stronger than impression and less strong than positive knowledge b: a generally held view 3a: a formal expression of judgment or advice by an expert b: the formal expression (as by a judge, court, or referee) of the legal reasons and principles upon which a legal decision is based. Also, the word opinion implies a conclusion thought out, yet open to dispute.
I’ve gone on record supporting Brian Conroy when popular opinion was not in his favor. We worked together on some important issues when he was in office. Now he is mad that I disagree with his effort to recall Jaime De La Cruz and pointed out in my last column some ironic circumstances that, in my opinion, look like the “pot calling the kettle black.” So be it.
From the “It Sure Stinks” department, progress with the sewer treatment plant is painfully slow. Hollister city council members that I have spoken to are interested in learning more about the private sector’s role in providing relief to this situation. Gas, electricity and garbage collection services are handled by the private sector, so why not water and wastewater?
The Reason Foundation is a public policy think tank that studies the overall efficiencies of the private sector versus public agencies that provide municipal services. Dr. Adrian Moore from the Reason Foundation will be coming to town to address local leaders about this topic in the near future. With this knowledge and perspective, our elected representatives can better weigh their options and expedite a solution to the area’s water and wastewater problems.
Finally, it looks like some time in April local arts groups will meet with the Community Foundation to explore the development of a nonprofit arts organization. I’ll keep you posted on the particulars. But many artists are excited about working together for mutual benefit and maybe working toward building an arts center. The trick is to work together, resolve conflicts or differences and support working toward the greater good. And, in my opinion, effectively reach out to youth through the education system and foster an environment conducive to the participation of our senior citizens.
If a cohesive effort meets expectations from the community, it will facilitate funding from philanthropists who want to support programs that benefit the greatest number of people in San Benito County. And that’s a great private solution to a public need for art and culture.
Mike Smith lives in Hollister and is interested in public policy, music and the arts.He works in the water utility industry in Salinas.
