I previously wrote about the importance of speaking out about issues on which I take a position. As an elected official who represents all of the citizens of Duxbury, I feel it is my responsibility to make folks aware of where I stand on matters that have a material impact on their pocketbooks.

However, this doesn’t mean that I dig in and choose to take a position on every issue in town.

An example of a topic on which you can mark me as “neutral” is a recent citizen’s petition to restore positions in the police and fire departments with funds from Duxbury’s stabilization account. The petition earned more than enough signatures for the question to be put to a vote at next month’s Special Town Meeting, where it can pass with a two-thirds majority.

While I do not take a position on the matter—and chose to not sign the petition—I have the utmost respect for the folks who feel strongly enough about the issue to stick out their necks and bring it to the Town Meeting warrant.

It is not easy to stand with a clipboard and win over hearts and minds. I applaud the sponsors of this petition.

In fact, I had quite the enjoyable conversation with a petitioner who was collecting signatures outside Brothers Market. It takes a lot for me to not immediately devour my Saturday turkey ciabatta, but I was happy to wait while I chatted with him. I asked a few questions, and he was generous with his time to explain his position.

I was so impressed and energized by our conversation that I put my ciabatta on hold for a few more minutes to message him:

And he wrote me a nice message back.

I love it when people get involved and stand by their beliefs, and I am grateful to live in a community replete with good, hardworking folks who may not always agree, but at the end of the day respect one another’s point of view.

That’s the beauty of a participatory democracy. While there will always be voices that seek to divide, they are the exception. What I saw that Saturday outside Brothers was the Duxbury I know and love: thoughtful, respectful, and engaged. And that gives me more hope than any single vote ever could.

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Note: The views and opinions expressed here are my own and do not reflect the official policies, positions, or endorsements of the Duxbury School Committee. For official information about Duxbury Public Schools and the Duxbury School Committee, please visit duxbury.k12.ma.us.