by San Juan County Council Member Jane Fuller (District 3).

During these particularly challenging and sensitive times, I want to share my perspective on recent violent events across the country – the impacts of which are being acutely felt by members of our local community. I am writing this as your local council member who is dedicated to representing and serving everyone in our Lopez Island and broader County communities, as I have been elected to do.

With increasing frequency, our lives are feeling deeply affected by random acts of horrific, seemingly partisan-inspired political violence, most recently with the assassination of Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman on June 14 and Turning Point founder Charlie Kirk on Sept. 10. I believe these acts of violence are being perpetrated by individuals who represent a range of extreme political views and are not exclusive to one political or philosophical ideology.

History has taught us repeatedly that violence begets more violence with devastating consequences for all. While many argue that political tensions in this country have reached a boiling point, violence is not, nor can it ever be, the solution to political disagreements. I believe there is simply too much at risk for all who call this country home, and for the fundamental democratic values it was founded on.

Ultimately, resolving political tensions and disagreements must come through civil discourse, that is, engaging in conversations with those who hold viewpoints that differ from your own. This approach provides the opportunity to seek to understand other perspectives and create space for learning and acceptance of our differences. This is not easy. But for the sake of maintaining and furthering a healthy, caring and accepting community on Lopez Island, and across our County, the times we are living in are calling us to act in this way, now more than ever.

As a “non-partisan” elected council member, I am called to engage in civil discourse with constituents and community members every day, many of whom have views that differ from my own. It is from these discussions that I learn so much about the place where we all live and call home. For this, I am very grateful, as it helps me to serve and represent all constituents more effectively.

Please join me in taking time to contemplate the devastating consequences of all the recent acts of political violence and explore what we can do locally to help turn down the political temperature. I encourage you to try engaging in some form of civil discourse with those who hold viewpoints different from your own and see what you learn. Together, through such actions, we can foster tolerance and acceptance of our differences and keep our community healthy and whole.