By Steve Ulvi

Journal contributor

My age certainly distorts my sense of social norms, but it seems as though local public expressions of opinion, throwing a hat in the ring and constructive commentary about goings-on are on the ebb. At the same time, persistent issues and serious new wrinkles challenge our community and its well-being. I get the impression that general apathy in town has elements of being “too busy making rent” along with “I won’t make any difference.” There is far more to nurturing community stability than occasional jury duty, voting or volunteering oneself.

Soapbox soliloquies and real debates have gone the way of top hats. COVID restrictions fueled some sign-carrying protestors here. I applauded the non-disruptive. Not many residents speak their minds before Town or County Councils except when a hornet’s nest has been kicked. Letters to the editor are said to have noticeably declined across the country, as well as here. Social platforms are a great way to sell things or services, but not for discussing nuanced ideas.

COVID has had so many socially destructive impacts, including time-honored public forums, but ushered in distance participation that in many ways ought to be viewed as a net positive. But in a small community, much is lost on screen because the neighborly chatting and “Hey, do you know so and so” introductions around a room are cohesive. The days of ducking in and out of the weather, draping your coat on a chair and glad-handing others to settle in for a presentation followed by floor questions are becoming rare.

Time-honored practices have been altered due to general societal unraveling. The very popular League of Women Voters election forums no longer favor unfiltered audience questions. But more time for counter-punching between candidates has been illuminating. As a vocal participant in many of the more controversial issues of the last few years, I do understand the real problem of grandstanding and incivility. But civic engagement, constructive criticism and growing a thicker hide take practice.

In recent years, the County rolled out Engage San Juans. I have found it helpful for tracking the status of numerous plans and projects. But it is not an effective public comment portal as questions can go unanswered for many weeks, and a person signed in cannot see other comments or responses.

Kudos to the adaptive Conservation Land Bank for responding to public suggestions by transparently developing a Strategic Plan and holding casual “community conversations” online quarterly.

LWV summaries of key local meetings have been a wonderful service but shouldn’t supplant well-informed individual participation.

Two major community decision-making opportunities that go to the heart of island culture and character are looming.

Town Council is finally preparing to allow a long-overdue public hearing for the Community Home Trust development agreement on the critical Argyle permanently affordable rental housing project. Town residents who want the Council to strongly support Home Trust efforts to the greatest extent possible, instead of creating numerous roadblocks, ought to speak out.

The previously failed effort for San Juan Island Library expansion on Spring Street is being revived with new approaches, lots of public input and collaborative opportunities. The rumor is that the back of the parcel is available for affordable housing if developers step up. No public bond is anticipated for library development this time around!