Note: The Lawrence Times runs opinion columns and letters to the Times written by community members with varying perspectives on local issues. These pieces do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Times staff.
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As a public servant, I believe in the power of discourse and the importance of community engagement. The opportunity for residents to voice their opinions and concerns is a cornerstone of our democracy and a vital part of my role as a commissioner. However, recent events have compelled me to reconsider how I participate in these discussions, specifically during general public comment. Today, I am deciding to engage from an alternative location, and I want to share the reasons behind this choice.
The commission has worked diligently to mitigate disruptive behaviors during public comment sessions, yet the challenges persist. Sadly, what was meant to be a platform for genuine community engagement has been co-opted by a small but vocal group of individuals who present themselves as advocates for the community. In reality, their focus is self-aggrandizement, not the common good.
Discourse and debate are essential to democracy, but when provocative speech becomes fanatical grandstanding, it becomes a distraction. Those who truly care about our community should be solution partners, not what I call “problem articulators.” Unfortunately, many of these voices are more interested in creating conflict than in fostering meaningful dialogue. Their intent is not to build bridges but to burn them.
The attacks I’ve experienced, along with my fellow commissioners, are intentional and targeted. While the specifics may vary, the underlying intent is the same: to create a fictional narrative based on misinformation and intimidation. Each commissioner faces different forms of these assaults, yet the impact is universally harmful.
Some of the incidents include:
- Persistent racial and political slurs directed at specific commissioners during public comments;
- Coordinated campaigns of misinformation designed to undermine our credibility and sow discord among the community; and
- Intimidation tactics, including threats and bullying, that seek to create an atmosphere of fear and hostility.
These actions are not just personal attacks; they are attempts to erode trust in our democratic institutions. My concern is that many in our community see this level of abuse as “part of the job” and have begun to normalize it. Worse still, some may believe that we, as commissioners, deserve to be treated this way — reinforcing the notion that we are somehow unworthy of respect or that we do not represent certain segments of our community.
This mindset is dangerous. It perpetuates a cycle of division and hostility that threatens the safety and well-being of not just the commissioners but also city employees and other public servants. My fear is that the normalization of such behavior will embolden someone to act on these threats, potentially causing harm to a commissioner or, even worse, a city employee.
Let me be clear: I do not live in fear. I believe in the strength of our community and the values we hold dear. However, I am acutely aware that at any time, someone could attempt to harm me — verbally or physically — by inciting others to do their bidding. This is cowardice, pure and simple, and it does not reflect the Lawrence I know and love.
Lawrence is a city built on respect, inclusivity, and a shared commitment to progress. We are better than the behaviors we’ve witnessed in recent months. My decision to participate in public comment from an alternative location is not an act of retreat but a stand against the toxicity that threatens to erode the foundations of our democracy.
I remain committed to serving the people of Lawrence with integrity, transparency, and courage. I will continue to listen to all voices in our community, but I will not allow a few disruptive individuals to undermine the work we are doing to make Lawrence a better place for everyone.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support.
In service,
— Amber Sellers, Lawrence City Commissioner
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