An Essay: "Let's All Get Along!"

Today

The thing about democracy in action is that it’s not that pretty. In fact, it’s messy. Hence the old saying, it’s best not to see either sausage or laws being made. Anytime we decide something with an actual vote, or even a consensus, there are by definition winners and losers. After a hard-fought election, a drawn-out zoning code rewrite, or even a public outcry about lamp post colors, some people end up not getting what they want, or believe is the best outcome. And yet, when it’s over, a decision is made.

Maybe the true benefit in a democracy is learning to live with what we didn’t get.

Accepting that sometimes you win and sometimes you lose, and learning to accept both. That’s how democracy works. We count the votes and move on together as a community, whether we like it or not, because unless everyone who lost moves away, we’re still going to have to forge ahead together.

When those on the short side of any election, national or local, resort to allegations of voter fraud, dark money, mob rule, or a myriad of other excuses instead of accepting the fact more people believed in one thing than another, it extends the divide and disrespects the fundamental principle of democracy, which is every vote counts.

Another way to see it is that every voice counts. Or every person counts.

Thankfully, the Harbor Springs community has embraced those ideas over the past year. We’ve had hours and hours of open meetings where everyone had the opportunity to state their views, respectfully listen to each other, or even get up and storm out if so choosing. Those who stayed were the ones who watched the sausage being made and still hung in.

Everyone has compromised over the year. Progress is obvious, in that thoughtful negotiation has produced a draft code complete with almost all but the most impactful decisions hammered out. We’re not done but would not be where we are today without listening to each other, talking through issues without animosity or demonizing each other, and finally everyone accepting decisions for the good of the whole.

We’re at a crossroads. We have a new City Council and a chance for a reset. The election will be fair and square, two candidates will join the three members and chart the course for the future.

Maybe we should start now to flip the switch and start pulling together. Work hard for the people and the issues you believe in, state your case, stick to the facts, try to remember your opponent also loves Harbor -- just with a different game plan than yours for the future.

In days gone by it was a compliment to be called “noble,” having fine personal qualities and high moral principles and ideals. We think this is a good start for us all.

Then as Mayor Tom says, “Let the chips fall where they may.”

An Essay on behalf of We Love Harbor Springs

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## Another response to “Election Matters” Newsletter # 91 October 23, 2025

#### A Fresh Look ? by Karin Reid Offield The recent Election Matters* newsletter from We Love Harbor Springs** lays out a big list of ideas for the town’s future. When I read it the goal is clear: to get people thinking, talking, and involved. Some of the issues are complicated, and the newsletter simplifies how local government actually works while not explaining the projects already “in the works”.

That’s fine for sparking discussion, but it also shows why good ideas need clear follow-through and solid planning. Harbor Springs benefits from residents who step up to help. Last year’s list of volunteers who were not selected for a board or commission was long. It’s time to consider where you could belong.

The more open and welcoming city government is, the easier it becomes to attract new volunteers. Serving the community takes time and patience, but it’s said it is rewarding work, so we need more people to see it that way. Tell your friends and people about the opportunities.

*Back to the Elections Matters newsletter.* When it comes to infrastructure, the newsletters’ message hits home. Keeping electric rates low in the past meant putting off upgrades that are now overdue and more expensive. As the city updates its Capital Plan, basic services like power and water should come now, be the top choices, before any beautification projects.

Some of the ideas about storm readiness and power reliability came from lessons learned after the April 2024 ice storm. Other suggestions are from towns around the United States. Though these serious events may be rare, they can cause real problems again. Every single one of the suggestions and more should be discussed. Every single citizen should be leading those discussions among yourselves, around your kitchen table. This is about YOUR backyard! Bring your ideas and your reasons to the City Council.

The talk about burying power lines also deserves attention. The decision should be made openly, with input from the people who would pay for it. We have citizens who want to have that discussion. The time is right.

Housing is another tough subject. Michigan law gives small cities like Harbor Springs limited tools to control short-term rentals or build affordable housing. It’s worth reviewing how short-term rentals affect neighborhood life and whether new rules are needed. We have citizens who want to have that discussion. The time is right.

New programs take staff time, and staff time costs money. Before adding new initiatives, the city should ensure it has the people and budget to support them. Ambition is good — but it has to match capacity. Let’s ask the staff now, what do they want or need? The time is right.

The audio visual equipment must be fixed. We think the time for that is now.

In the end, the *Election Matters* newsletter raises important topics and shows civic energy. The next step is the community sorting, which ideas can happen now, which need time and money, and which might have to wait. Harbor Springs is small, it needs to be careful with its budget, and the citizens who speak up now will be remembered for their courage. Those are strengths. Staying realistic while aiming high will help turn good ideas into real progress. Want to help?