In building trust

GUEST OPINION

I recently read a New York Times article about a poll they conducted at the end of September.

In it they found a large majority of Americans don’t believe our country’s political system is able to solve problems or overcome our deep divisions. After concerns with the economy the biggest concern stated in the poll was political polarization. Fortunately the poll also found Americans still have hope and good will towards those on the other side.

I’ve been a strong believer in our American system of representative government since I was a child studying history and spending hours talking with people at the Democrat and Republican booths at our fair. It breaks my heart to see trust in representative government tumbling and I want to be part of the solution.

Most people want the same basic things out of life and don’t wish to make anyone’s life harder.

Most people want to live in a community where they and their family feel safe, where there are good jobs, opportunities to pursue their dreams, support for neighbors in need, and where their children can get a good education.

Long before I entered the political world I had been talking and writing about the issue of sensationalism, political polarization, respect, and the importance of building trust. We have real issues that are making life much harder than it needs to be and we must fight for better policies that empower people to live better lives. But we must fight from a position of truth, respect, and honest conversation with people who think differently to find solutions that will be effective and last beyond the current administration.

People have much more in common than one would think from watching the news and we need to lean into our shared needs and goals while focusing less on what divides us.

Returning to civility, functional government, and healthy communities starts with each of us doing our part. Reaching out with curiosity to people on the other side of an issue and sitting down over a cup of coffee or a meal to try to sincerely understand their position is a great first step. Both as a Washingtonian and a state representative I feel called to work towards a more civil and respectful method of perfecting public policy. We can build trust by treating everyone with dignity and respect while avoiding sensationalism and dedicating ourselves to truth. I encourage you to reach out and meet with me so I can represent you in Olympia with a solid understanding of your concerns in the Seventh District, regardless of your political views.

Join me in rebuilding trust in our representative government and returning us to a place where robust civil discourse is the norm, not the exception.

ANDREW ENGELL, R-COLVILLE, IS A 7TH DISTRICT STATE REPRESENTATIVE IN THE STATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. THE 7TH DISTRICT INCLUDES NEWPORT.