06/06/2026
Attacking someone’s character on social media simply because you disagree with their opinions, beliefs, lifestyle, or background is the grown-up version of the bullying our children face every day.
I will not allow personal attacks on my social media posts simply because people have different opinions. Healthy debate and respectful disagreement are welcome, but attacking someone’s character is not.
Our children are watching how adults treat one another. Many young people do not have the emotional maturity to handle the embarrassment and hurt that can come from cruel comments posted publicly—especially comments that many people would never have the courage to say face-to-face.
Being an elected official should not make someone a target for personal attacks or false accusations simply because they chose to step up and serve their community. The same can be said for teachers, pastors, city staff, and other community leaders. There is far more involved in these roles than most people ever see. There are long days, late nights, difficult decisions, and countless behind-the-scenes efforts to address issues and improve the community. Much of that work happens without recognition or public awareness.
It’s time for people to stop taking every disagreement personally and recognize that different backgrounds, religious beliefs, life experiences, and economic circumstances naturally lead to different viewpoints. And that’s okay.
We do not have to agree on everything to treat each other with dignity and respect. Be kind to your leaders, teachers, pastors, city officials, city staff, and most importantly, to one another. Respectful disagreement strengthens a community; personal attacks only divide it.
Our children are watching. Let’s give them an example worth following.
