Here are a few more resolutions to ponder


Dr. Douglas Allen

Tis the season of New Year’s resolutions!  Typically people vow to exercise more or eat more nutritionally balanced meals or lose those few extra pounds that are making their knees ache. Recently in a Letter to the Editor, Nancy Turbak Berry suggested some resolutions for our current Watertown City council members and mayor:

  1. I will honor the laws intended to govern us all; understanding that my position makes me an example for others and given the public trust placed in me, nothing less is acceptable.
  2. I will remember that I work for the people; I will demonstrate the humility of a servant, not the arrogance of a master.
  3. In my words and deeds, I consistently will acknowledge that no one — least of all a public official — is above the law.
  4. When I am asked to go along with what I sense may be wrong, I will not acquiesce; remembering the public trust placed in me, I will resist wrongdoing, put personal ease aside, and take responsibility to choose a better path.
  5. When I do make a mistake, I will acknowledge it without excuse or obfuscation, do what I can to rectify any harm, and resolve to do better.

According to research at Columbia University, while nearly half of Americans make New Year’s resolutions, only about 25% of people actually stay committed to their resolutions after just 30 days. As the year progresses, less than 10%, accomplish their goals.

That research doesn’t bode well for those of us making resolutions whether we are resolving to lose a few pounds or improve the quality of local governance.  One of the problems in sticking with resolutions concerns whether or not our expectations are reasonable.  Working out every day, eating a maximum of 1,800 calories, never eating dessert or having that glass of wine — those seem destined for failure.  Berry’s suggestions seem more attainable to me — not easy maybe (who wants to admit publicly that they made a mistake?), but attainable.

I’d like to suggest some resolutions for all of us that might help our city government live up to the expectations Berry outlined. This basic civility pledge has been adopted by numerous organizations and individuals. No one doubts we live in divisive times and yet we know that nothing gets accomplished unless we work together. Working together across our differences requires improving our relationships—civility and integrity seems like a good and necessary first step. We resolve to:

  • Value honesty and good will while striving to solve problems
  • Attempt genuinely to understand the point of view of others.
  • Model civil behavior and tone, online as well as in public, by:
  • Being kind while maintaining the right to vigorously disagree.
  • Acting respectfully toward others, including opponents.
  • Listening to those who disagree with us, as well as supporters.
  • Making only accurate statements when defending a position.
  • Refraining from characterizing adversaries as evil.
  • Challenge disrespectful behavior, courteously.
  • Encourage any person or organization working on our behalf to meet these same standards for civil discourse.
  • Renew our efforts, if we fail, and forgive others, if they fail.

Here’s wishing a healthy and happy new year to all!  May you achieve all your resolutions!