My opinion: The idea of all or nothing representation needs to end

Today we acknowledge and celebrate Newberg school board candidate Nancy Woodward by posting her experience running for the Newberg school board. We heartily support Nancy and her vision of a better, more diverse, school board that represents all of Newberg’s students and treats everyone, even political opponents, with respect.

By Nancy Woodward

Running for the Newberg school board has given me the opportunity to meet many residents who live in the school district. I have discovered streets and roads where I had never driven. The natural beauty of our community is inspiring. Seeing the many flowering trees, shrubs, the vineyards, the forest areas and the parks makes me thankful for the beauty of where I live.

As the election date draws near friends have asked me if I think I will win a seat to serve on the school board. My reply is I have no idea, but I do know that the community is very split regarding who they want to be elected. There seems to be no middle ground. Issues are discussed in black and white, right and wrong. I have contemplated that there needs to be consideration of the middle ground. I know that misinformation about positions regarding issues has been spread.

In state and national politics when an election happens there is a majority and a minority party.

Unfortunately, in Newberg politics it seems that it seems to be them against us and the winner takes all. Considering that the school board, City Council and mayor’s election are considered nonpartisan, it is worrisome that in Newberg elections are turning into “winner takes all” elections. That means that almost 49% of the population could feel like they are not represented.

In my opinion that makes for an unhealthy community. Whoever is elected and serves on the school board must offer opportunities to invite concerned parents and citizens who disagree with a board decision to meet so issues can be discussed. The idea of all or nothing representation needs to end.

A concern I have is that people who disagree with a controversial position are being labeled as being bad. Holding different opinions doesn’t make a person good or bad.

One evening I was canvassing in a neighborhood. I knocked at a door, introduced myself and gave the resident some campaign literature. As I was leaving, a delightful young boy was playing with his remote car in the driveway and he greeted me.

I continued down the street, knocked on a few more doors and arrived at a home that obviously had children because there were scooters and other play equipment by the front entrance. As I was knocking at the door the young boy ran up to me and said no one was home at that house. I said to the boy that he must have friends who live here.

The boy then handed me the campaign material that I had given to his father. I said, “Your parents didn’t want the information?” The boy said. “My mom said you are bad.”

I smiled and thought I love children because they are so unfiltered and refreshing. I said to the boy, “Thank you for giving me the material but I really don’t think I am bad.” I told him that I worked in schools for many years as a school librarian and I like children. The boy left to run back up the street and as I walked out to the sidewalk, I saw his mother waiting for him to come back. I waved at her and was surprised to hear the boy yell at his mother, “She’s not bad, she’s really nice.”

As I reflected on this experience I felt sad, not because I was called bad, but because I fear it is a reflection of how in our community people are labeled good or bad as a person rather than accepting that good people can have different opinions.

This past weekend I felt rather low after some campaign literature was sent that I considered quite offensive. My reaction was that I need to defend myself and set the record straight. I am a person of faith and was blessed when I attended a worship service on Sunday. Every song, the scripture reading, and the message that was shared seemed to be just for me. In this election I can only control my actions.

Is this really an opinion piece? Maybe not. I want all registered voters to vote. If you disagree with a candidate’s opinion, please don’t label any candidate bad. Vote for a candidate because you, the voter, think that candidate will best represent your views and best serve the needs of the students in our community.

I believe in the inherent good of each person. As a community we need to be better so our children can learn that we can disagree with each other and still respect each other.