Why Open Dialogue Matters:

Reflections from the Campaign Trail

Encounters on the Campaign Trail

As I campaigned around town for my bid to fill the open City Council seat, most people I met offered support, encouragement, or at least a friendly ear. Some remained undecided. Others stayed cordial even when they disagreed with my positions. Yet a small group responded with outright hostility. One individual even labeled me a "Communist-Fascist". I am neither, and I doubt he had read any of my writings or looked up the actual definitions of those terms. What stood out was not the label itself but the raw anger behind it.

I can relate to that feeling. In moments of frustration, I sometimes close my mind too. When I make the conscious choice to stay open, however, I listen without immediately surrendering my own views. I simply try to understand where the other person is coming from. Mutual openness like this leaves everyone better informed.

The Damage of Unchecked Assumptions

It is disheartening to watch people accept secondhand rants as absolute truth without doing any real research. A single inflammatory post or video fits their preconceptions, so they treat it as fact. This habit widens divides faster than any policy debate ever could. I have always tried to be an open book. I remain willing to sit down with anyone ready for a respectful conversation. So far I have held only two such meetings. I even offered to buy the coffee. In each case we agreed on some points, agreed to disagree on others, and walked away knowing more about one another than when we started. That is how stereotypes crumble and fresh ideas emerge.

Key Concerns from Voters

Through these candid talks with voters across Montrose, several topics consistently stood out as key concerns. These include City Council term limits, taxation without representation particularly regarding the Rec District and city business owners, financial responsibility, whether our tax dollars are being used wisely, the good old boy system and who receives incentives and why, supporting the unhoused without raising taxes, and government responsiveness. Many citizens feel that city government and government in general simply do not listen to the people.

Why Government Must Listen

This widespread feeling that government at every level does not listen is a major reason I decided to run for City Council. True representatives must listen not just to respond but to understand the concerns of those they serve. In a republic, citizens elect officials to be their voice. If representatives fail to listen with understanding, they stop serving effectively. A foundation of trust requires that officials hear and consider the people's concerns. While we may not agree on every issue, it is essential that every voice matters.

Improving Voter Participation

When I share ideas to increase voter participation, the common reaction is that they sound like common sense. We should move our municipal elections to align with the congressional election cycle rather than holding separate April elections every other year. This would boost participation and save the city money.

Reining in Public Debt and Senseless Spending

Campaigning has reinforced the need for better financial responsibility and long-term planning to rein in public debt. Our debt situation results mainly from a lack of planning. Government buildings are typically designed for up to 25 years of use. Yet our wastewater plant is 42 years old and the public works facility is more than 60 years old. Little forethought went into budgeting for their replacement or upgrade.

The wastewater plant upgrade followed a state demand. Because no money was reserved over 42 years, this led to 41 million dollars in bonds with total project costs around 80 million after debt service. The public works facility offers an even clearer example of poor decisions. In 2006, previous council members purchased 35 acres north of town for the future facility. Instead, the current council and city manager chose a new site near the river. This involved clearing large old trees and adding massive amounts of fill dirt. The project costs approximately 77 million dollars with total taxpayer costs reaching about 150 million when debt service is included.

Other questionable expenditures include alleyway murals costing $25,000 to $50,000 each and roundabout statues that block views of other vehicles at up to 50,000 dollars with installation. City government should focus on infrastructure improvements and long-term planning for those needs rather than such projects.

Lessons from a Divided Household

My own childhood prepared me for this outlook. My father was an ardent left-winger while my mother held far-right views. Political discussion filled our home from the time I was small. That environment forced me to hear every side. It taught me that nobody possesses all the answers. The best solutions often come from the people we least expect, but those discoveries only happen through honest dialogue.

A Practical Path Forward

Divisive tactics and nonstop mudslinging achieve nothing except larger rifts. Disagreements are inevitable in a free society. What I insist on is basic respect and the willingness to keep the door open. Real growth as a community requires us to find common ground wherever it exists.

Most voters want leaders who listen. They appreciate honesty and the chance to exchange ideas without hostility. I continue to invite those conversations. Whether someone supports me, opposes me, or remains undecided, the invitation stands. Coffee is on me. Through these exchanges we move past labels and toward understanding. In the end, that understanding strengthens our state and our country far more than any single election result ever could.

Our city, our state and our country deserves strong leadership willing to make tough decisions in the best interest of our citizens and I believe this can be a good start.

Thank you for your trust.

Michael J Badagliacco, “MJB”