Let’s start with the bad, ‘cause I’m that kind of person. (My husband has at times referred to me as the angel of doom.)
1. Public name-calling. It’s okay to have differences of opinion; healthy, even. What’s not healthy is taking to a public forum and quite literally name-calling. Even worse when that name-calling is coming from one of the ‘those people are horrible, you should all do what we say’ crowd. I guess it’s do what they say, and not what they do.
2. Public lies. It’s okay to have differences of opinion… oh, wait, I said that already. Yeah, it’s still okay. What isn’t okay is taking to a public forum (there’s a trend here) and “spreading misinformation” about events and about those you disagree with, whether referring to individuals or a collective. Not cool.
3. Public representatives not listening to their constituents. Remember how it felt when those opposed to the reconfiguration were flat-out ignored? Remember the calls for postponement until a decision that felt more inclusive could be reached? What changed?
4. Public representatives speaking about other representatives in a negative way. While perhaps understandable if one feels they are being put on the spot for something that is not in their jurisdiction, those who publicly govern would be mindful to avoid making snap judgments and expressing ‘what were they thinking’ type sentiments. That doesn’t help solve any issues.
5. Rules for thee. This one fits two categories, so it will close out the bad and open the good. It’s never good when one’s bias leads to differential treatment. 48-hour rule? Not for some. Coming to the podium more than one time being allowed a back-and-forth? It’s okay as long as you’re one of my crowd or you’re saying something I like.
Now for the good.
6. Allowing for more public interaction and exchange, as mentioned above. Let’s see how long it lasts.
7. Allowing for dissenting opinions. Recent posts that express ‘the other’ side have been left up and open for comment in a forum that has been known to remove the “unfavorable”. Kudos.
And the less-than-attractive.
8. Ugly talk at meetings. I’ve been guilty of this. It’s really hard when one is angry. It’s still unattractive.
9. Rules for thee part two. This falls into unattractive rather than bad because, imo, it’s less serious, but quasi-public organizations like the PTO should not try to remove someone for supposedly breaking the rules, then turn around and do the same thing only three times worse.