Manweller's time as legislator is up

Our elected representatives are elected to do just that: represent us. But Matt Manweller seems to be having a hard time hearing from a lot of his constituents since his way of dealing with dissent on Facebook is to block people and delete unfavorable comments.

Manweller boasts that he voted in favor of supporting school worker salaries on his website, yet posted a screen shot of Othello teachers’ new agreement with salary increases with the caption “Can we stop talking about how we are ‘underfunding education’ now?” Essentially mocking Othello teachers for getting a raise and mocking anyone else who wants better funding for Washington schools.

Matt Manweller’s choice of action when confronted with someone he doesn’t want to engage with or doesn’t agree with online is to block them and cut off their communication with him. The most basic responsibility of a representative is to listen to his or her constituents, even when they may disagree. Besides being a cowardly and childish way to behave, the Federal Court has ruled that the First Amendment free speech clause prohibits officeholders from blocking social media users based on their views. This isn’t about a difference of opinions, this is about communication.

It’s time for a new 13th District representative who genuinely cares about her constituents, listens to them even if she disagrees with them, and supports them in their accomplishments together. A representative who will work for us instead of against us.

Sylvia Hammond is so much more than a Manweller replacement, she’s the person who can represent our grace, our determination, and our values in the 13th District. So please, vote for Sylvia Hammond, because she will listen to us, consider all of our views, and truly wants to do this job. Manweller’s time is up.

Laci Harrison

Ellensburg