LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: Engage mindfully ...

For much of my adult life, I intentionally put myself in the background of different situations. I was content being a behind-the-scenes worker, whether that was in the military, in state government or as a cub reporter. 

Over time, that’s changed. There are a few reasons. Firstly, I got over a lack of self-confidence that was, frankly, a pain in the you-know-what. Secondly, I was unexpectedly placed in leadership roles as a trainer, as a team lead and as a mentor for less experienced professionals, both as a purchaser for the state of Texas and later as a journalist. 

I think the mentorship roles were the balm that cured the self-confidence issues. Additionally, though, there was a rewarding feeling in helping others succeed that I absolutely love. Helping someone grow personally and professionally is one of the most rewarding things a person can do. Whether it’s a pastor helping his flock grow in faith, a drill sergeant molding young soldiers, or an editor helping a young reporter become a better writer, it’s wonderful to see someone or something you care about grow.  

As an editor, it’s equally rewarding when I see the reporting my staff and I do nurture a community to become better than it was before or overcome challenges. In Katy, Texas, just outside of Houston, I could directly see the impact my reporting had after Hurricane Harvey devastated the community and it worked to recover. Here, I’ve been able to see how educating the community on a variety of issues, from stray animals to school finance, results in the community of people having the information they need to step in and help their hometowns fix problems.  

Tough problems. Problems that take a whole community to address.  

Key among those sorts of things is election coverage, whether that’s a school levy or choosing who the next mayor will be. The Columbia Basin Herald covers a wide variety of municipalities, from port districts to cities, and dozens of positions in Grant and Adams counties are on the upcoming ballots in November. Prior to that, fewer positions will be on the primary ballot. Those should start arriving in the mail early next week and the primary is set for Aug. 5.  

In 2023, the last non-presidential primary we had, around 27% of voters in Adams County participated in the primary. In Grant County, that number dropped to less than 20%. Our most powerful right in many ways, and not even a third of the community used it.  

The power of that vote is that it selects who we want to lead the charge against the challenges our communities face. Difficult things like economic development, crime mitigation, maintaining water and sewer and so much more.  

That said, here’s the thing I hope my readers think about: What are the problems I see in the community, and who do I have genuine faith in to address those challenges?  

Really think about the criteria for who you want to sit in the mayor’s chair, the port commissioner’s seat, in a fire district conference room or on the school board that determines your children’s futures in so many ways.  

Once you do that, look at who you think can meet those goals and fill out your primary ballot, then get it sent in or dropped off. Participating in elections is part of how we “mentor” our government to provide what we want it to. Voting and participating allow us to celebrate the successes of our elected officials. 

If you’re not registered and are eligible to vote, register. You can register online or by mail up until July 28. In-person registration has to happen by 8 p.m. Aug. 5, Election Day. 

Civic participation is important, though, even outside of voting. Journalists see an ebb and flow to attendance at the various municipality board meetings we attend – city councils, utility district commissions, school boards and port director meetings. Generally, attendance spikes when a beloved civil servant retires or when a hot topic fires up in the community.  

Mostly though, we’re sitting in a thin audience.  

In those meetings, your property taxes – or the taxes your landlord will pass onto you if you’re a renter – are set. Road improvement plans are hashed out, without the input of the whole community. Problems you might have some skill in fixing are brought up. The community’s future is determined.  

Don’t just vote, follow through and tell your community leaders what you want. They need to know your thoughts on their plans. Otherwise, how are they supposed to meet the expectations you have?  

There are other ways to be engaged in your community as well. Not everyone has a schedule that allows meeting attendance. However, there are many ways to get involved and be a part of the community. Here’s a few options: volunteer with a nonprofit or at a school, watch for community clean up days and participate, explain to your children how local government works – if you’re unsure of anything, take them to a city council meeting and speak with a council member – walk some dogs at the local shelter, or send me a letter to the editor with how you feel about a certain topic.  

Streets looking good? Send me a letter. School board cancels funding for your son’s favorite program? Send me a letter.  

Regardless of the way you engage, be mindful and engage with your community. Not only does it make for a better future for your community, it’s also rewarding when you see the success that comes with everyone is engaged. 

As Patrick Stewart would say as Jean Luc Picard – and yes, I am a huge nerd – “Engage.”  

Hoping you'll join me in filing your ballot.
R. Hans "Rob" Miller
Managing Editor
Columbia Basin Herald
Basin Business Journal