Civility in government: More important now than ever

In an era marked by polarized rhetoric and deep divides, I believe one social virtue stands above all others in its power to build trust, inspire collaboration and drive meaningful outcomes for our communities: civility. As a county supervisor, I've witnessed how civility transforms public service. It's not just about polite discourse; it's about fostering respect, constructive dialogue and a shared commitment to the common good. Civility means treating others with dignity, even when we disagree, and seeking to understand instead of seeking to be right and "win" an argument. In local government, where decisions impact schools, roads and public safety, differing perspectives are a strength. However, when discussions turn to personal attacks and accusations, they erode trust and stall progress. As county supervisors, we must model respectful behavior, focusing on ideas rather than insults. By listening actively and responding thoughtfully, we bridge divides and craft solutions that reflect our community's diverse needs. This commitment to civility is especially critical in our collaborations with partners and leadership across Placer County. Effective governance relies on strong relationships with city officials, school boards, nonprofit leaders and other stakeholders. When we approach these partnerships with respect and open communication, we unlock opportunities for shared progress. Getting along doesn't mean agreeing on everything, it means valuing each partner's perspective and working toward common goals. Without civility, these partnerships risk breaking down, leaving critical projects stuck in gridlock. By fostering goodwill, we ensure that our collective efforts are greater than the sum of our parts. The benefits of civility extend to the public. When officials model respect, it encourages residents to engage with local government. Town halls, public comment periods and community forums thrive when people feel heard. Acknowledging someone else's concerns, even if we disagree, inspires constructive dialogue. The national political climate, amplified by social media, can make civility feel challenging. The recent federal government shutdown serves as a stark illustration of the deepening erosion of civility in American politics and the growing instability of leaders to bridge divides for the common good. Lawmakers on both sides are entrenched in ideological silos, hurling accusations rather than extending olive branches, leaving millions of federal workers unpaid and disrupting critical programs. Unfortunately, it seems that until civility is restored as the bedrock of governance, such shutdowns will remain a recurring symptom of a fractured democracy, reminding us that true leadership lies in unity, not division. As local leaders, we can rise above this by prioritizing transparency, explaining decisions clearly and inviting feedback, as well as encouraging face-to-face interactions that humanize disagreements. Civility requires self-reflection. We must hold ourselves accountable for our words and actions, even under pressure. This doesn't weaken our advocacy, it strengthens our ability to lead effectively. As your county supervisor, I'm committed to approaching every interaction, whether with residents, fellow supervisors or county partners, with the goal of fostering understanding. I urge you to join me in prioritizing civility. Attend a board meeting, share your thoughts respectfully, and engage with neighbors, even those with differing views. By working together, supervisors, partners, and residents alike, we can build a government that reflects honorable values: collaboration, respect and good governance. Let's ensure civility isn't just a courtesy, but instead the cornerstone of every conversation that shapes our future. Shanti Landon is the Placer County District 2 Supervisor.