Bill Winfield
Grand County Commissioner
The importance of free speech and free press are as critical to democracy today as they were when the Bill of Rights was ratified over 200 years ago.
As an elected member of the Grand County Commission, I will always defend your right to publish editorials and disagree with the positions I take as a representative of you, the county at large. As an elected official answering to a diverse populace, I expect to be the subject of public discourse as part of the democratic process.
My family, however, did not choose to run for public office. Attacking my son in public forums, who was never on the ballot, hurts him personally and professionally and is well outside the bounds of civil discourse. Sadly, I’m not the only county commissioner with relations who have been attacked for their connection to an elected official or unpopular opinion.
Lashing out personal attacks is cold-hearted and does nothing to make our daily lives better. It fuels animosity and drives a wedge between neighbors, friends, and colleagues. Such hostility sets a terrible example for our children, who already struggle with online bullying and related mental health issues.
This negativity and hatred divides our community and poisons our political system. We must be better to each other. We must do better for our community.
Regardless of our individual backgrounds, each of the county commissioners has chosen to open ourselves to public scrutiny because we have a deep desire to address the needs of our community. If making that decision puts potential candidates and current commissioners’ families, business partners, customers, or significant others at risk for public attack, it damages our community and our democracy.
Eleanor Roosevelt said, “With freedom comes responsibility.” Let’s use our rights to free speech and free press to focus on the real issues, not gossip and mudslinging. Let’s use our energy and our voices to focus on solutions that work for everyone in Grand County, rather than creating enemies.
Your voice is important. Your opinions on the issues at hand are valuable. I encourage everyone to utilize Citizens to be Heard sessions to talk with the commission about what’s important to you. You can also reach the commission using commission@grandcountyutah.net.
Let’s use our freedoms, our resources, conversations, and social media to create a better Grand County.
