If you feel exhausted or turned off by local politics, you are not alone. Too many people who get involved, whether running for office or simply volunteering, get caught up in endless personal fights and low-road attacks. Instead of debating taxes or schools, we end up mired in gossip or social bullying.
This "Old Guard" style of politics drives away good people and wastes time. If we want our community conversations to be productive, it’s time for all of us (candidates, activists and everyday citizens) to demand a higher standard. Success in public life should be defined by the positive impact we create, not the enemies we make.
Let's define this higher standard. I keep four words written on index cards magneted to my fridge at home as a constant reminder: integrity, authenticity, kindness and grace.
Integrity means being honest, even when it’s hard. In politics, that means transparency about where money comes from and what a person truly stands for. When political leaders and organizations operate with complete honesty, they deny their opponents the ability to spread rumor and manufactured drama. An honest approach allows the conversation to stay focused on the issues that actually affect our neighborhoods, making the personal "noise" irrelevant.
What truly drives somebody to get involved in politics for the first time? For most folks, it’s an authentic message that they trust. This means leaders and activists must be genuine, honest about the challenges we face, and avoid shifting their beliefs just to please a crowd. We need people who are true to their values, not just their polling numbers. This sincerity builds deep trust with the community, which is the most valuable asset in any political effort.
Politics is tough, but it doesn’t have to be nasty. Leaders and groups who operate with kindness and grace, even when facing down opponents, show real strength. When people refuse to sink to personal attacks, they raise the entire tone of the community discussion.
When we see people leading with grace, we know their focus is on the community’s future, not on settling a personal score. This is not weakness; it’s a strategic choice that shows the public they are serious about policy, not just rivalry.
Finally, we all need to be smart about where we spend our energy. This means choosing to avoid the gossipy, conflict-driven circles that drain time and passion. Call it strategic alignment.
By actively aligning ourselves with people who prioritize long-term vision, common sense, and mutual respect, we ensure our time is spent moving forward, not looking backward. More windshield, less rear-view. This simple choice protects everyone involved and keeps the focus firmly on achieving goals for the community.
We have the power to change the tone of politics, especially in our own community. We don't have to tolerate the pettiness and distractions of the past. The most effective political efforts are defined not by their ability to generate conflict, but by their ability to bring people together and achieve lasting change.
I hope anybody thinking about getting involved in our community’s future will commit themselves to operating with integrity, authenticity, kindness, and grace. By adopting this simple standard, we can restore trust and truly focus on the serious work ahead.
Rob Richards is a Navy veteran and former congressional staffer who has been an active community member in Thurston County for over two decades. To submit an opinion piece to Thurston Chronicle, email news@thurstonchronicle.com.
