Faust: Courage needed to put views out in public

Some do not have the courage to put their thoughts on record because they are afraid of the scrutiny they may face. However, they are not afraid to discredit you if your opinion makes them look bad.”

William G. Faust Jr. is a resident of Dover.

As many know, I have submitted multiple letters voicing my concern about what is occurring in the city of Dover. Some citizens may like what is in my Opinion pieces, and some may not like what I have posted in my pieces.

I do not submit my letters to receive gratification or glory, or to be in the spotlight. I am trying to be civically active because many of our citizens who are older, who are on fixed incomes or who are on public assistance are hurting and because of policies/fees/budgets that the mayor and City Council have put through in the past few years.

I have been told that some on council feel that my Opinions generate discord and contain false information at times. These are their individual views. I am not afraid of open, honest, transparent, frank and aboveboard communication. If I get something wrong, I am man enough to own up to it. However, here are other suggestions:

• If a citizen or the members of City Council — or even the mayor — have an issue with any of my Opinions, please submit a rebuttal and have the readers decide who is on point.
• The public forum sections of the council meetings should be broadcast and recorded. Citizens should be able to witness the interaction of the mayor and council with the residents of Dover and those who choose to visit any meeting.
• I encourage Dover inhabitants and the mayor and members of council to go on record and submit letters on any points of view that they need to express, to improve and correct the issues facing our great city.

Some council members may think I am too vocal at times, but I am expressing my First Amendment right in an attempt to help the residents of Dover. I could post things on social media and hide behind a symbol or nickname. Some choose to do this, and it is their individual right. I have nothing to hide and am not afraid to use my full name on any letter that I submit for publication.

It takes courage to put your views on record for all to see. You need to have tough skin because it is easy to pull apart or criticize what you have written. Some do not have the courage to put their thoughts on record because they are afraid of the scrutiny they may face. However, they are not afraid to discredit you if your opinion makes them look bad.

If the mayor or council members have an issue with my letters or those of others that express their concern, fear and frustration, they have two options: They can submit rebuttals, or they can resign from office if they cannot handle the heat.

Lastly, the mayor and council representatives chose to run for office, and nobody forced them into their positions. Their salaries are paid by the hardworking citizens of Dover. So, there should be no hard feelings or resentment when anyone questions or protests how the city is being run or when someone expresses a view that differs from theirs.

Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.