When elected officials cross the line, silence is not an option

When does the behavior of an elected official cross the line from unacceptable to something that can no longer be ignored? It's a question I've wrestled with, particularly when speaking up means revisiting an unpleasant personal experience. But when the same troubling behavior continues, and others are afraid to speak for themselves, silence becomes difficult to justify. Lincoln City Councilmember Holly Andreatta, who is seeking reelection this November, has repeatedly been the subject of concerns about her treatment of small business owners, community members and fellow leaders. Some of these encounters have occurred privately. Others have played out in public. This week, following Lincoln's State of the City address, Ms. Andreatta reportedly confronted a respected local small business owner in an incident witnessed by several people. According to those accounts, her behavior escalated beyond words to unwanted physical contact. Verbal intimidation is troubling enough, but putting your hands on another person crosses a line that no elected official should ever cross. I know because I've experienced this behavior myself. During my reelection campaign for county supervisor earlier this year, when Ms. Andreatta was my opponent, an encounter escalated to the point that I filed a police report after she verbally confronted me and threw papers in my face. I share that not to reopen an election that is behind us, but because I understand how unsettling these encounters can be. And I recognize that small business owners and community members may be reluctant to speak publicly when they fear the consequences of doing so. And the hypocrisy is hard to ignore. Ms. Andreatta led the charge to censure the late Councilmember Bill Lauritsen for conduct far less egregious than what she herself is now accused of. If she was so willing to hold a fellow councilmember accountable, she should be prepared to be held to that same standard. Public service requires thick skin. Disagreement is inevitable, and passionate debate is healthy. But intimidation, personal attacks and confrontational behavior should never be confused with strong leadership. I've worked with many dedicated leaders throughout Placer County who disagree on important issues yet still manage to treat one another with dignity. That's not an extraordinary expectation. It should be the minimum standard. So why speak up now? Because this has become a chronic pattern that is bigger than one person, one encounter or one election. The way elected officials conduct themselves affects public trust, relationships with local businesses and the partnerships our communities depend upon to succeed. Lincoln is a wonderful community, filled with hardworking families, generous business owners and people who genuinely care about its future. They deserve leadership that reflects the best of their city, not behavior that overshadows it. As Lincoln voters consider their choices in District 1 this November, I encourage them to look beyond campaign promises and consider how candidates treat people, especially those with whom they disagree. True leadership isn't about winning arguments or intimidating those who disagree with you. It's about having the character, humility and self-control to treat others with dignity, even in the most difficult moments. That's the kind of leadership Lincoln deserves.