When a Vote Doesn’t Go Your Way

Serving on the Aberdeen City Council is one of the greatest responsibilities I have ever taken on. It is also one of the most humbling. Every decision, big or small, affects real people and real lives. I carry that with me every time I sit down at the Council table.

Recently, I faced a tough vote. It was one of those moments where the community spoke up loud and clear. We heard from people in person, on social media, through letters, emails, and phone calls. The feedback was passionate and nearly unanimous. People were paying attention, and they cared deeply about the outcome.

I listened carefully to everything that was shared. I had conversations with residents, read every comment, letter, and email I received, and came to the meeting ready to speak on behalf of the voices I had heard. When it came time to vote, I did just that.

We had a lengthy and thoughtful discussion during the meeting. Councilmembers brought different perspectives to the table, and many of us spoke from the heart about the feedback we had received and the responsibility we each feel to our constituents. It was clear that people cared deeply, both in the community and on the Council, and that everyone was trying to make the best decision they could based on the information in front of us.

But the vote did not go our way. The motion passed by a narrow margin, and the decision moved forward.

After the vote, during public comment, a resident said it felt like the Council did not care what the public had to say. That was tough to hear. I believe many of us take our responsibility to represent this community very seriously. Still, I understand why it felt that way, and I think it is important that we reflect on that.

This experience gave me a lot to think about. Here are some of the lessons I am taking forward:

• We need to do a better job reaching people before decisions are made. Simply announcing a meeting or publishing an agenda does not always reach the people who might want to weigh in. If we want real engagement, we need to go where people already are. That means using social media more effectively, and not just Facebook. It also means showing up at community events, in schools, at local businesses, and in other everyday spaces.

  
  

• We should make better use of the communication tools we already have. One example is the newsletter that goes out with city utility bills. This is something that reaches almost every household, and we could use it to highlight upcoming decisions or invite people to participate in a survey or open house.

  
  

• We should also think creatively about new ways to share information. A resident recently suggested putting up an information kiosk in a central public space. I think that is a fantastic idea. It could be updated regularly and offer a way for people to stay informed even if they are not online. I would love to explore more ideas like this that are practical, visible, and centered around the community.

  
  

• It is not enough to say that the public has access to participate. People also need to know when, where, and why their voice matters. That is what makes a difference between passive access and active engagement. That is the kind of transparency I believe in.

Not every vote will go the way we want. That is part of public service. But each experience like this one is a chance to grow, both individually and as a city. I will keep listening. I will keep showing up. And I will keep working toward a city government that reflects the values and voices of Aberdeen. That is what Your Voice, Our Aberdeen means to me.

Have ideas for how we can better connect with residents? I would love to hear them. Please feel free to reach out by email, social media, or just stop me for a chat when you see me around town.