The “Letter to the Editor” column has for years been a place where readers from all walks of life are free to express their opinions about what is happening in our neighborhoods and the cities and towns surrounding us. More often now we are treated to a weekly point-counterpoint on politically charged topics having national and global significance impacting us all. This frequent nasty banter often confusing facts and opinions is exhausting for many readers. Include both of us in that growing list. Indulge us as we propose a fresh alternative.

We are two neighbors who have been friends for a long time, though our paths do not cross as often as we might like. We have come to understand that we have different points of view on things, philosophically and politically to be certain. However, we have been able to enjoy each other’s company and realize that despite having some differences, we maintain a level of common ground that we both feel to be important, believing it best to partake in the things that unite us, rather than issues that divide us.
For starters, we both believe in our community, in our lovely town of Bristol with its charm of the old and new. We understand that it is the people that truly make up our community, the warmth of the smiles of the faces and the conversations that follow on the streets and in our great coffee shops. We are all fortunate to live in a place that we can easily walk, stroll, bike, or simply stand in place and take it all in. Community is alive here for all of us to enjoy.

We believe in the things that support our community and the quality of life that we all seek. Our schools are fundamentally important for all of us, and the education of our children is a priority, whether we are looking at funding or assisting in programming. We share in our beliefs that a balanced education, one with necessary parental/guardian input, involving physical activities as well as the classroom learning, is what’s best for the kids. Our community came together this past November and approved the critical financing for the district’s school construction plan. We deserve to applaud ourselves for that action.

We support public safety and are thankful for a great police force that protect when called upon, and a volunteer fire system of local citizens ready to respond whenever needed. These men and women are a blessing, and their dedication cannot be overlooked or understated. We have scores of veterans who reside here and deserve the honor due them with every courtesy. We should be thanking them each day as well as the holidays reserved for them. It’s humbling to think about the great sacrifices they have made to keep us safe.

We share a love of our natural environment, so lucky that we are to have the waters of the Bay nearby and ample open space for public use. Our local government has insured the upkeep of these critical resources, so necessary for the quality of our lives. Our community is made richer by having the officials to make the wise decisions to preserve the land, the waters, and the historic nature of our town. So many residents serve as volunteers in multiple capacities to protect these resources and deserve our gratitude.

We are two friends that have decided to write our thoughts here about unity and pride, and to put aside the fact that we may have voted differently in the last election. It’s not about being blue or red, rather it is more about acknowledging the common beliefs that we share, and to celebrate the common ground and values that brings us together.
We are of the opinion that the place for regular dialogue on topics like these belongs in our local newspaper. Social media is fine but it is not yet the local news source for most residents.

We are beginning a collaboration to uncover topics where common ground through dialogue should be achievable. We would welcome, in fact we are hereby encouraging, any readers interested in the quest to join us. We plan to write about these topics monthly and we encourage your input.
So, where to start? If you have some thoughts, please share them with us by email at commongroundeastbayri@gmail.com. East Bay Media has encouraged us to start a monthly column so be among the first to join what we hope will become a worthy addition to our local newspaper.

Stephan and Craig have been friends and neighbors for nearly 20 years now. While often having different opinions their passion for improving the dialogue during these partisan times has brought them together in the search for common ground.