Vote 'yes' on Issue 14
To the editor:
For many, and shamelessly, myself included, we are inclined to guard ourselves and our family from that which may cause discomfort. This comes in the form of blissful ignorance surrounding circumstances and conditions that are messy, complex, or vaguely understood. It is often easier to “turn a blind eye” or conjure up a false sense of peace by suggesting “someone else is taking care of it.” These lies we tell ourselves may allow us to sleep better at night, but regretfully, they shift an unfair burden on those who step up, lean in, or accept inconvenience for the sake of others. I offer this context for considering a “yes” vote supporting Issue 14 on Nov. 7.
For me, this “privilege” that I am suggesting was recently challenged when I took the time to get to know our local Job and Family Services (JFS) Director, Jeremy Ratcliff – it seemed like a neighborly thing to do since our offices are a stone’s throw from one another and, embarrassingly, I didn’t have a good understanding of this Agency’s work in our community. That meeting and every encounter since then have been an awakening about things that I had historically chosen to believe because they were far easier to accept than the truth.
My strategy of maintaining an arms-length from the despair, desperation and hardship only fueled my blissful ignorance. Within five minutes of speaking with Jeremy, I learned that I would never be able to “un-see” or “un-hear” or guard my heart from the difficult truth in our community – people sometimes make really bad choices, and adversity is not always selective.
On the brighter side, I also learned that our community and this Agency uphold a version of humanity that should inspire all of us. Despite leaving every encounter with Jeremy, his team, or those served by the Agency with tears in my eyes, I am also heartened by stories of hope, resilience, and perseverance. The humanity I have come to admire within this Agency prompted my support of Issue 14. It is not OK that our children are hungry, neglected, and abused, and it is not OK that JFS has the equivalent of an elementary school in its custody daily.
The stories and the work behind Highland County Job and Family Services cannot be ignored for the sake of our comfort. Issue 14, while a true fiscal commitment to Highland County taxpayers, is also an investment in our community and our future. As a conservative budget manager, I don’t accept many excuses for overspending, and after understanding the Agency’s data, I recognize that financial recklessness has not led to this campaign. Rather, our most vulnerable population's increased need for care and stability has landed us at this point.
Regretfully, the data doesn’t suggest that the need for JFS services will diminish. Still, perhaps with more awareness and acceptance of a difficult reality, we can turn blissful ignorance into constructive action to give our kids the best opportunity for a brighter future in Highland County. Please join me in voting “yes” on Issue 14 on Nov. 7, 2023.
Sincerely,
Nicole Roades
Hillsboro