Listening Beyond the Echo Chambers: A Reflection on Community Engagement

This week, I was asked a great question during one of my conversations: "How do you find out what the community truly needs?" My initial response pointed to the Campfire Chats I've been hosting all summer and into the fall. My goal with these gatherings was simple—create a low-stakes, comfortable environment where people could express their ideas and concerns about local government. I wanted to hear directly from the community in a space where they could speak freely.

But then the person I was speaking with made an insightful observation: not everyone feels comfortable coming to an event curated by a political figure, especially if they believe their views might differ from mine. And she was absolutely right. This got me thinking—how do I make sure I'm hearing from everyone, not just those who feel comfortable showing up at an event I’ve organized?

As I was reflecting on this, someone else at the campfire chimed in, mentioning that they’d seen me attending a lot of public events this year. They noted how I’ve been making an effort to meet people where they are—knocking on doors, being present in public spaces, and attending as many community events as I possibly can. The original questioner responded that this was exactly what she wanted to hear. She wanted to know that I was going to places that might make me uncomfortable, places where I’d encounter perspectives that differ from my own.

She wasn’t just asking if I could expose myself to other viewpoints, though. She wanted to know if I was actually doing the work to allow those viewpoints to challenge my own thinking. And this really resonated with me because it’s something I’ve always tried to do. Both sides of the aisle have their echo chambers, and I don’t want to be stuck in either of them.

It’s easy to stay in spaces where most people share your views, but that’s not how we grow. That’s not how we serve a community. To truly understand what Ottawa County needs, I have to seek out and engage with perspectives that challenge my own. Listening isn’t just about hearing—it’s about reflecting on what you’ve heard and letting it shape your ideas.

That’s why, in addition to organizing Campfire Chats, I make a point to attend events, large and small, all across our county. I knock on doors, I strike up conversations in unexpected places, and I try to be as approachable as possible. My goal is simple: to make sure I’m not just hearing from the people who already agree with me, but from everyone—especially those who might see things differently.

That’s how I plan to serve as your commissioner—not by staying in my bubble, but by listening, learning, and ensuring that every voice in our community is heard.