My small hometown (population around 1100) is examining means of transport from its marina on Puget Sound up the bluff to the main section of town. At present a steep, narrow road with a sidewalk is the only means of transit between the two. Boaters must climb the hill if they wish to visit the restaurants and shops of the town and perhaps lug back groceries.

Bus or taxi or golf cart? Possible, but the curve to go down the road is iffy. Widening the road increases the possibility of disturbing unstable soil. What about liability and maintenance? Training and maintaining drivers? Handicapped accessibility of the vehicles?

Funicular? Elevator? Possible, but will this impact the bluff? Or the scenery?

Doing nothing? Okay, but again, those boaters. What about handicapped and elderly people who can’t negotiate the steep sidewalk?

And so on.

Our small town democracy has its moments of incivility, but a meeting to discuss issues packed the fellowship hall of a local church (often used for community gatherings). While discussion was frank it generally was polite. A large proportion of the city’s citizens attended. Many asked questions and expressed views.

How wonderful if our national democracy would practice this type of interaction. No, we can’t pack a national meeting center, but we can read even-handed analyses of where candidates stand on issues important to our survival as a nation. We can refuse to be a party to remarks that tend to belittle candidates, choosing instead to encourage the discussion of issues.

Oh, yes. It also helps if we vote.