After reading papers, and listening to any number of talk radio shows, it seems to me that we get the government not only that we vote for, but also, that we encourage. All those in government are and should be different, having various perspectives, strengths and weaknesses. We can only expect that different people act differently at different times particularly when they are impassioned.

I wonder, however, how much of the tone of our local politics, and then again our federal government and campaigns as well, is an outgrowth of that cast by the press. I know that conflict sells and there is a business sense to encouraging it. Blank checks seem to be given to whoever wishes to bring on a fight. As well, the press often wants to frame issues in black/white because they are easier to grasp than a range of grays.

While conflict is good for the press it establishes a climate in our government that undermines progress. Lack of polarization while boring usually gets things done. Another more profound and tragic result of the culture of this conflict is that it dissuades many fine and brilliant citizens from ever thinking of running for office.

I wonder how much we in the press do to perpetuate the hostility that we so admonish by constantly giving it the spotlight. Too often our headlines turn an impassioned discussion into a brawl and make a disagreement into a divisive fight. I have seen the good and the wisdom from all sides on this town council, as well as other legislative bodies. I have worked on councils that have had strong differences, been politically diverse, but worked with a collegiality that bordered on the mundane.

Maybe we need to give a little less attention and a lot less space to the lesser qualities of our nature. The press should set a bar based on intellect, ideas and perceptivity rather than simply a raising a decibel level. That does not mean that the press should avoid having views, taking issue, bringing forth ideas and engaging in challenging dialogue but it should do so in a way that develops rather than diminishes itself and others.

On another note, I will be discontinuing my weekly column. I am doing this because I have decided to run for the Maine House District 111 seat.

I have enjoyed writing this column immensely. I appreciate everyone that has read, commented and encouraged me in this endeavor. They have given me an ability to think about things differently than I have before and encouraged a voice I did not realize I had.

As I enter into this race, I expect a campaign of the highest order. I know that I will offer such and I have no reason to expect any less from Rep. Gary Plummer, R-Windham. He is a man of integrity, collegiality and good humor. I do, however, believe I would bring new and different perspectives, energy, vision and ideas to that position on behalf of Windham and for the state. Many have spoken to me of the challenges this race presents and how difficult it will be. However, I also know that voters need an ability to make a choice and I feel that I can offer such.

As this ends I would like to thank David Harry and John Balentine the current and past editors of this paper for the faith the have offered me. I also want to wish our Windham Town Council well. I have offered it both criticism and encouragement. Each councilor has a great deal to bring to the table of town government. I hope strive to serve it in a way deserving of each other and our community.

Michael Shaughnessy is a Windham resident who would very much like to hear your thoughts. He can be reached at michaeljshaughnessy@verizon.net.