It’s a matter of opinion

It’s gotten ugly out there, and I’m not referring to the cooler temperatures and cloudy skies.

No, the divisive election last month has lingered, with both sides still hurling epithets at each other.

In Boulder City, it’s not much better. Though not directed at the presidential election, residents have become polarized in their views on growth in the community. It appears that neither side is willing to give up any ground — pun clearly intended here.

There are those who see the need for more homes, including those that are “affordable” for young families and people seeking to purchase their first house.

They see the need to make changes to ensure that the city remains viable after the completion of Interstate 11. They want to boost enrollments at local schools and businesses to flourish.

On the other side are those adamantly opposed to growth, or at the very minimum making any changes to the city’s existing slow-growth ordinance. The relish the small-town atmosphere of Boulder City and feel it’s a privilege to live here.

They say there are affordable options for young families and first-time home buyers, and that any changes in school enrollments are normal fluctuations or because some parents have opted to transfer their children to other schools during construction at the high school to avoid disruptions.

They are speaking up and have formed a community alliance to help get their voices heard.

And they are sending in their opinions to this newspaper.

One person’s opinion may not be popular with everyone, but it is no less valid than anyone else’s point of view.

People may see these opinions as attacks on their opponents. They, too, hurl epithets at each other.

So we must walk on a tightrope, trying to remain fair to both sides and as neutral as possible. If we provide city officials and pro-growth proponents a place to express their views, shouldn’t we also allow those who oppose growth or city officials a place to offer their opinion?

The situation reminds me of a line in one of my favorite Jimmy Buffett songs that says “there’s a thin line between Saturday night and Sunday morning.”

While that is a reference to religion and sinning for the former altar boy, it also can be interpreted to represent how little difference there can be between day and night or the pros or cons of an issue. And how precarious that situation can be.

We are standing on that thin line and are doing our best not to fall off.

Hali Bernstein Saylor is editor of the Boulder City Review. She can be reached at hsaylor@bouldercityreview.com or at 702-586-9523. Follow @HalisComment on Twitter.