Unlike national politics, here, we are not removed from our elected representatives. We live in a village, and they live among us. Our representatives are not talking at us about problems; they share our problems.

They live next door, pick up their mail at the post office, drive the same roads, and walk their dogs down the same woodland paths. It is easy to share our viewpoints with our reps — we know them and know how to reach them. When the cost of electricity jumps 64% at the same time that the costs of food and gas rise, and Stockbridge valuations skyrocket, they don’t have to be told, they are living it.

Our best representatives do their jobs. They do all they can to identify the problems and find solutions. Even if it is controversial to broach a certain problem, even when a solution is unpopular, even if they must raise their voices to be heard, they do it. They do more than show up for the meeting. They study the issues, debate with respect, listen as well as talk, and vote in favor of what is best for Stockbridge even if it is someone else’s idea. They do their jobs for a pittance or no compensation at all.

So, here’s the thing: We the people of Stockbridge try to do our part. We acknowledge their hard work, forgive the snafus, roll up our sleeves, and try to help. Stockbridge Updates seeks to be part of that constructive loop. SU reports their meetings, underscores their efforts, and remembers to say thank you. Without blinking, SU reports the bad news and the good.

In Stockbridge, it is not representatives and represented; it is not reported on and reporter; there is no us and them. In Stockbridge, it is all about us.