APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Fostering unity and building connections between those with political differences is the goal for the Wisconsin Alliance for Civic Trust and Common Ground.
Members of the Fox Valley community and businesses gathered at Poplar Hall in Appleton to hear from former Republican U.S. Representative Reid Ribble and former Democratic Lieutenant Governor Barbara Lawton.
“We have a tendency to demonize the other people, rather than talking about ideas that might advance our cause,” Ribble said. “They wanted to put this together. We’re coming up to an election, this might be the time to start talking about, how do we communicate with one another?”
Lawton added, “Politics is how we get things done, but we need to learn to do it in a way that’s productive in building a sense of community and grounded in our shared values. I hope they find those strategies.”
During their panel, Lawton and Ribble discussed visions for a unified future, bipartisan success and respect and the identification of issues that can have bipartisan solutions.
A member of the audience, Pat Henningsen, told FOX 11 it’s a chance to connect with those she wouldn’t normally talk to.
“Just want to talk to people who have some differing ideas and share with one another,” she said. “Sounded kind of interesting, so that’s why I’m here.”
Kristi Clover said the event is bringing awareness to an important issue in the current landscape.
“Common ground is the theme, so we’re just really looking forward to, as a unified force, I think we can get a lot more done on issues in our community,” she said.
David Haynes, co-lead with the Wisconsin Alliance for Civic Trust, hopes the message carries far beyond the crowd at this event.
“To continue the discussion in other venues, maybe even their homes down the road, to stay in touch with each other. I think it takes time, but I think building those relationships is what’s most important.”
