Freedom of speech is indeed a most important aspect of our democracy and something we must guard and protect. I also agree that while we all have a right to say what we think and feel passionate about, it is important to be respectful in our discourse.

All people have a right to have their opinion and point of view listened to with respect. Unfortunately, with the increasing use of social media and other such sources, discerning between fact and folklore is becoming a difficult task.

So too do people in positions of decision making have a difficult task in deciphering fact from fiction and spin from truth.

However, leaders such as councillors, politicians and other people in roles that society has given powers of decision making to, on behalf of people and communities, also have privileges and responsibilities.

They have been given the privilege to lead and to be role models. They have a responsibility to listen, to carefully consider, to be conciliatory, consultative, transparent, and to be truly independent of influence.

The community has a right to expect transparent, consultative and honest decision making by those in positions of power. There is a growing awareness in the community that these core values are not always applied at government level and accordingly communities increasingly have to call this out, stand up and speak out.

People are becoming frustrated and feel disempowered. Respectful discourse can and should be expected of us all and we should always strive for this.

People need to be able to believe and trust that the heart of the community is truly at the heart of decision making.