In the media recently there have been pros and cons describing whether or not the Gresham City Charter should be changed from at-Large to district representation.

It has been our view for many years that, as Gresham's population grows, there will be a greater disconnect between neighborhoods and city government, unless our form of government changes.

Importantly, six districts, formed by both geography and population, would fairly and effectively give equal voice to every Gresham citizen.

Mayor Shane Bemis is passionate about his hometown, and rightly so. He also is clearly frustrated with the petition effort to attract signatures supporting district representation. However, we take exception with his referral to district representation advocates.

In an interview with The Outlook printed on Friday, June 22, he referred to them as "...former elected officials loaded with vendettas."

This is a very strong statement describing citizens exercising a different point of view. While equally an exaggeration, one could wryly point out that King George III had similar feelings toward American patriots and we know how that went.

To us, leading and building a community is a "process." It is not formed by one opinion, nor is it accomplished overnight. It's a community-wide effort.

The petition-gathering crew began with little steps; small bits of time that have become even more meaningful and dedicated.

The outcome of the collaborative effort for district representation is uncertain. But it has not been about demeaning the sincere efforts of this council nor our mayor. Instead, it is recognizing the necessity of taking the long view: We are looking beyond today toward the future of our children, grandchildren and an even more diverse community that we can't yet fully envision.

Community development is not just about roads and parks. It is truly about celebrating and developing the talents and energy untapped throughout our neighborhoods.

Having grown from a population of 40,000 in 1986 to the 105,000 we enjoy today, district representation would more easily and effectively facilitate reaching out to our youths, retired residents, businesses and ethnicities to foster new ideas for positive change.

Is it fair, and expected, to respectfully differ in points of view? Yes. That is what clarifies issues.

In fact, James Freeman Clarke, a writer, minister and abolitionist, may have described the goals of public policy best when he said: "A politician thinks of the next election; a statesman thinks of the next generation."

City Council makes decisions regarding policies that benefit our community. We cannot think of a better way to directly invest in the interests of every citizen in Gresham, for now and in the future, than for our community to advocate for district representation, where city councilors are accountable, not only to the city as a whole, but also to the districts in which they reside.

In the broadest sense of democracy, district representation would build value in our community through ensuring equality of representation throughout our neighborhoods.

John H. Kilian and Paul Warr-King are members of the Gresham City Council.