Let's Talk About It

Make Ken Lake Boring Again

This is a guest post written by Elle Burger

Every election season, things get a little louder. Flyers show up, letters circulate, and suddenly our quiet neighborhood feels like a campaign battleground. It's exciting, and a little overwhelming!

If you’ve seen recent messages that use fear or blame to rally support, you’re not alone. They’re full of emotion — and emotion spreads faster than information.

But here’s what we’ve learned: community is built in conversation.

Understanding the Tactic— and Choosing Generosity Instead

Fear-based messaging works by creating urgency and distrust. It tells us, “If you don’t act now, you’ll lose everything.” And maybe that's what some people are feeling. We can address that anger and that fear when we lead with generosity.

Generosity asks something different of us. It says: Pause. Remember that the people you disagree with are also people who love this place. They want safety, stability, and beauty — just like you do.

When we lead with generosity, we stop amplifying anger and start rebuilding trust. We stop being pulled into someone else’s story about conflict and start writing our own story of community.

Our Focus: The Work, Not the Drama

How will we keep the lake pristine for swimmers and fishers alike; will there be a treatment in May or July? How is park maintenance going, and what is on the docket to accomplish this year? How do we support events and neighbor to neighbor connection?

The work that matters — the kind that protects our shared investment and peace of mind — happens when we’re steady, informed, and connected.

That’s where I’ll keep my focus. That’s where our neighborhood’s real strength lies.

Let’s Stay Grounded

If you’re feeling anxious or uncertain after reading something that seems heated or personal, reach out — not to argue, but to understand. The best way to quiet the noise is to talk to each other directly.

We don’t have to match hostility with hostility. We can meet it with clarity, kindness, and calm resolve.

Because what makes Ken Lake special isn’t who wins a board seat — it’s how we treat each other while we’re deciding.