By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
In 2000, Robert Putnam released his book "Bowling Alone," in which he hypothesizes that the loss of bowling leagues and engagement in other community-oriented clubs has created a civic crisis in the United States. The book is the subject of the "Join or Die" documentary now available on Netflix. At Tuesday's Barton County Commission meeting, before election results were released, Commissioner Shawn Hutchinson also encouraged people to get more engaged.
"I've noticed there's almost a generation change happening in our community right now," he said. "It's a cultural and a generational change. I would just like to invite people, the younger generation, the best and brightest, to get involved in the community. There are a lot of ways to get involved that can make a major difference that don't require a lot of time and effort."
Hutchinson pointed out the many uncontested races on Tuesday's ballot, including his own race for District 3 on the commission, and the District 2 race in which Commission Chair Barb Esfeld ran uncontested. He encouraged community members to run for local offices or join advisory and steering committees.
"As I've gotten involved over the last several years, I've noticed the same 20 people on every board throughout the communities," he said. "I'm not putting those people down because, holy cow, we wouldn't even have boards if not for them. But I think a lot of them are willing to pass the torch and I think now is the time to step up."
Several commissioners agreed with Hutchinson, who encouraged young people who may be interested in civic engagement to contact him if they have questions about how they can help their communities.