Public and private sector abuses and failures are rampant and the most egregious deserve aggressive scrutiny and zero tolerance. But in the process, let’s not destroy the delicate balance that makes the public and private sectors work together for the betterment of everyone. We need both a vibrant, broad-based private sector and a responsive, effective public sector.

Sadly, retreat by many voters into cynicism and disinterest fuels the most extreme elements on both sides of the electorate, creating an environment where pragmatic solutions get ignored, compromise becomes impossible and problems compound. Insisting on rigid either/or scenarios is a recipe for disaster. Most people understand that completely gutting government will not solve all our problems or that continuing to spend more money without accepting common-sense reforms is foolhardy.

Healthy relationships among the likeminded are hard enough to maintain, but reaching out across ideologies is truly hard work. Conservatives, moderates and progressives may never fully agree, but there is no reason to hate each other. So before you lash out at the person approaching your door to seek your vote, take a deep breath, smile and calmly tell them what’s on your mind.

Sheila Stocks-Smith was a candidate for Springfield mayor in 2011.