Civility in government?

All the candidates for town supervisor in East Hampton are talking about restoring civility to the proceedings at town hall. It seems like a fine idea, but is that what citizens really want? If so, you certainly can't tell by the harsh personal attacks, and deliberate distortion of facts that have become the preferred style of letters to the editor. Especially true of the anti-airport advocates who publish irresponsible rants every week. If the voters really want greater civility in public discourse, they might begin by practicing it themselves.