Yes, I will consider serving as a moderator of a Town Hall forum on the transgender issue in Lassen County

OK. I’ll bite.

Frankly, when Beth Young Bourne, who recently appeared at a Lassen County Republican Assembly meeting, suggested on Facebook I moderate a Town Hall meeting in Susanville regarding the transgender indoctrination forced upon our children here in Lassen County, I thought thanks, but no thanks.

But after one of Bourne’s critics also agreed to participate, and I read some of the public’s comments on Facebook, I have changed my mind. I am willing to moderate such an event as way to serve and inform our community about what apparently is a concern to some of my fellow citizens.

Those of us who live here in Susanville recognize we live in a staunchly conservative community, so I found myself offended by the notion that our institutions — a church, a college and the library —  indoctrinate our young people to be transgender. I’ve lived in Susanville since before the turn of the century, and I find that characterization of our community repulsive.

Apparently, some in our community subscribe to this view, and I will always fervently support their right to hold and express that opinion even though I strongly disagree.

But let me be clear — I have no desire to participate in a one-sided event or a shouting match between opposing parties. I envision invitations to such an event should be offered to representatives from those institutions Bourne has maligned and others who could offer an in-depth local perspective on this issue.

No date has been set. No participants have been selected. No venue has been rented. No arrangements have been made. Nothing is set in stone. But I’m willing to explore the possibility if our community has an interest in such an event.

If the Lassen County Republican Assembly — the group that brought Bourne to Lassen County or any other local organization with something to share about this topic — wanted to plan and participate in such a meeting, I welcome their involvement. Call me. My phone number is (530) 310-0459.

Let’s see where this goes.