So often these days we see angry discourse in government, with gridlock blocking any hope of compromise on issues that affect our everyday lives.

Likewise, we hear debate that is disrespectful, not just in government, but among members of our community. Social media, of course, is a breeding ground for anger and hatred.

Then, just when we are starting to believe compromise is a thing of the past, we are pleasantly surprised by new attitudes and by how residents and leaders conduct themselves to reach an outcome that involves compromise.

That’s exactly what happened when a state regulatory agency last week voted unanimously to reject a proposal from a FirstEnergy subsidiary that would have run high-tension power lines through downtown Youngstown.

The plan had been heavily opposed by local business leaders, by community members and by our elected representatives. Rallies, communications and public input was used to passionately protest the proposal. More than 300 local residents voiced opposition about the project through letters, emails and postcards sent to the Ohio Power Siting Board, which had the authority to accept or reject the project.

It was a well organized protest that began in January and kept growing. Protect Downtown from Intrusive Power Lines, a Youngstown organization opposing the power company’s plans, even provided prewritten postcards for people to send to the siting board.

The message was sent loud and clear, and it was done the right way — forcefully, but also peacefully and respectfully.

American Transmission Systems Inc., a FirstEnergy subsidiary, had proposed a $23.1 million, 138-kilovolt transmission line that would have been 5.2 miles long between the Riverbend and Lincoln Park substations, traveling through parts of Youngstown and Campbell, and expanding the Riverbend substation to install new equipment.

Last week upon voting down the power line design, the head of the Ohio Power Siting Board pointed to vocal opposition from local residents to the project. Jenifer French, the board’s chairwoman and the chairwoman of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, said this before Thursday’s 6-0 vote against the plan:

I “want to thank those who reached out to the board with their testimony, letters and their comments about the proposed project. The power siting board values public input.”

French said the proposal “cannot demonstrate that the project meets the public interest, convenience and necessity as required by Ohio law. Public interest, convenience and necessity should be and is examined through a broad lens.”

That includes not just ensuring reliable electric power, but considering “the impact to recreation, cultural resources, regional planning and the prosperity of the local community and the state of Ohio.”

The main objection was the line would have been parallel to the north side of the Mahoning River, going behind the Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre, through Wean Park, over the Market Street Bridge and behind the Covelli Centre in downtown Youngstown.

There was a $10 million investment in the amphitheater and park, which both opened in 2019, and $45 million in the center, which opened in 2005. The city owns all of the facilities.

Those opposing the project said it would destroy the investments made to restore downtown. We agreed with that argument.

Mayor Jamael Tito Brown, who attended the board’s meeting Thursday in Columbus, said,”It’s a great victory for the Youngstown community. We rallied together against a project that would have hurt us, and we were heard. We won’t accept anything that will disinvest in our city.”

In addition to Brown, leadership opposing the proposal also included state Rep. Michele Lepore-Hagan, D-Youngstown, local business leaders and even state Rep. Jeff Crossman, D-Parma, a non-voting siting board member who is running for attorney general. Each played important roles in helping to effect change.

Now, the power company will go back to the drawing board to offer alternative plans. We are hopeful new designs will be equally effective but less intrusive.

Lepore-Hagan rightly called this outcome “a great civics lesson for all of Ohio that all of our voices can be heard and we can effect change.”

Indeed, the community showed up to practice exactly what our forefathers had in mind when they drafted our constitution and the First Amendment giving us the right to peaceably assemble and to petition our government for redress of grievances.

The voice of the masses is powerful. And it’s even more significant when it is used peacefully and respectfully.

editorial@vindy.com