Jim Campbell wants to put the local back in politics.

The Oak Harbor City councilman invites residents with bones to pick, ideas, compliments or just an interest in city government to join him for his weekly coffee klatch each Thursday morning at Solid Ground Coffee Shop on SE Cabot Drive. The caffeinated conversation begins at 9 a.m.

“My attitude is that if I can’t talk to people, I won’t be a very good council member,” he said.

Campbell has actively tried to bring his ears to the people. He started hosting the informal meetings over coffee a year ago. He told friends and other people he met about the klatch and the news spread by word-of-mouth.

So far, he’s had many lively conversations — and was even yelled at on one occasion — but now he’s hoping to raise the profile of the klatch a little in the hopes of luring more people.

“If you ever want to cuss at Oak Harbor or the city council or you have something nice to say, here’s your chance,” Campbell said with a smile. “Nothing is off limits because that would stifle conversation.”

On a recent Thursday, local residents Paul Bovey and Ron Hancock joined Campbell for coffee and chit-chat. Both men said they feel grateful for the chance to speak to a councilman in an easy-going atmosphere.

“Everyday citizens may not feel comfortable talking at council meetings,” Hancock said.

Bovey agreed. “It’s great that Jim is doing this,” he said. “I recommend other council members do the same thing. I think you get a better feel for the community.”

In fact, Campbell said he probably gets a more balanced view at his klatches of what the community really feels about an issue, as compared to council meetings. People who speak at public sessions are often there in opposition to something.

“If we have a big public forum on a subject, generally you get the negative,” he said. “Here, I get both sides.”

Campbell, a well-known Republican in the community, said the top two issues people want to talk about have been the proposal to develop the Fakkema Farm and the proposal to build a large-scale commercial development on the south end of the city.

While people who spoke at the public hearings were almost entirely in opposition to the plans, Campbell said his coffee drinkers were pretty much evenly divided on the issues.

The people in favor of the developments weren’t able to persuade Campbell to take their side, but he admitted to gaining a more nuanced view of the subject.

“I’ve heard some very good thoughts,” he said. “I’ve had people modify my opinion.”

Beyond the policy issues, Campbell said a lot of people attend his klatch in order to ask him about some very concrete problems — like speeding cars in a neighborhood, missing light bulbs in street fixtures or junk cars.

He may not have the solution at the tip of his fingers, but he knows the right person to call.

“My biggest goal is helping people get their issues resolved,” he said, cup in hand, “and it’s really good coffee.”

While Campbell may not be there every single Thursday — even council members take vacations — he urges residents to stop by the Solid Ground and bend his ear a little. He’s the smiling, 70-something gentleman with a white beard and glasses.

You can reach News-Times reporter Jessie Stensland at jstensland@whidbeynewstimes.com or call 675-6611.