Islanders proved once again that they know how to hold a meeting, address tough issues and do so, for the most part, with civility. Indeed, those who attended the Vashon-Maury Island Community Council meeting Monday night hoping for fireworks may have been disappointed. It was a rich and energetic meeting — but hardly the stuff of raucous political theater.

The meeting was impressive for several reasons — first, for the sheer number of Islanders, around 250, who turned out. The breadth and depth of the issues before Islanders was also noteworthy: While most were there to vote on whether Tom Bangasser should be allowed to stay on the board, a parade of Islanders came before the assembled masses to discuss a variety of substantive issues — from the shape of the evolving Town Plan to the latest developments around the state ferry system.

But perhaps most impressive was the way the community addressed the motion about Bangasser. Some questioned the democratic principles behind the measure, suggesting it was an undemocratic move to try to oust a sitting board member. Others said it was the essence of democracy to call for his removal; indeed, argued Islander Hilary Emmer, Bangasser’s single-minded pursuit of what many perceive as his own agenda makes him a questionable representative of Vashon residents.

Some spoke highly of him. Others criticized his behavior. But no one called anybody names — either Bangasser, his supporters or his opponents.

And what do we make of the vote?

While Bangasser survived, we believe both he and the board — which largely supports him — have been put on notice: A lot of Islanders showed up to let them know they were unhappy with the way he’s comported himself of late. Indeed, at 156-91, he didn’t come close to garnering a majority. Were it not for the supermajority requirement in the VMICC’s bylaws for such a motion, he’d have been handily defeated and ousted from the board.

Over the course of the last several weeks, a few Islanders — including members of the VMICC board — have said they want this unpleasant business behind them. That’s certainly understandable. But we hope that the council and its nine board members don’t simply move on. We urge Bangasser and the board to learn something from this messy exercise in democracy — for the people have, indeed, spoken.