I’m frustrated with many of the letters regarding the mayoral campaign. It seems as though every week we are bombarded with the negative campaigning of Partridge supporters trying to discredit Nancy Backus at every turn.
The continuous assault of twisted truths and half-lies is unacceptable to me. For example, the letters regarding the appointment of Scot Pondelick: Yes, it’s true he did not make it past the primary. And yes, it’s true he was appointed to the City’s Planning Commission (a non-paying-lots-of-work job) shortly after. The letters made it sound like Scot’s appointment was a backroom, shady deal with money exchanged at the hands of Nancy.
Well, here are some more facts:
1. Nancy’s position doesn’t have the power to make such an appointment.
2. Mayor Pete Lewis asked that Scot be considered.
3. Nancy brought forth the motion.
4. It was seconded and then voted on by the council.
5. John Partridge was a yes vote for Scot, and in fact the vote was unanimous.
So, to those who have written half-truths in an effort to make your candidate look good, it’s not working. Here’s an idea: try writing a positive letter about your candidate without discrediting the other candidate.
Nancy cares about her community. She has been on the council for 10 years. She knows the issues and has had an active hand in making our community better.
I hope all of you get an opportunity to talk to her about her part in the M Street funding for the train overpass, the Save Our Streets program, the improved community outreach and funding for additional police officers. If you listen to her speak, you will hear the passion for her city.
I am an average citizen, much like all of you who read the paper. I have spoken with Nancy and she has no desire to run a negative campaign, nor does she want her supporters to do so on her behalf. She plans on running and winning based on her merit, not on smear tactics.
Let’s stop the character attacks and unfounded accusations and focus on the positives of both candidates.
– William Parsons
