10/17/2007 6:01:00 PM Email this article • Print this article
Letter: ‘It’s about power’
To the editor:
Let’s be honest: this campaign has only reinforced what many have suspected all along. It is about one thing only: keeping positions of power.
The mayor, city manager and councilman Hjelle have spent 18 months supporting Rebecca Cave’s candidacy. If she’s re-elected they get to keep their 3-2 voting block and Copeland gets to keep his job. Her loss would mean Hjelle and the mayor are isolated and Mr. Copeland would go back to un-employment.
As bad is this is, I have a greater concern…why are my tax dollars going to support a particular candidate? The last issue of the city’s Maplewood News sent to every home at our expense is an insult. It was no coincidence that on the cover it provided a “Zero Tax” article complete with voting record of those in favor and against. On page 2, the mayor drones on about “her” beliefs on conservation easements – one of Cave’s campaign issues. On page 3, Ms. Cave touts a tax pledge and other campaign rhetoric. This is a gross violation of properly using public money and a glaring example of unethical behavior.
This publication should offer an unbiased focus on community events, not underhanded support of a candidate. Cave shamelessly chose to use tax dollars to present her campaign.
During this election, fines have been levied, truth distorted and everyone in Maplewood suffers. Campaigns have been riddled with lies and these actions have drawn both criticism and court action. Voters and taxpayers deserve better!
James Llanas
Maplewood
former city council candidate
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