Today, Councilman John Lee called for “healing” and “unity” – and to “mistrust” anyone who disagrees.
From John Lee, Mason City councilman, via social media –
I have heard and seen that the national atmosphere of hatred, animosity, and the pervasive virus of us vs them attitude is now reaching into our community. We all loved and respected Alex Kuhn, and so it is understandable that people are going through a very tough time; sadness and depression is part of the process. But unfortunately so is anger. When people are angry they are quick to lash out, finger point, etc. All of this is an accepted part of the grieving process. But what isn’t acceptable, are people who are using this terrible loss to press an advantage. One (one of many) reasons this community loved Alex was his unrelenting and unapologetic approach for consensus building and trying to make everyone satisfied. This accusatory and hateful approach, which is seeping into people’s minds, is very dangerous for our community and frankly would have made Alex very disappointed.
If you believe you are trying to honor Alex by making accusations, grand standing, or condemning; don’t kid yourself, you have not only failed to honor his memory, you are using his memory to do something that Alex himself hated. Also, there is great hypocrisy with these accusations, because those people, who are promoting this type of behavior, are guilty of doing exactly what they themselves are angry about. Don’t let the people who are going to try to take advantage of this situation manipulate you. Honor Alex the way he deserves; respect, love and acceptance of everyone. Work for those three goals, not against them. This town needs to heal after the past four months, not more division.
Mistrust anyone who calls for anything less than unity.
When the actions of our leaders no longer represent the will of the people, it time for them to go.
Hey Matt I think you should try and get this spot. You would be a great council team member.
As much as I detest some of his policies on NIT, I think that’s not a bad idea. It’d be entertaining, that’s for sure. Unless, once he got the seat, he’d clam up like all the others. Getting the keys to the executive locker room tends to do that to a man.
That is a good idea, yet a honest person and critical thinker wouldn’t fit in.
In this life we lead you pretty much reap what you sow. This whole debacle with Prestage started in secrecy….behind closed doors out of public view. Then BANG! its in your face and the first reading in this “done deal” is being rammed down our throat’s. Now that immeasurable tragedy has sprung from these covert actions, according to Lee who is putting words in a dead man’s mouth, wants to have this community pretend its what Alex wanted. Listen, its not what Alex wanted, its what this community wants and what they want more than anything is to see resignations. That is the salve that will heal the injustice…..nothing else.
http://globegazette.com/news/local/kuhn-remembered-as-a-dedicated-public-servant/article_51a04ae5-405a-596b-892d-70af8e3fa3a9.html
This. From the day after he died. It was not Lee but Alex own father who “put words in” Alex mouth. He is a *little* more justified and able to accurately express the will of his lost son than some random joe called Peter Children, don’t you think, Peter?
The father is in grief and not able to know what’s best for anything right now. Don’t YOU think Anonymous? Besides, he’s an elected official and an action hero, he belongs to the people, not the family. I don’t give a damn what the family thinks. We want the truth and we want justice.
Peter Lagios, you are mentally unwell, homeless, and no one gives a damn what you think. Sorry for being so blunt to you, but there it is.
Let’s analyze your claims:
1. Mentally unwell. After what I’ve been thru…I’m not going to doubt that statement. However, it doesn’t affect my ability to critically think.
2. Homeless: No, I just signed a 1 year lease for a really nice apartment in SE Iowa. I’m good there.
3. No one gives a damn about my thoughts: Perhaps, but bloggers don’t rely on what other people think about their thoughts. They blog for their own peace of mind and pursuit.
Anymore claims you want to lay against me?
>Any more claims you want to lay against me?
1. You still haven’t paid me back the $250 I fronted you back in 2001
2. You never brought back that package from California, like I asked you to.
3. You never call.
4. You don’t take me dancing.
Here’s a thought…..since you have nothing but time on your hands, how’s about you get off your dead, lazy ass and go ask the Kuhn family yourself about what happened? Maybe once their restraining order runs out on you, you can go ask again.
You know not of what you speak and even less about what you think you know.
Any word on how the city council meeting went last night?
Ms Madison’s comments are to be applauded ! “A.K.” was an honorable young man with a great future ahead. Thank you Mr Kuhn for your service, kindness, and listening ear. Many condolences to the Kuhn Family. Healing wishes to Mason City.
Coverup ! Hillery B S
Once again and so pathetically predictable …….. whatever the topic, he always twists and turns the conversation into a “its all about Peter”.
In my view if bullying by council members had anything to do with Alex Kuhn’s supposed suicide, that needs to be investigated, truth is not hate.
Greetings Matt Marquardt, Curious is it possible to acquire an editing option also thumbs down button for posting.
What.
Before the community can move forward the truth needs to come out. Did certain elected officials and other community leaders engage in a campaign of bullying just because they did not get their way on an issue. If the answer is yes then the community needs to decide if these are the kind of people we want speaking for us. If the accusations of bullying and harassment are true against a elected official just think how these so called good people would treat an average citizen.
Thank you John Lee for your comments. We so needed to hear them.
I am begging Matt and his subscribers/readers to STOP the bullying that continues each and every day on this website. The “comments” that are posted here are absolutely cruel and destructive. They get worse with every comment/every hour/every day. This bullying against people who are members of our community as well as neighboring communities is intolerable. This is not journalism. The hateful comments posted in the wake of Alex’s death leave me ashamed of some members of our community. We are better than this. Once a comment is posted on the internet, it is there for posterity. You have no idea the damage and hurtfulness your words inflict now and for years to come.
I grieve with Alex’s family. Their loss is truly immeasurable. Until you/your family is affected by such a death, you have no idea of the depth of despair that you live with every minute of the day. How you long for a kind word, a hug, someone to listen to you, someone to sit silently with you – to be present. Instead of posting hateful and untrue statements, stop and consider what good you can do for family and friends by posting condolences and remembrances of what an outstanding young man Alex was. He has a family that loves and cares for him deeply. We have suffered the loss of the future that Alex was helping to craft for our community. He had such a bright future ahead of him and we did as well because Alex was in our lives. He stood up for us – he was one of us. Do NOT diminish that with your bullying and disgusting comments about anything else. If you can’t provide some comfort, say nothing. Measure your words carefully – the person you speak to may need to hear kind words and not the cruel words and innuendo that you intend to offer. Swallow those bitter words and say something positive. Those kind, positive words will be remembered for the gift that they are.
What posts in your view are untrue, can you prove the posts are untrue, I have not read one comment that was in my view bullying, if you do not care to read other peoples views don’t read them, just as if I do not care for a t.v. program, song on the radio I have that option to change the channel or turn it off, a perpetrator would love a cupcake mindset as yours they could go Scott free, how many murders has M.C. solved over the last 70 years there has been plenty in M.C. I think the answer is “ZERO”, not sure maybe 1 or 2 cases solved, personally I believe more voices not less more views not less, and no one stopping those voices those voices are a right given from the Creator not man, in addition Hitler, Mao, and Stalin and all dictators would love a mindset as yours, they also did not tolerate “freedom of speech”, the library is full of objectionable views is that your next stop.
Well spoken, thank you!
Your right Mary the bullying from Bookie and the other three needs to stop.
Grow up. It is life and the way things are and always have been. You voted them in now live with it.
NOW you don’t want to hear about the divide Prestage has caused in this community. AFTER Travis Hickey worked the mention into as much City Business as possible.
How about the minority of Bullies bowing to the will of the majority in unity.
When this gets talked about in a few years…it’ll be part of Mason City’s folklore that the Prestage Hog Plant Vote killed Alex Kuhn. One helluva thing to add to Mason City’s already dark history.
Sadly your only folklore is only going to be as long as a 3 minute dump in the Fleet Farm Bathroom with you Peter.
You mentioned Fleet Farm, interesting fact the color orange in Gematria it is the only color that is 33, that is why it is a favorite with the Free Masons, video by Russian Vids, The Reason Astronauts “Brought Tang to the Moon” – The Occult of Orange.
If I told you I know a way you can cut that time down to 30 seconds would you believe me?
The majority of people in mason city wanted prestage it false to say that
more realistically, 1/3 was in favor and 2/3 opposed. the fact that proponents were outnumbered 2:1 was also the reason why the pro-prestage people opposed putting it on the ballot, even after the council turned it down; they knew damn well they could never win a fair and square vote.
In your number did you take out the people do not even live in mason city they are the only voice that should count I hope you did
polio loco – Edit video by Russian Vids, https://youtu.be/yB7Oq_oLY8I.
I miss Alex, and I have respect for John Lee.
There is only one way and one way only that this city will get back on track and have a good government again.
Eric Bookmeyer has to go and go soon.
The man (I use that term loosely in his case) is akin to a cancer.
Bookmeyer is a blowhard buffoon with no leadership ability, no skills and is the epitome of a narcissist.
He is pathetic excuse for a man.
Eric Bookmeyer has to go.
I just wish that we could recall his sorry ass.
John. Alex could not save himself from the torment and bullying. This type of leadership style has to stop. I can not sit by silent and allow a bully to continue. We can unite to fight for what is right. Just as Alex tried to do. No one deserves to be bullied because they did not vote as the Mayor wanted. We need leadership that has a concscience. Transparency means honesty regardless of how it makes you look.
Grow up and join the real world.
I guess you think not having any jobs in this town and letting people and families suffer and can not pay their bills and having higher taxes is what you think Alex was fighting for you must like that
your an idiot
Possible board member to fill open spot:
Mark Lemon
Tim Latham
Scott Moreman
Joel Yunek
Jim Cornick
these will divide the city even more:
Rick M.
Dick M.
All insiders…screw that. I have a better list.
Jodi Draper (a woman with very pretty eyes)
Phil Sanchez ( a decent former cop)
John Lagios (the guy who warned against the mall)
Seth Bell (the guy who bicycles 4 seasons)
Matt Marquardt (a guy who bought a fat bike from Lakeside Cycles)
Jessica Tierney (a gal who’s vegan and protects life)
Name your alternative list and let’s end this crony insider system of lawyers and realtors once and for all.
You should run for a council seat since you’re a vegan. You’ve got all the answers and bright ideas, plus you’re a vegan. You know all there is to know about everything, plus you’re a vegan.
Oh, that’s right, the last time you ran, you quit, the time before that, you got your ass handed to you. Plus you’re a vegan. Never mind.
Step up and run then Buzzy. You have the cahoneys? Or are you all mouth?
Peter L – On your list John Lagios would be a good choice he is not a yes person and he would do his homework on issues, Matt Marquardt would be an excellent choice he is not ignorant, and he wouldn’t be swayed, Phil Sanchez would be good also yet he might be to nice someone they may push around, Jessica Tierney the vegan who protects life would be my choice on your list, in my view no one on your list would ever be selected it seems only people who are in their political circles are picked.
Matt Marquardt or Jodi Draper would be excellent choices. Neither one would be a push over and would represent all of the people and not just the social elites.
“This town needs to heal … mistrust anyone who calls for anything less than unity.”
Insert foot in mouth…
These words are easy for a man to punch into a keyboard when he’s been anointed a member of “the team” since 2013 and enjoyed the benefits. He is ignorant of the other side of the ledger. If not a member of “the team” – you pay.
Now, his team looks like mud. And he doesn’t like it.
John, I like you, and I know you are reading this. Be a man and stand up for what’s right. You know your “team” has caused much discord, trouble and pain in this town for years. Divorce yourself of these heathens and stand on your own. Do what’s right and set an example.
john, thank you for showing moral leadership in this difficult time! what you’re demanding is no easy feat, but we must try. it is the least we can do for alex, who did so much for us!
Wrong, what the right/moral thing to do would be get to the bottom of what actually happened i.e was Alex Kuhn bullied/harassed and did that lead to his supposed suicide, it should be investigated privately and the results shown to the public.
Bring Max back, I know some of you will call me stupid, moran and what ever your mind feels to belittle me go ahead, he’s the best guy to handle BOOZEMEYER. (AKA FATHEAD)
Rob MATHEs does not live in MC…Rick MATHES does.
I mostly agree..but knowing the truth about this tragedy is part of the healing process. You shall know the truth and the truth shall set u free.
And will you stand by your words if Rob Mathes is appointed as Councilman to fill his seat?
It’s Rock Mathis dumbass. And none of this even concerns you!!
I achieved a 3.90 GPA at full time credits and got on the Dean’s List last semester. You really think you have rights to be calling me a dumbass? Rick.
Everyone on here has the right to call you a dumbass. Mainly because you are one and always will be. Dumbass.
I didn’t see your name on here — http://www.niacc.edu/blog/2016/06/29/niacc-announces-spring-2016-deans-list/
I don’t go to NIACC. And don’t think I do not remember your bullying dumb ass Loco and your $10. You bullies had your fun with me long enough. I’m coming for the system you reside on. The system that gives you the cocky self confident attitudes which leads you to believe you’re better than me. I’m coming for you all
Happy for you good job on the grades.
Anonymous, just stop it. You’re a huge part of the problem.
The real problem in this town are the racist element the kooks the anti business council and the council members who sit in meeting like during the prestage meeting and not listen or even pay attention to what people have to say or even give them respect.
Thank you, John. I’ve been wondering how you’re doing. It can’t be easy for you. Stand tall, as you’ve always done. You’re a great asset to this community.
Relax, no-one is going to appoint Rick Mathes, and if he is d̶e̶r̶a̶n̶g̶e̶d̶ optimistic enough to run, he’ll be pummeled.