BACKGROUND ON THIS MATTER FROM MATT MARQUARDT WITH ANSWER TO QUESTION 2:
The Globe Gazette employs John Skipper as a reporter who writes opinion and so-called “factual” stories. Sometimes, the line is blurry. Sometimes, I have to wonder how the Globe’s newsroom continues to function.
Mr. Skipper sent an email to me on Friday, Nov 17, 2017 at 11:34 AM. It listed 6 questions that he appeared to be working on – but were not his final draft.
Then, one minute later at 11:35 AM, Mr. Skipper sent an email that stated, “Whoops. Sent.”
So, there’s your answer.
However, I told Mr. Skipper I would answer his questions one at a time, before the “due date” for his “story” (likely a smear job) on my campaign. A campaign I am certain he and his boss David Mayberry desperately want to fail. They have played some tricks on me already in this campaign, initially refusing me an opportunity to buy advertising, using the fake name “BEUHNER” in a story about me and then putting “WRONG NAME” over my photo and correct name.
Mr. Skipper and Mr. Mayberry are part of the machine I am campaigning against; my opponent is merely the name on the ballot.
QUESTION #2 FROM JOHN SKIPPER TO MATT MARQUARDT:
“For several years, you have been critical of many individuals and organizations that, as a councilman, you will have to work with. Examples would be the mayor, city administrator, individual council members, the EDC, the media. Will this be a difficult adjustment for you? Do you believe in mending fences?”
ANSWER:
It strikes me that you clearly sent these questions in error and by mistake to me. You wrote “Whoops. Sent” in a follow-up email 1 minute after the questions were sent. Maybe you should admit that error, and explain yourself if the other three candidates are getting different questions than I got. Am I being singled out? Maybe you should also explain your long friendship and business partnership with my opponent. Don’t you think that would be fair? Is it true John Jaszewski owes you money? Now, in this question to me, you lead the reader along with two statements for “context,” mentioning my criticism of various personalities and entities that impact the citizens of Mason City. I’ll go through your list and answer your questions:
“Mayor” – I assume you mean Eric Bookmeyer. He is done and I wish him well in his favorite activities. We have a new Mayor, Bill Schickel. He has been to my office twice in recent weeks and we are friendly and cordial to one another. I see a future of positive, constructive work for the citizens.
“City Administrator” – Brent Trout and I didn’t agree on everything. However, he and I have shaken hands and wished each other well – and meant it – on several occasions. I have worked with Brent for over 7 years on numerous issues leading up to that. Brent and I are on fine terms, and I invite you to ask him yourself.
“Individual council members” – Too many transgressions and outright malfeasance to name on the part of some of these people, and they deserved every word of the criticism. I stand by my call for John Lee to resign for leaking confidential Al Dyer memo to KIMT. Janet Solberg should have resigned, too, for her treatment of citizens in the DM Register and her pursuit of the city’s insurance business.
“EDC” – Lack of performance by this taxpayer-funded outfit has led me to believe we need to explore a new path forward in Mason City. It appears to me the NICEDC is grossly over-funded by taxpayers. We need to look into creating our own Economic Development Department in city hall. Johnston, Iowa did it. Maybe it fits in Mason City.
“The media” – Oh yes, the media in Mason City. The genesis of NIT – your one-sided, shrinking newspaper and KIMT’s focus on Minnesota – led me to brainstorm the idea to create NIT. I sensed the opportunity and seized upon it. I stand by my success.
“Will this be a difficult adjustment for you?” No.
“Do you believe in mending fences?” Yes. Two examples. 1) Even though the Globe Gazette is my competitor and has treated my rudely to say the least ever since I resigned in 2006, I still visited your offices in this campaign, sat for nearly an hour with your Ad Manager, who I have known for years, and wrote you a check for an ad. Mr. Wilderman and I discussed a new path forward on friendly terms in the future. Ask him about it. I guess you didn’t get that memo, John. 2) See the attached screenshots of emails I traded last year with Eric Bookmeyer. I think they speak for themselves as far as whether I reach out to people or not.
(CLICK images above to view larger)
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PS: You have allowed my opponent TWO opinion letters in your newspaper since the campaign started. I will also be sending TWO LETTERS and expect EQUAL COVERAGE.
Matt Marquardt
