Editorial by Matt Marquardt –
Just how low can the bar be set in Mason City?
Robin Anderson’s Chamber of Commerce isn’t shy about laying out the rules of behavior and decorum for anyone attending our Bandfest event – they do so every year – but apparently the rules of decency stop with us.
At this year’s Bandfest carnival in East Park – the same carnival that was marred by riots and brawls last year – parents alerted me to the fact that carnies were giving children shot glasses and Budweiser beer bottle openers as prizes after playing some of the games at the carnival.
I will not be blaming any parent for “allowing” their child to accept these prizes. Bandfest and the carnival are supposed to be family-friendly events. One would not think that prizes of this nature would be handed out to children at the Bandfest carnival, but this year, they were. It’s too bad that our schools and other role models try to teach kids that substance abuse is wrong and then Robin Anderson allows this kind of garbage to take place.
Now, just because there is a culture of booze-drinking at City Hall doesn’t make it right that the carnies handed out shot glasses to children. Neither Mayor Eric Bookmeyer nor any of our six City Council members commented when told about the booze prizes.
I do believe it is time that Robin Anderson gets the boot from running the Bandfest event. Let’s investigate the possibility of the Visit Mason City agency taking over. The slimy tentacles of Robin’s Chamber has reached far enough into our daily lives. Enough is enough.
