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Bookmeyer trashes Genth for “lack of tolerance” in celebrating DOMA court decision

MASON CITY – The following information is two emails forwarded to the NIT newsroom Friday morning.

The first email was written by Dean Genth, the Mason City Human Rights Commission Chairperson. Mr. Genth helped lead a celebration this week after a Supreme Court ruling that recognized the rights of same-sex couples.

The second email was written in response to Mr. Genth’s email by Mason City Mayor Eric Bookmeyer, who has been instrumental is dismantling the Human Rights agency.

EMAIL WRITTEN BY DEAN GENTH:

Dean Genth of Mason City, a Human Rights Commissioner
Dean Genth of Mason City, a Human Rights Commissioner

Hello Everyone,

Yesterday was a most monumental and historic day in the annuls of American Civil Rights progress. I have asked Amy Simpson to forward to you the great TV Coverage that was given to the event held in Mason City’s Central Park last eve. Over 50 celebrants gathered to celebrate this Historic Day in U.S. History whereby the U.S. Supreme Court stuck down DOMA (the Defense of Marriage Act) as being unconstitutional. With this sweeping and historic decision, many, many American citizens will be no longer be discriminated against and denied Federal benefits that all other married couples enjoy.

Given the historic significance of this event and the notice that was published in the Globe Gazette along with the broad Facebook postings of the event and the early TV coverage of the event on KIMT’s 5:00 p.m. news, I am extremely disappointed that we did not have attendance by Mason City’s Mayor, any City Council Members or any of the Human Rights Commissioners or any Friends of the Commission at the 7:00 p.m. Celebration. A lot of voters with extended families were able to plainly see which elected officials really have a heart for civil rights of individuals in Mason City.

Dean A. Genth, Chair
Mason City Human Rights Commission

————————————–

Mayor Eric Bookmeyer
Mayor Eric Bookmeyer

MAYOR ERIC BOOKMEYER RESPONSE:

From: Eric Bookmeyer
Sent: Friday, June 28, 2013 10:20 AM

Folks,

The author of the previous correspondence displays a lack of tolerance that is not acceptable and raises serious questions about one’s quasi-judicial temperament.

In fact, it is devoid of any awareness of any individual’s personal circumstance and is, in effect, bullying commissioners, friends of the commission, council members and the office of the mayor. However, it is loaded with baseless and harmful accusations.

It is disappointing that its genesis is from a quasi judicial commissioner, let alone the chair of the Human Rights Commission.

It is even more disappointing that the chair used a taxpayer paid administrative assistant to distribute a personal political message.

Although I appreciate the natural exuberance in an event I generally concur with, it is not acceptable to be in a position of influence and lay judgement upon other individual’s personal behavior, let alone their attendance at a political rally. In addition, the Human Rights Commission, and its department, is not to be used as a political operation.

To be clear, although this is a political appointment it is not a political office.

One of the core responsibilities of commissioners is to be respectful of the views of all our citizens and the resources made available to your commission.

In the future, it would be advisable to reserve one’s enthusiasm and criticism of others as you hold such a position.

Warmest regards,

Eric Bookmeyer, Mayor

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