Editorial by Matt Marquardt –
One must wonder, why would a sitting incumbent mayor need an exploratory committee to ponder a re-election bid? This list of people – nearly every one of them supporting Eric Bookmeyer 4 years ago, contributed money or time to his first campaign – what are they now exploring? Are they exploring his electability? Are they themselves exploring their own allegiance to this man? Are they exploring just how bad this man’s reputation has become? Are they exploring his legacy over 3.5 years? (Google network: FAIL; Trash burning plant: FAIL; Decimate sanitation department: FAIL; Destroy Human Rights: SUCCEEDED; Silence the people of Mason City at public forum: FAIL; Stole from City Hall: PROVEN … the list can go on and on.) The only thing Bookmeyer has going for him is that out of 20,000 registered voters in Mason City, only 6,500 will vote. The rank and file Mason City citizens abhor Bookmeyer but they will not vote. I for one am very disappointed in every single person on this exploratory committee for lending their name to it, although as I stated earlier, no one really knows what they are exploring.
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As published in the Globe Gazette:
Treasurer is Eric Gogerty.
Committee members are: Tyler Anderson, Mick Baker, Julie Bauer, Sherry Becker, John Berding, Tim Dettmer, Robin Edgar, Larry Elwood, Liz Fitzgerald, Dan Garriets, David Grooters, John Groninga, Randy Haskins, Mark Holt, George Jessen, Jay Lala, Tim Latham, Ann MacGregor and Heidi Marquart.
Also, Ron Masters, Scott Moorman, Stephanie Nettleton, Jack Nielsen, Joyce Nielsen, Tom O’Neill, Kim Pang, Kirk Paulson, Dennis Reidel, Marti Rodamaker, John Rowe, Gary Schmit, Ray Shimak, Scott Shipman, Deadra Stanton, O. Jay Tomson, Pat Tomson, Rhonda True, Dan Varnum, Gary Wattnem, Walt Wendland and Hal Winston.
What qualifications does one need to run for mayor?
Drink a lot of beer and kiss asss with the elite in mason shitty. If you can do this you will win! and oh ya not be employeed and live off your wife the doctor!!!!
Where is this group today and where do they stand on the allegations that Mayor Bookmeyer bullied an 82 year-old volunteer? I would ask them all, do you approve of this behavior, and have you “explored” having a sit-down with your supposed candidate? Or perhaps I would ask, have you “explored” other options for mayor? Why the silence? Perhaps they just don’t care.
I see Mr. Kim Pang professes to be a Christian man at Trinity. Mr. Pang, you run a casino. Just what does the bible say about gambling?
1 Timothy 6:10
“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.”
MAN THAT FAT CAT REALLY PUT ON THE WEIGHT SINCE 2009 –
Word is on the street and rapidly going through town that Bookmeyer was arrested at 3 AM Friday morning and charged with public drunkness. Anyone else…?
If that were true that would be nits only story.
False.
What would be the five most important things that a new mayor should do?
1. Run a Meeting
2. Appoint a Police Chief
3. Appoint Committees
4. Declare The Date of Halloween Beggars’ Night
I know that’s only four, but according to Iowa Code, that’s about it. Minus the Halloween Part.
First of all, I would read the Code of Iowa and Mason City on what the Mayor’s duties really happen to be. That would be a good start!!
Then, I would add: Someone with a heart.
Someone with empathy.
Someone who realizes that City employees are tax payers too.
Someone who understands what the current census data means– like only 1-2% of the population– for a family of four make over $ 75,000 per year.
Median family income for a family of four… $ 30k
Someone who has actually worked for a living and understands the majority of our citizens.
Someone who believes in Human Rights
Someone who thinks way too much money is being spent on the Blue Zones initiative and how they have overtaken City Hall.
Someone who thinks the Sculpture program should end now.
Someone who thinks enough already about downtown!!
Someone who understands that their is huge potential on the south end of town on the avenue of the saints… there was supposed to be some development out there..
Someone who doesn’t spend the majority of the time at the Historic Park Inn drinking — then getting in his car and driving…
Someone who would not appoint all of his cronies to boards and commissions….look at what he has done to the Human Rights– you’d think you were at Trinity Lutheran Church with all the congregation on the commission…
There is so much more…..
@flabersham……….very well said excellent post.
Nichole Bench…… You can not get out much and talk to people. Out of a hundred people I can tell you I have heard maybe 2 people tell me they like him. I am not counting the people that he has done things for because that does not count. And yes people are afraid of him and what he can do to them. He can be proud he has so much power and think he is cool because he to shall pass and someday he will be a nobody again with no job and be saying, remember me? I USE to be the mayor and people will be saying, gosh isn’t that sad he has to live his life in the past. I can’t stand him and I can’t wait for the day he is no longer mayor rather that is this next year or God forbid he gets in another 4 years. I have never disliked a person as much as him. He is self serving and cares nothing about Mason City only what he can get for himself and his buddies. HE can’t stand “old” people..well for the record my son thinks the mayor is an old man and that is coming for a 10 year old.
Problem is the two people you talk to vote and the other 98 dont for some reason or another but complain because they are not being heard. The turnout in Mason City for voting is pathetic.
As I look at these names: All accomplished individuals (nothing against that) What bothers me… where is the average joe? The person working who does not make over 50 thousand or 6 figures??? Again the small percentage of Mason city… Most of us work and barely make 25 to 40 thousand… why can’t he ask someone to be on the committee from those work groups, with no title the people doing WORK Hard work that live in this town?? that does not own their own business…. I guess we are to be impressed the rich and famous of Mason City think he is grand… The one that baffles me the most Sherry Becker NIVC administrator… Apparently she needs more grant dollars from tax payers. I think the county supports NIVC monthly and many donations from individuals. Its not about what is right it is about who you need to align with get $$ for your cause, or organization. It not about the people of Mason City …. It is about the select few that vote and have money.
Not really all that accomplished some of them are freeloaders and living off inheritance. Hell, one of them shot someone to death.
Tom o’neill was just appointed by the mayor to the civil service commission and is plant manager at Lehigh. I scratch your back you scratch mine.
It must just infuriate Mr. Marquadt that his family and advertisers on this website support Bookmeyer.
Glad you are up late thinking of me tonight, as you have on so many other evenings. Keep dreaming, maybe someday you can be like me.
Maybe someday you and Peter children will realize that the majority of people don’t want to be like you. Let alone think like you.
Maybe someday you’ll grow a set of balls and stop hiding behind a screen.
Peter, Peter, Peter,we have gone over this put down ,it seems like, a million times. Get a new line. Why don’t you try ” I’m rubber you’re glue everything you say bounces off me and sticks to you” At LEAST that would be a new/different comeback.
Bill Schickel just wants to make sure cancer patients will never have access to medical marijuana and HE will be the one who will determine which video games are OK for kids to play! It’s all gotta go through Bill.
Politics make strange bedfellows…Most if not all on this list are business leaders in the community, and in Kim Pangs case casino manager in another county. Most are all good decent people, so it leads me to believe they are supporting the mayor because they need something out of him, and the mayor would happily oblige if they support him.
These business people have their agendas and in a lot of cases need city governments help in achieving those agendas…its the old you help me and I will help you get done…..fill in the blank. The word is cronyism.
The real question here is will any of these people tell him there is now way in the world he could ever beat Bill Schikel….because if Bill runs and from what I understand from very good sources he is at 90 percent sure he will run. If Schikel puts his name in they should advise him to stay out.
I would support a Bill Schickel candidacy for mayor 100%.
I agree with you Matt. If you just compare the two men…look at their political resumes, look at what they have done over the years for the city, plus look at their moral compasses and what they truly stand for.
Bill is a good, kind, morally strong man, with a political acumen to get the right things done and to lead by example. My what a change that would be “lead by example”!
FYI Kim Pang does live in Mason City. He is a nice church going man. Who happens to be successful and manages the casino and is a supporter of what happens in Mason City. As far as Bill Schickel being running and I have nothing against Bill. What were his accomplishments as mayor before he stepped down to become a state representative. Moreover what did he did he do for mason city when he represented us in des Moines?
A church going man who runs a casino? What would Jesus say to that?
Jesus would say, “Shut up and deal.”
Me too!!!
I am sure that will make Bill run.
The only word that comes to my mind as being even close to describing both the recent announcement by Eric Bookmeyer as to his intention to seek a second term and the unbelievable list of individuals whom allowed themselves to be exploited….is nothing less than ludicrous.
Who in their right mind would endorse a person who has raised havoc in this community….and if truth be known, should seek help . His wife should have him committed.
In my best Dr. Evil impersonation “Ahhh riiiight”
TO DAVID AAMES TELL US MORE ABOUT THIS PERSON, I THOUGHT IT WAS A WOMAN WHO IS ON PAID LEAVE OR IS THERE MORE THAT IS IN TROUBLE OVER THERE? “SEMPER FI”
Get Bookmeyer out and he can take Obuma with him
That black guys takin my guns
we can only hope
I think Lionel Foster should run. He would wins hands down.
I don’t think so.
The last Foster did not work out very well. His career ended due in part to a well lubricated & recorded phone call to the police as I recall.
The number of times I’ve noticed the two of them at Papa’s having a few leads me to think Lionel knows it would not be a good idea.
I haven’t seen any statistics that the rank and file of Mason City abhor Mayor Bookmeyer. In fact, other than this publication, I haven’t heard anything bad about him. President Obama was re-elected because he had the better idea, the economy was turning around and no one knew what policies the former governor had.
Your post makes no sense. What does President Obama have to do with Bookmeyer? Is that a cheap shot at our President? Seems like it.
I can tell you, I am out on the street talking to people everyday. I do not write the words lightly that Eric Bookmeyer is abhorred. I rarely – or “never” is a more accurate word – ever hear a positive word about Eric Bookmeyer. Never once has anyone said to me “Eric Bookmeyer is a good man, you are wrong, leave him alone.” Not once. Now, these so-called Bookmeyer backers either have no guts or really aren’t that strong of supporters. I will say later how each person on his list has or will gain from supporting his upcoming candidacy. The stories I do hear from folks in the community top anything we have ever reported here on NIT. These people who tell of the tales of Bookmeyer are all afraid to go on the record. Why? Because they know he plays dirty and runs this town like a mob boss. He will bring consequences onto those who oppose him. I for one have no fear of Eric Bookmeyer. I know he is a coward, a child-like man with no conscience; a spoiled brat of a man and a liar. I can deal with people like that. If you want statistics of what people really think of Bookmeyer, come out of your cave and start asking people for yourself.
The comment about our President was simply a reply to “just saying”.
I don’t live in a cave. I have a house and an in door toilet. Any snide remark to the contrary is silly.
I talk to and with a lot of people. I also read quite a bit. The internet has been a boon for those of us who want to understand not only both sides of an issue but the policy and philosophy behind and supporting the issue.
I believe in a fair days work for a working wage that can help me contribute to society and increase my net worth to enjoy our great city, county, state and country.
I enjoy this publication for the differing views but it is difficult to take people seriously when they respond to differing opinion by name calling and rumor mongering.
Matt,
This is nothing. The school employee on paid leave in a neighboring community is widely reported to have engaged in coituss interruptus with a support staff of the Superintendent of schools. Also, word at the District is that the police have been called in for him selling school supplies on Ebay. He is also an elected official on the Clear Lake Sanitary Board of Trustees. If you dig into this one, you’ve got a real blockbuster.
What are people thinking about? This incident sure has been hush hush in the news!
@Nichole Bench-Is it possible that you have heard nothing negative about our current mayor because the GLOB is clearly in his back pocket and our local TV station tells us nothing about what happens here in River City/ I have spoken to no one other than Reggie (Red) who supports the mayor and his bellow the belt tactics and even he has some reservations. Matt is correct. Most people are afraid to say anything because of possible repercussions both by the mayor and his puppets.
LVS when have you spoken to me? I have said that the Mayor is not perfect but I still support him and his agenda.
@Reggie (Red)OK i mis-spoke there. I have meant I have spoken to no one else who supports the mayor and even Reggie (Red) has his reservations. I was going by your pots only. I don’t believe I have ever had the pleasure of talking to you in person.
No problem LVS. The Mayor is not perfect but, in my opinion, his good traits far out weigh his bad.Hopefully Bill runs because that would be a heck of a race. Mr. Symonds ,again in my opinion , doesn’t stand a chance.
I follow the headlines in the Globe on-line just as I do this publication. I talk to many people and no one expresses dissatisfaction with the Mayor. I watch the city meeting on-line and am happy there is now some decorum and that everyone on the counsel can finish a thought and speak in complete sentences when discussing issues.
So everyone here thinks that the people that put their name out there for the reelection of Eric Bookmeyer is only out for themselves? Most, if not all, want Mason City to grow and provide good paying jobs. How we get there is the question. Jeff, Don and Max didn’t get it done. They tried, but it is a uphill battle. I truly believe that everyone in a position of power wants Mason City to grow and prosper. How that can be accomplished ,without selling our soul, is the never ending paradox.
Along with a glimpse into the TRUTHS(there are many many more) a CURRENT picture is a must. That is not the bush league mayor I see around behaving badly.
I believe that picture was taken about when he started his 1st lies.
The people on the list can finance the ultimate campaign. With the rare exception, they could buy and sell our entire population.
Let’s not be naïve. No matter how despicable Bookmeyer is– if all of the listed citizens get all of their friends and family to vote– and with the traditional low voter turnouts…. he could win by a landslide…
Now– we need to find someone bright, honest, credible, passionate about the citizens and employees of Mason City– not just the elite!!
Someone who will be the cheerleader and leave the governing to the people hired to do their jobs!!
Someone who actually likes people and is respectful of diversity!!!
Someone who you would trust with your children, family, money and reputation!!!
Someone who does not have an agenda!!
Someone who has actually worked for a living!!!
Someone that understands a budget!!!
Someone that does not depend on their wife to pay the bills!!!
Someone who is supposed to be a stay-at-home dad and then takes them to Daycare everyday!!!
Someone without a past record!!!
Someone without a drinking problem– this is 2 in a row now!!!
There are just so many reasons to dislike and have no respect for this man. And, with many on that list, I have instantly lost respect for them….
I could not have written anything nearly this well-stated. Would you like a job at NIT? Thanks for this submission.
Thanks… I love to share my thoughts and especially regarding the state of the city and its leaders( tongue in cheek).. Have done a lot of writing… Way busy right now– but ya never know in the future….
AhHA!
Thank you for the reminder of his abilities!
What one has to ask is with all of his passing grades why would any of these special folk think this is a great thing to approve or promote? It’s on their report card then too.
Better think twice people. This guy is kissing you as we speak, don’t be wimps. You can find a better way to get what you want, you did it before he came along!
Ummmmm..excuse me
DRUNK: PASS
Fighting while DRUNK: PASS
CAUGHT LYING: PASS
DIRESPECTING CITIZENS AT THE PODIUM: PASS
DISRESPECTED CITIZENS IN GENERAL: PASS
DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM AT HAIR CUT: PASS
SPENDING OUR MONEY FOOLISHLY: PASS
THE SHAME GOES ON: PASS
I believe he has passed several important priority issues to him as noted here. Come on PASS is PASS. Accomplished he would call it.
Bookmeyer and Mason City, a perfect pair!!!!
Matt and Peter should both run for office,
Haha I thought the marquardts were on the list for bookmeyer
There is one, but Skipper spelled her name wrong. I do not know Heidi Marquart. Maybe Skipper does. Someone should ask him. I think he was in such a slobbery hurry to publish his story and score points with Eric that he left out the “d” in her name.
Of course you know her, she’s your sister-in-law. It’s a simple misspelling. Don’t be an ignorant jackass.
Why wouldn’t they side with Mayor Bookmeyer? It’s the same reason that the welfare people voted for President Obama. You never bite the hand that feeds you.
It reads like a who’s who social elite club. It is the old you scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours. Been around Mason City for a long time.
weren’t we supposed to have more jobs?
That’s what we were asking of the Obama administration too. But he got back in again.
@Anonymous – What are you talking about? Look what Mayor Bookmeyer has done for Mason City. He has ummmm, well, he’s ummm. Tell you what, I’ll get back to you on that. o.k.?
I agree Matt he must be worried about what he has done to try to destroy MC so he goes out and gets some big names to help him out. Wont work if we get the right person that is for the people to run against him.