Mason City Mayor Eric Bookmeyer wrote the following campaign message on his website as he seeks another four years as mayor:
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Dear friends,
Four years ago, I told you “it didn’t have to be this way”. Chaos is not the answer. I committed to you that I would provide leadership to rebuild our standing in the region and implement Vision Iowa. I committed that we would be diligent, disciplined and act with decorum.
You overwhelmingly elected a new team to run Mason City and we delivered. We started by running efficient and effective council meetings that demonstrated that we meant business.
We held our budgets in line and reformed the way we operated. We fought off multiple attempts to kill Vision Iowa, our wildly successful River City renaissance. We beat back downtown “gentleman’s clubs” and political warfare against our businesses. We passed residential tax rebates and significantly increased our rate of economic development.
Two years ago, you overwhelmingly rejected the representatives of chaos and bully politics. Since then, I have been honored to lead this “get it done” council to consecutive annual levy reductions for the first time in 20 years, the lowest debt for capital in a decade and the lowest amended budgets in years. In fact, it has been a generation since your city taxes did not rise.
We have solidified our economic development efforts with Clear Lake and Cerro Gordo County, forming the North Iowa Corridor EDC. That partnership and our staff have resulted in economic activity that hasn’t been seen in years. To our future benefit, the Iowa Economic Development Authority and industrial site selectors have clearly noticed and re-engaged Mason City.
We competed for and became a Blue Zone’s Demonstration Site, witnessed unemployment levels dip to their lowest level in years and won numerous awards for Mason City along the way.
However, even with all of these successes, the 2013 elections are nothing short of firewall elections. People that lack pure motives are actively planning to restart the chaos. They are already whipping out the whisper campaigns, the manufactured rumors and malicious lies.
I ask you, will your family stand with mine for a vision of a city that provides the most effective and efficient services available, in a business friendly manner, which benefits all of our families? Will you stand for a healthy environment in line with the Blue Zones Project? Will you stand up for a culturally and economically sustainable community that’s respected throughout Iowa?
Folks, this is not about political parties; it is a decision between nonsense versus common sense. Please provide your financial and volunteer support to re-elect leadership that delivers!
Contributions can be made out to BOOKMEYER FOR MAYOR and sent to PO Box 861 in Mason City, IA.
Contributions are appreciated and valued.
Thank you!
Eric Bookmeyer
67 thoughts on “Bookmeyer strikes back … then asks for money. Agree with his message?”
Quinn won’t have enough names to have his name on the ballot.
Sue Armour for mayor! She’s smart, she won’t be pushed around, and she absolutely wants what’s best for Mason City. Come on, Sue!
If she ran for mayor, mark my words, she would instantly make enemies with Bookmeyer, Robin Anderson, Marinos’, Tornquist, the EDC hacks and all the other cronies in charge around here and she would be dealt repercussions. Not many people can deal with the vengeance that these people dish out. They hate the common person and sneer at the little guy. But they have no shame in robbing us all.
Sue Armor? You gotta be kidding!
Are you kidding me?
Even Bookmeyer lovers need to rethink this guy. He’ll bite you don’t ever forget it. Drop you like a cell ph call. Only a matter of time. If I had enough guts I would tell you my story with him. I’d be outed then and I am too chicken shit to do that. He knows exactly what I’m talking about here, it will remain as one of his dirty little secrets. Ah but it all comes out eventually.
Anybody ever check on his life where he came from?
Innuendo,along with rumor,is the fuel that makes this site go.
If you feel you have information that will help defeat him please come forward. You can do this without exposing yourself to media attention. You can contact NIT and your identity will be 100% protected. NIT will evaluate what you have and work with you to decide the best way to approach it.
Everyone needs to do their part so I encourage you to come forward.
Yes I have checked on his life from the time he was a child, his parents and brother. His own past after leaving home is a bit sketchy. Also, if u check him out and find his so called management recruiting business, you will find that the phone has been disconnected. His background on Iowa courts– the harassment charge in Clinton–it was dropped, but that does not mean it did not happen.
I had my own run in with him and it was not pretty…
We still need to find someone credible to run against him. Several folks are discussing and bringing up names..
If anyone has an idea, just put it on here and I will pass it along….
Goober call Matt Marquardt at NIT and give him your information….please.
Al Steckman should run!
I think that Don Nelson would make a phenomenal Mayor!!!
@Goober-I agree. However, I doubt he would run. I think Don is kind of tired of the pressure.
The city would go broke with the postage bill…..
We need to do away with that whole council and get a new bunch in there with fresh idea’s. We don’t need Max back either that was a one man circus. Our town has been made fun of for years due to the council we have had leading us so it’s we the people that can fix that so let’s do it.
Let me remind you those who called it a circus were the ones Max stopped from exploiting the city
There is only one question Bookmeyer needs to address, nothing else is even close.
“Why don’t you sober up?” What is stopping you? Have you no respect for your wife and two young children?
Peat, that goes to show you still don’t understand alcoholism. An alcoholic needs to decide to respect himself before he can sober up. He needs to do it for himself, not anyone else. And just how do you know he hasn’t quit binging? There are no videos of him drunk. There are no recent stories, other than a 6-pack of beer being purchased, which could have been for guests. Wow. That’s wicked.
@Peter Children-You are trying to make it personal again. If the mayor wants to drink on his own time that is his business. If he breaks the law that is something else. I don’t think his personal habits have anything to do with the issue at hand which are the way he runs the city or tries to run it. Most of our mayors have had a drink or three and I would bet our council members do as well. It is still legal to do so as far as I know. There is plenty to go after this guy for without making it personal. Take the high road and show him the way out of office.
LVS, I think you’re starting to understand why I don’t like Peat’s op-eds. Peat thinks he is perfect and has lived a sin-free life. His vicious written attacks are likely a sin themselves.
@Katie-If you will read my previous post I have always supported Dr. Peterson. She was my doctor when I was a West Campus and you are correct, she was excellent. She wasn’t the only one of course, the nurses there were very good as well. I have trouble with some of the names some times because I was under heavy sedation at the time but I remember being treated very well. I also think that someones personal life is their own as long as it doesn’t lap over into or affect their professional life. That goes for the mayor as well. That is why I am disturbed at the mayor’s personal attack on Matt and his family. Like the mayor, Matt’s family is not part of his professional career and should be left out of the discussion.
Thank you, LVS.
I applaud the effort to name and recruit some qualified people to run against Bookie and incumbents!
This is far more productive than just belly aching about the evils of our current leadership. While we sit here blogging, the powers to be are actively working at growing their war chest and arm twisting the power and influence brokers of this community.
Carl Grover would make a GREAT (common sense)MAYOR!!! I like Max but think that he has a better change at Councilman at large! Please run and LET’S ALL GET OUT TO VOTE & turn this thing around!
I’d vote for Carl in a split second.
Tom Hovland, a true, self made man! Write in campaign anyone?
Just your vote because nobody knows who that is
Seriously? He sits on the Airport Commission, recently sold his NAPA stores in Iowa and surrounding States. If anyone is a self made man, it’s Tom. He knows how the business world works, and would be a great choice as our Mayor.
You want to be careful with this guy,mhe could be another Bookmryer without the drinking
@ class…Tom Hoveland would be a great choice. Here is a guy who came from nothing and built up a thriving business, he is a Mason City native that knows the city and its people…all its people.
He knows business, financing, and having served on a few commissions government. Plus he is now kind of retired and would have the time to devote to the job.
This entire governmental body that runs this city is nothing less than a criminal act. I am speaking of the entire council, the mayor and the administrator. There is nothing of consequence to point to that has bettered this community. If there is, tell me where it is. These people can be compared to a bad venereal disease.
What has infected this city is a direct result of not voting; they are counting on you not to vote again……the only question before everyone is this, will you vote to free the city now after this circus act has turned it into a private club?
Bad venereal disease? With your history guess you’d be the one to know!
” These people can be compared to a bad venereal disease.” Just curious Peter is there really a GOOD venereal disease? “will you vote to free the city now after this circus act has turned it into a private club? ” Peter the only circus act in the past was when Max was the ring master.
I would love it if Max would run. I predict, and Max knows it, he would get killed. Max has a very loyal, albeit, small following. Max has burned a lot of bridges and stepped on a lot of toes. To beat Bookmeyer someone without baggage needs to step forward.
Are you implying Bookmeyer has no baggage? He has more baggage than the plane I got off of today….and there was 300 people on it. He brought baggage with him when he arrived and has since added considerably to it.
Peter an incumbent is always hard to beat unless they really screw up. Rumors and innuendos just doesn’t cut it IMO
Innuendo is something unfounded, lacking proof, or very tenuous at best, i.e. a personal smear.
However, many have written of his behavior with substance to back it up, of which so much is public record. I am an apologist for no one, nor do I hold personal dislike, and I am sure others here feel the same.
We want the best for Mason City. We want to see all people in Mason City prosper, and the community grow. Without proper leadership, without feeling included in the process, it is impossible to get to that point. And actions by the current Mayor and Council have left so many feeling that the desires of a few, outweigh the needs of the many on a consistent basis.
“However, many have written of his behavior with substance to back it up, of which so much is public record.” Who besides Matt, and he has a vendetta against the mayor,has any first hand “knowledge”? Peter has nothing or he would have put it out there and he wouldn’t keep asking for evidence to back up his BS.
I am so proud of everyone on her expressing their true thoughts and concerns about our current Mayor.
I am not sure where Anonymous is coming from, at first I thought he agreed with the majority and then I got confused.. But a near 100 % dislike rate is wonderful… NOw, we need to find someone credible to run against him…..Think…….
Max weaver! sue armour! Matt M!
Only man with what it takes is Max Weaver now that Marquardt is going for council. I think Max could do it.
Come on Max, we know you can do it!!!!!
Common Sense overcomes stupidity every time.. Let’s call it the MAX FACTOR!!!!!!!!
Carl Grover!
I like Max and he was ok on the council but I don’t see him as Mayor’s material.
Sorry Max.
@Anonymous-why do you think Max wouldn’t make a good mayor? The mayor’s position has no real authority. Bookie does it by intimidation and threats and because he has a spineless council who are afraid to stand up to him. He is on the verge of being illegal all the time and he is certainly unethical in a lot of his dealings. Having offline meetings with council members is a clear violation of the close door rules. That will change when Matt is sitting on the council.
Mason City needs a good front man representing it when it comes to presenting Mason City as a classy community.
I am not classy so I couldn’t be Mayor. I don’t dig the suit and tie thing but I am articulate at times. I want someone better than me as Mayor.
For the record: I am better then Bookmeyer in all regards so that dim-wit clearly don’t qualify to be a Mayor either.
While Max does a great job at research and bringing the facts before the people, we still need a fellow that can don a suit and tie and hob nob.
I just don’t see Max ever doing that.
Sorry.
Thanks Matt for posting the Mayor’s article. Chaos is part of many communities. Some of it is good and some not so good.
Generalities are kind of like looking at a naked woman from 30 yards away. Most everything looks good from afar. It’s when you get up close and personal that you have to decide if you can live with her. Communities are a lot like that too. My view is she is no drop dead beauty but than she ain’t the ugliest thing i have ever seen.
Would like to see more of the political platforms exposed to the naked eye before i pass judgement. So far all I see are innuendo, statements not backed up by any factual basis and bitter people.
Jonesy,
You don’t have to wait to see the agenda laid out naked.
I am visiting here in MC as I now live in Texas. Leaving and moving my family to Texas opened doors of opportunity than are not here in Mason City. More income and less taxes and better educational opportunities at less cost in Texas.
Coming back home the first thing that struck me were all the negative attitudes downtown. I could not believe some of the comments made to me by Chamber members about Mayor Bookmeyer. Not well thought of at all. My business friends are clearly not impressed.
I was in Mankato, Minnesota yesterday to see friends and there the growth and Mankato’s economy is vibrant.
A rubber stamp council with a progressive agenda like Mayor Bookmeyer’s only sets the community back farther. The wasted taxpayer money Mayor Bookmeyer and the City Council has spent over the last 4 years don’t look to me that MC is any better off.
You need leaders not blowhards!
Healthy environment ?? Is that like the FOUL AIR VICOR puts out?? Just smelling
I did see Mark is on his campaign committee , and the sons restaurant the Quarry is getting some of that city money for a face lift. Hummmmmm wonder who’s scratching who’s arse??? Wake up mason!!!!
He has no class. As he sits on his high horse he then sends out a nasty message about people he does not like. News flash Mr Mayor Those people you are bashing are part of Mason City. I guess you are to high class to have that cross your mind. OR EVEN THINK YOU WORK FOR THEM….You know all the tax payers here in this town Not just those with title and over 6 figures a year.
Having witnessed what has been going on in Mason City the last four years, a lot of the content in Mr. Bookmeyers’ message is nothing short of what’s known as blowing sunshine up someone’s arse. Some of it is genuinely hypocritical, the 4th paragraph being the real laugher. Under Mr. Bookmeyers’ leadership, chaos is very much alive – – just in different forms from the ‘chaos’ he alluded to. Then there’s his mention of bully politics. Good Lord, does the man think the average Mason City citizen is stupid and living under a rock? I think he would do good to stifle any further mention of bully politics. He then goes on to pour accolades on a “get it done council”. In reality, it’s a rubber stamp council and there’s something about all of the unanimous votes that carries a certain odor. Could the origin of that odor be bully politics? Finally, he asks for money. It’s a bit odd I would say, on two counts. There’s a few members of his Exploratory Committee that literally have money to burn, and on a second count, he’s asking the average Joe or Jane (people he looks down upon) for moola. Mr. Bookmeyer, I’m an average citizen and I really do not feel, if my family needed support in some way, that yours would be willing to stand next to mine. Therefore, I will have to decline standing next to yours.
Obviously our mayor thinks he sees something I don’t. As far as I am concerned they have just wasted tax payers money at every turn to satisfy the social elite’s. I fully expect the Park Inn to come around at any time and start asking for tax payer money because they can’t pay the bill’s. Everytime we have asked for a accounting on the business we just get ignored. The museum and Stockman House are a money pit and a joke and the library is fast catching up (although I voted for the library) but I won’t again. The Micro Enterprise program alone should tell people what this administration is all about and that is waste. I still have hopes for John Lee if when Matt gets elected and he has some help. No one else on the council has the balls to stand up to the dictator.
LVS the Park Inn,Museum, Library and Stockman House were not the Mayors deal. All but the Stockman House were Max, Don and Jeffs.
The Statues and the Micro Ent. Program is the Mayor’s BUT the are minute in dollar amounts compared to what MDJ spent.
Whoa there buddy, Bookmeyer was very active pushing the 34 million dollar Vision Iowa crap. He was deeply involved with that in the year before he ran for Mayor and then following up after he was elected.
Get your sh*t together there Reggie boy!
Let’s not forget that the entire Vision Iowa project almost went down in defeat until a council member stepped in with his “Plan B” and saved the project…. Jeff and Don were the only members of the council to vote against the project. If it hadn’t been for Max Weaver and his Plan B, the project would never have happened.
@Reggie-I sure can’t add to observers post. What say you now.
@Reggie (Red)-On second thought I will make a comment here. Why is it when ever you people don’t have an argument you try to hide the real issue by blaming someone else. Don, Max and Jeff have nothing to do with our current mayors mistakes. It is just as bad as blaming Bush for Obama’s issue’s.
Some call it a get it done council and some call it a bent over yes man council. Whatever your opinion take the time to vote.
I am not anonymous and I don’t hid behind a secret name. I think Eric is, or would like to be a dictator, an I for one will not vote for that type of Government…….Jim Reed
Matt….since a lot of this post was directed at you and a bit at Max Weaver, there is a simple response to the Mayors statements, and as you talk to the voters in your ward simply ask them these questions.
1. the mayor says that the EDC has accomplished economic activity that has been seen in years. Have you the voter been effected?…has your personal economic situation become better than ever? Do you have a new high paying job because of the mayor and the EDC? My guess is no and his statement rings false.
2.Are you the voter living a healthier and better lifestyle because of Blue Zone? I would guess that 80 percent of the voters don’t even know what Blue Zones is as a program. Again his statement rings false.
3.Do you feel the River City renasance has been wildly successful? Has it made your life better mr. voter? Again the answer would be no, and again the mayors statement rings false.
4.He says we have significantly raised our level of economic development. Has your economic development been significantly raised? Are you making more money? Have you bought a new boat or camper because now you can afford it? Again my guess is the answer would be no.
5. As far as decorum and eliminating chaos, do you the voter feel the mayor has simply led the meetings with a iron fist and has decided that the average joe should not get a chance to speak his mind.
The gentlemans club thing is just a reach and a smack at Max and I wont even talk about it…Or I guess we could bring up the ice arena…same thing.
So all in all, Matt its simple. Just ask the average person if they are so much better off than four years ago, when the mayor took office. My guess is 90 percent would say no…my life, my income, my feelings about Mason City have not changed or gotten better…So then lets make a change!
You said it!!!! Whoever u are– why don’t u run for mayor???
@goober…thanks for the post. I would not run for mayor, because I don’t have the proper time to devote to it, and I don’t want myself or my family to live under the microscope. I moved to Mason City 25 years ago with absolute nothing and have gone from rags to riches because of the opportunities I was given, hard work, and I will be the first to say it good fortune. Mason City even though I am not a native, is dear to my heart, this town changed my life around completely, and I don’t want to see it and its citizens bamboozled by a elitist city government.
Very well said.
Silence the voters, silence opposition. Threaten to arrest them. If all else fails, make faces as they speak. That’s how common sense government should be.
Right?
ARREST THEM,ARE YOU KIDDING THE COPS IN MASON CITY WON’T EVEEN LEAVE THE STATION AFTER DARK THE LOSER KIDS PILE IN THE PARKING LOT NEXT TO THE CITY HALL AND PARTY ALL NIGHT. GIVING RIDES TO THEEIR FRIEND ON CAR HOODS, SQEELING TIRES BLASTING MUSIC. THE DRYWALL BY THE WINDOWS IS CRACKING FROM ALL THE LOUD MUSIC.
I will donate just what I think of your ability to be a good leader…ZERRO (0).
I will be sending the same
I agree and thanks for posting the campaign message. I will be sending in my check today!