Editorial by Matt Marquardt –
I understand that Mayor Eric Bookmeyer questioned my character this morning on a radio talk show.
I was called this morning by several sources – including Globe Gazette reporter John Skipper – who explained to me what Mr. Bookmeyer said, which was broadcast to the people of North Iowa. During my busy work day, I did take time to listen to this program and Mr. Bookmeyer’s remarks about me and other candiates.
These were among the statements Mayor Eric Bookmeyer made regarding me – which he generally stated as fact, not opinion – on KGLO news:
– “He’s a real wolf in sheep’s clothing.”
– “He’s a Max Weaver on steroids.”
– “Matt doesn’t like and consistently misrepresents and in many cases slanders a lot of the members of council, myself, I mean, this is a guy who wants Brent Trout fired and a lot of our employees.”
– “He relentlessly goes after Cerro Gordo County Board of Supervisors, our School Board, NIACC Board, EDC, Chamber of Commerce. Who am I leaving out? Visit Mason City.”
– “He’s kind of moving like a virus you know into other communities like Charles City and Clear Lake.”
– “Pretty eratic behavior.”
– “You know, we’ve learned that he hasn’t even left a job amicably in his career.”
– “He’s preying on seniors in his ward.”
– “He presents himself as a family man who wants a better Mason City. Both couldn’t be further from the truth.”
– “He’s a real wolf in sheep’s clothing.” (again)
– “He put a column up that publicly advocated … you know my wife is a physician and should bring a syringe home, and while I was sleeping, pump air into my veins and assassinate me in my sleep because he supports things that I don’t.”
– “Put it plainly, the guy is an a-moral bully who idolizes, you know, Councilman Weaver.”
———-
My response:
I hereby challenge the mayor and my fourth ward opponent Janet Solberg to a public debate. I propose that this debate take place in an easily-accessible public location and that we stand before the people of Mason City and take their questions. Let’s get to the truth.
I will be very happy to address Mr. Bookmeyer on each of the assertions he pointed at me this morning. I would hope as an elected public official, he, in turn, would stand up, be a man, and answer my questions and points.
After Mr. Skipper from the Globe Gazette called my phone this morning and asked for my reaction, I emailed the following response:
from: Matt Marquardt <northiowatoday@gmail.com>
to: John Skipper <John.Skipper@globegazette.com>
cc: mayor@masoncity.net,
Brent Trout <btrout@masoncity.net>,
tornquistatlarge@masoncity.net,
kuhnatlarge@masoncity.net,
Council Member John Lee <WardOne@masoncity.net>,
hickeywardtwo@masoncity.net,
wardthree@masoncity.net,
wardfour@masoncity.net
date: Wed, Oct 2, 2013 at 10:56 AM
subject: My response to Mayor Eric Bookmeyer’s challenge of my character and reputation
For publication in the Globe Gazette as requested by John Skipper:
“I understand that Mayor Eric Bookmeyer questioned my character this morning on a radio talk show.
I hereby challenge the mayor and my fourth ward opponent Janet Solberg to a public debate. I propose that this debate take place in an easily-accessible public location and that we stand before the people of Mason City and take their questions. Let’s get to the truth.”
-Matt Marquardt
