by Peter Children –
They say politics make strange bedfellows; and last night at that church that fact was proven. This was a non-event, and believe me when I say I am being kind when I say that. First off Bookmeyer was a no show, he stayed in the bunker; Tim Latham said the mayor had a conflict, he said he had another speaking engagement, he had another engagement alright, it was at home talking to himself.
It was a second rate magic show put on by Tim Latham.
To try and salvage whatever might be left of Bookmeyer’s political career after hiding in the house for days, and refusing to face the very people who at one time put him in office. Good luck there. The last I knew Tim Latham doesn’t walk on water. You think he purposely held it in a church because he was hopping for divine intervention?
Those involved in this political process had fifteen minutes to say whatever they wanted. Travis Hickey was as nervous as a whore in church…oh I forgot, he was in church. I am not in any way implying Travis is a real whore. He said he wants to work with people; what did he think those who lost most of the equity in their homes in Forest Park were….card board cut outs maybe.
Let’s strip Hickey down right here, right now. Bookmeyer’s wife is a doctor who works at Mercy, the largest part of Bookmdyer’s political contributions come from other doctors who work with his wife. (You saw the list) Bookmeyer stepped on Hickey and as big as Travis is, he bowed to Eric and sold out his constituents. Study the tapes, Hickey looked the other way as these people traveled to the podium to plead hopelessly for justice but found none. Now Hickey carries pictures of his children with him, in frames no less. Travis is a dollar short and a day late.
Scott Tornquist spoke for three days….said absolutely nothing.
Janet Solberg looked like someone caught in the headlights of a car while breaking into your home. She spoke of the many things she does that centered mostly on herself. How nice to brag in the House of the Lord.
To that minister or whatever he’s called; Jesus would have never threatened to throw anyone out of his church no matter what they had done. Apparently you haven’t read that part of the bible.
Jodie draper said she is ready and qualified to do what needs to be done, and I believe her. I would vote for her if I could. I urge you to if you can.
Max was Max; here what you see is what you get. Impassioned, in love with this city, with every tree and sidewalk, with all the bridges and every house and building…and more importantly…with every individual who lives here. This man is 100% real and in the open. He has not gone underground like your current mayor. I heard Eric is hiding in locker at the Country Club.
Comes now Leonard Foster; this man received two standing ovations….was it a trick….a slight of hand? No, not at all. Leonard fell back on the oldest form of addressing the public…he simply told the truth. And when the words came forth those present in that very thin crowd, leapt to their feet and filled that holy temple with thunderous applause, not once but twice. This man was this first person of color to sit at that table since this city was founded, we need to put him back in that seat, I voted for him and I urge you to do the same. Leonard is as real as you can get.
To Bookmeyer’s people, Matt Marquardt is enemy number one. Matt is that brash young fella who opened the floodgates and let the truth come out; because of that there is a price on his head by the 15% who hold privilege in this community; they are out to get him. I will tell you that Eric Bookmeyer personally contacted more than one advertiser on North Iowa Today and asked them to suspend their advertisements on his site. Some did as the mayor asked, others called Matt and told him. How many of you would willingly slam the door on a chance to hear the truth? Matt doesn’t play favorites, I know some people who called him and begged to be left out of stories….didn’t work. We need people like Matt at that table, put him there and watch what a difference it will make.
Peter Children
As a resident of the 2nd ward, and one that hasn’t voted before, I feel very strongly about voting this year. I think Hickey has done an okay job, but Jodi seems more involved with the people. I have heard nothing negative about her, and she can and spoke with me personally walking and knocking. I appreciate her hard work and I think it shows how hard she will work if elected. I’m having trouble with the mayor situation, however. hearing not so good things about the either of them, what are the positives?
For one thing Weaver is stone sober, does not drink, never did. Max works with everyone not just the top .15%. You’ll figure it out
A sober mayor. How long has it been since MC had one?
Can’t sue for defamation when it is true…
*crickets*
FROM NIT STAFF: Comment is inappropriate.
Can you elaborate a little more. Please, do tell.
FROM NIT STAFF: Comment deemed inappropriate.
Please, tell me a story LVS
@Anonymous-I would love to tell you a story but, you are not smart enough to understand it. If I was Latham I would find out who you are and sue the crap out of you for defamation. You bring up crap that happened over 40 years ago and you know nothing about it except you are using it as a way to discredit him. Tim Latham has done more to help this town and especially the north end than anyone else. We do not agree on his choice for mayor, but he has his reasons and I have mine. Someone hiding behind the anonymous name, which makes you a coward has no right to lie about a good guy.
You got the wrong Anonymous. I’m Anonymous2
What exactly is LVS? Is that an anonymous name?
@Anonymous2-sorry. I didn’t see the “2”. The rest of my comment still stands. And I have always posted under LVS it is registered with N.I.T.
FROM NIT STAFF: Comment deemed inappropriate.
@hmm-and you need to know the rest of the conversation before making a decision on the subject. If you take specific words out of any conversation you can get a bad understanding. Especially when there is a lot of emotion.
So, you’re saying Matt is lying? I doubt that!
I didn’t say Matt was lying at all. There was a lot of emotion and sometimes you hear things differently. I was there. Were you? I think Matt was set up but not necessarily by Latham. I am not going to use the name of the person who caused the confusion but, I do know who it was and it was not Tim. I think emotion was running high and a lot of things are said that people wish they could take back. I have supported Matt for two years now and continue to do so. Although I sincerely hope Jodi Draper is my next council person. She is a class act.
I will make one more comment on this-I think people trying to make this all about Latham is nothing more that a attempt to divert attention away from the real problems. They are, the childish way Solberg acted and the disrespect she showed for Leonard and the con job that Hickey and Tornquist tried to pull on the voters. Both taking credit for something they had little if anything to do with the improvements. They are taking lessons from the mayor on mis-direction and you people are falling for it. Or else you are part of the problem.
I wouldn’t mind seeing any of the new candidates elected to office except for Matt. I think he does not have any kind of a plan for the city. His whole job would be to slow down the government and reject other peoples ideas. I do believe that he could possibly could flip flop on issues to get more support for his blog.
The only flip-floppers I see are former Bookmeyer supporters.
Matt does not have any new ideas that could help this city. All he wants is to attack others for this blog. Every forum he just piggy backed off max.
FROM NIT STAFF: Clean up your comments, please.
I was at the church meeting and ill be honest….the only person that I would vote for would be Jody. despite who her campaign mgr is….she seems to have a demeanor that will work in public office…however I would not vote for any of the other candidates…they all seem so negative and really have an ax to grind…the question that was asked of them to answer was what they would do for the north end if they got elected…I don’t think I heard any answers…they all just bashed the incumbants….we surely don’t need that attitude on our council…someone else said that if Max got elected there would be a full house at the meetings…that’s because it would be another comedy act like before…we were the laughing stock of iowa…we don’t need that again…max had a lot of good Ideas…he had them before and nothing happened…I can only assume the same this time….im voting the incumbants and don’t really care what you think…
That’s why you are voting for the incumbents…because u don’t care. You’re just like them. I, however, DO care what others think. I care what my fellow Mason Cityans think about this place we call home, where we work, raise our children, & reside. It’s those of you who don’t care about anyone else that are poisoning this community. “take no bull” or FULL of bull?
Not only are you spreading bull, you are lying and misleading people.
All of the challengers would do a great job and be fine public servants representing all the people. They are all qualified and decent human beings.
If you think holding elected office and mistreating your constituents then your a few bricks short of a full load.
No one in their right mind would vote for the incumbents to represent them.
Re: Mary Beth Greenan – a hard working, honest, reliable, straight forward, ‘knows her stuff’ campaign manager. ‘Nuf said!
…whether you will vote for the incumbents or the challengers, I urge you to vote early…and often…wait a minute this isn’t Chicago!
Or is it?
I will give Tim Latham some sound advice; “If you want to play in the big leagues, you gotta bring a bat.”
…and some balls. Real ones. I’m a woman & I guarantee you that I’m sportin’ more nads than ANY member of the Bookmeyer Posse. They’ve got a LOT of audacity…but no balls. Yeah, you’ve got the city’s back…WAYYYYY back.
Years ago Tim Latham made a giant score on a building he sold to Mercy Hospital, some say it was a million dollars. He was feeling invencible as you could imagine and then bought three or four run down buildings on the near north side cheap. This was immediatly North of Sedars dealership, across the street.
About that time the city was starting to shift West and Tim tried to stop the momentum. The home Depot was dealing on a piece of land out West and Latham brought a lawsuit to stop it. Home Depot pulled out as a result and went to Albert Lea. Whatever wealth he has is the result of very hard work, and as to his hanging with Bookmeyer, he is just trying to show others that he’s reached the promise land and is looking to benefit if he can
Harry O has a Bookmeyer sign in his yard, too, right at the corner of Monroe and 19th st.
He is just sucking up!
Harry o has never been very smart to begin with! LOL!
Someone explain this t me like im 8 years old. How can a mayor avoid and hide from the people that elect him and expect anyone to vote for him? I heard he is from Nebraska. Are cowards born and bred there?
Ok, I will then.
Go to your room!
Lived in Nebraska for 4 years! And your comment sums it up very good!
Matt got bullied into going there. Not his ward, but he manned up and went last minute to prove he would face anyone anywhere. I heard about how mean and crule Solberg was to Leonard. Matt will have people’s back that’s why I already voted for him.
I whole-heartedly agree.
Wow! How sad that every editiorial or ‘story’ on this site is biased. Say what you want about the Globe, it doesn’t read like a ranting elementary student trying to bully/mislead people to vote for who they want people to vote for. Say what you want, I’ll vote for those that present themselves in a dignified/respectful/professional manner. I wouldn’t want anyone less dignified to represent me or the City in which I live in work. I expect better behavior/conduct from my children than what some of these running for office model! It’s pitiful. Keep your head high Mayor Bookmeyer, don’t let the less dignified bring you down with their stories/rumors/lies.
I would be amused too if I was as drunk as you are. What are you smoking and where can I get some of it?
Either you are Bookmeyer or your retarded. You go on about dignity and respect, who are you trying to bullshit? Bookmeyer is drunk all over this town, takes his little kid into Tailgatters while he drinks, can’t walk his so loaded and he’s the mayor! Peddle your shit down the steet Jack.
@ Amused, you have it most awfully wrong and bass ackwards.
In case you haven’t noticed, it is Mayor Bookmeyer and the incumbents who are not acting professionally. They have destroyed their own credibility with their behaviour.
On the other side, the candidates challenging the incumbents have been very impressive in conducting themselves as ladies and gentlemen.
Regarding the Globe Gazette? The Globe has a history of attacking elected officials and candidates they don’t want in office and agree with them and their buddies.
A long history exists where the Globe Gazette has worked overtime trying to destroy the credibility of very good people. They have lied and misled the citizens of Mason City forever.
Wake up!
Tell you what WD, I made this wager with PC and almost got banned. If Max wins I will quit posting but if Eric wins , you quit posting. For 2 months so neither of us is incommunicado forever. What do you say WD?
Dignified manner? The guy you support can’t even seem to show up. THAT’s professional. I’m pretty sure that your puppeteer has realized that we’re on to him, thanks to Matt. Maybe you should come to the same realization. Honestly, I can’t understand why his supporters haven’t abandoned him by now. Looking stupid must give you some sort of wonderful high.
I was at the meeting and was sitting where I could tell Tim saying comments at Matt. I don’t no what he was saying but I no it was upsetting Matt I think it was very disrespectful.
The statement, “I will tell you that Eric Bookmeyer personally contacted more than one advertiser on North Iowa Today and asked them to suspend their advertisements on his site. Some did as the mayor asked, others called Matt and told him.”
THERE ARE LAWS AGAINST THIS. No elected official may use the power of elected office to do harm to anyone. It is called a “torturous liability.”
Someone should be contacting legal council and file an action against Bookmeyer. This is outrageous conduct for a Mayor.
I know Tim well. I would have never guessed Tim Latham as one of the elite. He always gave me the impression he was anti-establishment and wanted better for the city then what the in-crowd have done to Mason City.
After all, it was Tim Latham that was so opposed to the Wal-Mart and west side development. It got him in a lot of trouble with the in-crowd. Maybe he is trying to suck up to get in bed with the people who came down on so hard on him.
To me this meeting was a total set up to create chaos and make the challenger’s look bad. That sure back fired on them. While I have been weighing my decision on who to vote for, this sure didn’t help the incumbents, at all!
I for one will now have a cocked eye when dealing with Tim. Trust is an important issue with me and he is certainly no longer a friend of the people.
@No Longer-I was at the meeting and have talked to Tim. Do not be so quick to judge. Tim feels very bad about the whole thing but if you know the whole story you would understand it was a complete misunderstand. Two people shot off their mouths when the had no right to do it and started the whole controversy. It may have been a set up but, I don’t think it was Tim that came up with it. His name is on this thing and he just would not do anything to discredit himself. I have known him for a long time and he has always been honest with me.
THANK YOU LVS
Want a sofa? You know where to go 😉
Gotta appreciate a jerk that will stick up for one of his own, don’t ya, Latham?
Choose your friends wisely, try to be objective, and then, join us in doing what’s best for the future of MC.
I am very sorry to here that. I am sorry you belive avery thing you read here, There was no set up Just Mary Beth Greenen thinking she runs the north end partner ship and can set the rule’s. JODI IS A GREAT PERSON AND IF SHE GET’S ELECTED SHE WILL DO A FINE JOB. BUT SHE BETTER GET RID OF MARY BETH. OVER THE YEAR’S THIS HOW WE HAVE ALWAYS DONE ARE MEETING WITH THE CANDIDATES. BUT MARY BETH TOOK IT UPON HER SELF TO TELL THE WORLD HOW WE WERE GOING TO RUN ARE MEETING. RHONDA SENT OUT A PRESS RELEASE. AND MARY BETH DID NOT LIKE THE ONE SENT OUT. SO SHE TOOK IT UPON HER SELF TO SEND OUT HER VERSION AS TO HOW SHE WANTED IT. SO MARY BETH IF YOUR GOING TO THROW US UNDER THE BUS. I QUESS YOUR CALLING RHONDA TRUE AND MY SELF A LIAR.AND PETER YOR RIGHT I CAN’T WALK ON WATER. AND I WOULD MAKE A LOUSEY MAGICIAN. RHONDA AND I AND ARE SMALL GROUP WORKING HARD TO MAKE THE NORTH END A BETTER PLACE TO LIVE. I DON’T JUST SIT IN FRONT OF A COMPUTOR AND INSULT GOOD PEOPLE ALL DAY.AND MARY BETH I AM STILL WAITING FOR THE PHONE CALL. IF ANY ONE ELSE HAS AN QUESTIONS GIVE ME A CALL I WILL BE GLAD TO VIST WITH YOU 425-0363 AND IF YOUR GOING BASH ME ON HER PLEASE USE YOUR NAME SO I KNOW WHO MY REAL FRIENDS ARE.
It is a shame that you feel that way. Everything I said was the truth. We just based everything on what we were told. I am ok with the bashing. I can take it. But when u bash me u are bashing Jodi, because we both believe the same thing, as does her mother, and I think she told you that when u spoke at length about that yesterday morning. Like she said, she may no longer be angry, but she will never forget it. Ditto on that one. And, I have been working 18 hours day for a week, I will call you after 3:00. Until then, God be with you.
I just felt that I needed to speak to issue. Many things happen that are out of our control, and misunderstandings occur and sometimes hurt feelings. The one thing we all have in common is we love Mason City, and we are a great community. With that being said I feel I should share what I know about Marybeth. She is honest to a fault. We talk about things everything in this campaign and I found that she is supportive and caring and yet is not a yes person. That is why chose her for my campaign manager. I didn’t want a yes person, I wanted someone with a Moral compass who is honest and yet cared about this City. Mary Beth and I are a team, so when you hurt her, you hurt me. And, we approve each others articles, press releases, blogs and correspondence. She has worked hundreds of hours on my campaign and the counsel I have received has been right on. But most of all she cares deeply for the people of Mason City. Her record of public service to this community speaks volumes. Her passion and compassion for people with special needs cannot be judged, starting with her precious son Brent, who passed away in 2001. Let me tell you a few of the ways she has made a difference: Chair of the referendum to keep Curries in Mason City, Division Chair of the Mason City 2010 plan, Co-founding President of the Downtown Association/Main Street Mason City, Founding President of Northern Lights Homeless Shelter, named Outstanding Community Leader and North Iowa Woman of Achievement, Outstanding Professional Fund Raiser of North Iowa, graduate of the Iowa State leadership class, Chaired the first 2 successful Local Option tax votes and this is the short list.
I wanted a person who gave of themselves, had a passion to do the right thing and well for lack of a better term, put their money where their mouth is. She has been involved for years. I needed someone with a history of this great place to live. Mary Beth I would just like to say Thank you, it has been a long road. Some hard places to work through, but you are one of a kind! Thank you is just not enough but that is all I have. Also I apologize if mentioning Brent was not in the best judgment on my part, but I wanted to say as a mom to a mom you are top notch in my book.
As usual, Jodi takes the High Road. She will make a GREAT Council person. Vote for Jodi Draper.
Jodi, I would like to know if you approve of the “carpet rumor mongering” that Peter C. uses. You seem like a nice person so it is hard for me to believe you would agree with this.
If you have always been friends with Tim then you were not much of a friend. Tim Latham has done a lot of great things in this town including running various business, paying millions in wages and taxes over the years, and putting his neck out there to try and revitalize a part of Mason City he no longer lives in. He also has served the community on a number of boards and organizations including the homeless shelter, the dog park, and numerous others. Not only that he has helped a number of people out over the years both financially and in other ways.
He has looked out for the little guy his entire adult life and has made a positive difference in many peoples lives. Peter Childrens assessment of Tim putting on a magic show is pure crap…his crappy opinion because he doesn’t agree with Tim poitically he feels the need to run him down.
My question is this? What have you done for your city either recently or ever? Can any of you out there say you have done more positive things than Tim Latham? I really doubt it.
By the way ask Leonard Foster what Tim has done for him and how he has helped Leonard out over the years…I would like to hear from Leonard on this.
@will always=very good description of Tim. I have always said that it is great that we have someone like him who donates his time and money helping the North End. Both him and Rhonda get only grief when something goes wrong but very little credit when the go right. They sponser the north end clean up every year and supervise and were also very much involved in developing Monroe Park. I don’t agree with him on his choice for mayor and have told him so, but he has his reasons and we discussed that. That is O.K. with me. There is no reason to try to destroy his reputation over a misunderstanding.
@lvs…very well stated lvs. What should be talked about is his relationship with Max Weaver. Both Max and Tim like and respect each other,…they simply have different political views. Neither one takes things too personally and that just shows very good character. I am a friend of Tim’s but I am voting for Max, and you know what…that’s ok with Tim.
Peter C’s, Mary Beth Greenan, and others characterization of Tim is un founded and just mean spirited. Tim’s actions in this town are always for the good of the community, and one of the few people around that is willing to help anyone not matter what their political leanings.
First off, her name was Whitney Houston, not Whiteney. Second of all she smoked crack, died from a OD. 3rd of all she could of been a poster child for all the crack heads in the north end who are wrecking our town. Four of all I have made up my mind to vote for any person who will drive them out of here. 5th of all I am sooooo sick of these loud D boyz and their baby mamas making violence and doing drugs, they sell crack and smoke meth if a fat white girl put’s up with them. Mason could of still been a nice place, it can still be but they have to get the hell out of here, sooner is better. Okay now I got this off my chest. Thank you.
Hmmm, how can you be a friend of the people and a back Bookmeyer for Mayor.
These are two opposite concepts. Can’t have it both ways. All the good deeds in the world can be destroyed with one bad deed.
Backing Bookmeyer is a BAD Deed!
Just saying.
I voted at the courthouse. Get out and vote early & VOTE THESE BUMS OUT!!! Bookmeyer, Tornquist, Solberg and Hickey have got to GO!
If people will take the time to vote the candidates will win, but if the turnout is low they will loose. Please vote, take your friends with you.
Matt ! Are taxpayers paying 50% of Caseys wages – I know the government had a program where they would pay 50% of wages for first time employess to a business for lets say 6 months – just got to wondering? That’s about how long the majority of these people work – Watch next time – ever see the same people there for over 6 months except the Manager and they never last to get a retirement – could be wrong but 2 and 2 = 4 (sometimes)
I love the fact that tailgaters bar has vote for bookmeyer
He drinks in there, takes his kid with him.
Matt. Bookmeyer and his list of slug,yes men cronies are going to try every trick in the book to discredit you especially. They know Solberg being the complete no show she is when it comes to representing her ward is the most likely to fall. Their so obsessed with their strangle hold on the blue collar of this community nothing is off limits to their level of evil. Be smart and hang tough.
I did hear that if Max and Matt get elected, the TV broadcasts of the council meetings will be worth watching again!!
Hickey was as uncomfortable as a person could be. He wanted to be anywhere but there and it showed badly. That entire council should resign and save the city the expense of an election.
Well I don’t know where YOU were but Travis did a bang up job and out-classed everyone one of the candidetes! Best one by far who representes the WORKING MAN and EVERY part of second Ward so you need to zip it! Plus he’s a grat DAD and runs a successful multi-million business so do your homework o wait you are probaby Max.
This election was Bookmeyer’s to lose and he did it quite well.
Great article Peter. I saw you at the meeting last night but you didn’t know me. What you have written here is a very accurate account of what went on. The more I have heard today, the more I think it was a set up all the way and unfortunately, the new candidates because they are trying to talk to the people were tricked. I don’t think they would suspect anything like what happened but I bet the will next time. Vote for Max. Jodi, Leonard and Matt to put in the people who really care. As a after thought, Hickey just about made me barf. He doesn’t care a thing about the people in his ward. For four years we have never seen him at a meeting until last night. Who does he think he is kidding??
I made a mistake here. I was informed this morning that Hickey has been to several meetings over the years. It is hell to get old and forgetful.
Sorry folks-I will try to do better.
Not that long ago, I posted a comment on NIT stating that Bookmeyer would win a second term. I’m now retracting that statement. I was out with a group of friends last night (yes, some were country clubbers) and only ONE person out of the group was voting for Bookmeyer. The rest were all backing Max. And, after listening to all of them explain their reasons, I’ve decided to vote for Max also. I was already leaning that way but when I heard my friends talking about how much Max loves this city and how he’ll fight to get it back in the hands of the people who really care about our city, and not just how much money they can make off the backs of others, I made my final decision. I’m going tomorrow to vote for Max, Jodi and Leonard. We need to save our city!
You Sir obviously need to be keeping different company!
Monday night Max said, “There’s one reason why people don’t like me…..BUT, how many reasons are there why you don’t like Mayor Eric Bookmeyer.” That sunk in.
Polio. I know max and I know Matt. There good people. They will do a dang good job if they are voted in. They have my vote.
So now our rally cry for 2013? You may hate me, but you hate my opposition more?
2013 – You’ll do…I guess…whatever..
Not impressed with any of the candidates, challengers or incumbents.
then run yourself and vote for yourself
Yet another disgusting and embarrassing display of Mason City politcs. I have lived here for over forty years and I can’t remember a more dissapointing time in our Cities govt. He said she said, he did she didn’t, boo who. From what I am reading from Mary Beth Greenan’s post is this wasn’t supposed to be a forum for all candidates just the second ward ones???? Then why were the incumbents and others present? I find it very interesting that the ONE AND ONLY TIME THAT ANY OF THE INCUMBENTS DECIDE TO GO TO ANY PUBLIC “FORUM” IS THAT THEY ALL WENT TO THE SAME ONE. Did daddy Bookmeyer give them their permission slips to go? Are they not allowed to go out by themselves, do they have to stay in their “PACK or TEAM”? Seams like this was pre-planned on the “TEAMS” end. Can they not think or act on their own? They need to remember that they are here for the people and not the people being there for them. Where have they been for the last several public forums? It is time to get these freeloaders out and get someone in office that will listen and answer to all citizens and not be “YES MEN AND WOMEN” to a select few in this town.
P.S. Sorry that this is a copy of my post on the other story about this ” candidate forum”, but I thought it to be fitting on this one as well.
Simple answer, with no disrespect to Tim Latham. He and Rhonda True are the officers in the North End Partnership. Tim and Rhonda are both Bookmeyer and Hickey’s re-election committees. What was supposed to be a nice informal 2nd Ward candidate meet and greet, turned into last night’s event of the week.
I’m just trying to understand something here. If it was supposed to be an informal 2nd ward meeting, which I do believe you, then why or how was it that the “team” was able to make it? Seems suspicious to me. By the way, I have met Jodi several times since she announced that she was running and I was very impressed. Wished she was in my ward.