by NIT staff –
The recent disclosure of Mayor Eric Bookmeyer’s re-election campaign buying $3,737.00 worth of ads in the Globe-Gazette’s print and online editions overlooks a crucial fact about campaign 2013: the Globe-Gazette, MC Chamber of Commerce, and this city’s Establishment jettisoned, for the first time in recent memory, the candidate debates which have long been part of our election year activities.
The next reporting period will likely reveal even higher advertising expenditures by the Bookmeyer campaign and its team, all of whom have been given the Globe-Gazette’s Stamp of Approval.
These figures don’t include the $3,090 that Bookmeyer spent with KGLO.
As most Mason Cityans also know, the Globe-Gazette prevented candidate Matt Marquardt from even participating in its interview process, in a blatant attempt to suppress voters from obtaining information from a legitimate city council candidate.
As the old saying goes, “You just can’t make this stuff up” … and the reported records released by the Iowa Ethics and Disclosure Commission don’t lie. The same Globe-Gazette, in cahoots with the Mason City Chamber of Commerce, abruptly announced an unprecedented departure from what’s been standard operating procedure for decades in city elections. But when these folks arbitrarily chose to deny to the public these debates, and discriminated against the candidacy of a legitimate candidate for the City Council, that was bad enough.
However, when such capricious actions are taken into account with the massive advertising revenue brought their way by Bookmeyer’s campaign, it smacks of a political payoff, at best, and a personal vendetta, at worst.
It appears that The Powers That Be early on determined how they would try to control the results of this election: don’t allow any debates, haul in record amounts of ad revenue from their favored mayoral candidate, and keep voters in the dark.
Hopefully, on Tuesday, the very voters they tried to keep in the dark will let them know that they’ve seen the light.
Term limits for all politicans – too many rolls of 100 dollar bills passing hands – most of them carrry a briefcase – used to be for keeping busines records.
Matt has a bad case of little man’s disease.
I trust that there is legit proof that the Globe was “bought off” as you claim other than innuendos and half truths??
How about 3 grand worth of proof
Go to there website. He’s got a picture of him at the top of the page.Click on it and Howard does an interview with him.
See that regal looking Globe Gazette sign on that building?
It’s a sign of days gone by when newspapers used to mean something.
I really think Bookie needs to update his three D’s that he used last time around. Disgust, Distrust, and Dictatorship. There is a whole list that one could pick from but those are the ones that quickly came to mind for me.
Why not write an article about whether or not NIT is bias towards Jodi Draper or Peter L, I see just to the right of where I’m writing this they advertise with you? I guess that means you were bought out huh?
I’m sure NIT will get right on that, lol, what a genius. They teach you to be so cunning at Iowa State, what a slick willy you are! I think Matt said many times he would let Crook – er Bookmeyer write anything he wants and send it in and Matt would publish it. Bookmeyer and his cohorts are hiding from the public, especially NIT, since it punishes liars (and drunk drivers).
Kind of a mean reply to Mr. Rezab. But for the record, as I have stated numerous times, I contacted Mr. Bookmeyer over and over again seeking quotes, information, reactions to city business. I even publish the emails right here on NIT. I have also offered the mayor and all elected and non-elected officials as well as the general public, the opportunity to write op-ed’s and stories for NIT to publish. He rarely takes the opportunity to do so. The last time Mr. Bookmeyer responded to a question from NIT was months ago when he tried to explain why he pilfered stamps and invitations from City Hall.
You’re absolutely right. I was convicted of driving while intoxicated 4 and half years ago. I’m very sorry for my poor judgement that evening but I’ve paid my fines and done my time. Thank God I didn’t hurt anyone. One mistake doesn’t disqualify me from having a valid opinion. I respect most of Mr. Marquardt’s positions and understand why he is pointing things like this out, overall it’s a good thing for everyone. What I don’t respect are cowards who make personal attacks on people with the courage and integrity to voice their opinions in public without hiding behind screen names. You obviously have a problem with me, I’d be more than happy to hash it out, but I know you just like to sound tough. Go ahead and respond with your real name and come at me bro, I’m sure I can handle it.
Matt that’s a good, fair response. I really charged both Jodi and Peter very little for their ads. NIT is not about the money. It’s about a new voice in the community, for the community. That’s why I allow such a wide-ranging dialogue here. Not all of it is pretty. But, again, I would allow any of our city officials ample chance to write anything they want to be published in NIT. I encourage it. I would happily publish their words. I hope that answers your questions. Thanks Matt.
It’s one thing to allow wide-ranging political debate, but the classless attack on Mr. Rezab is across the line. If you have the courage or lack thereof to make personal attacks on people (ISU Homeroom teacher) publish the posters name. Mr. Rezab was asking a legitimate question, one that I believe Mr. marquardt answered. I’m sure Homeroom never made a mistake, oh wait we don’t know because he doesn’t have the guts to use his real name.
Mr. Rezab paid his debt to society, he screwed up and is moving on.
Personal attacks don’t move any debate forward, they just make insecure people feel better about themselves.
@Dave Dunn-Once again I must agree with your comments. It is out of line to make a personal attack on Matt Rezab. If you are going to go against all of the people in this world that have made a mistake you better have a army to back you up. Just because he had one mistake and paid his fines and learned from it is no reason to come down on the guy years later. It was a very good response by Matt Marquardt too.
Anyone who drives drunk has just plain bad judgement. I mean, it is like pointing a loaded gun into a crowd and praying that you dont hit anyone. What’s your opinion on that, Matt Rehab?
Thanks Peter, I’ve always wanted a nickname. How about we start calling you Peter the Presumptive since you presume to know my thoughts and can put words into my mouth.
I really believe that Drunkmeyer will do anything to protect his power. This does not surprise me in the least. I would be surprised if he didn’t do something like this. Vote them out.
Welcome to the oligarchy folks.
I really can’t believe anyone is surprised that this type of thing goes on in Mason City. It has always been this way and there’s little hope of it changing anytime soon. Realistically, there is a generation that will have to die off for things to change even in the least. It’s sad, but true.