MASON CITY – NIT has received word that Mayor Eric Bookmeyer is ousting a long-time volunteer who has served on the Mason City Airport Board for decades, and word on the street is his decision smacks of political payback and his on-going issue with older persons.
A source has described a developing situation where Bookmeyer has informed Joni Dunn that she will not be re-appointed to the Airport Commission in part because he was not given enough power in decisions the board is considering. The source tells NIT that the mayor wants “fresh perspectives” on the board. Dunn is an elderly woman who has served on the board for decades. In Bookmeyer’s first term in office, he told a Mason City woman who was in her 50’s that he prefers younger people with fresh ideas to be appointed to boards. He then informed her that he would not re-appoint her to a city board. Bookmeyer is currently battling a lawsuit which, among other accusations, involves age discrimination.
(luther.edu)
Dunn is set to be replaced by Marti Rodamaker, President of First Citizens Bank. Rodamaker – about age 51 – is much younger than Dunn, who is in her mid-70’s, sources tell NIT.
Rodamaker donated $250 to Eric Bookmeyer’s election campaign in 2009 and $500 in 2013 to help him get re-elected. She graduated from the same college as Bookmeyer – Luther College in Decorah – in 1984. Bookmeyer held his re-election campaign bank account in her bank – where her father, O. Jay Tomson, is CEO. He also contributed financially to Bookmeyer’s campaign to the tune of $500 in 2013. Both were on Bookmeyer’s 2013 re-election “exploratory committee”. At any given time, their bank may hold millions of dollars for the city of Mason City, the finance department has told NIT.
Dunn’s term expires in November, the city’s website shows. Rodamaker would face council approval.
15 thoughts on “Money, age may be reasons Bookmeyer is ousting elderly Airport Commissioner”
so sad
They ought to throw Bookmeyer to the dogs. He’s a waste of TAX payer’s money. And Rodamaker should decline the offer. Sure am glad I don’t bank there and never would.
@Sharon-I don’t bank there either but have been thinking about changing banks. Now that I know who she hangs with I sure will not go there.
It would be great if he would put at least this much effort into bringing some REAL jobs to Mason City maybe ones that pay enough to raise a family on.Not the jobs people need to work ungodly hours just to get by.But this guy has been silverspoon feed what can you expect.Too young too have ALL the answers.His answer is 9$ hour jobs all that does is show we have cheap labor.And that is what he think of us.
How in the hell is it the Mayor’s job to “bring jobs to MC”? I wish people would get off that track. It’s ridiculous line of thinking. Jobs in America are created when people get off their duffs and think of something creative and necessary to do, be it service or commodity, then go to it and make it grow. I’m building a new innovative home never before seen in Iowa, with my own hands and money. If it pans out, I’ll offer my services to the public. That’s how jobs are created.
I would imagine that calling Joni Dunn an “elderly woman” really endeared NIT to her.
Agree, but at least NIT prints the truth about all the corruption in our city.
NIT respects older folks. According to the government, we can all start to retire in our mid to late 60’s. Mrs. Dunn has 10 years on that. It’s simply a fact, not an admonishment. She should be respected for her service to the community and for the knowledge she has accumulated over the years.
That’s right staying true to himself and all the fakes and followers aboard.
Poor lady what was his lie to her as to why?
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I hope I live long enough to see him that age or be finally taken down. Both will happen and he doesn’t even get it.
I know his followers have GOT to drop their own jaws SOMETIMES! Course cold blooded is cold blooded. Good God this guy is redonk!
I’ve known Joni for years. She’s had her pilot’s license for decades and is not only a very capable pilot, she’s also an excellent board member. This stinks to high heaven!
I did NOT vote for Bookmeyer, so I did my part to keep this power hungry, worthless human being out of the mayor’s office. The rest of you should hang your heads.
I like Marti, she is married to my cousin Billy. OUr mothers were first cousins. It is payback for helping him get elected. It is Republican politics at its best. And, John Skipper says that local government isn’t partisan. Where has he been? Nothing has gone on since the ” Dream Team” has been elected that hasn’t involved payback or preference for a Republican with influence and affluence.
And-THIS IS OFF THE RECORD FOR JOHN SKIPPER. DO NOT QUOTE ME AGAIN WITHOUT PERMISSION.
Sure sounds like a political payback to me. Of course Bookie is a power hungry freak and she spoke out against him. That is all it takes for the guy to dump her. when is this city going to wake up and impeach the A-H##E jerk?
I heard about this on KLSS this morning. According to Dunn Bookmeyer never attended the board meetings. So why does Bookmeyer expect to have any involvement in decisions if he never attended.
What an idiot he is!
What does that clown bi**h know about airports?
I am talking about you Bookie what do you know about running an airport.