Opinion by Matt Marquardt –
I’ve really tried to lay off Mayor Eric Bookmeyer, for some time now. He’s mostly stayed out of the bars (at least here in town), he hasn’t sent anyone to try to beat me up lately, and for the most part – miraculously – he has avoided making a complete ass of himself, somehow, for awhile. So I gave him a pass.
But there’s this nagging rumor that just won’t go away, and it’s got me worried.
As a little background, I’ve already made it clear that Eric is the self-serving type. His wife and the people of Mason City line his pockets; I got zero respect for that. As mayor for 6+ years, despite his best efforts of intentionally using his office to meet and befriend anyone who he thinks might hire him, Eric is jobless. No one seems to want to give this man a job. And believe me, some of his closest buddies have told me he wants a job, his wife is actually demanding he gets a job. See, people talk to me about Eric; he would be petrified if he knew the things I have been told, and this is one of them. Our mayor has a few secrets.
One secret that is getting out is that Eric wants Brent Trout’s job. This rumor has been circulating for some time. Now that it’s been brought up to me yet again, I have to say, this worries me. Like I said, Eric is not qualified to be the dog catcher let alone city administrator, and I definitely do not want to pay him a bigger salary than I already do.
Apparently, I am told, Eric and Mr. Trout are no longer good friends. I’m told that the days of Mr. Trout intervening to protect Eric are all over. The next time Eric is frightened (and I’m guessing that’s often; he looks soft and weak), he’ll have to find someone else to save him.
My sources tell me Eric is gunning for the job of interim city administrator; he wants Mr. Trout out. Eric once again trying to set all the wheels in motion so in a sleazy, back-door kinda way, he’ll get what he wants. Spoiled brats do that when they can’t win fair and square.
What exactly happened between these two former-good-buddies is not exactly known, but it’s pretty much over. Sources are telling me that Eric is attempting again to stock our city council with zombies who will do Eric’s bidding (what a sad existence that must be). The evidence is in the candidacy of Brett Schoneman, a totally unqualified individual who happens to be Eric’s little pal. He can’t pay his taxes on time and he can’t be on time for an airport board meeting. But Eric wants him on the council so Eric won’t have to debate anything.
Now, I am reaching out to some council members to try and find out what’s what here. I really hope Alex Kuhn, John Lee, Bill Schickel and even Travis Hickey are not a part of this and won’t stand for it. I have built some respect for Mr. Kuhn, for example. I think he is trying hard and despite a few concerns (look at his election committee, that would make anyone cringe) I am giving him the benefit of the doubt. But if this council were to find itself letting Mr. Trout go in favor of Eric, I would lose all faith not only in him but the rest of the council. I feel there would be a major backlash in the community against them.
There is far, far too much resume-building going on in this town as it is with these chamber cronies who run and govern this town (you know the list); giving Eric this notch on his would be despicable. Please, city council, do not do something stupid.
