By Matt Marquardt –
The state of Iowa’s largest and most-respected newspaper has exposed even more sinister and diabolical shenanigans by Mason City Mayor Eric Bookmeyer and revealed the depth of his bullying ways.
Many in the community are still processing this information written by the esteemed reporter Rekha Basu. I was happy to assist in the creation of this masterpiece Rekha wrote. I made sure she understood that Alex Kuhn was not the only victim of Eric Bookmeyer’s in this town. Alex and I spoke regularly on the phone; we didn’t always agree and we butted heads a few times, but we had some things in common and got along well. I still have the last phone message he left for me, saved on my phone just a few weeks before he passed away. One thing we had in common is a nemesis named Eric Bookmeyer – a man who evidently will stop at nothing to get his way, and when he doesn’t, he will make you pay, many times using the most cowardly, vile tactics he can dream up.
What is clear from Ms. Basu’s article is that Eric Bookmeyer is a man with way too much time on his hands, and as the Bible says, idle hands do the devil’s work. And do the devil’s work, Eric Bookmeyer clearly did, and with vigor. Those of us in this small community who opposed his ideas, methods, whatever, found out that this man will get you. Here is a tiny sampling of Eric’s work:
Eric’s attacks against me began within 2 weeks of the launch of this site (October of 2010) and never stopped. Empowered by his influential cronies in the Chamber, the Country Club, the Globe Gazette, and city hall, Eric did his worst to drive me out of business. Those who know me understand what this guy did, how he did it, over the weeks, months and years this site has been in existence. Only now, as I sit in my brand new headquarters and sift through these paragraphs constructed in Des Moines is it clear this man is pretty much powerless to bring me down. He is a minuscule, tiny little tyrant whose time in office won’t end soon enough.
In the story, it was written “The mayor bullied Alex relentlessly.” Eric Bookmeyer tried this with me, but for much longer. Difference is, I can take a punch (or ten dozen). Then, I hit back – again, and again, and again. He called me relentless. He now knows that first hand.
The blame shouldn’t stop with Eric Bookmeyer.
If you supported Eric Bookmeyer at anytime in the past, surely by now after the bombshell story in today’s Des Moines Register, you are feeling downright dirty? Maybe you even feel delusional? Did you write this man a check? Did you support his campaigns? Maybe you even helped smear and bully some of his opponents over the years? Did you besmirch your property with his campaign sign?
These people helped Eric Bookmeyer get elected in 2013.
These are the people who have contributed financially to Eric Bookmeyer: Mayor Eric Bookmeyer’s full list of campaign contributions received and also here.
As John F. Kennedy said, “Forgive your enemies, but never forget their names.”
All this being said, these dark days are now in the past. As we move forward, it’s clear Eric Bookmeyer will go down in infamy in Mason City history. His legacy will be one of a bully – possibly a deranged lunatic put in power by greedy small business owners, landlords, drunks and crackpot opinion writers at the Globe Gazette who might be members of the shady local Chamber of Commerce, the Country Club, the “circles of influence” the mayor brags about infiltrating. He will be a punchline for years and years to come.
The past is the past, and now is now. And now, Eric Bookmeyer should resign immediately. Of course he won’t; we know this. In Ms. Basu’s story he says “we were all bullied” as if HE is a victim.
Write your council persons. Demand they take action. Heck, write to the mayor at mayor@masoncity.net and demand this creep leave office – now. You can still make a difference.
68 thoughts on “Opinion: Des Moines Register exposes depths of diabolical tactics from Eric Bookmeyer”
Jesus Marquart, you are out of your mind! This is the biggest piece of trash fiction I have seen from you and there have been many. You are a jackass and the whole town is laughing at you. You give yourself far too much credit and things you say were in the DM article were not there!!
You only influence your merry band of misfits, ie Peter Children and a couple others, the rest of us are reviled at your antics. Go get a real job and leave running the city to the adults. Idiot.
Your criticism of Matt lacks merit. And this of poor leadership runs a lot deeper than the tragedy of Alex Kuhn. Find the article Matt posted a few months ago regarding the potential cover-up of leads in Jodi Huisentruit’s disappearance.
Bookmeyer and his gangsters are “DEFLECTING” the truth that has been written here.They can’t take it.
Don’t turn this into a “Todd Blodgett” tribute. It isn’t about him./
Agreed. I notice that Peter Children is also jockeying for self appointed Sainthood.
I have read this in the Register, it is good. I would even say it is an eye opener. About choked on my coffee tho to see Alex Kuhn was good friends with Todd Blodgett. Of all people, really? Anybody know how this came about? That is about the last person I would have ever thought Mr K would even know, let alone befriend. Can somebody please fill me in on the pieces of this puzzle?
Because Blodgett is a fake. Its true. He has help the Dems, him and his daddy they got Urdahl in, they help Dougherty get elected, raised money for Kuhn, ect, Todd is not a real conservetive, I do know. He has fooled alot of people not me, not the wife neither. He dont even have a problem with blacks that hook’s up with whites. He said this to me when I tried to help him see the light. I think he must of smoked to much crack back in the day. It must of made his brain shrivvel up to libtard way’s. This is how it is curious.
Todd Blodgett has many friends. People would be surprised. He very much has his views as a Republican, but he is more than defined by that word. He is a person that many have found to be a great friend. Regardless of your party line Todd sees a person, not your registration on a voter card. Todd just has no need to share his personal life with the world, just his views on politics.
@ Democrat … your right. I am a Democrat have been one all my life, will be a Democrat till the day I die, Union. But Todd has been my friend since 1970. That was when we moved here to Mason. Me and Todd, we went to the same school since about grade 3, this was at Roosevelt. He is a year ahead of me. He would fight at the drop of a hat. If his friends was in trouble with some bullies, Todd he would jump right in. You never seen nobody could make teachers look stupid like he could. This did get him sent off to the principle lot’s of times, he some times had to be drug there by the teachers, he would fight them to, LOL. Lots of bullies back then at Roosevelt. Todd, he lost as many fights as he won, maybe lost more then he won. The man just don’t know fear, never did. And I will say there is nobody more loyal to their friends then Todd is. You got it right.
@ alum, my mom went to MCHS with Mr. Blodgett, she told me he picked a fight with the football coach and the man was big. So this coach he got so pissed at Todd he picked him up threw him in one of the big trash cans. This was I think in the commons or the lunch room. My mom saw it happen for real. I am not making this up, she told this to me. LOL
I am somewhat relieved, you know when the bad guys get caught feeling. And they did.
I know all of this is true about Bookmeyer and counsel, and the assorted arrogant 1500 residents who think they are right and the best. They look down on every one who is not like them, or when some one tells them how it really is and or the truth. Aghast with horror that someone could really say it to them. Truth hurts this crowd.
But WOW even some of them have to shake their heads of what has happened around here far too long. Especially going to a funeral when asked not to by the parents! Unbelievable. Guilt must do that.
I’m going to go ahead and say to the 1500 give or take , shameless
People around town now’s the time to shape up, man up, and get decent again, if not for yourselves but maybe for Alex’s family.
Hmmm.. Empires DO FALL!
Bless the Kuhn family in many ways. Thank you for speaking out.
The much appreciated reporter Basu for exposing the unforgivable acts of Mayor Bookmeyer and the things said by councilman Hickey and Solberg and various other town people.
I cannot believe Mr. Bookmeyer said “we were all bullied”!!
Insane. He at least agrees bullying was true and happened. So he does know deep down what happened.
I don’t care to wish the bullies in this true crime story good luck because you are going to need it.
Don’t believe the bullshit that Marquart is pedaling to you. Bashu’s article was wrong on some accounts.
How do ya like em now? Elected officials and “the list” !
Assholes of the century.
And you thought Weaver was the bad guy…think again. We may have a chance healing with him and bring back dedication to this town and we the people, and throw in some fun.
Weaver was the worst thing that ever happened to this city, he will never be elected again.
These are the facts period.All of them. Hickey, Solberg shame on you too. Let’s not forget Skipper supporting all of them for years lying and twisting the truth. Even today, he can’t admit any of it.
Poor Mr and Mrs Kuhn.
Our city should not allow these people representing anything for one more minute. They can’t see it though.Denial is the correct position they are in.
The names given are in the same arena period.
Remember all this info and WHO is just like the Mayor, Hickey, Solberg, Skipper in this town. Then say get out!
Opposition to a pork plant is understandable. Storm Lake used to be nice before the packing plant. Marshalltown has become a meth capital. Recent bust for meth netted illegals building up a deadly arsenal of weapons. Read more here: https://www.stormfront.org/forum/t1198938-5/?postcount=46#post14007957
Ummmmmm?!?!?! I’m not sure I’m catching your point. Mason City used to be nice. Have you looked at the town lately? It’s a complete S-hole with severe poverty issues, plenty of drug problems, and a endless supply of derelict buildings.
Publishing the names of those who contributed to Bookmeyer’s election is painting a target on their backs. Does contributing to an election mean the contributor knows every dirty deed by candidiate? Obviously no. But here they are found guilty by association. Are the contributors to Hillary’s election guilty of selling uranium to Russia?
https://iowacoldcases.org/case-summaries/adam-lack/
Anything from the rabid DesMoines Register must be examined carefully and confirmed from other sources. The boot licking start of article made me sick. Remember that DMR published a piece calling for murder of NRA members and torture of elected officials. It published a map of Iowa schools without security, right after another school shooting. More than irrisponsible, it begged for another shooting thanks to that published information.
You can read the call for murder and torture written by Donald Kaul and published by the DesMoines Register here: http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2013/01/02/liberal-ex-columnist-death-threats-published-in-des-moines-register.html
How do these guts keep getting elected????? Bookmeyer twice???
Get out an vote people!!!
12% voter turnout… Gee, you got what you got….
Want to read a diabolical story with publi officials involved just a few miles away ? Google – Adam Lack -Iowa cold cases – true and what can happen when you fight for right .
Well it’s time the voters of Mason City get together and get rid of all the excess fat in that farrowing place they call city hall. Let’s quit talking and put our votes to proper use. I firmly believe Boozemeyer,big belly Trout, cry baby ,fed ex man, that fugly insurance lady should all be ousted, Let’s start our clean up of our town in that farrowing unit up town!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Eric denial bookmeyer. We knew it then we know it now.GUILTY!
People have tried to school you all about this freak, but noooo you couldn’t believe it and your hand was waiting for him to bring you in to the den of money, cheating, drinking, lying to get one minute of power so you thought. Matt is right all of you that put one minute of time and effort for this guy are responsible for many demises around here. Eric Denial Bookmeyer knows it too. Why he’s out for next time.
Well it’s OUT now….for anyone else in denial. The town knows, the State knows about shameful Denial Bookmeyer. Word on the street is Lifetime movie network is planning a movie all about this bully. Then the whole Country will know.
Not how you wanted to go down is it ya creep!!
Get you head out of your ***. You don’t know what you are talking about.
This town in the joke of the state, but not because of the current mayor or city council, but because of idiots like you and Marquart who don’t want to see this town progress and grow at all. Wake the hell up.
I heard that Travis was a bully in high school also and he is in his adult life as well.
I have never experienced him being a bully, but I do know first hand that, Hickey, is a giant douche bag.
Whenever a person commits suicide there are there are persons like Jodi Draper that say “what could i have done differently”. and there are others that point fingers and say”they are to blame” Was Alex bullied? Was Alex pressured to vote one way? Alex had demons that most people couldn’t see. When one gets into politics they know that half the people are going to agree and half are going to disagree.
It seems to me that there were things that could have been handled differently and knowing what we do now they would have ,but to totally blame one person is simplifying the tragedy.
I am no Bookmeyer fan and have challenged him on many issues.
But the animus and vitriol expressed by many who have commented here is no better than the behavior shown by the mayor. Alex death was a tragedy. You finger pointers who are without sin throw the first stone.
Ditto, but if any of which is true, the mayor should resign now, hang his head in shame, and ask for forgiveness. I know I would.
Amen. That would be the honorable and appropriate thing to do; personally, professionally and to begin the process of corporate healing for the whole city.
Instead, he whines, “We were all bullied.”
Understood. Some people make poor decisions, we the people are called to a higher standard.
At one time I was in the anti North Iowa Today camp.think that this site had the protional to do someone great harm. And even.through I don’t agree with many of the national political views and I wish they would check their sources with three independent sources before writing and News articles (not the opinion articles, I believe everyone has the write to public their opinion if they do d a form willing to do so, just out your name in it and be.Proud of it).
BUT I have done almost (not quite) a complete flip flop. And think this site is actually good for the area.) And is way ahead of the old man newspapers and the HORRIBLE TV station that will not say anything bad against anyone in the local government. With that said I do wish they site would publish the questionable behavior of the very few not so good police officers to try and bring down the unspoken wall blue wall of silence. But maybe baby steps, limit people and limited resources can only fight to try and slay one dragon at a time.
I can’t say I apologise for some of my critical comments in the past, but I will say thank you for grinding and working hard daily to eventually change my mind about you. Always question people with power, always and to the people please don’t believe things just because someone wrote them, think for yourself and do your own research. News articles are a great starting point but not the final be all end all, make your own decisions and don’t be blindly led like lemmings to a death.
Sorry I didn’t proof read, my statement is a little rough but if you slow down I think most people will be the meaning, I wish people could edit there own comments.
Identity – The Bully
They all try to look the same,
All try to give themselves a name.
Pick on the boy who is all alone
Just because his identity is his own
What has this world come to?
All this wrong that people do,
Just for the image they want to show.
Down the evil path they seem to go.
The next person you go to hurt
Or try to make feel like dirt,
Instead of trying to look cool
Feel for the guy you make look a fool.
A cool identity isn’t a need.
Let those you bully be freed.
Your identity should be your own.
A better person you will be known.
Hey Matt! Wish you would follow up on that story a few years back when that farmer died after being harassed by the dnr/coroporate farm ? But the stalking of him could have been made into a Movie.. Remember certain people wanted to dig a manure management channel thru his property and he fought it BUT DIED. Sounded to me like the county mafia was at work again. This happened in Mitchell county I believe by Otranto ? Thanks !
Why has it taken so many of you nearly 8 years to realize that Bookmeyer is a narcissist of the highest order? For those who are not familiar with that term, “narcissism” comes from the Greek myth in which a handsome young man named Narcissus sees his reflection in a pool of water and falls in love with it, not aware that it is his own image. Sound familiar? People with this condition are frequently described as arrogant, self-centered, manipulative, and demanding. According to Mayo Clinic “Narcissistic personality disorder is a personality disorder in which the individual is overly preoccupied with vanity, prestige, power and lacks empathy, and has an exaggerated sense of superiority.” Bookmeyer’s cockiness, manipulativeness, and egotism in 8 years has been glaring, and anyone who interacted with him had to realize he has an inflated sense of his own importance. The Register article proves that Bookmeyer treated Alex Kuhn like an outcast after Alex voted “no” on the Prestage plant. And to top-off his disdain for Alex, Bookmeyer brazenly showed up at his funeral knowing full well he wasn’t welcome! His lack of shame for how he hit back at Alex for holding his ground on Prestage, clearly demonstrates that Bookmeyer is unfit to remain in office.
I am one that can contest how evil the Globe Gazette is. I worked there off and on for eight years total, and let me tell you, the one lesson I learned from that place is Don’t cross the beautiful people who sit in the office. They acted like we were the scum from their boots, I was a press operator, I ran the hunk of junk KBA press they had before the “new” rofl, offset press came in. I busted my hump day in and day out to try to get a good looking paper out the door, and the press department were often blamed for the mistakes that came up front, scheduling, layout issues, the list goes on and on.. ONE time I decided to stick up for myself, You know when you work really hard for a company and they treat you like garbage because of it? That was me, I stuck up for myself ONE time..ONCE mind you, and was fired while on vacation for it. They are a bunch of cowards who cannot, adapt with the changing climate. And heaven forbid they are wrong, or proven wrong. They also paid a fraction to their press operators as compared to any other printing place in Iowa, and I actually think they pay the lowest out of all. two years after I was let go, they fired all of their experienced operators, over 15 years of combines experience, only to hire eight dollar an hour guys off the street to do it.. THEY HAVE NO CLUE HOW MUCH SKILL IS REQUIRED TO RUN A PRINTING PRESS NOR DO THEY CARE TO UNDERSTAND. I look at the Globe Gazette today and laugh.. It’s literally a high school newspaper to me. And I can’t wait for the day they close their doors for good.
I’m sorry that happened to you. As a former employee of the Globe, I can attest, they do not treat their employees well at all. I would advise anyone working there to quit as soon as possible and find better, stable employment. The place is clearly going out of business. Seriously, quit before they hire Eric Bookmeyer or something awful like that.
For decades and beyond the Mason City Globe Gazette played the part of the power broker in North Iowa, but more in particular Mason city itself. This newspaper had absolutely no competition in the market, they were the only show as to getting elected or losing the race for local politicians. They openly picked the candidate they thought should fill the post….and more often than not, that person won.
Until that day a young man, Matt Marquart sat in front of his computer and gave birth to North Iowa Today; a news publication that would bring with it a fresh breath of spring air, and a alternate platform with almost no barriers prohibiting you a platform where you could air your grievances ,a place where there was no limit as to the number words you could use when you were trying to explain yourself to the public. You didn’t have to wait three weeks to write a second time and you didn’t need to worry about Matt editing your your opinion. North Iowa Today change the landscape, almost overnight it was this upstart news source that was calling the shots.
It wasn’t long before more people were reading NIT than the Globe had subscribers and the local powerbase changed hands.
Naturally to politicians of Bookmeyer’s ilk, NIT was a thorn in their side because they served only the truth or did their best to meet that criteria. The truth was never invited to clandestine closed door meeting favored by the Bookmeyer administration.
Isn’t it strange that there isn’t a word about this in the Sunday Glob. I guess they think by ignoring it they can make it go away. Won’t happen.
My sources tell me the Globe is furious about the story – so furious they have been “mean tweeting” the DM Register since the story was published. You can sense the anger, frustration and desperation at the Globe these days as it struggles not just to keep the lights on but to stay relevant in any way shape or form.
It looks like you are a bully matt. keep stirring the pot till it bites you in the ass
In addition to the tragic situation with Alex, the Mayor has a proven history of brushing serious issues under the rug — IE his indifference and unwillingness to ensure long neglected leads in the Jodi Huisentruit case are explored. https://northiowatoday.wpcomstaging.com/2016/12/30/retiring-state-representative-says-bookmeyer-other-mason-city-officials-stonewalled-him-in-huisentruit-investigation/
Matt, the Globe did respond by posting Skipper’s last year article on Alex’s “depression” suicide.
Saw that, NO CLASS! I too worked at the Globe… low pay, no respect and very clickey. I see no doubt that the pressure put on Alex by Bookmeyer, Hickey and others led, in large part, to his suicide. They should be ashamed.
Reading your post, I’m Assuming that by the “and others” part of your statement you are referring to those clowns from People vs. Prestage who constantly posted on their facebook page to “keep the pressure on the council members”. to name a few members from that facebook group that posted such statements would be chris peterson, tom willitt, bobby wolfram, phil sanchez and others can also be blamed for this tragic event. So you should be informed that bothsides of the issue should share in the responsibility of putting a person in such a predicament to choose death over life.
Mr Foster I know you and Mr Alex Kuhn was friends, sir, I voted for him two times. He was a good man. Seen in the story today it said Todd Blodgett and him was good friends to, it about made me fall of my chair. Your thinking on this sir? I mean how did that ever come to be, was not happy to read this part of the story. The Republican’s, they wreck this town bad.
@ real, what does it make any diffrence, on somebody that is democrat be friend’s with somebody that is republican. Your not the expert are you. Alex, he knew lot’s of people, ok he was good friend’s with Todd Blodgett. I did not know Mr. Kuhn, but would of like to. I do know Todd. Because he is in my group here in Mason, many years. You see I am a gratetful recovering meth addict. You people on here you call him republitarded what not, he is one of the nicest people. Smart to, very smart. I bet you Alex liked him is on count of Todd just being a good man. Pray for Alex, his soul is at rest now. Stop stirring the pot. No politics, this if life people. Be nice people, this means to the dead and the living.
Once more North Iowa Today has stripped the bark from the tree. This community is lucky to have such a publication, to allow us
an alternate place to go to not only to read the news but also to express our own personal feelings as to what is right and what is wrong in the community we all live in……or once did.
When I think of Eric Bookmyer the famous quotation comes to mind; it goes something like this, Bad politicians are elected by good people who do not vote. Never forget the most powerful tool and the most precious right bestowed upon us as Americans is our ability to govern ourselves. And that starts at the voting booth, when you go there to cast your vote It’s free, no one’s going to ask you to pay.
So what makes America so special? Part of that answer is freedom of expression, freedom to speak your mind without fear of repercussion. Here we have laws that protect us against the likes of Bookmeyer people like him actually have no power regardless of the office they may have been elected to because in the end they must adhere to our laws. Covert meetings held behind closed doors, is a big no-no. First thing he attempted to do upon his first term was to,do away with the public forum. That by itself should’ve told everyone living here he really didn’t care what you might have to say, he wasn’t interested. Next attack was on the office of human rights and then IN his persistence to get the doors closed he had to load the Board of Directors with people who would do his bidding; eventually he succeeded but in doing so our insurance carrier had to pay out a quarter of $1 million to satisfy this egomaniacal misfit.
Let’s start a measure in this community to rename the Mason city room at the library in honor of Alex Kuhn….and let’s get it done while BOOKMEYER is still the mayor!
let’s start doing something that could make us all feel good.
Peter Children
I do not wish for the Mayor to be bullied, I do however wish for the term accountability to be evaluated in his dealings with others. I do wish that he would resign. I would hope that he has learned some life changing tactics in how to communicate with others who disagree with you, be passionate, be engaged, be respectful, do not be degrading, intimidating, hurtful..or threatening. Mr Tournquist, thank you for speaking your truth. I am sorry you had to leave town to be able to live. But glad you reconciled a plan that allowed you to put your emotional welfare above the Mayors tactics and personal agenda.
@ Union, your dead on, I have know Todd since MCHS. Yes he is very true. I do not go for his Republitard politics, but he has always been honest to me, nice to, I know he has told the truth to the register lady.
It is my hope the Register article serves as yet another reminder that our words have consequences. Republican, Democrat, Liberal, Conservative-they are just labels. As one who has been guilty of speaking before thinking in the past, I include myself in this. My prayers go out to the Kuhn family for healing, comfort and peace.
This is certainly an implication of the participation by Bookmeyer causing Alex to do what he did. Bookmeyer should resign. Interesting what former councilman Scott T. said to reinforce these facts. Hickey was also part of the problem as well. This death didn’t need to happen and should have been brought to the surface long ago.
I seen this story, hits hard, it is the whole truth, we did not get this from the Globb. Seen what Todd Blodgett said to, he did not pull no punches. Now he might of got on the wrong side of Booky. I he bet might go after Blodgett now, to revenge what he told, to the Register.
@ Lehigh, I am no fan of Mr. Blodgett’s far right, Republitard politics, but there is no basis for your worries. Toddy boy can take care of himself.
@ stone, was suprise to see Todd say his piece on this, him and Bookmeyer are friend’s I thought. We seen on here Blodgett is the one hooked Booky up with Stevie Minert, they line up all that city money for the Harley. Our tax money it was. That dirty deal got done out to the country club, it said. Did Eric and Todd have a fall-out, or what.
@ Goodyear, I do not know if the mayor and Todd Blodgett had a falling out, but if they did, it would come as a surprise to me. When I have seen them together, which is at the Quarry, and the Prime and Wine, they are very friendly. If you want my opinion, I would say Mr. Blodgett told the Register exactly what he believes occurred. Blodgett speaks his mind and does not seem to fear any repercussions.
@ JD, I say your right. Never agree with Blodgett and his right wing nut case crap the Globe prints, but he is a honest man. Alot of people I know, they knowTodd. They all say the same thing about him. Toddy Boy might be cray-cray, but he don’t lie. Good on him for talking to this girl for this story.
Most shocking.. The Mayor was told to not attend the funeral per the family request. HE DID ANYWAY. PUTTING HIS NEEDS AHEAD OF A GRIEVING FATHER AND MOTHER. Who would do that? Only a person who cant place anyone else’s feelings above their own agenda. That is exactly how he had been as a Mayor. PLEASE RESIGN.
He won’t leave. Bully’s don’t care what anyone thinks or does. Their ego won’t let them. If he bullied Alex like that to get his way what tricks do you think he pulled to get his hotel? VOTE NO for Alex.
i thought the register was a liberal rag? Its all fake news.
Pretty much fake news. The DM Reg is one of the most liberal papers still in existence. And the article in written about Mason City is not the hit piece Marquart would have all believe. He is appropriating to build up his own ego and rally his band of fools.