Editorial by Matt Marquardt –
I understand that Mayor Eric Bookmeyer questioned my character this morning on a radio talk show.
I was called this morning by several sources – including Globe Gazette reporter John Skipper – who explained to me what Mr. Bookmeyer said, which was broadcast to the people of North Iowa. During my busy work day, I did take time to listen to this program and Mr. Bookmeyer’s remarks about me and other candiates.
These were among the statements Mayor Eric Bookmeyer made regarding me – which he generally stated as fact, not opinion – on KGLO news:
– “He’s a real wolf in sheep’s clothing.”
– “He’s a Max Weaver on steroids.”
– “Matt doesn’t like and consistently misrepresents and in many cases slanders a lot of the members of council, myself, I mean, this is a guy who wants Brent Trout fired and a lot of our employees.”
– “He relentlessly goes after Cerro Gordo County Board of Supervisors, our School Board, NIACC Board, EDC, Chamber of Commerce. Who am I leaving out? Visit Mason City.”
– “He’s kind of moving like a virus you know into other communities like Charles City and Clear Lake.”
– “Pretty eratic behavior.”
– “You know, we’ve learned that he hasn’t even left a job amicably in his career.”
– “He’s preying on seniors in his ward.”
– “He presents himself as a family man who wants a better Mason City. Both couldn’t be further from the truth.”
– “He’s a real wolf in sheep’s clothing.” (again)
– “He put a column up that publicly advocated … you know my wife is a physician and should bring a syringe home, and while I was sleeping, pump air into my veins and assassinate me in my sleep because he supports things that I don’t.”
– “Put it plainly, the guy is an a-moral bully who idolizes, you know, Councilman Weaver.”
———-
My response:
I hereby challenge the mayor and my fourth ward opponent Janet Solberg to a public debate. I propose that this debate take place in an easily-accessible public location and that we stand before the people of Mason City and take their questions. Let’s get to the truth.
I will be very happy to address Mr. Bookmeyer on each of the assertions he pointed at me this morning. I would hope as an elected public official, he, in turn, would stand up, be a man, and answer my questions and points.
After Mr. Skipper from the Globe Gazette called my phone this morning and asked for my reaction, I emailed the following response:
from: Matt Marquardt <northiowatoday@gmail.com>
to: John Skipper <John.Skipper@globegazette.com>
cc: mayor@masoncity.net,
Brent Trout <btrout@masoncity.net>,
tornquistatlarge@masoncity.net,
kuhnatlarge@masoncity.net,
Council Member John Lee <WardOne@masoncity.net>,
hickeywardtwo@masoncity.net,
wardthree@masoncity.net,
wardfour@masoncity.net
date: Wed, Oct 2, 2013 at 10:56 AM
subject: My response to Mayor Eric Bookmeyer’s challenge of my character and reputation
For publication in the Globe Gazette as requested by John Skipper:
“I understand that Mayor Eric Bookmeyer questioned my character this morning on a radio talk show.
I hereby challenge the mayor and my fourth ward opponent Janet Solberg to a public debate. I propose that this debate take place in an easily-accessible public location and that we stand before the people of Mason City and take their questions. Let’s get to the truth.”
-Matt Marquardt
Hey, Matt were did Jody @ Kelly stories and photos go? Not everyone likes to read politics every single day. I use to enjoy reading NIT.
Will Robin Anderson be coming in to decorate the debate stage? Seems like a proper function for her skills.
I hope we have debates. I would like to hear the vision each one has for the future
Disgusted with all the antics. let’s get back on track. Just tell us what you want to accomplish and how you propose to accomplish that and why it needs to be done. Where’s the beef. All we are getting is the crap.
There were some FCC violations with this interview. Bob Fisher needs to be gone from his position. Someone that’s been in media for the length of time he has been, he should know the rules and regulations. And him along with Bookmeyer broke a few of those regulations. Shame on KGLO for now reprimanding him and firing him!
*not
If you know so much about the FCC regulations, why not tell us what they are then? Why not report it?
There is what is called an equal time rule when it comes to elections. Bookmeyer was out of line and Bob should have known to not let the conservation happen.
Equal time rule doesn’t apply to a scheduled radio program.
Exactly what FCC regulations were violated. I think the radio station probably knows the regulations better than the rest of us. Interview was in poor taste and hope this stuff ends. it’s tasteless.
Can someone please tell me what bookmeyer’s wife’s name is – she must be practicing under a different last name?
Dr. Johnson
Duh. Dr. Peterson. She’s wonderful.
@Anonymous-I was just getting back on to say I had the name wrong. Things were pretty fuzzy back when she was my doctor. You are right, it is Dr. Peterson and you are right again, she was wonderful. Very dedicated and professional young doctor who really seemed to care about her patients. Like I said, opposites attract. Sorry about the mistake.
Hi.
1) I really can’t speak to Mr. Bookmeyer’s notion on my work history. He is sorely uninformed. My last job was for 6.5 years at the Globe Gazette and I gave a two week notice when I decided to become a business owner. I was also a part-time instructor at NIACC for a time which was on contract. I stopped working at both places several years ago and have been running my business ever since.
2) My first reaction to the mayor’s sloppy and unprofessional attack on my character was to protect myself. So I called for a debate to clear the air on his words and any topic relevant to City issues. I realize he will never accept, as he would never debate any Mason City citizen; he has stated he is above such “discourse.”
I guess when you leave the Globe or any job is it ever on the best of terms honestly? Lets see if Bookmeyer could create an online forum that creates jobs, has revenue and gets citizens involved. His bike ride was a great display of involvement.
Mr. L, I am afraid that you present yourself as a much different candidate than Mr. Marquardt. Marquardt seems legitimately concerned about improving Mason City and has articlulated his disatisfcation with the North Iowa Corridor’s Brent Willett about the work his organization is doing to bring better economic opportunities to North Iowa. I certainly do not have anything against your candidacy, but you need better balance in your campaign. If elected, you will have to work with a Mayor and 4 other Council members. How do you propose to do that in order to accomplish your goals?
You certainly have the ability to present yourself
in a thoughtful and civic-minded manner when
you chose to. I think the City has been well-managed
over the past several years. I do, however,
believe that the Chief of Police and Building
Inspector need to be steered into retirement.
The right people in those two positions would
probably make your goals more achievable.
I am of the opinion that the laws on the books are
sufficient, but the two primary agents of their
enforcement are largely inept. I recall a scandal
involving the Chief having a bogus degree. You
should consider brining on a professional and
legitimately educated person for that position.
After reading Skippers view of Bookie’s rant in the GLOB this morning I must say that it just amazes me that the biggest BULLY in town would dare to call someone else a bully just because the truth was published about him. It was nothing more than threats that the bully was hoping would intimidate Matt into quitting. He even tried to bring in the other candidates in the race in a feeble attempt to discredit them. As far as I know there is no alliance between any of the new candidates which is more than can be said about the mayor. Solberg has been overheard bragging how her, Hickey, Turncoat and the mayor are going to win by a landslide because they are in it together. She said this in a public place in front of witnesses. This was nothing more than desperation by the mayor who is scared to death that he is losing. Bad mouthing the competition never works and just show what a small person he really is. Matt’s comments have always been factual and when it was personal he said it was his opinion. What Peter Children say really has nothing to do with Matt.
LVS you are correct. Bookmeyer and crew are deteched from its like to worry about Alliant Enengry bill increases, how much school pixs are for the little ones or the unnerving thought of your vehicle not starting in the morning when you allready running late for work. I truely believe that if bookmeyer & company were not concerned about this election he wouldnt have blown his cool during the softballs that Bob Fisher toss up to him. Who ever is on the council should be the PEOPLE’s choice and simply having a sitting Mayor, (sitting is because thats all I see him do) Openly and candidly endorose a city council member goes to show me 1 SIMPLE fact. The city council has not had an orginal thought this year they are following the agenda of the mayor and his special interest group, Chamber. Good luck on that trip of a lifetime to CUBA!
Quick observation and two quick question
Why is Bookmeyer so concerned about getting incumbents
Re-elected. Sounds to me like he wants to keep his personal
Cabinet together. Sorry Eric but it’s called a democracy
Earlier somebody compared the city council to an
Elementary program. Very true
My first question to Eric Bookmeyer, since we all
Know he reads this. Did you instruct, mention or
Try to persuade people in Mason City not to buy goods
Or services from business that advertise on North Iowa Today?
My second question is about your comment on friends I Matt
Or North Iowa Today that people associated have long forfeited the
Chance to have an honorable disclose. Could
You else rated what you describe as “honorable”
And who else feels this way?
You have to consider the source. Bookmeyer is an overstuffed piece of pig manure who surrounds himself with cronies whose only job is to inflate his ego. The attack just proves how worried he is that someone will be on the council he cannot censor.
I’ve known Matt for approximately 5 years, I’m proud to call him my friend and am excited he is standing up for Mason City. He is probably the most honest guy I know in Mason City, specifically because he always tells it like it is regardless of who he is talking to. Even though we don’t always agree, I always know where he stands. To call him a wolf in sheep’s clothing just shows how out of touch our current mayor is. Matt is all wolf; just what our city council needs. Wolves fight, and we need someone who fights for Mason City.
The only thing Matt puts before Mason City is his family, so how dare Mayor Bookmeyer for challenging that. Bookmeyer is a coward and an empty suit. He has nothing to stand on, so he is taking unwarranted shots at a good man. Don’t be fleeced by the REAL sheep again.
What saddens me as a citizen, Our elected officials are unable to rise above the need to have the last word. To correct, to show the citizens how wrong they are. It is backwards here. The elected official should lead and by doing that you bridge gaps you do not create them. To attack a citizen as an elected official is in very poor taste. And wrong. An elected official can educate and explain with out being condescending and arrogant. The hypocrisy knows no bounds, in this arena. Can the honest upstanding Mayor really campaign on the Mayors corner for other elected offices? (please note that honest and upstanding were written to be sarcastic)
Bill, thank you. In general, this is the sentiment in our community. The most saddening part of this is that three years ago I was simply the guy down the street who started attending City Council meetings. I started paying attention, as we all should. I did not know any of the characters in this play; I started from scratch with an open mind. What I saw and observed gave me great concern. I wrote the facts and backed them up; if I had an opinion, I explained it as such. Unfortunately, this political game is not for the faint of heart, something I have never been accused of, and I will re-double my efforts through November 5th.
Peter, I really wish there was someone like you running for council in Mason City. Best of luck to you.
You are no Matt Marquardt there Peter L. Not even close. No comparison what so ever.
Bookmeyer you loser! How can you say that to the globe that these people have no recourse. YOU are he evil one with all your lies!
You are a chicken shit period. Down right dirty. You gonna keep lying and say none of the things they have called you out on aren’t true?! Matt’s got it all right here if you need a refresher on your deeds. Liars do forget.
You even look like a bully. Hope your kids can forgive you when they hear all your lies and dirty dealings when they are old enough, this crap doesn’t go away! We will see to it.
Honorable hardly.
Weaver vs.. Bookmeyer debate …that ok?
Bookmeyer would eat Max for lunch in a debate. It wouldn’t be close
Maybe they can invite Jay for a free lunch!!
@Anonymous-just keep on smoking that funny stuff. It will make you believe anything.
Bookmeyer would be screwed in a debate with either Matt or Max & he knows it. C’mon…he’s like Max Weaver on steroids? If Matt was a roider, a Bookie bloodbath would’ve already ensued. Seems to me that someone is jealous of Matt’s physique. Oh, and taking young chidren to a bar with you, while u drink yourself into a stupor, does not make YOU a family man, Eric.
Matt, honest question here. Why in the world would Bookmeyer accept a debate with two people he’s not even running against? Bookmeyer v Weaver, Marquardt v Solberg, Draper v Hickey all seem to make sense and would be valuable tools for voters. I don’t recall Ted Kennedy challenging President Bush to a public debate as they were running for different offices.
Matt Rezab I was just going to ask that same question. It makes no sense at all for candidates for different offices to have a debate. I would however like to hear what Matt M. vision for Mason City is. I have yet to hear him do anything but slam the Mayor and the current Council. I am much more interested in that than a debate between 2 people running for different offices. Come on Matt M give us something positive that you would like to see done in Mason City and how you would plan to do it.
Well I suppose because book was talking trash on the radio so he threw it out there to defend himself. I’m sure we would love to here book do a debate umm umm and umm how many times can you say umm. So why not have a debate between wards and mayors.
same, what’s the point of a debate? And I still haven’t heard Matt speak to any of the issues. He does a very good job of self promoting and bashing the incumbents. So far that’s it. I do look forward to a candidates forum. That could be entertaining and enlightening to see which candidate can keep his cool and speak to the issues.
I’m surprised that he didn’t challenge any of the county supervisors. He doesn’t like those guys either.
Have a public debate and prove who you both are…straight up and forget everything else!!! Totally ridiculous to badger back and forth…prove yourself, forget the rest!!!
Peter, this isn’t about you. Get your own debate.
99% of this could have been avoided after the first shot was fired across the bow from North Iowa Today. Bookmeyer should have emailed Matt and said, “Hey, let’s sit down once a week and I’ll give you 20 minutes of my time to explain my position.” Instead, Bookmeyer chose to rise above the noise. Now three years later, he shoots back with some venom. It didn’t have to be like this.
Glad to have you back on NIT tonight, John. You see, John, this is what I do. I investigate and report. It is called truth telling. It is called informing the public with honest facts and proof, like video and downloadable documents. This is one reason why NIT is so popular. Even you are here on a regular basis.
John, I can see by your comment you are somewhat angry with me; I’m not exactly sure why. I haven’t really met you. I do know a little about you. Perhaps we can discuss your issue right here. Was there any particular topic you’d like to discuss? Maybe I can explain and clear the air.
Maybe as dirty as you felt after being charged with 5th degree, theft, eh Johny booy?
COLOMBO JR, JOHN JOSEPH
Count 01 Charge
Charge:
714.2(5) Description: THEFT 5TH DEGREE – 1978 (SMMS)
The die has been cast the only way to settle this is a steel cage match in central park 2 men enter 1 man leaves. And then we can put to rest one of the greatest rivalries of the 21st century and the citizens of River City can move on.
Hey idiots….the difference being MATT writes the absolute truth and Bookmeyer has only personal slams toward Matt because he has NOTHING else.
Bookmeyer wouldn’t show up for that debate if you had his kids held hostage. Much easier to go drink then open your dumb ass mouth and prove how wrong he is.
I don’t get why people think this is the guy for a mayor. He’s not from here, he yells and has tantrums, he is a hideous drunk (I’ve watched him) and wants what he wants no matter what a citizen feels, and totally has been CAUGHT lying to all of us.
Honestly what is so great about him and do you really want your family under his thumb in this town again?!
Matt I am sorry to say Bookmeyer will not take you up on your challenge because he is all talk and no action.
What is unfortunate is that once Mayor Eric Bookmeyer spoke his words on the radio airwaves, the damage was done, and there is absolutely no way for me or anyone to undo the damage he has done to my reputation.
The KGLO manager, Ms. Delena Barz, called me this evening and informed me that the segment will never be played on the air again. I did hear her own radio man, Bob Fisher, agree with Mr. Bookmeyer throughout the radio segment. Others who heard the segment also heard this. Ms. Barz is now trying to decide whether her radio station will give me a chance to set the record straight.
I am now in consultation with other professionals on how best to handle this regrettable situation.
I am still waiting to hear from Mr. Bookmeyer and Janet Solberg as to whether they accept my challenge of debate.
Matt, you need to go on the air to set the record straight. It’s the right thing to do. And yes I heard Mr. Fisher agreeing with bookie couple of times during the interview.
Bob Fisher is a joke as a journalist.
@Katie-it is a good thing that you live in Clear Lake and your opinion on this really doesn’t count. I don’t recall Matt ever saying anything bad about the mayors wife. I would have been upset with him if he had. When Peter does a Op-ed on here it is Peter’s word’s not Matt’s. If you will remember I did voice my opinion to Peter about NOT bad mouthing Booky’s wife and to my knowledge he has not done so since. Opposites attract and I really think that is what happened here with him and his wife. As I said, she was my doctor once and was very good and I believe really cares about people. A lot different from him.
Matt,
I hope that the Mayor takes you up on your challenge. I think that the debate would be good for Mason City and would help to inform all voters. What I hope won’t happen is that you come to the debate with an attitude because that would play right into the hands of the Mayor. What he wants is for you to start spouting accusations that he can deny and defend. What he doesn’t want is to debate the issues. I hope you keep your cool, present your side of the issues, and show a side of you that makes people want to vote for you. Don’t fall into his trap. Keep the debate about the issues not about personal attacks. Remember that if you want to win, you will have to have more voters than the ones who read NIT. And, for many of those voters, it will be their first opportunity to see you in action. I want to see the present mayor gone as much as you do. But your goal should be to beat Janet Solberg not to show what an imbecile Bookmeyer is.
Ummm did Bookmeyer really call Matt a bully?? That is funny. What does Bookmeyer think HE is?
To Ben and obvious are you guys for real? Our mayor is a drunken slob and a fat ass bully. Its a good thing he has a wife that is a doctor and can handle stress like no other. Ive also defended friends that didnt know shit from shinol and as I got older I think what an ass I made of myself. You guys beleive what you have to and when you find the truth you well join me in what found.
The town drunk was probably chuckling until he realize that now he would have to deny his remarks. Now he will have to debate with someone a lot smarter than him. The haters are sure jumping on this because they know their god is in trouble. They can’t help him and if they show up they will give away who they really are.
Bookie made an ass of himself but Peter Children once again got caught with his “junk” hanging out. The syringe reference was clearly over the top.
Matt I just thought of this and I think you may now be aware of it. Bookmeyer did this on purpose to steal the news headline away from the fresh news that he and the whole c. council are facing charges with the Iowa Civil Rights Commission. Stay cool my friend!
No what bookmeyer did was basically prove anything and everything Lionel is stating. That he can not hold his cool, that he attacks and states nasty things about people to enhance is own agenda, you are either for him or against him. And if you are against him, well if Eric felt comfortable enough to put this on air ways for all to hear just imagine what he does to the people at city hall behind closed doors? Abusers always feel they are ok in public as what they do behind closed doors is much worse. This blantant in an interview?? I feel for the employees of city hall. Thank You Eric you just the Lionel Foster another piece of evidence to take to the state and use against you. Not to smart, As your good ol boy says: you can’t fix stupid.
right bookmeyer and the scum club some call city council shoul b under fire look at bookmeyers history he’s done no good for the community the railroaded mr foster i gave bookmeyer solid proof of corruption in the county attorney office and mcpd he had three ways to contact me on these matters and did not he dosnt care about the community or its citizens vote for max Weaver and matt markwart there for bettering the community lets get the scum club out of there and get people in there who are for the community concerned citizen
Talk about character, anyone that slams someone’s character that is not right, has the bad character. Tell the truth about someone, its only the truth. Bookmeyer has figments of good character of himself. He is not an intelligent man, and I knew a long time ago he would shoot himself in the foot, and guess what, he did it many times. Lets see if he is of good character, and has a debate, It would really surprise me if he does. What a tarnish record he has. Good luck, Hey Matt, if he don’t, just get a picture of him in a chair next to you, and talk to the picture. That would be so cool. Just sayin.
Matt, you can sure dish it out!! Now all of a sudden someone calls YOU out and you have to write an article about it to get your “poor me” followers on board ! Hope it make’s you feel better!
I did an article about Mr. Bookmeyer’s rant because it is NEWS. NIT is a NEWS website. Perhaps you missed the part where I challenged Mr. Bookmeyer to a public debate. I will meet him today if he is man enough to show up. You can attend and ask me questions. I will be waiting.
You’ve got me wondering. What would a debate between the two of you prove? Not even running for the same office… Do you just want a big dick contest with someone you’re not even competing against? Seems a bit like drag racing at the red light and the other person isn’t even paying attention.
Kind of a tasteless remark, but I think a debate is long overdue. I have a different philosophy on local government than Mr. Bookmeyer. Why not present the cases to the people and let them decide? We are bothy vying for local office. I think the debate is worth it and I think people would tune in. I have many, many points to question the mayor on. Does he have what it takes to show up?
News! News ? this is a tabloid site You always put the iron’s in the fire to get hits on here. The more controversy, equals more hits to your site, that sells ad’s, that pay’s Matt ? Simple to see YOUR motivation !
I will let the public decide if the stories published on NIT are worth reading and considering. I am very happy with the response from the public and the growth of NIT after three years in business. If you don’t like NIT, I suggest you go elsewhere to consume news. Until then, we are happy to have you here commenting and reading and spending your free time, as you have been for about 18 months. Thanks for being a loyal reader.
This is not a NEWS site. It is exactly like Fox News Channel. They can call it news all they want but it is classified under entertainment. When you only give one side of stories and bash everyone in power it stops being news. You probably knew a few years ago that you would run for office. This whole website has been a political ad for the three years to get your name out there and bash others. Shame on you for making people pay you to be on this site. I hope no money that comes from subscriptions to this site are used in your campaign.
1) NIT reports facts, many times backed up by video and downloadable documents. We also report opinion, like any other news outlet does. Mr. Bookmeyer provided no proof of his assertions against me. He stated as fact many points which are not true, and I will address them each point by point.
2) I decided at the beginning of September to run for City Council. I never even considered it prior to a few months before that. Only after people asked me to get involved did I decide to do so.
3) I do not “make” anyone come to NIT. We simply provide outstanding, interesting news in a lively format. That in and of itself brings our audience back day after day. Welcome back again today to you, Steve. You have been on NIT commenting as newbie this month, this is your 10th comment. Appreciate having you as a loyal and dependable daily reader.
C’mon guys, this is a real news site I swear.
Steve…everytime you comment on here it’s like your mouth has diarrhea. You on the left always cry about the this site and Fox news for not being real news. You say it isn’t real news because these sites report the truth to the public and you don’t like it. You are nothing more than a sheep. You aren’t strong enough to be anything other than that. You live your life with others thinking for you. Typical left rhetoric. Your kind will never change because you lack the mental capacity to do so. I feel sorry for you.
@My Voice-I agree with all of you comments. he is only on here for one reason and that is to cause hatred and discredit N.I.T. He is one of the sheeple who just isn’t smart enough to know the difference.
I will gladly and proudly answer every accusation from the mayor in a public debate. I will give Mr. Bookmeyer until Friday to answer my challenge.
What would you do if elected? Any semi concrete thoughts?
Sounds like you finally got a taste of your own medicine Matt. Isn’t that exactly what you have been doing to Bookmeyer for the last 2-3 years? You can dish it but can’t take it ???
Matt…I would check and see if KGLO violated the “equal time” rule. A FCC regulation.
The equal rule time was not broken as this was a set and scheduled radio program.
Bet Bookmeyer wishes he never said any of it. I’m sure he has some THINGS he wouldn’t want anyone to know. He for sure was hung over or had a little nip before. It all comes out Bookmeyer.
Matt’s turn.
Kinda sounds like Bookmeyer hit the nail on the head.
Not!
I would love to see this debate! I think it would be great for our city to here the truth! This is a great idea Matt! Bookmeyer would say anything and bash anyone just to try to save his job. Bookmeyer is nothing but a joke! I believe he is the bully and not Matt!
Talk a mud slinging ! If the people of Mason City take this from this hung over prick then we all have to move. A respectable incumbant does NOT talk like that! And he obviously can’t get Max out of his head.
He doesn’t have a clue of the real Matt or Max for that matter. All he knows is how the both of them have caught and called him and his morons out so many times he had to go with verbal bashing !
Who can stand this thing called a man? He is an arrogant piece of hardly work.
Matt pull out the guns now. The debates HAVE to get going!!! What is the globe not doing it because they know it will kill their golden child? Not much time! Yours and Max’s voice’s have not been heard yet! Yet he’s all over the radio for all to hear.
Vote MATT and MAX
Isn’t this called mud slinging, by those that hold political office, and it’s here in River City. Who would have thought. So here we go.
Matt…I assume this was on the Ask the Mayor program on KGLO. I did not hear the program, but it sounds like he was actually campaigning on that program…so I assume KGLO will give you equal amount of time to state your case about the mayor. Isnt there a fair time law that candidates have to be given equal time on media outlets when it comes to campaigns?..I could be wrong, but I think I am right.
The other thing Matt is I have mentioned before that the mayor fights very dirty, he is running a bit scared and now we will see the real personality of the man come out. Your choice is to either get down in the gutter with him and fight it out, or stand above the mud slinging and run on your ideas for the city.
Start to listen at about the 15:30 mark: http://www.kglonews.com/askthemayor/bookmeyer100213.mp3
Thanks for the link…listened to it. WOW a biased rant that at the end also slammed Jodi Draper. The worst part Matt…when he said you represent yourself as a family man and bookie said that couldn’t be further from the truth. That one is just plain despicable.
Hmmm, so does that mean Mr. Marquardt also has to give equal time to his opponents? He does refer to NIT as a news source.
You couldn’t be more correct. that’s exactly what the mayor was doing was campaigning. Everybody else is correct too, we should be very worried that the mayor is so concerned about keeping his current council together. A good mayor would be worried only about getting himself elected and happy to work with whoever the city chooses as his council. KGLO should be ashamed to allow their ask the mayor program to turn into a campaign commercial and they should here it from their listeners. Hopefully this gets people fired up, go campaign for your candidates, if it was ever questionable, we know now exactly who we are up against. One further note, the other councilmen that the mayor is running down your opponents, Hickey, Solberg, Tournquist, this is your one chance, come out now and distance yourself from the mayor and his dirty tactics. If not you are just as dirty as he is.