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OPINION
Storm clouds moved back over Fountain’s City Hall last week, after two citizens requested a “local” investigation of an anonymous postcard mailed only a few days before Fountain’s last election this spring. The postcard targeted several candidates, while it praised only a few (two of whom were elected- Mary DeGroot and Gabriel Ortega.) I was pleased to see most of city council join Mayor Jeri Howells and Councilmember Ortega (who have both been vocal since the start in condemning such tactics) in forming a consensus to seek a local/independent investigation during last Tuesday night’s meeting; just as I salute Ortega for his continued efforts to support those who were negatively targeted, even though he wasn’t. Councilmember Ortega’s actions speak volumes to his integrity and his leadership abilities- perhaps others should take notice! As far as I’m concerned, good leaders needs to have a wealth of patience, compassion and understanding, a calm and professional demeanor, and must be willing to put the shoe on the other foot or “walk in the footsteps of others” from time to time. Ortega’s willingness to do so hasn’t gone unnoticed. In an ironic twist, some of those whose initial reaction to the “hate-postcard” was to dismiss it as “yesterday’s news” now are quite unhappy to find themselves among the possible suspects named in a complaint that was sent to the Secretary of State’s office. After stating he had no involvement in the postcard mailing, Councilmember Darell Craighead (who recently announced his intent to run for Mayor in November), seemed miffed that others on council weren’t too concerned (that he was listed as a suspect.) Funny how differently people react when the shoe is suddenly on the other foot! Just as good leaders need to be willing to listen, they also owe it to the citizens to take their concerns seriously. I was disappointed to hear Councilmember Mary DeGroot say she didn’t sign the complaint letter to the secretary of state “because I don’t believe in lowering myself to their standards.” While I fully respect her right to do as she chooses in her personal life, for a councilmember to make a reference to citizens (and/or the other candidates who signed the complaint letter) as having or exhibiting “lower standards” than her own was a misfortunate and demeaning choice of words at a minimum! I’d like to hope it wasn’t her intent to come across that way, but to then follow with, “I’ve never done anything wrong in my life,” didn’t seem to help matters. While I truly believe Mary’s desire to be a councilmember is based on a genuine interest in making a positive difference through public service, just as she has done previously in a variety of capacities, I have to wonder if this newest position was a good choice. It’s too bad a suit of armor cant be issued during swearing-in ceremonies for new councilmembers. It’s a tough job and it must become challenging to have to separate personal feelings from acting on behalf of “we the people,” but that is part of the job description. I commend anyone who is willing to try- just as I urge those serving right now to remember they were elected to serve ALL of the citizens, not just the ones they feel are “worthy” or “on the same level.” In closing, I think it is important to remind “everyone is innocent until proven guilty,” and hopefully, soon, the puzzle of the political postcard will be solved and can be put to rest for good. There are so many other, positive, important issues to focus on. And, regarding the upcoming November election, I think Mayor Howells said it best at last Tuesday’s meeting… “at the very least people should be willing to ‘put their name on it’ when sending out political materials. Please, folks, let it be so!!!
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