Readers' Comments

Here are a couple of thought-provoking public comments (slightly edited) I'm promoting to post.

--Gilbert

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Anonymous said...

An unfortunate side of Takoma Park, this election, human nature (?) is the unwarranted character assassination that goes on in the promotion of a particular point of view. . . . .

From what I have heard so far from supporters of Mr. Grimes in this campaign, I would not be surprised to hear that Kathy Porter has been consorting with Lucifer. And in one particular case, a supporter of Kathy has returned the bile.

I've seen divisiveness in campaigns in Takoma Park. I've seen friendships sour and die over a choice for mayor. That's politics, I suppose. This year, the passionate loathing that some of Seth's supporters (and, seemingly, Seth himself) feel toward Kathy Porter leads me to wonder about the fallout after the election, no matter which way it goes.

Of course, such passion is understandable in the case of gross incompetence and corruption, which is what Seth's campaign is alleging. How well has the case been made that either have occurred?

What I hear from some of Kathy's supporters (including myself) is that they accept Kathy's limitations, but feel that they have been exaggerated by a coalition of discontent people with varying agendas. That perceived exaggeration, whiffs of conspiracy theories, and personal attacks makes us wonder if Seth has a clear grasp on the realities of the job and how divisive he will be once elected.

I would love to see a more visionary mayor. Seth is clearly visionary. But I do not want one who will make our problems worse because of his misperceptions and divisiveness. I have strong doubts about how well any vision can be achieved if those are the limitations.

Relationships, and even marriages, I hear, are being tried by this election. That's too bad. In the end, we'll make lemonade out of this experience, no matter who wins. But it doesn't mean that I have to enjoy the current bitterness.

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Anonymous said...

Watch the meetings and see how Kathy answers public with complaints. Two weeks ago a woman complained the arborist approved her neighbor's project which would damage her trees. He didn't follow city laws. The city administrator didn't help her and the permit was to be issued in two days. So she said.

Kathy's answered Barbara issues permits not the council. When the woman persisted Kathy said "I'll get back to you".

Her answer seemed like a brush off. Which do you think happened? Permit issued or Kathy got back to her.

A better example might be when Seth complained the city was violating the law by not publishing minutes. Kathy tried to brush him off with "we always follow the law". It went back and forth with Kathy telling Seth he was wrong. The state ruled Seth was right. The minutes are now published on time. Thanks to Seth.

Kathy's handling of changes in the tree ordinance and manipulation during codeifying the environment committee are other examples.

I know these don't look bad when written on a blog. Talk with those involved and you walk away with a better understanding. It is not about appearances. It's about how she handles people's concerns, how they feel when it's all over and if right is done.

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Maybe I'll just vote for Rudy.

--Gilbert