A three page anonymous letter was sent out to Washougal officials today making some pretty accusatory and libelous remarks about Washougal Mayor Stacee Sellers. It is supposedly written by a “good sized group of employees and former employees” of the city who believe the Mayor has “disgraced the city, its citizens” and her staff. Some of the accusations are as petty as running errands for the Mayor, others are as bizarre and liable as accusations about raising her son, and the Mayor’s sleeping habits. What’s interesting about this particular pin headed letter is the underlying threats for the Mayor to pull out of the race “right now there are only a couple of people that this is going to. A few days after that it will go to the newspapers and a number of elected officials throughout the country”. “the information that we will provide will cause an investigation that you will never survive” – which will be enlightening, as these writers will actually have to sign their names to legal documents then. (they probably didn’t think that part through)
At CWWatch, we are attempting to remain neutral at this point about the mayor’s race, but we felt compelled to speak out about dirty tricks, and extortion.
To make these kind of accusations is low, dirty, and deceitful and has no place in a political race. The only ones who should be disgraced are the employees and former employees of the City of Washougal.
Why bring this issue up now? Why not before candidate filing? Why not during the past four years? Is this the same group that tried to destroy her during the last election?
We really hope this isn’t coming from the other camp. We hope campaign leaders will encourage their supporters to refrain from dirty tricks, threats, and extortion as well. As campaign signs start popping up in the next couple of months, we also hope opposing camps will respect the other candidate’s signs.
Candidates should campaign on the issues, period. Engaging in dirty campaigning is a sign of fear, panic, immaturity, unprofessional and poor judgment. In attempting to destroy one candidate, this groups actions reflect negatively on the other candidate and in this case, reflects negatively on the entire city of Washougal employees – if they are involved or not.
If a person or group thinks the Mayor or any elected official for that matter has done something wrong, do the right thing – consult with the AG or the State Auditor. Threatening to “go public” only makes you look bad and gives the citizens a sour taste in their mouth about the employees of Washougal.
Gershon
Sept. 2 -Primary Election is Certified
50 Comments
July 6, 2009 at 12:23 pm
This whole thing stinks. Sean told me a week or so ago about the letter he got in the mail, no specifics but the general theme is as Gershon states – I actually learned more reading here than what Sean told me. Sean wanted no part of it and was planning to shred the thing, hoping it was a ruse of some sort and would go away.
Apparently someone saw fit to go further with it. The fact that it shows up here bothers me more than whoever wrote it and sent it out it. It is meant to inflame and would not have succeeded had it not been published for the world to read.
You’re right that this has no place in politics but you are the one, Gershon, who put it out for all to see.
I don’t think it needed to be done.
We’ll all pay for this now.
July 6, 2009 at 12:39 pm
Very well put. Now we have people on here playing detective and accusing readers of this blog of being the author- with no basis. Its uncalled for and hurtful.
July 6, 2009 at 3:15 pm
I was also told about the letter last week. What little I know of the content is just more of what I have heard for a few years now. Until something more substantial comes out and with real evidence and not third-party hearsay, let’s just give it a rest. This kind of crap comes up at every election. Just don’t add to the crap.