Leonard on spin and civility

To the editor, I was asked at the beginning of this campaign to comment on civility. I have always believed that if you have to make someone else look bad in order to make yourself look good, then something is wrong. Our opposition has made a career out of doing just that. Their behavior says more about them than it does about us. And it’s time to address it. If you’ve ever watched one of our meetings, it is obvious. They mischaracterize situations and use rumor and innuendo masquerading as truth to try to discredit people. Their negativity and hypocrisy have grown tiresome. And now they decry the very tactics they have been using all along. They have purposefully tried to blur the lines and confuse people about what different municipalities (towns/villages) are responsible for. The public is being misinformed at a time when it’s hard enough for them to keep up with everything by the very people who should be helping. And if they really don’t understand who’s responsible for what, how do they expect to run the government? They are also splitting our community by using prejudice for their own political purposes. They claim to represent all the people. If you lived in the Hasidic community and heard their rhetoric, who would you vote for? They have polarized this community in a negative way that harms all of us and the local daily newspaper hasn’t helped. Additionally, during the campaign someone who doesn’t even know me questioned my personal commitment and integrity. How would they know? From my view point I watch them after the meetings laughing and joking about their performances and giving each other high fives. I wonder how they would act if that part of it were televised, since they are obviously playing to the camera. What else can one assume when someone asks to make sure the cameraman takes their good side? My opponent had an internet moniker -“the grim reaper.” With a self-image like that he has no place in public service. The lack of civility underscores the attitude that the end justifies the means. I heard something on the radio recently that personifies their behavior. The truth is no longer fashionable. It’s the spin that counts. They have criticized and made no positive suggestions. If you aren’t part of the solution, then you’re part of the problem. Sandy Leonard Monroe Town Supervisor