To the Editor and Ward 2 Voters:

The City finally is passing through the end of three years of political dysfunction. There has been no policy leadership from the City’s top political office - just chaos from a candidate who never revealed what he would do when elected to office.

Ward 2 voters do not make this same mistake. Ask Richard Lopez what he will do for children recreation programs, parks and streets and capital improvements. Ask why he has publically stated Douglas elections are “fixed” or why he is abusive to City Councilmembers and employees that he wishes to work with.

Richard Lopez has spoken at many City Council meetings over the past 3 years. Unfortunately it has rarely ever had to do with City policies or City business. It is almost always vicious personal attacks on City staff or City Council Members. He has antagonized virtually everyone he now seeks to work with and offers nothing but the same empty rhetoric common to recent years.

Now, having lost his last two elections to Vice Mayor Lindemann, Richard Lopez is costing taxpayers $8,000.00 for an unnecessary RECALL election based upon trumped up and inaccurate attacks. Having watched the turmoil for the last 3 years, I cannot let some of Lopez’ distortions stand.

Attack#1: Lindemann muzzles the public from speaking.

No. Mr. Lindemann is the Vice-Mayor and has been forced to restore order to chaotic Council meetings when the Mayor would not control Richard Lopez’ personal attacks on people during “Call to the Public”.

Attack#2: Councilmember Lindemann abolished financial transparency by denying taxpayers a right to monitor City finances.

No. Vice Mayor Lindemann is the Chair of the City Council Finance Committee. The Committee makes public recommendations to Council on the City budget. The Council is provided monthly financial reports, quarterly reports on the City’s financial position and copies of the Annual City Audit prepared by professional Certified Public Agency (CPA) firm.

Before you accept Mr. Lopez’ rhetoric at face value, ask him what his plan is for working to build a better community and hope his answer is more than continued personal attacks, character assassination and conspiracy theory.

The new City Council and hardworking City employees deserve better. Ward 2 deserves better.

Signed by: Curtis A. Shook, Douglas City Manager