DirtyTricks

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