We get mail... campaign practices complaint

A letter from from a Maplewood resident and retired Maplewood Fire Department firefighter:

A letter from a Maplewood resident who is a retired firefighter from the Maplewood fire department

Thank you for taking the appropriate action. I believe the 'endorsed by Maplewood Fire' claim is a misrepresentation. Cave's husband and another city council member forming a group of 8 to 10 fire fighters from the Maplewood fire department for political activity doesn't give them the right to claim that the fire department in its entirety endorses any one candidate. That is misleading.

We need a sound proactive government that is comprised of leaders who have the best intentions for the city and its citizens. They should search out the best qualified staff and work to retain the good quality staff that has devoted their careers to the city.

It is time for the silent majority to take action. We all need to be involved in this process. Many of us (the silent majority) assume that everything is for the best and that no individual would take advantage of an elected position especially at this level of government. As a resident of Maplewood I encourage everyone to get out and vote.

Investigate the issues and vote for your choice. We just can’t sit back any longer, we can’t let the other person do it, and no it will not be all right. NOT UNLESS WE ALL GET INVOLVED!

As I see the facts there is something wrong with our current management team. There is not enough experience and knowledge in the group making decisions. The explanation of the deputy police chief’s case is another example of misleading the facts. Yes it may be true that the city’s actions did not cost the city any money because they are a member of the League of Minnesota Cities and they paid the claim. However the facts are the city's actions were wrong and I think there are more cases that will cost the city or the league more money. A good clue would have been when an established and very well respected city attorney quits because the council would not take any advice on their actions and potentially violating the law.

What is even worse is the management team doesn’t know what they don’t know and they do not have anyone in a leadership position to stop them from making more poor decisions. If the elected candidate only brings one quality to the council in my opinion it would be the ability to find the answers, ask the questions, find the experienced staff or people for advice, then make good sound decisions. That person has my vote

Thank you for your efforts

[name withheld]