Former Palmer manager speaks out

To the editor:

I am no longer an employee of the city of Palmer, therefore I’m free to express my personal opinion on political issues without concern for ethical violations. As a result, I would like to respond to mayoral candidate Ms. Johnson’s “adviser’s” recent letters to the editor of the Frontiersman.

Traditionally, a campaign manager will focus his/her candidate’s message directed at the problems surrounding the office to which they aspire and offer “corrective action” should their candidate be elected. Simply let voters know what their candidate’s plan is to improve the situation, i.e., a plan.

Ms. Johnson’s advisor has attempted to point out the current mayor, council and administration’s faults, albeit that some are severely distorted, over the past few years, but I have not heard a “peep” about what his candidate’s plans are to correct such atrocities. Does the candidate, for example, not understand the depth of the issues but is simply responding to rumor and innuendo in her messages, when, in fact, there is considerably more involved? Not having a background in management will certainly do that for you.

Mr. Adviser, as a voter, I would like to know where your candidate stands on the important issues surrounding this mayoral election, namely district hot water heat generated from a co-gen plant at the fairgrounds, improvements to the Palmer arena to convert from single use to multi-use facility, expansions of the Palmer wastewater treatment plant capacity, annexation and others. Surely, the candidate understands these issues and has a good understanding of the benefits to the city. Let the voters know where she stands.

Mr. Adviser, there is one thing we both agree on, and that is that the Palmer voters will have the benefit of a good choice but let’s “flesh out” where the candidates stand on the issues that will impact Palmer’s future. Let’s accentuate the positive and minimize the negative.

Bill Allen

Palmer