I disagree with mayor candidate Jerry Toomey's article "In Other Words," published by The Daily Republic on May 10.
I support the council's decision in changing one-way streets to two-way because I have caught myself going the wrong way more than once because of the confusion for our much-appreciated tourists.
Mr. Toomey dragging me into his campaign over one-way streets, city employees and his opponent is bad conduct. Mr. Toomey's view of my introduction of council members present at the employee banquet is certainly different than mine. Mr. Toomey views my comments as giving a campaign speech in support of Ken Tracy.
All council members are invited to this event and three of the eight were present. I asked all three to stand up, and I introduced them individually as being on the City Council, however when I introduced Ken Tracy I did mention that he is a candidate for mayor and it's been some time since we had a present council person running for mayor.
I don't believe this statement is an endorsement as Mr. Toomey states, "his candidate." I don't think in any way that I asked the employees to support Mr. Tracy for mayor.
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Mr. Toomey must not be aware that attendance at Mitchell City Employee Recognition night is not a requirement, as a matter of fact there are many employees not in attendance.
For Mr. Toomey's information, I do support the city employees and appreciate what they do, and I don't believe anyone has ever heard me say something different. The night is a free meal for all city employees present, with many door prizes, including one purchased by Lou and Carol Sebert each year of the last six years with a value of $70 each, and Mr. Toomey tells the general public I should talk about appreciation.
The night also includes giving out longevity bonuses to long-term employees. I commented more than once about the great city of Mitchell, and we wouldn't be who we are without good city employees, and in closing I thank them for all they did for the city and for me over the last six years.
I don't remember all I said, but I can guarantee that what I said was positive. If Mr. Toomey wants to blame me for some reason that is fine, but I don't think it's fair to the employees or to Ken Tracy -- he is a council person and a candidate for mayor -- and I wish all the candidates well in the upcoming election.
Lou Sebert is mayor of Mitchell.
