WATERLOO, Iowa — Mayor Quentin Hart has accused Councilman Tom Lind of “racist, derogatory, partisan” threats in a testy email exchange over his decision to appoint a communications director. Posted on 01/27/2017 8:23:35 AM PST by newgeezer
WATERLOO, Iowa — Mayor Quentin Hart has accused Councilman Tom Lind of “racist, derogatory, partisan” threats in a testy email exchange over his decision to appoint a communications director.
The emails provided anonymously to The Courier but confirmed by both parties relate to Hart’s decision to hire Wendy Bowman to work 10 to 15 hours a week promoting the city’s image.
“Not appropriate without council approval,” Lind said in a Jan. 22 email. “You work for us. Obama (yesterday) is gone.”
Hart responded Lind’s “racist, derogatory, partisan threats have no impact on me and never will.”
“I have not done anything wrong and you should be ashamed of yourself to address me in such a manner,” Hart said in the email. “If you ever disrespect me again in this manner, I will make sure the entire community is aware of who you really are.
“I am the Mayor for the City of Waterloo, you are a councilman. Understand your role,” Hart added. “I will no longer accept the disrespect, slander, threats, being called out of my name, or your racist partisan Obama comments from you or anyone else on this email.”
The email exchange was forwarded by Lind to Councilmen Steve Schmitt and Bruce Jacobs, along with residents Steve Murphy, Bob Reisinger, Chris Shimp, Lind’s brother Jim and former resident Josh Wilson.
Reached Thursday, Lind said his comment about Barack Obama was a reference to the former president’s “tendency to bypass Congress and work by executive order.”
“It’s unfortunate that Mayor Hart saw my email as some sort of racial attack, however I am not surprised,” Lind said. “In today’s political climate when disagreements occur it seems to have become custom to immediately attack someone’s character.”
Lind said he believes his job as a councilman is to provide a check on local government, including the mayor’s office.
Given the context, isn't it possible that Councilman Lind was simply drawing a parallel between Hart's bypassing the Council and Obama's repeatedly bypassing Congress?
Maybe Hart is just an opportunist, hmm?
Because that’s what they’ve been brainwashed to react, blame Whitey call names
Perfect example. Please, Waterloo, get rid of this POS
Of course the mayor was an opportunist. The last part of the councilman’s comment was unecessary. “You work for us” makes the point clearly and succinctly. The councilman was stupid for creating an opportunity for the Mayor to redirect the dispute.
If the stories I’ve heard about Waterloo (however anecdotal) are true, I don’t understand why anyone in their right mind would wanna be Mayor.
Because he is guilty of something and trying to kill the messenger before the truth comes out. Racism, a deflection because they have no truth to stand on.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.