Has it been verified that what he is claiming now is the truth? Posers have been known to lie thinking they will never be caught and then if they are caught they make up another set of lies.
Before I believed anything this man had to say I would want the information about his service straight from the military records. I wouldn't even believe any paperwork he has, it is too easy to doctor.
I am very doubtful that someone that did what he now claims would feel the need to make up a lie about his service. This man sounds like a major poser.
Yes under the circumstances I wouldn't believe the mayor either but if you look at the article, the newspaper had access to his military record. His service is described through several paragraphs. It involves two decades of honorable service, two tours in Vietnam, and assorted decorations.
If someone determines the record was faked, this becomes a different matter. Until then I'm seeing the mayor as more fool then evil.