Here is Mary Jane Semple's Addison Post letter to the Editor, for those who don't get the paper. I apologize if the format doesn't hold. It is a scan of the document.
Dear Editor
Elections are once again behind us for another year. As with all elections there are positive results and negative results. On the positive side a group of Lindley residents saw fit to try and put Harold Semple back in as Lindley Town Supervisor with a write-in vote. Harold never threw his hat in the ring nor announced his
candidacy for Supervisor by a write-in vote.
The efforts were of many residents who campaigned for Harold by passing out flyers door to door, allowing signs to be placed in their yards, a letter to the editors and well wishes. These actions did not go unnoticed. The results were not in favor of Harold with the final count of 159-141 with many of the voters in Lindley wanting to see a change for Lindley Town Supervisor.
As with most everything there is a negative side. The negative being that of a person or persons who saw their need to steal two of the signs placed in private yards with the owners permission asking for a write-in vote and dismantling another sign, again placed with permission at the entrance of a private drive-way. The
dismantled sign was then replaced in the yard of the citizen only to be driven over by someone who drove across the yard to knock the sign down. There is not much one can do unless the culprit(s) are caught but law enforcement has been notified on these malicious acts.
Those of you who are not happy with any situation in the town, let your voice be heard. Gentlemen of the Lindley Town Board hold your head high and continue to work for those of Lindley who wanted to see a change in leadership for the town.
Mary Jane Semple
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3 comments:
I moved this entry over from the election results post, since it addresses the letter that is now posted below.
Sally said...
Dear Mary Jane:
I understand how you must feel now that your husband Harold lost the election, especially after running a passionate write-in campaign and losing by a few votes.
Winning is easy. Losing is hard.
Before I entered the race for Supervisor back in 2005, I spent much of my time working through possible personal bumps in the event I lost the election. How would I handle it? Would I be bitter? Would I feel sorry for myself or blame others for my defeat? Would I be a sore loser and vilify my opponent for winning? It was important to settle the prospect of losing before I even entered the race.
I determined to rest my fate with the voters in Lindley. If they decided that Mr. Stermer would be the better Supervisor I would accept my loss with grace. I went through the same process when your husband ran against me this time.
You mentioned in your letter to the Addison Post there are “those who are not happy with any situation in town, let your voice be heard.”
Those who are not happy with any situation in town can respectfully voice their concerns and opinions on this blog or attend a Town Board meeting. I’d like to hear specifically what “situations” they are unhappy with, considering that every “situation” that came before the Board in the last two years was voted on by five members. As Supervisor, I have “one” vote. From my vantage point, it would appear I do not have the authority to take the Town in any direction unless two other Board members vote with me.
You direct the Gentlemen of the Lindley Town Board as you refer to them in your letter, “to hold your head high and continue to work for those of Lindley who wanted to see a change in leadership for the town.” With that remark, it’s obvious you wanted to create a public impression that I do not have the full support of the four members of the Town Board, but neither did your husband when he served as Supervisor. When our local democracy is working, each Board member brings an opinion to the table. They are not “Yes Men”, nor do I expect them to be. What I expect is honest, persuasive debate based on the best information, an understanding of the issues and of the people they represent. Their support of me is not necessary for them to perform their legislative duties. I am confident under my leadership they will continue to work for the benefit of the Town as they see it, one issue, one Roll Call at a time.
November 17, 2007 10:35 PM
I guess those Board members who wanted to see a change in leadership,as Mary Jane said, are among the minority of voters. If they don't start listening to the Lindley residents, they won't get elected again. If some of us have to run for their positions to make sure of that, we will!
Who ran-MaryJane or Harold ?
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