Candidate responds to letters
To the editor:
I’ve refrained from addressing some of the accusatory letters written to the editor regarding my run for Town Council. Mostly because those writing stoop so low it seems silly to dignify them with a response.
Last week, Wayne Tezak’s letter said I had “never served our Town in any committees or volunteered his time on any committees.” He’s wrong. No mincing words here. Let him sue me for libel if he’s telling the truth. Most folks here remember the Tezak lawsuit against the Town that resulted in a guilty verdict for tearing down Town access signs. As editor, I covered it in the paper editorializing against the Tezak position. No wonder he makes these statements now.
As to Frank Schilling, he rails; printing I “never applied for any license for the Island Arts Foundation nor received any permits.” That is also wrong. The IAF has those applications in hand with five years of paid business tax receipts. They state unequivocally, and I quote, that the IAF “may engage in the business of theaters.”
Shilling makes nonfactual statements because I refused to print some of his letters when I owned the newspaper. The reason? Same as now he makes things up and uses half-truths to inflame readers.
I am surprised newspaper editors allow these types of letters. Readers should look to the motives. For example, does the paper have a candidate in the race, or an employee of a candidate in the race? This obvious motivation should be discerned and any letters supporting that candidate discounted. As a former newspaper editor, I always tried to fact check and correct blatant misstatements with an editor’s note, implementing this tact will avoid these baseless smears written solely to inflame voters close to an election.
I trust people to see and remember that those attacking grind petty axes for personal vendettas. I also trust them to see that their efforts are to keep me out of Town Hall so a few can continue to consolidate power and keep us divided. This is lowbrow politics. Most folks know if they elect me it won’t be business as usual. That really scares those running the show that hide behind the Shillings and Tezaks.
In my heart I know Islanders want a real leader that will challenge and improve things. Those desperate to turn public opinion against me know I am a man of definite action. Fortunately so do those who’ve watched me lead in numerous ways over a very long period of time. I’ll count on them.
Carl Conley
Fort Myers Beach