Ad misinformation/errant claims in letter

To the Editor:

It is amazing to me that three dissenting votes on a Charter Commission can spread so much doubt about the credence of the amendments to the Charter being proposed on the ballot.

FIRST ERRANT CLAIM: “The political ad…from the Charter Commission…” is stated in error. After consulting an attorney for content review, the Charter Commission ad was deemed to be informational, not political, as it contained only factual data without any voter direction. And, yes, the commentary included with each ballot item was placed there because of THE COLLECTIVE ACTION OF THE CHARTER COMMISSION in passing seven of the amendments by a 9-3 margin and one passing by an 8-4 margin.

SECOND ERRANT CLAIM: Insinuated in Jay Maynard’s ad and stated in Bob Gunther’s letter to the editor, both took exception to their names being included (along with every other court appointed volunteer on the Charter Commission), as if listing the Charter Commission members including their name was indicative of their support. The ad did not state that…however, I can openly assure you they did not. That said, the 9-3 and 8-4 votes followed grueling months of debate. The Charter Commission recommendations for amending the City Charter are the result of COLLECTIVE ACTION and should not be subjected to the undercutting of minority opinions on the Charter Commission. They deserve your YES vote for the protection and betterment of our City, while updating 30 years of neglect to Fairmont’s Charter.

Michael J. Katzenmeyer

Chair, Fairmont City Charter Commission