A Stone Lies In Sunnyside
November 2, 2009 Leave a Comment
Vlieger Family Lives In Sunnyside
In response to a request from City Council candidate Don Vlieger, I am posting an open letter to the citizens of Sunnyside on this blog. Mr. Vlieger informed BLOGSUNNYSIDE that his opponent spread malicious rumors that he and his family do not live in the City of Sunnyside.
Mr. Vlieger told me personally that this is not true. In fact, he is calling Ms. Stone a liar. It appears this is not an isolated incident. At least one other local elected official has been going door-to-door spreading the same misinformation.
BLOGSUNNYSIDE has confirmed by information obtained through the Yakima County Auditor’s office that Mr. Vlieger has voted in every election since at least the year 2000. While even more voter history information may be available, I think that 9 years of voting history should be sufficient to end this pathetic attempt to smear a man and his family.
There is much more I could say about this, but I think the man can speak for himself. Here is Mr. Vlieger’s letter:
AN OPEN LETTER TO THE CITIZENS OF SUNNYSIDE
People used to yell at President Harry Truman, “Give ‘em hell Harry”. He would answer, “I just tell the truth, and they think its hell”
That is how I feel about the current City Council election. I hear some people complaining that comparing the incumbent’s record to mine and detailing what she supported or how she voted is negative campaigning. I have not been personal,only factual. That is why I put the date next to every position that she took, so anyone can go on the city’s web site, listen to the archived meeting and hear for themselves.
As for my time on City Council, I am very proud of my record of lower crime, enough cops on the street, low taxes and fees, with budget surpluses six out of seven years. Regarding the Monson purchase, getting rid of the biggest eyesore and public health problem in Sunnyside is something I will never regret. Also, we will get all or most of our money back from selling the land. That can’t be said of all the money the incumbent authorized to spend on new vehicles and new employees. The positive results of my time on council are a matter of public record.
I feel compelled to answer a personal charge that has been made against me in a whisper campaign. That charge is that I don’t live in Sunnyside. Short of photo copying my driver’s license, my voter record and my children’s school records, all I can say is that I have lived in Sunnyside continuously since 1996. Those who are saying otherwise are lying. One of the people saying this is Carol Stone (I have the e-mail she sent out saying I live in Idaho). Now, I just called her a liar in public. If I am not telling the truth, then she has a great case to sue me. I can’t wait!
My dad taught me that you can judge the quality of a man by the character and integrity of his enemies; I think I am doing just fine. I am willing to tolerate honest criticism; however I will not stand by quietly when my character and reputation are being attacked. This letter is probably too late to effect the election either way, but it is not too late to square my reputation.
Thank you
Don Vlieger
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