Editor’s Note: The View agrees with Aurora LeBrun’s assertion that we did not appropriately follow our own Letter of Support standards when we published a submission from Woodcreek Mayor Jeff Rasco with comments we deem disparaging. We apologize for the error and deemed it fair to allow a rebuttal to be printed.
I have been a subscriber of the View for many years and also supported the View through paid advertising while leading two of our local non-profits. I enjoy my coffee on Wednesday morning while reading the View — today was no exception. I am writing about the letter submitted by Mr. Jeff Rasco in support of three candidates. Letters of support are a tradition, and as a candidate for the school board and then Woodcreek city council, I was fortunate to receive those. The standards were made clear to me, which were to support and promote the candidate of our choice without disparaging those seeking the same office. It seems those standards are no longer being applied.
Mr. Rasco states at the beginning of his letter, “They stand in stark contrast to their opponents — three former mayors who cling to outdated ideas and lack a vision for Woodcreek.”
There are two things wrong with this statement. There are no “opponents” in the Woodcreek election — there are five citizens running for three at large seats. His assertion that these candidates lack vision and cling to outdated ideas — a clear attack.
Mr. Rasco also says in his letter that “despite an invitation to collaborate” the three former mayors have chosen to stand on the sidelines and criticize. It is my opinion, based on personal experience, that this statement is contrary to the View’s standards, unless those have changed in that, again, it represents an attack of the three candidates. It is also not true.
Mr. Rasco and his mayor pro tem have never invited the mayor or former council members to join in their efforts, except for those who fully agree with their practices. If one presents an opinion different than theirs, the attacks come through social media as well as personally. I have been the object of their attacks, which included false and defamatory statements, when daring to present a different perspective or point of view. The attacks were so severe that I filed a complaint with the City Attorney, Mr. Roger Gordon, who agreed it was valid.
Aurora F. LeBrun Woodcreek, Texas
