Letter: Practice What You Preach

0
733

My wife, Mariann Tracy, is running for City Clerk. We were very disappointed to read Ed Steinfeld’s ridiculous letter in your paper last Friday and in Stu News.

He stated that a $5,000 donation that my wife made to her own campaign was questionable. He already knew that Mariann had consulted with the city attorney and the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) to make sure there was no impropriety.  Steinfeld found out later that the donation was in the form of a check signed by me from a joint checking account.  All that was done “by the book,” but Steinfeld chose to make an issue out of a non-issue. Even worse, he broadcast his non-issue on the local radio station the week prior without bothering to disclose his close 16-year relationship with my wife’s opponent, the other city clerk candidate.

Steinfeld was told by the radio station management that he was in error for lack of disclosure concerning his conflict of interest and agreed not to discuss the City Clerk contest again until after the election. We then received an apology from the owner of the station and an on-air apology from Steinfeld. Since then, Mr. Steinfeld has been placed on a leave-of-absence from the radio station until after the election for his failure to disclose his conflict of interest.

Seems to us that should have been the end of the discussion, but Steinfeld chose to broadcast the false claims yet again in Stu News and the Indy. We guess the on-air apology we received was not very truthful or honest. Steinfeld apparently has nothing better to do with his time than slander our family. 

Steinfeld, of course, suggests cronyism and partisanship are rampant at City Hall… if so, why does his girlfriend want to work there? She left almost three years ago under the guise of lack of opportunity. As Mariann has already mentioned, she chose to pursue the position of City Clerk…she was not “hand-picked” by management. In truthfulness, the City Manager tried to talk her out of it, yet she still decided to pursue the position.

As Mariann emphasized in her campaign, City Clerk certification is a prerequisite for success. Mariann will have that certification process completed in the next year. On the other hand, her opponent has done nothing toward obtaining certification. In fact, in Steinfeld’s letter to Stu News, he makes fun of Mariann’s work effort on her own time and expense to gain certification.

In addition, Mariann has worked closely over the past year to ensure a smooth transition when Lisette retires if she is, indeed, voted in as the new City Clerk. Mariann’s endorsements from councilmembers, former mayors, city management, and Lisette account for the dedication and commitment to the community that Mariann demonstrates daily.

Good luck to you, Steinfeld and your friend. Next time try practicing what you preach. Instead of blowing smoke, falsehoods, and innuendo, try a positive approach and do not forget about the importance of disclosure and transparency.

Richard Tracy, Laguna Beach

Share this:

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here