As a Bowling Green Council Member, my intent was to not weigh in on our Council races. When Council Member Robinette wrote a letter to the Editor endorsing Eric Peck, I thought that was fine, since he did not make any negative comments.
However, Council Member Rubando’s letter to the Editor went too far. Basically, his letter inferred that Eric Peck and David Drain may vote certain ways simply because they received support from vested interests.
First, I have had the opportunity to get to know both Eric Peck and David Drain over this past year. They are both men of integrity and would be great additions to Council. With David, it’s laughable to think that he would bow to the interests of landlords. His leadership during and after the zoning code update shows that he has taken positions—and actively worked on initiatives—which may not be popular with larger landlords. Eric’s stated position on the PR district changes also show that he can work on issues that benefit the community and are not necessarily popular with large landlords.
Second, the logic used that organizations that significantly contribute to a candidate will result in the elected official doing the will of the organization is fundamentally flawed. It could be that donations are made to those candidates that the organization feels will be fair and unbiased. As a statistician, I have all-too-often seen the misplaced logic that correlation implies causality. Contributions do not necessarily cause certain votes. There could be a spurious relationship. The contributors may want to contribute to those who will be fair and unbiased.
The candidate may have a record of being fair and unbiased. Their actions may be a result of being fair and unbiased.
Third, others have received significant support in their campaigns. Do we use a broad brush and also call those candidates into question? For example, Mayor Mike Aspacher has a number of yard signs on properties owned by large landlords. It would be unfair and inaccurate to say that the slow rollout of rental inspection is because the large landlords support the Mayor so the Mayor intentionally slowed it down. I can assure you that there were other, non-nefarious, reasons for the slow rollout.
Also, using Council Member Rubando’s view would call Council Member Jeff Dennis’ actions into question. Council Member Dennis has received ample contributions from unions. Dennis also introduced legislation that favors unions. To insinuate that Jeff did this because of some obligation to the union organizations is insulting. I have worked with Jeff on a number of projects. He is thoughtful and thorough. Sure, I disagree with him on a few items, but I do not question his integrity.
In summary, Mayor Aspacher, Council Member Dennis, candidates Peck and Drain have all accepted support from various organizations. I believe that none of these individuals consider themselves beholden to their supporters. Bowling Green residents should be glad that these individuals have come forward to serve.
William J. Herald
Bowling Green City Council, Ward Four
