In last weeks Whitehall News there was an article acknowledging Chris Rodriguez and myself as the two who will move on to the general election for the Ward 1 council seat.

http://www.thisweeknews.com/news/20170508/stage-set-for-council-races-after-primary-rules-out-one

In the article Councilman Rodriguez was quoted as saying that, “I hope to run a positive campaign”. In the past, I have noticed this catch-all saying can actually act to stifle things an opponent says that isn’t, and only, 100% pure sunshine, even when what is being said is truth and part of the record. Things that can be categorized as ‘good’ or ‘bad’ dependent on how the person wielding the ‘positivity’ banner feels about the them and, more importantly, how damaging they are to them. This is an important understanding to have and so wanted to clarify this otherwise innocuous seeming declaration.

 While my opponent for the Ward 1 council seat; incumbent Chris Rodriguez, wants to “run a positive campaign”, I wanted to say this in response;

While that is always an admirable (and just) goal, I wanted to remind citizens/voters that such wording shouldn’t be construed to mean that anything which isn’t “positive” must necessarily then be ‘negative’. In a campaign to reach not only a seat to represent citizens but one that also wields power, words must not be given any more heft or meaning than they are due. In presenting facts, as culled from his own record sitting on Council, or my opinions on that record as a political opponent, is neither ‘positive’ or ‘negative’ but, rather simply, the truth. Rather, it is Mr. Rodriguez’ actions and the character he displayed in those actions within the realm of his job as the citizen’s representative which are entirely right and fair game, and, the proper means in which to present one’s case. His personal life is not. That is the true distinction in what defines (and should actually be considered) a proper or improper campaign. A note of distinction I thought important and worthy of the public’s understanding.