I think it's important to point out that not only is CP Samuels engaging in
this type of behavior, but so are people on his campaign. Megan Goodmunson
(who works on Samuels' campaign) repeatedly accuses Michelle Hill of actually
being NJL (she is not) and personally insults her (and has insulted me as well
when I've posted in favor of NJL) on this list.
The Samuels campaign has developed a real mean streak, using derogatory words
about lower income people of color (Samuels is a former corporate executive who
has publicly said that he wants to replace current residents with "Middle
Class" residents) and younger people who may choose to dress differently.
Samuels has also used the terms "Alpha Male" and living in the "Big House" to
describe himself, something which at worst is an offensive gauntlet thrown at
certain people and at best is an insensitive, misguided statement which with
most of us can't really identify.
Bringing NJ L's husband in to the debate and calling him a pornographer adds a
nasty, disgusting personal tone to this debate.
These are the kind of campaign tactics worthy of the religious right. As long
as we're throwing accusations and innuendos out there, I have one of my own.
CP Samuels sits on the council as a result of FBI (Bush Administration, who's
campaign tactics he is using) interference in our local affairs.
As a former 3rd ward resident who had significant ideological disagreements
with Joe Biernat, I'll say that CP Biernat at least returned phone calls and
responded to e-mails of NORMAL PEOPLE, not just the ED of the local
neighborhood groups. He helped develop the "Truth in Housing" statements and
the Upper River Master plan. He led the fight against the Kondirator. CP
Samuels is definitely a few steps down.
When Northeast neighborhoods voted unanimously against affordable housing
development, Samuels (an immigrant) wasn't there to tell them that NIMBY-ism is
wrong, he simply kept quiet.
Of course, let's be real clear. The real ugliness in this race is between the
SUPPORTERS of both of these candidates.
To those of us who had had the doors of city hall repeatedly slammed in our
faces and were threatened with lawsuits (as happened to a list member) when
Jackie Cherryhomes didn't like what we had to say, Natalie Johnson Lee is the
one person in city hall who let us working class folks have a voice. The
criticisms of her (an inneffective rabble rouser) are essentially the same
criticisms of former CP Jim Niland and former US Senator Paul Wellstone.
Most of the north side supporters of Don Samuels are the people who supported
our former behind-the-seens iron fisted ruler, Jackie Cherryhomes. They resent
US (working class cab drivers <NJL is the council representative to the taxicab
committee>, counter culture types and people of color who wear baggy pants) for
having any voice whatsoever at city hall.
It begs the question, would Don Samuels have run if Jackie Cherryhomes were the
CURRENT 5th ward council member????? My money says no.
Megan, maybe that's why your tone is so over-the-top with hostility towards
Michelle Hill. Maybe that's why the 5th ward race is full of class warfare
type language.
Those avidly supporting Don Samuels seem to be economically comfortable people
who seem to resent even the little scrap of power we've been thrown. Many of
them have shown disturbing attitudes towards working class people. They
complain about Booker Hodges' show on MTN, but don't really mind white
supremacist Larry Leinenger's show. Leinenger was a third ward primary city
council candidate. Hodges is not seeking political office. Larry Leinenger is
not threatening to (most of) the comfortable, Natalie Johnson Lee is.
(As a free speech advocate and MTN member I support the rights of both of these
men to say whatever they want provided they don't violate the rules of MTN.
Though I am simply writing my own opinions, I am an MTN board member....these
opinions are mine and NOT those of MTN!)
Well Mr. Samuels (and supporters,)
in the age of Nixon, you may find that hypocritical, negative, nasty
campaigning works, but SOME of us poor slobs who don't deserve a voice still
have ideals.
Tamir Nolley
9-9
Craig Cox <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
In Ballot Box: Fifth Ward fireworks
Council Member Natalie Johnson Lee responds to the coverage of
yesterday's Fifth Ward debate.
Go to:
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