It seems very clear that in his article, Mitcham chose to single out Marion Cartwright and insult him, despite a feeble attempt to proclaim a neutral journalistic stance. Rather than recognize the fact that Cartwright’s taxpayer dollars contribute substantially to this county’s economy, the article posits that Cartwright is somehow capable of hurting someone or something. This is clear thinking? Perhaps Mitcham would be kind enough to clarify his remark and shed some light on whom or what is being hurt by Cartwright’s assets and how.
What also seems clear is that according to Mitcham, the reduction of county operating costs is a single accomplishment worthy enough to warrant dismissal of the board’s dishonesty and utter lack of consideration of its constituents. The residents of Sam Bruce Road have maintained a simple request for several years. Closing Sam Bruce Road would save the county tax dollars in maintenance and eliminate substantial amounts of dumping and environmental problems, both of which continue to burden the road’s residents. The speeding vandals that continue to frequent the road in order to cut donuts and bash mailboxes are only one aspect of the problems surrounding the issue. Despite such burdens on the residents, the BOC has seen fit to avoid remedying the issue in every possible manner, including blatant disregard and bold-faced lies. They have also seen fit to incur and maintain a senseless defense to strong environmental litigation, the consequences of which will also be born by the taxpayers of Madison County. Despite such decisions, Mitcham maintains that the citizens’ grievances and their push for new representation are unsubstantiated because of the board’s fiscal successes in other areas. What exactly is clear about this logic? Your numbers, Mr. Mitcham, have nothing to do with this pitchfork.
Lastly, it seems clear that Mitcham is either an incompetent who has not at all researched the entirety of the Sam Bruce Road issue or he is content to, despite understanding the issue, have his elected representatives, untrustworthy and dishonest men. If the former, Mr. Mitcham, instead of driving down Sam Bruce Road and forming useless opinions, you might consider some observatory journalism at a BOC meeting. You will see that, contrary to your statement, every single resident of Sam Bruce Road has petitioned this county for its closure, a well-documented fact that should be common knowledge by this point, especially to a journalist. That some taxpayers want to use this road is irrelevant. Such logic would justify allowing any right of way to remain a giant nuisance to its neighboring properties so long as some taxpayers wanted to use it. Public function is pointless if it ignores public benefit.
You did get one thing clearly, Mr. Mitcham: these citizens are angry. And they have every right to be. Their representatives have blatantly lied to them, betrayed their confidence, and ignored their concerns. To add insult to injury, the local media sees fit to minimize their grievances, condescend, and insult them as citizens incapable of clear thought. To placate such behavior and not be angry seems to me the real absence of clear thinking.
Sincerely,
Manny Trujillo
Mitchem does mention what some folks may say or feel about the man.. Here's what Mitchem wrote - Marion “Hoss” Cartwright points out that the proposed financing for that jail expansion project would have left a lot to be desired. And many cities and counties around the country have found out the hard way that their financing plans for major projects included some painful fine print.
Cartwright is well known both for his money and his love of political hardball. Depending on who you talk to, he’s either a truth-to-power good guy or shameless peddler of bile and misinformation. He ran for the BOC and lost in 2008, but he has seemed even more of a presence in this year’s county elections, though he isn’t seeking office himself. Cartwright has spent a ton of money fighting the county on the Sam Bruce Road issue. When driving down that road, I can’t help but think it could be closed and no one would be the worse for it. It’s in terrible shape. It needs a lot more work than just a bridge. ( I don't see an insult there, Manny. Do you? I mean, really.. Looks to me like he agrees with everyone )
You then stated - "What also seems clear is that according to Mitcham, the reduction of county operating costs is a single accomplishment worthy enough to warrant dismissal of the board’s dishonesty and utter lack of consideration of its constituents." Did you forget that the article was about dumping the incumbents, Manny? He was writing about the FACT that this commission, (incumbents), have proven to be fiscally responsible. You find fault in that, Manny?
Then, Manny, you write - " Lastly, it seems clear that Mitcham is either an incompetent who has not at all researched the entirety of the Sam Bruce Road issue or he is content to, despite understanding the issue, have his elected representatives, untrustworthy and dishonest men." So you know - these are insults.. My guess is you have never had a one on one conversation with any of these men or even know much about them at all. Oh, and it wasn't "lastly", Manny.. You had more to say.. Please continue..
And then, even though the article is, follow me closely Manny - about the dumping of the incumbents - you continue with this - "To add insult to injury, the local media sees fit to minimize their grievances, condescend, and insult them as citizens incapable of clear thought. To placate such behavior and not be angry seems to me the real absence of clear thinking. "
No matter how you look at it, Manny the article Mitchem wrote about THE INCUMBENTS, produced none of the so called " insults and condenscending remarks you speak of. Furthermore, to me and I'm sure those who are really paying attention, Zach Mitchem doesn't seem to really give a rats tail about that road.
My question to you Manny is this. Why didn't you just write a "Letter To The Editor" about Sam Bruce Road instead of throwing off on Mitchem?
Here's where you REALLY need to follow me, Manny. It appears that someone is making YOU seem unfit to minimize the grievances, while you condescend, and you insult the commissioners and Mitcham as citizens and YOU are being perceived as incapable of clear thought for yourself, because Mr. Trujillo, I know for certain that YOU have once requested the repair of that road be EXPEDTED!!! What or who changed YOUR mind, sir?