I wouldn't have believe it if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes -- in black and white, printed in YourHub/Denver Post for Arvada, Wheat Ridge and Westminster on Thursday, April 17, 2014.
In a Letter-to-the-Editor, four of the five current elected members of the board of directors of the Arvada Fire Protection District endorsing their fellow incumbent member, Matt Kramer, for reelection -- and signing as members of the "Arvada Fire Protection District Board." (You can read the letter below.)
And then this, the last paragraph: "We would encourage all citizens and employees of the district to give Matt your support in this upcoming election."
Four members of an elected board who are responsible for the wages and salaries of the employees of the fire district directly addressing those employees with 'encouragement' to vote for an incumbent.
This is critically important -- a special district like the fire district runs its own elections -- the board employs the people who are organizing the election ... of the very same board members! Connect the dots ... this kind of 'insider' politicking raises trust, fairness and confidence questions about the very conduct and outcome of the fire district election.
A more blatant case of cronyism is hard to envision. Writing as "We the following current members of the Arvada Fire Protection District Board," these men are using their position and title of office to 'encourage' the election of one candidate over others -- one who actually sits on the board with the other four.
Remember, this is also the same board that sought to get term limits repealed for themselves last year ... thankfully, the voters in their wisdom said 'no'.
"Good ol'boy" politics needs to go away in Arvada. This kind of heavy-handed cronyism is not what the professional firefighters and EMTs of the district deserve and it is certainly not what the taxpayers should have to put up with.
It is time for a new Arvada fire board; one committed to the proficiency of its employees, and one dedicated to good government, to openness, to honesty, to impartiality -- and responsible to all the citizens and taxpayers of the district.
YourHub.com - Arvada, Wheat Ridge, Westminster - Thursday, April 17, 2014Board supports incumbent Kramer
We the following current members of the Arvada Fire Protection District Board are grateful that so many candidates have announced their intent to run for the three seats up for election this May.
While we believe each candidate offers something to the betterment of the Fire District, we especially feel the citizens should give strong consideration for casting one of their three votes for current board member Matt Kramer Jr.
We have had the pleasure and honor of serving with Matt for the last four years and can testify to his value to the Arvada Fire District, its citizens and firefighters.
This fire department has moved forward in leaps and bounds in the last four years, much in part to Matt’s input and insights in to the fire service.
When making decisions, Matt always has insights and ideas to help us come to reasonable decisions.
Matt’s knowledge of the current issues and the future issues makes him the most needed and qualified of all the candidates which is why he needs to remain on this board.
Fresh ideas, respect for the past and concern for the future of the direction of the fire district are what makes Matt an anchor on this board.
We would encourage all citizens and employees of the district to give Matt your support in this upcoming election. With his remaing presence we can be certain the good that has beed accomplished in the last several years will continue in to the future.
Mike Kerr, Doug Schneider, Tom McAdam and Ted Terranova, Arvada Fire Protection District Board
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