Brentwood mayoral candidate Mark Wilson said at the end of the League of Women Voters forum on March 18 that a Brentwood business person switched from a Mark Wilson campaign sign to a Chris Thornton sign when Mayor Pat Kelly insisted on it.
Thornton, through an attorney, found a business that he identified as the one that had made the change in campaign signs (Steven Johnson, Allstate Insurance), and asked the owner to explain why. Johnson signed an affidavit that stated it didn’t involve Kelly.
The 40 South News editor asked Wilson if he would like to respond to the affidavit, and Wilson sent a statement by email Friday evening to the editor.
An Open Letter to 40 South News:
I made a statement at the end of the Mayor’s Forum referencing the removal of a sign by a business owner. I in no way meant to place any business owner in the middle of a campaign issue, and am sorry that this has happened. I have, and will continue to represent both myself and my campaign with the highest level of honor and integrity, and I stand behind the truth of the statements that I made at the Mayor’s Forum.
I want you all to know that if I am chosen to serve as Mayor, you will find a “New Day” in Brentwood, one where we will spend our time and energy addressing the problems that face our community, and not one that will perpetuate this atmosphere of mistrust.
For the few remaining days of this campaign I intend to continue to discuss the important issues that face our City…professional behavior, financial responsibility, preserving neighborhood integrity, building a sense of community where all feel welcome even though we might disagree at times, and addressing issues surrounding our current infrastructure.
It is my hope that the people of Brentwood understand my commitment to move our City in a positive direction and accomplish what needs to be done for a better Brentwood.
Respectfully,
Mark D. Wilson
2015 Brentwood Mayoral Candidate
Wilson wouldn’t say if Johnson’s Allstate agency was the one that he referred to in the forum. “Respectfully, I’ve said what I need to say, and want to focus on moving the discussion to the positive and what can be done for the betterment of Brentwood and it’s residents,” he said by email.
Speaking of signs that came down, what happened to the Patrick Toohey sign that once was placed in former Mayor Kurtz yard.
Given the current administration has a history of mistruths, I am of the belief Mr. Wilson is being truthful.
not sure who the “several people” are that Wilson is supposedly calling a liar? Seems we need to move on to other issues.
The statement itself is impressive. We have been looking for a leader…and, a new day. I think we may have found both.
You didn’t mean “to place any business owner in the middle of a campaign issue . . . “? What in the world did you think would happen? Did you expect someone simply to take your word for it? This business owner has, through sworn testimony, stated the facts. You are essentially calling him a liar. This owner has no dog in the fight and, hence, no reason to fabricate. Candidate Wilson, though, has every reason to fabricate and pain himself as the victim. Again, very poor leadership skills. This is the type of nonsense that has been present for the last 3 years at the BOA. This needs to end.
Thank you for forwarding this Mark Wilson. I take you at your word, which is why you have my support and vote. This election has been, from the beginning about credibility and substance. Even given this last minute distraction, the essence of the election remains credibility and substance. Thank you for putting yourself out for Brentwood’s betterment.
Oh, what a tangled web we weave …. when first we practice to deceive.