NORMAN — Editor, The Transcript:
I am a resident of Ward 8, where we recently elected a new city council person. I have lived in Norman since 1994. I have always educated myself about those running for office as I believe it is important to have someone to turn to when there is a problem in my neighborhood.
I think it is imperative that we elect good Norman residents for city council. I have always been clear that these elections are not about political party but rather about citizens willing to serve.
We had two candidates in a runoff election in Ward 8. I had no idea about their political affiliation but had followed the forums, read comments in the Transcript and read their mailings carefully. I cannot tell you how disgusted I was to go to my mailbox on June 24, 2012 and find an extremely offensive, appalling and slanderous letter against Ms. Farley. The letter had no return address and was sponsored by the “ethical committee of taxpayers”.
There were three main subjects in the letter. I will not give voice to the first absurd allegation. I will only say that it tramples everything that ethical behavior stands for, it crossed every line of decency and it attacked our civil liberties.
The second subject alleged that Ms. Farley was working with major developers in Norman, in regard to the Hudimax project. I will say that this is beyond the point of logical reasoning. An example in the letter, they referred to the Hudimax project in Deer Creek, which is in Edmond. Ms. Farley had voiced early support for the Dove Crossing residents and worked with them to stop the project.
The last subject had to do with Ms. Farley resigning shortly after money was found missing in the safe where she worked. As a point of clarification, the person that took the money was found and the situation was handled in the proper manner. Also, Ms. Farley did not resign her position at the University of Oklahoma. She retired after 26 years of dedicated service, to care for her ailing mother for more than a year.
In their letter they referenced God and religion. It is my suggestion, that they read Exodus 20, where the 10 commandments are found. One I find most appropriate in this situation is the 9th commandment that says “you shall not bear false witness against your neighbor”.
I ask this group to stand up and let their voices be heard and to show their documentation of the accusations they made, rather than to hide behind the cloak of anonymity. Smearing Ms. Farley's reputation for political gain is shameful and repulsive.
Mr. Williams has stated that he did not have any knowledge of the letter that was sent to a targeted group of people. I accept Mr. Williams’ statement as truthful.
Mr. Williams won the election for city council of Ward 8 for all the people. His voice and vote should reflect what is in the best interest of everyone, while respecting the dignity and diversity of everyone. I hope he and other members of the city council will work together to stop this type of despicable behavior from occurring again.
CHARLES WHITE
Norman
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