To the Citizens of Monmouth:

Anyone who’s opened their mailbox, checked their social media pages or watched TV in recent years knows that negative campaign ads for President, Congress, and the state legislature are bombarding us left and right.  If you’re like me, you’re sick of them, and try to ignore them.

These negative ads have now made their way into the race for Monmouth Mayor.  I’ve been urged to respond. But I won’t. People who know me know the attacks are distortions, misinformation and outright lies. I think this is all unfortunate.  In Monmouth we’ve enjoyed a long tradition of effective bipartisanship, of working across party lines to get things done for the good of our community and our region.  During my tenure as Mayor, I’ve worked with people from both sides of the aisle with one objective—to help our community grow and prosper.  This wasn’t accomplished easily, or overnight.  And it’s paid off by getting access to millions of dollars in grants from representatives of both parties to improve our infrastructure, revitalize our downtown and improve our police and fire departments.

I’m a public official, not a politician.  Those who know me know that I’m more comfortable getting things done behind the scenes than posing for selfies.  But I’ve enjoyed meeting and seeing hundreds of people in the last several months.  And one of the things people tell me is that they appreciate the positive campaign I’m running.

One thing that I’ve talked about is that I am truly “honored to serve.”  And that’s more than a campaign slogan.  I hope I’ve brought honor to the office of Mayor and to my campaign.  In my brochures, web site and mailers, I hope that the voters have seen a positive campaign, based on my experience and my principles—a campaign they can be proud of.  I’ve been blessed with support from officials from both political parties, from all parts of our community, old friends and new ones. I represent all the people.  Every day, I work hard to reaffirm their trust in me.

I hope that Monmouth voters will say “no” to negative campaigning and dividing our community.  I hope they will join with me and send a message to my opponent, his supporters, and others that it’s still possible to run a positive campaign and win.  That it’s still possible for honor to have a role in politics.  I have been, and continue to be, “honored to serve” as your Mayor.  I ask for your continued support, and for your vote in this election.

Sincerely,