So in the last week Councilmember Brudnicki filed to run for City Council, Becky Nixon (former Mayor) filed to run against her and then Councilmember Brudnicki withdraws from the race.
Skylar Hansen files to run for City Council then drops out of the race when he gets an opponent.
There is a whirlwind of political action in Duvall that makes me wonder what is going on. I can only assume that Skylar Hansen did not really want to defend his record and thought it easier to droip out than to face a political challenge. I can also assume that Councilmember Brudnicki must have a skeleton in the closet to drop out of a race with Becky Nixon (who was soundly defeated 4 years ago receiving only 36% of the vote). It is interesting that a councilmember as popular as Councilmember Brudnicki would just withdraw without some compelling reason.
There is much more to this story that will come to light.
So who is running against Ms Nixon now? How do I find this out?
ReplyDeleteShe is running unopposed. To me this seems like a big step in the wrong direction.
ReplyDeleteRob, since I do not know you it’s impossible to imagine why a Christian man would be driven to electronically pass around such evil gossip. It is clear in the Bible that gossip is a sin. From experience I have watched Councilwoman Brudnicki listen to the needs of the good citizens of Duvall and act upon those needs to enhance the services and beauty of this lovely community.
ReplyDeleteAs tempted as I am to launch some diatribe on your character, I will choose to use the Christian weapon of love to wish you peace and a sense of justice. You have tried to harm the fine reputation of one of the most exemplary members of our community and city council. In the years I have observed her, she always operates professionally by extending a hand to each generation. Before you initiate a vicious rumor regarding “skeletons” in ones closet, you might first try cleaning out your own storage units. It seems that you have lost your way and it is only through the practices of genuine love for each other that one will find his way again.
As the great Martin Luther King said, “Let no man pull you so low as to hate him.” Therefore I cannot hate you however; I implore you to retract such nasty suggestions about Councilwoman Brudnicki. People who heal wounds are peacemakers; I invite you to make peace.
Sincerely,
Paul H.
Paul,
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your concern for my soul. But perhaps a rereading of my comment will enlighten you. There was no gossip only supposition. I dod not say that Councilmember Brudnicki did anything. I am just making a supposition based on years of political activity.
Councilmember Brudnicki is well loved by the citizens in town and would have easily won reelection. It makes me wonder why she would drop out such a short time ofter filing. Perhaps you have another suggestion about her reasonings. Care to share?
I have not tried to harm her reputation I am simply wondering why she would drop out so quickly.
And as far as skeleton in my storage unit, please share. I can only assume that after you passionate, biblical and ethical comments that you must have some information about what these might be. I am sure you did not attempt to gossip or slander me electronically in any way so please share. I will post anything you sent.
Thanks
No offense, Thomas, but I'm not interested in anything in your storage unit. Let's keep this post focused on the election.
ReplyDeleteI'm relatively new to town, but I have heard of Diane Brunicki and Skyler Hansen. Why would they both drop out at the same time, so early in the race? They are both well known and likely would have done well in debates. How do we find this out? Can we get a statement from them?
Howard
Howard,
ReplyDeleteI can only suppose why they dropped out. My political side makes me think there is something going on but I can't say 100%. There are definitely rumors out there about it but until I can get some confirmation I will not be sharing them.
I know the River Current News has asked for comment from them but they have both refused to offer any explanation or even reply to the emails. If there were some reason, family etc, for them dropping out I would have expected them to make some statement to explain to those who have supported them, and to the public, what their reasons were. The fact that they are so tight lipped about it and left in such a conspicuous manner makes me think there is more to the story.
I love that Paul goes off about you gossiping and then says you need to clean up your own skeletons. It doesn't speak well of his argument when he complains about something and then does that exact same thing in the same email.
ReplyDeleteMakes me think that Paul doesn't really want to look at the possibility that Thomas is right.
Dan
Well, all I will say is that I am awaiting an email from Paul (which I will post without editing). I can only assume that he would have some information that would substantiate his assertion that I have some skeletons in my storage unit because a good Christian like Paul would never gossip or start vicious rumors without documentation.
ReplyDeletePaul, the ball is in your court.
So what about Becky Nixon? What's the story on her?
ReplyDeleteWell, That is a loaded question. Becky used to be the Mayor of Duvall. She resigned after receiving pressure from the City Council because, well let's just say she didn't play well with others. She ran for City Council 4 years ago and in the process of that election she attacked the chamber of commerce, the citizens and most everyone else who disagreed with her. From my experience she has no problem personally attacking those who disagree with her and she will say and do anything to get what she wants.
ReplyDeleteOh and just for Paul, who still hasn't sent me anything backing up his slander, I have several emails and website postings she has personally sent that back up all the above statements.
There will be a posting in the future where all this will be posted online.
Oh I also should add that rather than addressing a disagreement she has with people she will attack their character and reputation rather than addressing the real issue.
ReplyDeleteCase in point, I emailed her as a reporter for the River Current News and she replied to the editor that she will not reply to any of my emails and people say I am mentally ill.
Sounds like the perfect candidate to me. Won't talk to the press and attacks my character rather than address the real issue.
Rob, out of concern for your sensitivity I am not even going to mention the past tragedy in your life. But when it comes to lesser "skeletons" of your own why is it that you have been pulled over by Duvall police twice in recent weeks for driving with a suspended license? Why were you not arrested in either case? Didn't you post a blog on this issue a year ago concerning minorities in Seattle not being arrested for driving with a suspended license? As a Christian man do you think it moral to shirk your responsibility of settling the offense that caused you to lose your license?
ReplyDeleteI will be impressed if you actually live up to word by posting my comment. Let he who is without sin...
Sincerely,
Paul H.
Paul,
ReplyDeleteYour "facts" are incorrect. I was pulled over on Tuesday evening (the 21st) because I had failed to pay a ticket I had received for having expired tabs. This is the only time I was pulled over recently and it was a week after you made your comments about my skeletons.
I do not know the reason that the police department let me off with a warning. I am sure that you would be able to talk to one of the officers and find out what their reasoning was, but it was not shared with me. I paid the balance owing about 2 hours after I was pulled over.
I am most interested in what this past tragety is that you are talking about and how it relates to the discussion at hand. Please share.
I have done as I have promised and I have posted your comments. Now it is your turn. explain your position.
Is Paul casting stones? It seems a little weird to me that he was able to find out so quickly about Thomas being pulled over. Sounds like Paul is not being forthright about who he is and how he can get so much info. Seems like he is taking a page from the Skylar Hansen playbook. too bad you cant find out more about him.
ReplyDeleteDan
Well its been 4 days and no news from Paul. Perhaps I will finish the argument for him. It will go something like this:
ReplyDeleteRob is a terrible person. He looses all ability to argue persuasively because he is not perfect and some of them are so bad that I wont even say what they are so I seem like the nice guy.
The part that Paul fails to recognize is that we all have skeletons in the closet. He also fails to realize that I am not elected to any position in the government. The standard of what we expect is different for those who choose to enter the public arena and those who enter the public arena have the obligation to be questioned by those who vote.
Rob, you demonstrate a lack of humbleness by being so presumptious as to speak for me. For someone who has been responsible through your own negligence for the tragic death of a sibling you seem to take much license in writing unsubstantiated accusations about others, whether in public service or not, and the supposed "skeletons in their closet". You are a poor example of our faith. We are subjected to criticism by the non-believers because of examples such as yourself.
ReplyDeletePaul H.
paul,
ReplyDeletethank you for demonstrating that I was exactly correct in my description of your argument. I appreciate you blaming me for the persecution of all christians and also your failure to tie your vicious comments to the discussion at hand. When you can explain how your comments relate to his discussion (short of being a way to attack my character) then we will continue our discussion.
I wonder if you are able to explain how pointing out all my many faults makes your point that I should not comment on the reasons political figures dropped out of a race for city council.
As far as the death of my brother, I urge you to research more thuroughly before you use it to make political points.
I forgive your traspass and hope that no one treats you as poorly as you have treated me.
I await your explanation.
Paul,
ReplyDeleteWhat is your beef with Thomas? You take every opportunity to attack his character, ruin his reputation and frankly it is disturbing that you know so much of his background. It seems like this story is a little to close you you and you are attacking him to change the discussion. I do not see any valid points that you have made. Perhaps youshould use some of your research time to find out the reasons the councilmember and mr. hansen are not running.
Or perhaps you could follow the exaple of him whom you profess to follow and love thy neighbor, turn the other cheek and do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
The thing about bringing religion into a political argument is that it rarely has a place. Discuss the issues, discuss your points, and lobby for your point of view, but let's leave the nasty personal attacks out of it.
Dan
It is interesting how vehemently Paul despises the idea that there could possibly be any reason that a sitting Council member would so quickly withdraw after filing for office. It really makes me think he has a personal connection to Mrs. Brudnicki and will do anything he can to keep the truth from coming out.
ReplyDeleteI bet that he knows the real reason why she dropped out. Maybe that is why he is fighting so hard to divert attention away from the simple question that was asked. It makes me more curious about it now.
What did Shakespeare say? "The lady doth protest too much, methinks."
Just looking through the comments and noticed the change in tone from Paul's first comment until his last. It is almost like it is written by two different people.
ReplyDeleteI suppose after the customary 4 day waiting periiod we will hear from Paul again. When we do I hope he can explain how exploiting my personal history and challenging my character helps make his point that I should not comment or speculate on the reasons politicians make the decisions they do.
This is absurd. Whatever has happened in thomas' past has no bearing on the city and its citizens because thomas is not in a leadership position and is not making decisions which will impact any of us. What has happened in the past of councilmembers and candidates is interesting because it is the best predictor of the future. I for one am very interested to find out why two supposedly strong members of the community who have done nothing but great things dropped out of the election out of fear of the past mayor. Yes, this will be the topic of private and public conversation despite Paul's best efforts.
ReplyDeleteDebbie
I wonder if there will be a write-in campaign against Ms. Nixon? Local political history shows success is unlikely under the best of circumstances. It seems to me that if she campaigns with only her own name on the ballot and gets the endorsement of the current office-holder, then Ms. Nixon should be able to add 20 or 25 percentage points to her total of four years ago. Any thoughts?
ReplyDeletePoliticalinclined
I don't know about a write in campaign. in the past there has been some sucess with write in campaigns but they are difficult. Having her name being the only one on the ballot almost ensures success.
ReplyDeleteI seriously doubt that there is any chance that Councilmember Brudnicki would endorse Ms. Nixon. They have some history and would explain why there is some "tension" between the two of them.
Maybe I will expound a little on this in another post.
What local write in campaign was successful in the past? I can't remember one myself. Matthew Waddington fell short quite a few years ago. Even Ms. Brudnicki did not win her write in campaign more recently. She was appointed to the same seat when what's-his-name quit after a year. Also, I think you are misjudging Councilmember Brudnicki. I suspect she and Ms. Nixon are on the same page when it comes to most of the major local issues. Ms. Brudnicki is known for offering people redemption and second chances, one of the reasons she is so well-liked in the community. It wouldn't surprise me at all if she gave her full support to Ms. Nixon should the circumstances warrant it.
ReplyDeletePoliticalinclined
As far as write in campaigns go councilmember brudnicki's campaign was successful. She came very close to wining and as a consequence got appointed to an open seat.
ReplyDeleteI doubt councilmember brudnicki would support Ms. Nixon because he was part of the council that "encouraged" her to resign a few years ago. I doubt that her memory is shat short as to forget the trouble and havoc that Ms. Nixon caused while in office. And from what I know of councilmember brudnicki I do not think that she would support inflicting Ms. Nixon on the city staff and the citizens.
Actually, you are incorrect. Councilmember Brudnicki took office after Ms. Nixon resigned. Check the dates if you don't believe me. Also, I think you are presumptious in the extreme to assume Councilmember Brudnicki's attitude about Ms. Nixon is in any way similar to your own. Perhaps, instead, she thinks that "inflicting" you and anyone you support for elective office "on the city staff and the citizens" is the real problem.
ReplyDeleteI contacted Ms. Nixon to let her know that Rob Millard is plotting a write in campaign against her. So much for the surprise factor. I sugggested she arrange a coffee meeting with Ms. Brudnicki to discuss how to best join forces against a common political enemy. Ms. Nixon thinks her support would be priceless. I suggested they could go doorbelling together if Ms. Brudnicki is agreeable.
What do you think Councilmember Brudnicki's approval rating in town would be? My guess is at least 80%. Since you are so opposed to Ms. Nixon's candidacy I am confident that she will gain the benefit of Councilmember Brudnicki's support and popularity in the election.
PI
pi,
ReplyDeleteyou are correct that it wasn't Dianne who was on the council. I appologize for that error. But you are incorect that I am planning a write in campaign against Ms. Nixon. If I did however I am confident I would be successful.
of course Becky nixon would consider Dianne's support as priceless. Any positive influence on her damaged reputation would be helpful.
oh and one more thing, if Dianne chooses to support becky it will say more about her charactor than anything she has done in office. Who you choose as your "friends" says a great deal about you.
there is an old saying that says "i can't hear what you are saying because your actions are talking too loudly." I sincerely hope that rather than doing the easy thing that Dianne does her homework on Becky and considers carefully who she chooses to endorse. I eagerly await the "sound" of her actions.
I am laughing hysterically at the thought of Ms Brudnicki showing up at my front door with her new best friend, Ms Nixon. I actually encourage it just for the entertainment it will bring.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to ask the two obvious questions that no one else has. Mr Politically inclined:
1. If Dianne does enjoy an 80% approval rating, why did she drop out of the race so quickly with her tail between her legs?
2. Why would Dianne be so quick to enthusiastically endorse Ms Nixon after sending out such hateful email about her in the last campaign. I still have the email I received from her and will be happy to share it with the town if people have forgotten.
Kathy
Kathy,
ReplyDeleteYou present some excellent questions. It makes PI seem biased by his assumtions. I would love to see the email that Ms. Brudnicki sent out. It would be very interesting to read.
Dan
Your sneering contempt for Ms. Nixon says a great deal about your character. Here's just a short list of her contributions to the community that you can't match: she lives and pays taxes in Duvall, she operates a business in Duvall, she has held elective office, she has served on the school board, she is a chamber member, she has volunteered for virtually every organization in town, etc., etc., etc.
ReplyDeleteWhat have you done for the community besides Boy Scouts and coaching Little League? I think you are a textbook example of a small-minded person who finds satisfaction in trying to tear down those who do much more than yourself.
PI
PI,
ReplyDeleteI find it interesting that all you have done is accused Rob of doing exactly what you are doing. All you have done recently is attack him personally because he did not support a candidate you like. The tenor of your comments and the comments you make about him are disturbing to me.
So I ask you the same questions, What have you done for the community? Have you held elected office? Have you been on the school board? Volunteered in the Boy Scouts? Coached Little League? Own a buisness in town?
Show your own credentials and we can then compare them with others. I challenge you to live up to your own standard.
Dan
I guess when it comes to PI actually putting money where his mouth is, he is lacking. Too bad he cant live up to the same standard that he expects others to live by.
ReplyDeleteSeems pretty sad.
Dan