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Response to letter #2
Below is my official response that I have submitted to the Times Record to be published in the Letters to the Editor section. I didn't want to steal my own thunder but I realize not everyone (especially in our demographic) reads the paper these days so I figured I'd post it here.
Pete, again thank you for your question. Maybe I'm just too new to politics or I suffer from a false ideal that we should all try to get along and work together but I am still trying to maintain a positive campaign. I believe negative tactics will only work against you. (Do unto others as you will have them do unto you). I've done my research and I've discovered some flaws but I am choosing not to go down that road. If I can't win running a positive campaign then running for office is not something I want to be a part of. We'll find out in a few days if I chose correctly.
Here is my reply:
This is in reference to the negative letters recently submitted regarding my campaign for Ward 1 City Director.
I am disappointed with the negativity and I am fed up with the bickering and the animosity that some of our citizens have for one another. If you endorse a specific candidate, then write a positive letter in their favor. Enough with the fabricated rumors and blatant lies attempting to tear down someone's reputation. Our community has endured enough and we are tired of the same old negative rhetoric. Speaking ill of someone says nothing about the person being attacked but speaks volumes about the person attacking and what is truly in their heart.
I am a 33 year old young professional who speaks for an entire generation when I say we are tired of the same ol' same ol'. It's time for REAL change in our city government. It's time to bury hatchets, heal wounds and start focusing on building a bright future that brings progress and prosperity to Fort Smith. I am a leader who will build bridges and seek to understand all sides of the issues. Let's move forward in a positive direction and let's do it together. The Marshals Museum and the 188 A-10s are just the tip of the iceberg of what we as a community can accomplish when we all rally together to pull the rope in the same direction. Ward 1 residents, here is your chance to vote for a new generation of leadership. Vote Travis Stephens on Tuesday April 8th.