When news came yesterday that J.R. Roberts had defeated Paul Lewin by a small number of votes in the race for a 2nd seat on the council, it seemed that within moments Mr. Lewin was on social media with a gracious and classy concession statement. I think he garnered a lot of plaudits and showed all how to act in such a circumstance.
Contrast that with the actions of Ginny Foat when she was defeated by Robert Moon in the Mayor's race. Ms. Foat seemed petulant and even managed to get in a fight on Facebook with of all people, journalist Hank Plante. That whole sordid chapter did not end well with Mr. Plante releasing e mails from Robert Moon which showed Ms. Foat portraying herself as a martyr in a very unflattering light.
I get the frustration that Ms. Foat is experiencing. She has often boasted that in the last 3 council elections, she received the highest vote total. No way could she have ever dreamed that she would get only 25% of the vote in a mayoral election. But as painful as losing may be, it really is sometimes how you play the game. And she did not play it well.
Getting back to Paul Lewin, like Ms. Foat he was a casualty of the recent investigations and scandals in City Hall. While it is early, he probably should consider another run in 2 years. He is a good man and I wish him all the best.
What has not been said yet but what is really fascinating is that a few months back, this city council received a "Lifetime" Achievement Award. Now take a look at the 5. Mayor Steve Pougnet is an official in name only. Ignored at the Pride Parade and heading off to Denver as soon as he can. Paul Lewin has lost his seat Rick Hutcheson is headed as fast as he can to LA. Chris Mills stays on the council as he hurtles towards obscurity joined by Ginny Foat who sits on the council where the plaque in front of her does not say Mayor. The Fab 5 has become a lot less fabulous.
Steve Kelly can be reached at skelly@rrbroadcasting.com
While I see nothing in the blog that's incorrect, the content saddens me. The remarks about Paul Lewin are spot on and he deserves the kind words. As for the remainder of the blog, it saddens me to realize the online election brawl commentaries continue. In my opinion, the sooner we are able to move on the better for all.
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Problem is, Ginny isn't going anywhere. And she isn't changing her ways.
ReplyDeleteI agree that Paul Lewin is a "Class Act" and hope that he runs for office again in the near future.
ReplyDeleteAll I can do here is ask everyone else, including the winners and losers in the election, to:
"Breathe in, Breathe out, Move on." - Jimmy Buffett
Yes, the "Lifetime" Achievement Award" was given to the council by none other than the PS Resorts, which is itself FUNDED by the City. What a joke that was.
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