Letter to the editor: Response from candidate for Mission mayor

I am running for Mayor in the City of Mission. I would like to clear up claims made about me in a letter that appeared in the March 26 913 news magazine.

First, I served as a councilman in Mission for seven years. My first full term was three years, and the next term the city transitioned over to a four-year term. That makes seven years total. I was proud to serve Ward 2 for my full two terms.

Second, I had a procedural lawsuit against the city for keeping me (as an elected official) out of an executive session, which is unconstitutional. The lawsuit was procedural — not for monetary gain — which I made clear throughout the case. I wanted the city to agree never to keep an elected official out of a meeting where all other elected officials are present. I decided to drop the lawsuit because I did not want to cost the city any more time or money. I did not receive any money from this lawsuit, nor did I want it. The city was required to pay my attorney fees. If elected mayor, I will work to ensure that the Mission residents and businesses voices are not silenced.

Third, I was informed by a city official that the city was in debt $56 million. Other city officials claim the debt is $42.3 million. Either amount is too much in a town of 10,000 people.

If elected mayor, I plan to work diligently to keep Mission out of debt, while maintaining the city’s roads and infrastructures. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at Steve4Mayor.com.

This story was originally published March 27, 2014 at 2:41 PM with the headline "Letter to the editor: Response from candidate for Mission mayor."