The following letter to the editor was published in the Beach Reporter newspaper (TBRnews.com) on Thursday, March 29, 2012 in the Letters section. The Beach Reporter has a strict 250-word limit.
His own words
Before our City Council election, it’s incumbent upon every voter to verify facts before taking e-mails, editorials and hearsay as fact. I refuse to engage in the mud slinging and conjecture flooding e-mail boxes and newspapers. I’m writing now because I take issue when my name is attached to words I did not say.
When I am used to promote someone else’s opinion, I respond. Mr. Gerhardt VanDrie asked me if a petition came forward with validated signatures supporting a barrel tax, would I block it with my vote as a City Council member? My answer was, “No, I wouldn’t block any verified petition from the citizenry of El Segundo as a matter of democratic principal.”
For example, I wouldn’t have blocked Measure P although I’ve been extremely vocal against it. VanDrie’s editorial addresses other topics, which may infer my support. This action is wrong. If you want to know my opinion – ask me. If you want to verify facts about our former city manager – read El Segundo’s public records. It’s wrong that mass e-mails, presumptions or suppositions may win the day in an important election.
El Segundo’s problems are too serious for politicking. We need factual, clear communication; responsible plans and the courage to consider all aspects of issues, without narrowly pushing individual agendas. The only agenda I have is a safe and fiscally sound community.
Leading El Segundo in its entirety isn’t easy, yet it’s possible and worth doing. I will serve you in this way.
David Burns
El Segundo
El Segundo Police Officers' Association (ESPOA) Exposed