He questions my integrity for allowing paid advertising on the Mayor’s Blog, suggesting that it opens me up to influence peddling. He says that someone might gain special favour with me if they plunk down enough cash for a banner ad.

He also suggests that I am using my Mayor’s blog web site to actively solicit money, implying that I am open to bribes. No doubt there are elected officials in Yukon’s past that will know more about that activity than I.

Allow me to expose the fallacy in his proposition.

I’ve been engaged in the selling of goods and services ever since arriving in the Yukon. According to Mr. Mostyn’s argument, as long as I hold public office I’m not allowed to sell my artwork and crafts or carry out contract work for any locals out of concern that I will grant municipal favours in return for their consideration. I also sell website hosting space with a long list of clients and I do the odd web site design for local businesses and individuals. Are they  expecting special dispensation from our municipal government because they chose to do business with me who also happens to be the Mayor?

Actually I think the reverse is true. There are probably more people out there who avoid giving business to a part-time Mayor or Councillor in private life based on a disgruntlement over an issue.

The business of selling advertising on all of my web sites – regardless of what they are called – is well within my right to carry on a commercial enterprise and I will continue to do so. No one is obligated to visit my Mayor’s blog much less click on an ad.

I realize that Mr. Mostyn is pointing out that my website is set up as the ‘voice of the Mayor’ and that any hint of commercialism reeks  – even if that ‘voice’ is my own and not council’s. The optics may not be to everyone’s liking, and if it is a compelling issue they will have the opportunity to express their views on election day.

As far as the “You Can Treat the Mayor to a Pint” link goes, I can see how some humourless people might see that as a solicitation of funds – let’s not get silly. I’m thinking of re-instating that feature so grown-ups can exercise that option if they wish. No one is twisting any arms here.

Election time is upon us. I am running for Mayor of Dawson and if re-elected will continue to proudly serve the best little town in the world with honesty and integrity, with a dash of good humour.

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During my interview I stated that the Yukon Party Government has done nothing for Dawson. Of course that is not entirely true. The intent of my statement was to say that nothing was being done to advance our million dollar capital fund agreement. In fairness, the Yukon Party did contribute significant dollars to support our cultural sector. They also came through with a generous recovery package for our beleaguered town after two years of trusteeship. As well they will be contributing up to 7 million for our secondary sewage treatment facility, something that YTG has been working diligently to solve on our behalf.

News mean to Yukon Party (letter written to the editor of the Yukon News from citizen Rick Reimer. My comments are in italics.)

Reading the Yukon News on
Friday, I realized there must be an
election happening as editor Richard
Mostyn has sent his reporters to
Dawson, looking for anybody to slam
the Yukon Party – and guess what
they found?

Our mayor, John Steins, at one of
our local pubs.

After talking to the media all day, one needs some refreshment, no?

What bothers me is that our
mayor has fallen or has chosen to
lower himself to become a puppet
for the Yukon News and become
involved in election politics.

I haven’t fallen or lowered myself, everything I do or say is in the best interests of Dawson even if it means ‘slamming’ the current government.

Our mayor has, several times,
mentioned the agreement with YTG
on the $ 1 million for capital infra-
structure, but never given us the
details.

I’ve been in the media many times discussing the evolution of Minister Hart’s May 4th announcement. If one is in need of details they can call the city office and they will be informed.

One would think if you are going
to discredit one of the hands that
feed us, no matter the political colour
it is, you would explain to the people
of Dawson the details of the agree-
ment.

The perception that there are one or more ‘hands that feed us’ is erroneous and dangerous. Actually the converse is true, we the people feed our government who in turn make it appear as if they are bestowing favours upon us and therefore we should at all times be grateful and not dare express ingratitude, nonsense! Government is always in service to us, never the other way around. Government discredits the people by not living up to its obligations.

To back up your fears that we
would not get the infrastructure
money. Steins, you also speak of the
health-care centre and extended-care
facility that didn’t arrive.

It was promised and you’re right, it didn’t arrive.

These statements make you look
like a total hypocrite because with
mayor and council removed, what
right does YTG have to come to town
and build this type of infrastructure?

They seem to have the right to take over our town so why not do something positive and fulfill our demand for an up to date health care centre?

And you would have been the first
to complain.

The only time I complain is when fighting for Dawson’s best interests.

The bridge issue was also men-
tioned in The News – don’t you
think that when you promise some-
thing, and it comes in at double what
you budget, that the common sense
approach would be to put the project
on hold? I think this is an example of
good government.

I think there is more to it than that. Let’s hope that the two million spent advancing this project isn’t wasted in the end.

I am disappointed that the Yukon
News came to town and didn’t even
bother to do a profile on the four
candidates running.

You have a point there, in fairness they should have covered the candidates.

I guess in my mind you have to
decide, are you going to be a puppet
of the media or sing a song for the
political party of your choice, but
maybe you could just be the mayor
of Dawson and try to move us for-
ward.

I’ve already decided… the media is my puppet. I used them to pressure YTG to honour their agreement with Dawson sooner, rather than later. I see that as a way of moving Dawson forward.

Rick Riemer
Dawson City

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