A Letter To The Editor: DO NOT ELECT JIM IRETON TO COUNCIL

When Jim Ireton was initially elected as Mayor of Salisbury, I was optimistic that he would bring a new and dynamic perspective to a city needing change. When Mr. Ireton was re-elected, I remained optimistic that whatever personal agendas that consumed his first term would be behind him, and we could move forward and finally improve our city. Now, as his second term ends, I realize my optimism was misplaced.

For six years of the Ireton Administration, it has been defined by two dominant themes: 1) grow government; and 2) personal attacks. Under this Administration, the solution to any problem (real or perceived) has been more rules, more regulations, more oversight, and more ordinary, day-to-day life, business and activity prohibited or banned. Run afoul of the Administration, and you will be fined, jailed, suspended or shut down. Likewise, if the administration was questioned or criticized, Mr. Ireton’s response was not to address or rebut the critique, but to personally attack its source. Personal vendettas do not make for good government. In Salisbury, we should be able to debate policy and issues without being publicly labeled thieves, liars, hustlers and the like.

Should Mr. Ireton be elected to Salisbury City Council, it is undeniable that he will strive to increase the power of government, and his power in government. By his own admission, he intends to expand departmental and regulatory authority. Those who stand to benefit under these policies will be those favored by Mr. Ireton. Those at risk, and who stand to lose, are those who for whatever reason have fallen out of favor with Mr. Ireton. Those close and connected to the government will win; those disliked or unknown to the government do not stand a chance. We do not need this type of government in Salisbury, now or ever.

I urge everyone to vote on November 5. Please give consideration to the last six years. Is our City better? Do you have confidence in the direction it is going? When you travel, are you proud to call Salisbury home? Is this a good place to live, work and raise a family? Answering “yes” these questions cannot be forced or regulated by government. It must be natural, and come from within. I encourage all those who vote to change the direction of this City’s leadership and to elect Roger Mazullo to City Council for District 4.