Two leftists decided to embarrass, humiliate and tear down the legacy of a compassionate, productive and business-minded mayor. Acting as judge and jury, they determined the mayor committed ethics violations. So, they decided to circulate a petition, only among their like-minded friends, demanding an apology.

Only 180 signatures out of 25,000 residents were collected. There were insults alongside the signatures. And the Fountain Hills Times editor decided this attack was worthy of front-page prominence with a headline font larger than the article about the newly elected mayor! And the editor’s column that week called for moving past the election and “let’s all get along?” Hypocrisy?

Tell me, Ryan, what did you accomplish by reporting on this leftist, radical activity? Neither you nor your reporter identified the leftist perpetrators, nor were the alleged signatures verified as to being Fountain Hills residents. How did this ridiculous behavior calm the political firestorm? How did it bring residents together after the election?

Editors must verify facts (like the conservative letters you edit) to determine if an article is ready for publication, then approve final versions. As editor/gatekeeper, what happened to your critiquing skills, investigative skills and overall fairness for the truth between the writer and audience?

More importantly, what happened to your respect for the office of mayor, and the justice of dual-sided point of view in order to keep both parties happy?

Resident Mayor Kavanagh did nothing wrong or unethical by exercising her First Amendment right. She merely discussed a known fact. Hence, no apology needed. Even the leftists have that right! Perhaps those that are embarrassed/sensitive and trying to hide their political affiliation should make a change.

As editor, you should apologize for continually committing editorial bias and neglecting rules of honesty.

Editor’s note: A large number of individuals felt an elected official needed to be held accountable and carried out their actions publicly, through a petition. Respect for an office, an individual or even personal desire to see the community step away from needlessly divisive behavior does not take precedence over the duty of the paper to report the news.

Concerning balance, Mayor Kavanagh was contacted immediately and her entire statement was included in the reporting.