I was astounded when I read the guest column from Joe Lewandowski about the La Plata Electric Association election, which included personal attacks and false conclusions about candidate John Purser.
I was incredibly disappointed that The Durango Herald would print such a guest column without more facts, and especially that you would add your own derogatory headline reinforcing Joe’s suggestion that Purser is hysterical and lying. Shame on you! The Herald shouldn’t compromise its ethics and add fuel to the negative fire by reinforcing unsubstantiated claims with a derogatory headline.
Lewandowski gives several examples to back up his claims but he doesn’t substantiate them. They show that he and Purser see things differently. Voicing a different opinion is not unethical or “untruthful.” Accusing someone of lying because they see things differently is.
Lewandowski says, “Mr. Purser overtly accuses LPEA Board Chairman John Witchel of corruption.” He writes, “What’s good for (Witchel) may not be good for LPEA members.” This is a statement that can be interpreted many ways. It’s a big stretch to say that it suggests corruption.
Lewandowski’s letter contains the type of rhetoric that we often read in national politics. If you disagree with someone, “attack and discredit.” It shouldn't have a place in local affairs and community newspapers. I’ve know John Purser for 17 years. He is intelligent, thoughtful, well-informed and passionate. He is neither a liar or hysterical. His candidate statement calls for transparency and better governance. Differing opinions can serve a purpose creating an end result that better serves its members.
Antonia Clark
Durango
