Letter to the Editor: Choices are Clear—Vote Matt Little for Mayor

To the editor, 

After last Tuesday night’s Lakeville Mayoral Candidate Forum, we can clearly see some vast differences between the candidates. There are also some wonderful similarities. For example, as the moderator pointed out with one question, each candidate has claimed to be fiscally conservative. While each candidate has a different formula for fiscal conservatism, in the end we have three people who are driven to save money and lower taxpayer burden.

Most compelling, however, were the closing remarks of the candidates. Councilwoman Rieb made a clear pitch of personal pride. She is, indeed, a loyal public servant. But we are left to wonder how she will lead as mayor. Her vision seems to be that the office of mayor is simply the next step for her in serving Lakeville—a capstone for years of service. While I respect Ms. Rieb for her tenacity in public service, I just cannot see clearly what her finally getting to be mayor does for the citizenry. 

Mayor Bellows used the opportunity of closing remarks to defend his record, but in doing so went on a blatant offensive against Councilman Little. He used political smears, and accused Little of only pandering to special interests. He even seemed a tad angry. How disappointing is it that the mayor (who has said that politics has no place in the city council chambers) resorted to such tactics? How disappointing is it that a man who supposedly has talents in conflict resolution, and who is supposed to teach us about peace and humility as a Christian pastor, had to resort to such tactics?

Unlike Councilwoman Rieb, Councilman Little didn’t make statements that lead us to think that all he wants to do is “take the next step” in serving Lakeville. Unlike Mayor Bellows, Councilman Little did not go on defense or offense, and he accused nobody of being a certain political this or that. Instead, with a respectful, businesslike tone, Little simply made a clear statement on his vision for mayoral leadership. Little said, “It’s about coming together … serving our neighbors, and serving our customers. It’s about growing our businesses, and protecting our growing families. Fundamentally, being a good leader for our community has always been about working with people to solve problems and build a better city.”

I encourage Lakeville residents to vote for Matt Little—the only candidate who seems to have the clearest vision of what it means to be a leader and our mayor.

Kristofer Pierson, Lakeville