Letter to the Editor: Little Has Done “A LOT” of Campaigning

To the editor, 

As residents of Valley Park in Lakeville, we feel compelled to point out that Matt Little has been running for public office way too long. 

He worked at being elected to the city council for months, and, as soon as he was elected there, started to run for mayor!

We met him, at our door, the first time he was out looking for votes for city council.

We feel we've been deceived by him from day one. He portrayed himself as a “concerned citizen”. He told us he wanted to rein in spending, and was capable of making "hard decisions" on the budget. We liked what he said, so we voted for him.

We told him that we were uncomfortable with Lakeville running a liquor business. We felt that it was a monopoly. The prices were higher, and it didn’t allow for competition. We, also, felt that that other liquor stores could bring in tax revenue and jobs.

He told us that he felt the same, and that he was upset that a liquor store was allowed to be built right next to a park, and very close to a school.  

Well, after Mr. Little was elected, the liquor stores were studied to see what the options were.  

Mr. Little appeared on Channel 5 News, bashing the Mayor for being short sided on wanting the city to do a Business Plan Study. He changed his tune. He started promoting the importance of keeping them all open!

He was still new to the council, but had, already, turned on Mayor Bellows, criticizing him on social media: Twitter, Facebook, and, on his website. 

We didn’t know it at the time, but, he, already, had plans on running for mayor.

Mr. Little seems to support and promote things that cost the taxpayers, and garnish him future votes. Lakeville does not need to be Little's political career platform. 

We deserve to have a true public servant. We need to re-elect Mayor Mark Bellows. He has worked to make Lakeville a better place for over 20 years. As police chaplain, Mayor Bellows has assisted in over 500 deaths, and been alongside the police for health wellness counseling during their difficult times. He has been a city council member, and church leader. He cares about the city of Lakeville. It is evident in the way he leads his life.

We have met Mr. Bellows and, both, feel he shares our values. He cares how our money is spent, even if he has to make unpopular decisions. It is because of people like Mayor Bellows that our city is one of the most favorable cities to live in and do business in.

Lakeville doesn’t need another ‘politician’, we need a person who cares about our city, the way that we do. We do NOT need a chronic campaigner.  We need a proven leader.  We will be voting to re-elect Mayor Bellows.  We hope that you do too.

Judy and Don Ausmus, Lakeville