(This letter was originally written before the shocking event on July 13, the attempted assassination of former President Trump.)
Dear Editor:
On July 8, I attended the monthly Board of Trustees meeting. Before I left, I pulled up on my laptop the agenda for that evening’s meeting. Nothing special…straight forward.
Little did I know what was coming.
Current Supervisor Duane Luick’s challenger, Bill Van Riper, arrived at the meeting with a large group of supporters. At the first public comment, Mr. Van Riper got up, moved to the front, standing right in front of Duane, facing him, accused Duane of stealing his campaign signs and that he already talked to his lawyer and the state police, listing dollar amounts of fines and lengths of possible jail time.
As I have previously stated, I only deal with facts, not hearsay. Right then, hearsay became fact. Mr. Van Riper was quick to accuse and make judgement. It was totally disrespectful and the Board of Trustees meeting was not the place to bring up his campaign issues. He made a scene. It left a lot of us stunned…both the audience and board members. Shameful.
Of course, Duane denied it all and kept his cool the entire time as he well should…in a dignified manner. There was no proof, just accusations from a hot-headed challenger. Duane has been in the same boat. In 2016, when he ran for trustee and the week before this disgraceful incident, he had some of his campaign signs stolen. I remember it clearly. Duane was not happy…even upset, especially the first time it happened in 2016, but he NEVER went ballistic. Mr. Van Riper should be ashamed of himself.
All candidates should conduct themselves in a respectful, dignified manner.
After Mr. Van Riper returned to his seat, one of his supporters came up front, immediately looked at me, and in a loud, demanding voice…”Are you Duane’s cousin???” In a calm voice I replied, “Actually I’m his second cousin once removed. And that has nothing to do with me supporting Duane.”
It has everything to do with the township “going in debt vs being debt free.” My DNA…or friendships…have never dictated who I support. All people need to behave in a rational, respectful manner…especially if differing views are present.
I thought that was the end of the deplorable behavior, but the next morning I received a disturbing text. It involved Nanette Havens, the current Lima Township Treasurer of over 20 years. I called Nanette as I only deal with facts not hearsay. Nanette has a private driveway that leads to 4 homes. At the end of the driveway two campaign signs had been placed. One for Mr. Van Riper and the other for Phillip Kwaske…Nanette’s challenger for Treasurer. Three times they were removed only to be replaced…Nanette had removed them once.
At the meeting the previous night I observed Nanette…not happy… and Mr. Van Riper exchanging words. Mr. Van Riper said he was “entitled” to put his campaign signs anywhere he wanted. That is not true. He needs permission. In the past, we have pulled up campaign signs along the Beach farm as permission was never given. This came to light because after the deplorable behavior at the meeting, photos of Nanette removing the signs were posted on Facebook. The photos had captions like “Caught in the Act.” Nanette did nothing wrong.
First Mr. Van Riper ambushes Duane in a Board of Trustees meeting accusing him of stealing his signs, then Nanette gets photos of her removing signs, where permission had never been granted, on Facebook.
The “General” was a regular attending the monthly Board of Trustee meeting. He encouraged me to attend. In his last years when he wasn’t physically up to attending, he asked me to go and report back to him. I did. Thinking about that I can only imagine his response to this deplorable behavior. I do know it wouldn’t be pleasant and it would be done in a dignified manner.
Never in my wildest dreams would I imagine witnessing such appalling behavior in person…like I’ve seen on television. It’s been getting worse over the years in this country. As the election date gets closer, the television ads get more vicious.
I hate it and am so glad the election isn’t a yearly thing. All candidates should conduct themselves in a respectful, courteous, dignified manner, ESPECIALLY if there are extreme opposite viewpoints. When that doesn’t happen, my first thought when I see a candidate is their bad behavior, not their platform. Dirty tactics. Misleading voters. Not a good look for any candidate. All candidates must be honest, trustworthy, and completely transparent.
What is clear is Duane Luick and Nanette Havens are what’s best for Lima Township. Just like the “General,” they know who they work for…the taxpayers and are DEFINITELY fiscally responsible…keeping Lima Township out of debt. After witnessing the deplorable behavior of Mr. Van Riper, left no doubt…I’m not willing to gamble with Lima Township’s future. Duane Luick and Nanette Havens are a sure thing with their long proven record…and dignified, respectful behavior.
Whatever happens on Aug. 6, we must respect it. I remember the “General” saying…”Our legal system is not perfect, but it’s the best in the world.” That could be said for other things like our elections. We are a democracy. We have the freedom to choose. Vote your conscience. God Bless America.
Florence (Twinkie) Beach
Lima Township
