Becker responds to Bagby letter

To the Editor:

The Opinion page of April 1, 2012, contained a half-page opinion by City Manager Doug Bagby. The DAR obviously accepted this letter in his official capacity as city manager by posting his photo and title. Plus, average citizens are not typically allotted a half-page for their opinion.

The final paragraph from Bagby read, "I consider both candidates as personal friends…. Again, in my opinion the statements made in the Brannum Banner Press concerning the utilities, police and fire departments are inaccurate."

Mr. Brannum responded, "…to be so arrogant to think as a city employee [Bagby] has the right and obligation to influence an election 48 hours before the polls open…shows he just doesn't understand his job and responsibilities."

Mr. Bagby is well aware that our city's statutes prohibit him from political statements:

"No employee of the City shall use or threaten to use his/her influence favoring or opposing any candidate for political office; nor use any municipal facilities, supplies or equipment for political purposes; nor shall any employee engage in any political activities while on duty as a city employee or make any political statement…" Section 120.110

Your readers can draw (their) own conclusions but to me the bully pulpit of City Hall was abused: Bagby violated the law by engaging himself in a political race as city manager.

But other questions need to be asked Mr. Bagby: Were municipal facilities used: did he use a city computer, printer, fax or email for his Letter to the Editor? How else did he attempt to sway this election?

Did he help secure locations for yard signs supporting Edington?

Surely Mr. Bagby didn't call city employees and other citizens in Ward 2 on Election Day in an effort to garner more votes for Edington.

But the core question must be asked: Do City Council members have to align their vote with Bagby or risk the power of City Hall campaigning against them in April?

Brian Becker

Poplar Bluff, Mo.