Comments on: ‘Racist, homophobic’ campaign fliers distributed in Maplewood

By: Mike Triggs

Mike Triggs — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 23:51:55 +0000

It wasn’t long ago that Minnesota homophobes used the same type of anonymous flyers in attacking Republican State Senator Paul E. Koering of District 12. It didn’t work in Senator Koering’s district, hopefully the voters of Maplewood will be as open minded when they go to the polls next Tuesday.

If I lived in Maplewood I would be proud to have James Llanis represent me on the City Council.

Mike Triggs- Former Executive Director of the Minnesota Republican Party

By: Lyn Crosby

Lyn Crosby — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:52:23 +0000

Mister Hafner, what links #2-6? I can’t find any numbered links. Which page on Llanas’ site are you referring to? Better yet, why don’t you just forthrightly say what you are referring to?

My biggest beef with the likes of Hafner, the anonymous flyer creators and distributors, and a number of others who come before the Council, is not that we disagree — it’s the negativism, the personal put-downs, the inflammatory language. That doesn’t make others want to cooperate with them much.

I can have legitimate disagreements with others and yet speak to them civilly and with respect, if I get the same from them. I think that’s what this election is about more than the issues. I’m supporting 3 people I think can work together and with others, not always agreeing, but without personal attacks.

Have you heard of the Golden Rule?

Read this, apply some of it, then maybe you can play with the big kids: http://www.peace.ca/kindergarten.htm

By: Jean Anderson

Jean Anderson — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:29:34 +0000

Thank you, Judy, Shannon, and Lyn for your wonderful comments. Excellently stated. I totally agree. I think that there are most Maplewood residents will not allow the awful negative literature going around, and will make their decision as to who to vote for based on the candidates’ qualities. I have much hope for Maplewood.
As I said before, I will be watching the election night with much anticipation and hope.

By: Lyn Crosby

Lyn Crosby — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 03:55:10 +0000

Dave, me thinks you protest too much. I know what that usually means.

And you want us to vote for “the only candidates who are running without an agenda”?? Well I agree with you on that – no agenda, no plan, no credibility. Just trash talk.

By: Shannon

Shannon — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 23:04:55 +0000

Dave, if you didn’t see any racist or homophobic intent in the flier, then I think you must be completely deluded or just downright stupid.

The comment on the human rights council was especially disturbing to me. “Which humans?” indeed! Are only certain humans worthy of having rights? Like, say, white heterosexual male protestants?

Also, what does the fact that this man was hanging out with gay politicians in Minneapolis have to do with anything? They could have made their point that Llanos was hanging out with politicians in Minneapolis to get people to infer that he wasn’t spending enough time in Maplewood. But no, they had to make sure they all knew that the politicians were GAY; ABSOLUTELY, UNABASHEDLY, H.O.M.O.S.E.X.U.A.L.!!! Got it?!

And why do you think that is, Dave? Well, I’ll tell you why. It’s because they’re playing directly upon the fears of bigots. If you can’t see the homophobic intent in that, sir, I would argue that you’re not qualified to run for office. Actually, I pity the poor people of Maplewood if they put you in charge.

Oh, and regarding your first comment; to imply that we should all be race-blind is to deny the struggles and culture that have formed along with racial identities in the United States. It’s offensive and it silences people who continue to experience institutionalized racism every day at the hands of our society and our government.

By: Judy

Judy — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 21:47:30 +0000

This type of campaign literature is just plain awful! It plainly sickens me to think that someone, perhaps on the council, and others who live in Maplewood would bend this low. What we do NOT need now is negative campaigning of any type. Our city has been in such disarray for so long, we need to be more respectful and therefore healing. That is the Christian way, now, isn’t it?

I am a resident of Maplewood and am wondering just what does the fact that he is gay and was not born in Maplewood have ANYTHING to do with his running for our council. One does not go with the other at all. Think about this! I mean, REALLY think about this!

I hope that those who have been doing this negative campaigning will stop, as it is just hurting their own reputations. This is NOT the 70′s, 80′s, or even the 90′s. Homophobia should be old news. Let is not make it a current event!

I will be researching all of the candidates before I vote, but right now I am definitely leaning towards Jim Llanas.

By: Jean Anderson

Jean Anderson — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 20:42:52 +0000

Hello,
I found the anonymous literature to be racist and homophobic – how would anyone NOT see it as this? I was appalled. What is happening to Maplewood? I also checked out Mr. Llanas’ website, and specifically his Issues. I need to say that I agree with his issues. Sometimes difficult decisions need to be made in cities’, states, and in the country. Taxes is one of those difficult decisions. The citizens of Maplewood needs to have their basic needs in Maplewood – police, fire, snow removal, etc. And I agree about the Human Rights Commission.

OK, now for a little self-disclosure here – I lived in Maplewood for 38 years. Twenty years ago, I moved to North St. Paul. I love Maplewood and have many family and friends who live there, and I attend church in Maplewood, and do much shopping in Maplewood. It disturbs me regarding the negative atmosphere at the Maplewood City Council meetings. What is happening to Maplewood? Where is the “working-together” atmosphere? I think a change is needed in Maplewood’s mayor, and a fresh face in the council. I am not saying who to vote for, that is for the citizens of Maplewood to decide. I hope that all of the citizens of Maplewood vote without looking at someone’s sexual orientation, race, where they came from, etc. I hope that Maplewood citizens vote as I know they can, looking for the qualities of the candidates. I will be watching Election Night with much anticipation and hope.
Thank you.

P.S. I also love North St. Paul, and I am also going to advocate for a Human Rights Commission in my city of North St. Paul. I believe this is needed in all cities. Again, thank you.

Jean

By: Paul Schmelzer

Paul Schmelzer — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 05:05:37 +0000

Thanks for the comments, Dave. Per our comment policy, I’ve deleted your previous comments that were posted under multiple other names. If you’d like to keep commenting, please stick with this one.

Our comment policy:
http://minnesotaindependent.com/policies

By: Dave Hafner

Dave Hafner — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 04:07:55 +0000

Lyn Crosby (as well as all other citizens) should go to the links underneath James Llanas’ web site. Two thru six to be exact. Then you will discover the real James Llanas. I do not care if James Llanas is gay. I have read the anonymous campaign literature that was distributed. I see no racist or homophobic intent in it. I do see a number of facts, many of which come from Llanas’ website and the website of the Victory Fund (which is the fourth link down on Google). There are a few opinions that appear to be reasonable conclusions to me. Llanas is not around much(one council meeting?)and has not exhibited any interest in the people of Maplewood at large (although his words and speeches claim otherwise) and appears to have a very obvious personal and political agenda. Suspicion is warranted.
As for “anonymous” campaign literature, independents are allowed to distribute such without putting disclaimers on the bottom. After seeing how I have been getting ripped to shreds (for merely running for the Maplewood council) I would not blame anyone for resisting the urge to remain so. Cowards? These people obviously are quite the opposite.

By: Dave Hafner

Dave Hafner — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 04:02:07 +0000

Neither Dave Hafner (nor Ken Smart or DelRay Rocky) are racist, sexist, or homophobic. I personally don’t care if James Llanis is gay. I lived in Portland, Oregon for two years. I was born and raised in the Twin cities. And I played baseball in Florida long enough. These are three of the top four hotbeds for the gay lifestyle in the United States. I know many gay people and some of them are my friends.. Not because they are (or are not) gay. I also work with and socialize with gay individuals If we are going to do our jobs (assuming we have one) and if we truly believe in freedom and human rights and treating people justly and respectfully, then these are things we all should do. Some of the friends and aquaintences of whom I speak represent some of the kindest and gentlest people that I know. One is no longer with us and I miss him dearly. He was a former student teacher of mine.
I don’t care if people are white, black, brown, yellow, red, or polka dot green. If there were people that were polka dot green you can bet some of them would be my friends. I don’t know anyone that is actually white, black, red or yellow. I do know many that are “brown” and some that I guess you could call some shade of “yellow.” I also consider some of them to be my friends.
If one is truly non-racist, then you will not find yourself continually referring to the color of a person’s skin. Why does James Llanas continually do this? Council member John Nephew calls the Smart team “lily-white and not all gay.” (Look it up on his web site before he deletes it, as he has done so many times before). Johnny Nephew has his colors mixed up, and needs to break out his box of crayola crayons to determine the difference. They should be next to the rest of his toys.
I have lived right next to two Hmong families and still do. For 17 years on the East side of St. Paul and for the last five years in our city, Maplewood. Sao and Shoua and their children are the nicest, quietest, most respectful people I know. And some of the best neighbors I’ve had the pleasure of living next to. They can’t afford the house payments and have a for-sale sign in the front yard. I will miss them and none better will take their place. Gau, Za, and their children Sher, Ka, Chu, Cheng, Mary, and Pauline are as nice a family as you will ever meet. Gau is the best welder I’ve seen (and I know a few) and Sher is so honest he returned the 35 cents that fell out of my pocket.
Rigoberto Huerta lived next door to my parents for years. We affectionately call him Rigo.. He now lives with his family in my parents former house of 55 years and the house I grew up in. My parents moved to Maplewood. Rigo and his family are Hispanic. They also are some of the nicest, kindest, generous people we know. The Hispanic community impresses me as being a group of dedicated, hardworking, and respectful people. And they are predominantly Christian. We like that.
It is time to put a rest to the hype, name-calling, false accusations, character assassination and rotten politics that are destroying our city and nation. It is time to free ourselves from the slanted and dishonest viewpoints of the media and the press. And it is time to vote for the only three candidates who are running without an agenda. We are sending you the row boat, the canoe, and the helicopter. Take your pick and jump in. They won’t be coming by again. This is the place, and this is the time. Write (right)-in SMART for mayor, ROCKY for council. No need for first or middle names. Fill in their ovals with the black marker, and fill in Dave Hafner’s oval as well. My name is on the ballot. Vote for SMART team.