Politically Incorrect

Two days ago I commented on an email in which I was informed that Jasper was not the only city funded arts program in the Midwest. In the present 21 Issues listed on my website regarding issue number 10 – Arts and Cultural Activities. In the text for this issue I stated “The knowledge I have gained recently, finding out that the JCAC is the only city in the Midwest with a city funded arts program, saddens me. Jasper should not be spending the citizen's money to facilities and programs used by only a fraction of the community. “.

I stand corrected and publicly apologize for my error. The fact is that Jasper is not the only city in the Midwest with city funding for the arts. Bloomington, Indiana has had long standing city funded arts programs for many years. I apologize to the writer of the email, David Dudine, for my misstatement. I will be changing my website to reflect the correct information. I vetted David’s information by contacting the Bloomington Chamber of Commerce.

I continue to stand behind my belief the City of Jasper should not be spending the citizen’s hard earned money to fund the Jasper Community Arts Commission (JCAC).

Also in my post of 06/27, I asked readers to ponder how I received this misinformation. The answer is it came from Terry Seitz at the mayoral primary forum held on April 18, 2011 at VUJC.

I am guilty of hearsay which is unverified, unofficial information gained or acquired from another and not part of one's direct knowledge. I pride myself in paying no attention to hearsay. I was gullible in believing all local candidates would speak facts and truths at the forum. I'm much too trusting. I truly hope I have once more relearned my lesson – verify so called ‘facts’ before passing on second-hand information.

I’m increasingly become more aware ‘politics is politics’, even at the local level.  However, I hope to break that mold.  I will not continue the ‘politics as usual’ in Jasper.  You, the citizens of Jasper deserve an honest, straightforward, mayor who will espouse facts.  Please accept my public apology for having restated an untruth.  I pledge to the people of Jasper not to do it again.

Mack