Ethics, Morals, and Candidates

With the pending election, it seems the closer we get to the August 7th primary, the more our e-mail box is filling up.  Today's Manchester Enterprise ( click here for link ) has prompted a flurry of activity.  Please note  that we discussed putting similar opinion pieces out there in detail, and agree with the responder that this information has been out in the public for general comment for an incredibly long period of time.  It seems everyone in the township is aware of this, but none of our officials, news sources, or the candidates themselves have addressed it.  What are your thoughts?

Below is a partial quote from the letter in question submitted to the editor of the Manchester Enterprise.  Out of respect for copyright issues and the source, we ask that you follow the link to view the post in it's entirety below:

Link to original post here 

"To the Editor:

I have served on the Manchester township board as a trustee for eight years, and before that on the planning commission. Due to my involvement in other community activities, I have decided not to run for trustee again, though I do plan to continue staying informed and will consider becoming involved in the planning commission again. Our current township supervisor, Ron Mann, is retiring, and for the first time in many years there is competition for the position of supervisor. I believe there are only two candidates in the running, as a third person stated that they have withdrawn their petition, leaving Les Kopka and Gene DeRossett in competition for the seat.


Sincerely,

Sybil Kolon"

The response below was submitted to The Manchester Enterprise and to us by a mutual reader.  At the time of this being shared, this response had been posted to The Enterprise's comment section.  We must note again that this information has been presented to us for months by numerous sources, and that candidate Kopka has had ample opportunity to address these concerns with the voting public.  We are posting this here as public opinion has presented it to us on numerous occasions.  We invite candidate Kopka to provide a written response.  Additionally, contrary to Sybil Kolon's remark above, Gene DeRossett is a long time resident of Manchester.  

In a township where this particular candidate's name (Les/Leslie Kopka) is linked heavily to numerous rumors of embezzlement and misconduct as part of our daily vernacular, I find it incredibly offensive that an elected official would endorse a candidate who has publicly opted to not avoid even the hint of impropriety associated with his name and conduct.  Not only has Mr. DeRossett been to the township board meetings, he has also been in attendance at the planning commission meetings.  You, Ms. Kolon, have not been to one planning commission meeting in 2012, so you are hardly an expert on who has been in attendance at what meetings.  I urge readers to explore the township's board and planning commission meeting minutes to become educated on the issues plaguing Mr. Kopka, his integrity, his history as a planning commissioner appointed to protect the interests of the residents of our township, and his candidacy for township supervisor.

~ ManchesterTwpResident