Norton resident ‘sets the record straight’
To the editor:
Just to set the record straight. I have at no time privately, during the petition drive, my campaign or at the podium ever said or hinted that I was for having the [Norton Police Department] NPD abolished. There is nothing in any recorded minutes stating I did. I did not carry a petition on that issue. I spoke to many people in Norton during my campaign and circulating three Charter amendment petitions totally unrelated to the police issue.
There is nobody I talked to that can honestly say I spoke for abolishment or overheard that from my mouth. When asked about the police issue, I answered I didn’t have an opinion. I wanted more information and an independent study done on the monies, as the truth generally lies between the two ends. I attended the Sheriff’s presentation so I could hear what was said as opposed to getting hearsay. The same reason I attend council/work sessions. I want to know what is said, not get a watered down and often biased version of information from someone else. I share facts I am sure of with people when asked about a subject and will state, “I don’t know,” when I don’t know.
I signed the petition for Issue 45, as I have always said, “Let the citizens decide, it’s their money.” There are some people who sign petitions allowing the citizens to make a decision. I have always spoken out against not only the censorship imposed by the majority of Council concerning the Sheriff’s presentation but other issues as well.
The Charter and people’s rights have always been and continue to be my focus. My working to have the police abolished was a blatant lie by the originators of such a statement who used trusting, good intentioned but misinformed people to help spread it.
Charlotte Whipkey, Norton
Editor’s note: Charlotte Whipkey ran as a Democrat in the 2007 Primary Election for an at-large seat on Norton City Council.
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