During many years in politics, I have survived both verbal and physical attacks, but, just like the Energizer Bunny, I keep on hopping along. What really hurts me most in politics is when a candidate or politician is disingenuous with me or lies about his intentions regarding taxes and spending. A recent prime example is Omaha City Councilman Franklin Thompson, who in 2001 solemnly pledged himself a fiscal conservative, someone who would be a “change agent” for budgetary responsibility.
Safely elected, he proceeded to suggest a library tax, garbage tax, and public safety tax. He engineered an infamous budget compromise that offered inflationary city employee raises conveniently delayed until after the next election. All burdens on property taxpayers.
Obviously not a fiscal conservative, Thompson showed his true character colors in his shameful memo to fellow Councilman Frank Brown, in which he tried to cut a sleazy mutual deal for council leadership positions: boasting about his support and votes for liberal causes, a deal to deflect criticism from his white, West Omaha Republican constituents. That he would have to “use” his future votes to regain credibility. That he may switch to the Democrat Party. Hardly an agent for change, Thompson has proved himself a deceitful, untrustworthy politician. Not someone worthy of re-election.
Email ncf@phonet.com for directions to see the entire memo.
