Column unfairly smeared political website

In her May 12 editorial (“Put away rotten tomatoes, let's have a smear-free election”), Jennifer Hemmingsen does exactly what she cautions others against. She points to two online sites as “smear” tactics while giving no evidence that the allegations on either site are not true. While my personal tastes don't warm to the immature tone of one those sites either, silly cartoons don't make its information wrong.

There is nothing at all that is uncivil or “unclean” on the other site that deals with Johnson County Auditor Tom Slockett's missteps (slockettmisses.blogspot.com). This site is independent from the other and should not be judged in the same light. Indeed this site goes to the trouble of providing documentation for each allegation (part two).

These allegations are ugly because Slockett has done some ugly things. Rather than villainize the messengers, it would be more honorable for the media and others to investigate these claims so that voters might have actual facts upon which to make their decisions.

Ironically, given Hemmingsen's former association with the Johnson County Democrats, she is in a position to know the harsh retaliation current and former staff face should they go public with their message. It's hurtful and unfair that she didn't mention this as well rather than condemning them for anonymity.

I worked in the auditor's office from 2004-06 and won remedies for several grievances I filed for the auditor's misconduct. I would like to see current and future staff treated with dignity and respect. I am sad Hemmingsen didn't ask for this, too.

Mona Shaw

Burlington