The past few weeks one of the local blogs has been waging war on behalf of Jeanine Lawson who is running for Brentsville District supervisor. She wants to take Wally Covington’s place. That’s fair. Ms. Lawson has been active in the community and supports many things this very blog holds dear.
Bloggers often have their favorite candidates. What isn’t fair is the usual half-truths, lies, and derisive pictures being posted against her opponent, Scott Jacobs. I am reminded of some of the nasty tricks that have been done to local candidates in the past.
For starters, a picture of Canadian Mayor Rob Ford, a large buffoon known for excesses and drug use, is being posted along side, or in place of Scott Jacobs. This derisiveness and mockery is unacceptable. Ford isn’t even an American and has nothing to do with Brentsville. The use of his picture is an immature propaganda attempt to smear Jacobs and to ridicule him. Absolutely the facts should be debated, sans lies and mimicry.
I call on both Jeanine Lawson and Pete Candland to contact the blog owner(s) and demand decency during this campaign. Pete gets named as culpable because of his close connection with the blog in question. He is its favorite son. If they do not insist on ethical behavior, then count on me to call them out–all candidates. We need to stick to the issues of Prince William County. Let’s not vilify other candidates or those who support them. Yes, I recall what was done to Jeanette Rishell and her campaign manager. I recall what was done to Sharon Pandak when she ran for chairman, I remember what was done to Elena as she supported the Rural Crescent and a candidate who did not win. If the politician stands to profit from unethical, derogatory blog behavior, then they will quickly own the problem and must step up to the plate to demand decency.
