Mayor Becca Werner invites all Coopertown citizens to the Breakfast with the Candidates on Saturday, September 21st, at 9 AM at the Pleasant View Volunteer Fire Station #5. This event is a fantastic opportunity for residents to meet and engage with those who seek to lead our town.
Confirmed attendees include Jeff Smith (Mayoral Candidate), Tim Mason (Ward 1 Alderman Candidate), and Candace Rundle (Ward 2 Alderman Candidate), all of whom have demonstrated a commitment to transparency and community engagement. However, Dickie Thompson, another mayoral candidate, has declined to attend, and his reasoning raises serious concerns about his suitability for office.
Mayor Werner shared Thompson’s comments on Facebook. These are comments provided by Mr. Thompson to the Town Clerk when asked about his attendance:
- When asked if he would attend, Thompson bluntly responded: “NO, I want nothing to do with the Mayor, especially after she made a fool of herself at the last meeting.”
Thompson seems to be referring to a Town Hall event where Mayor Werner requested that residents seeking petition signatures do dissolve the town do so outside the candidates’ area, given that the petition had not yet been officially approved by the state at that time, and it was a town hosted event. This response from Thompson is concerning; rather than providing a rational explanation, he chose to insult the mayor and avoid an event meant to foster dialogue and transparency.
Thompson continued:
- “I have tried to see and talk to the Mayor on several occasions, and if you been up there long enough you will know this.”
However, Mayor Werner checked her records and found no messages from Thompson requesting a meeting, further undermining his credibility.
Finally, when the Clerk asked for confirmation he would not be attending, Thompson doubled down with:
- “Make sure you quote me on this, I want NOTHING to do with any of Town Hall and what they are doing up there. Make sure you put what I said on the Website.”
Mayor Werner expressed deep concern over Thompson’s refusal to engage with residents and his apparent hostility toward the very institution he seeks to lead. These actions alone beg the question: If elected, with his statement that he wants nothing to do with Town Hall, what exactly will he try to do to dismantle it from the inside?
Meanwhile, Robert Watts, another candidate for mayor, remains non-committal about attending the breakfast. In various Facebook posts, he has even hinted at stepping aside to avoid pulling votes from Thompson, despite the withdrawal deadline having already passed, ensuring his name will still be on the ballot. Watts’ erratic behavior and indecisiveness do little to inspire confidence in his capacity to govern.
In stark contrast, the candidates attending the breakfast—Jeff Smith, Tim Mason, and Candace Rundle—are demonstrating a willingness to face questions, engage with voters, and show their commitment to the town. Their participation indicates they are serious about working together for Coopertown’s future.
Residents are encouraged to attend the breakfast to meet these dedicated candidates and see firsthand who is ready to lead Coopertown with integrity, transparency, and a collaborative spirit. As Mayor Werner optimistically concluded, “I look forward to seeing everyone at the candidate breakfast, and maybe Mr. Thompson will change his mind and come share his thoughts for the future of our town.”
Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with the leaders who are eager to work for you!
