By Leanna Rodabaugh, Stevensville
What Dewey has failed to realize: He doesn’t understand why people vote. Think about how and why you vote. Do you like a certain candidate? Do you like the looks, the style, the remarks that hit home? Do you champion the same things?
While the recall effort is true and legitimate, it is not the only reason to remove him from office. Dewey has disrespected his base. He has used a heavy hand when dealing with the citizens of Stevensville. His wish to have total control of the populace has encouraged a certain amount of dislike and even hatred among Stevi residents. They have been dismissed and ignored. Their issues, if not Dewey’s, are brushed aside. There is no compassion, no empathy, no other view other than Dewey’s.
What Stevensville, perhaps, needs and wants is an end to the contempt with which they are treated. Stevensville is tired of the “my way or the highway” attitude at town hall. Imagine the word courteous and the last time you could say you were treated that way by Dewey. Were you ever left with the feeling that you were heard? Did you feel that your issue was important? To those of you who might support this person: have you ever been to town hall and talked to Dewey? Did you have an issue that was important to you? Did he treat you with the respect you deserved? Have you attended council meetings? Did you speak up and try to resolve a problem? If you still support him, then talk to those that have been saddened by Dewey’s disregard for them. Discuss why a petition signer felt it necessary to do so. Do not brush hundreds of fellow citizens’ wishes aside. Do not get caught up in the anger. This does not have to separate us but should bring us together.
Leanna Rodabaugh says
Mr. Harris, glad you were treated fairly. You should have been with us gathering signatures and heard what the signers had to say. They felt their problems were ignored, they felt disrespected. Read Mr. Bell’s letter to the mayor that was never read at the council meeting, including the letter from his attorneys. Dewey admitted nothing had been done to help Mr. Bell. You might want to begin attending council meetings again. It’s been awhile for you.
George Hamilton says
What this opinion does is attack the Mayor in a very personal manner – what the recall petition is based on is alleged contracting offenses. What is the real story behind the recall ?
Leanna Rodabaugh says
(7) execute bonds, notes, contracts, and written obligations of the commission, subject to the approval of the commission
duties of the mayor MCA 3-2-7
SUBJECT to the approval of the council.. The mayor signed a contract without commission/council approval. He did this in December 2019. Then brought it up for approval in March 2020. In the meantime, First Call computer charged US, the residents of the town of Stevensville, a 4200.00 on boarding fee, and 2100.00/per month fee. Which we are still paying. IF the mayor did not need council approval, WHY has he continually attempted to get the council to approve this contract. He cheated everyone. He did not follow his oath of office by making it known to the residents of the town. This was illegal and disrespectful to the citizens. We were considered unimportant and not worthy of notification. Yes it is personal. I do not appreciate being told I am not a necessary part of government. I don’t appreciate Dewey’s underhanded approach to town government. This should not have been a secret, and he has been told several times to discontinue the contract and he has not done so.
Mark Harris says
I have never seen a problem with the way Mayor Dewey treats people. I have discussed issues with him a couple times at City Hall. I have called City Hall and he has always responded. I’ve never seen him treat anyone disrespectfully, although I’ve seen him stick up for himself during meetings when councilpersons have tried to verbally bully him and publicly disrespect him.
Leanna Rodabaugh says
Mr. Harris, glad you were treated fairly. You should have been with us gathering signatures and heard what the signers had to say. They felt their problems were ignored, they felt disrespected. Read Mr. Bell’s letter to the mayor that was never read at the council meeting, including the letter from his attorneys. Dewey admitted nothing had been done to help Mr. Bell. You might want to begin attending council meetings again. It’s been awhile for you.