Mayoral candidate calls out ‘smear campaign’ against her
Marianne Meed Ward called ‘calculating’ and ‘power hungry’ in online website and flyer
BURLINGTON — Mayoral candidate Marianne Meed Ward is speaking out against “the ugliness” of the current municipal election campaign and attack ads aimed at her.
A flyer distributed last week and an online website stating they are paid for by the campaign of Ward 3 councillor candidate Peter Rusin, includes several statements that seem to promote incumbent mayoral candidate Rick Goldring over Meed Ward.
Among the statements that were laid out in two columns, the ads read Meed Ward is “disingenuous/fake,” “calculating,” and “power hungry and ambitious,” while Goldring is listed as “sincere and authentic,” “calm, disciplined and rational,” and “concerned with community good.”
“The smear campaign will not intimidate or silence us from continuing to speak out for reasonable growth, not overdevelopment, which has emerged as the key issue in this election,” Meed Ward said in a statement sent media outlets.
“Negative personal attacks and smear campaigns have no place in this election, or any election, anywhere, against any candidate. These tactics divide our community. Every candidate should be condemning this appalling behaviour, especially where it is used to promote their own candidacy.”
Back in August, Meed Ward said a poll conducted by Campaign Research attributed “divisive and false” statements to her on topics ranging from domestic violence to the hijab and unemployment.
There have also been similar ads and videos posted on social media including Facebook.
In a video response posted to Twitter on Monday, Goldring said he was stunned by the content and tone of the advertising, noting in 2014, he was on the receiving end of Rusin’s “unfavourable comments” when he ran against him for mayor.
“Over the weekend, new thirdparty ads started to appear apparently supporting me against another candidate,” Goldring said.
“Although these third-party groups are operating legally, some of their tactics are quite frankly inappropriate. I’m asking those responsible for all inappropriate third-party messaging to reconsider their involvement and remove my name immediately.”
The Burlington Post contacted Rusin to ask what prompted him to publish materials supporting Goldring, to which he said that was not true and he has never supported or endorsed the mayoral candidate in any material.
“For greater clarity, there is no involvement with Goldring. The material I published was primarily intended to draw attention to the housing crisis,” said Rusin.
“I wish the media would focus on something positive for a change, something that matters to the entire population and the overall health of this city, and not just the pursuit of one mayoral candidate.”
Mike Wallace, who is also a candidate for Burlington mayor, said personal attacks had no place in any election, when asked what was his reaction to the ads.
“It is this kind of political activity that discourages participation in elections by both candidates and voters,” he said.