On May 11, I gave the city council an update from Yes on Measure F Campaign Headquarters. The following morning, I was referred to as a “staffer” on the Facebook page of No on Measure F, followed by “lol” when referring to Lee Hancock’s public apology to city officials and staff members for the vicious attack on their characters and integrity by the opposition.
My family moved to this area 51 years ago. I graduated from Liberty High School, live in Brentwood and have had a business here for over 20 years.
My story is the same as many who have lived here for generations. We all have made huge contributions to this wonderful place we call home and care about its future. These names include Chris Becnel, Steve Barr, Ike Montañez, Dafne Swisher, Dr. Paul Krey, Lenny DelChiaro, Alta Ackerman, Brian Swisher, Annette Beckstrand, Bob Brockman, Mike Davies, Emil Geddes, Ed Stack, David Bristow, Joe Weber, Patty Bristow, Erick Stonebarger, Dwight Meadows and Mary Piepho to name a few. Their dedication to their family, community, school systems and churches is part of their everyday life, and they stand firm on their convictions with honesty and dignity.
During the past few weeks the same comment has come up repeatedly: “Stop all of this political name calling, quit this negative campaigning and just tell the truth!” I agree. However, I am sure that no resident of Brentwood would idly stand by while someone they cared about was ridiculed or slandered for publicity over an issue as sensitive as Measure F.
Working with the five landowners for the past five months has been an honor and a privilege. Their desire to put Brentwood in control of its own future with the legal promises to fix roads and secure our border comes to the voters at a time when the issue of safety for our kids and the community is a number-one priority.
We have held several meetings and presentations to deliver facts about Measure F. Most of our time there has been spent explaining the opposition’s slanderous accusations about Brian Swisher and Annette Beckstrand’s reason for backing the measure. As they have both publicly stated, “We have no financial interest in the Measure F property. We simply endorse the project.”
Our contact with the public has shown overwhelming support of Measure F. I encourage residents to review the information sent in your mailbox and in our media coverage if you are still undecided. The choice – it’s your decision.
I am honored and proud to be among the residents, business owners, students, farmers, educators, retirees and leaders of the community of Brentwood who have publicly added their name to the list of supporters of Yes on Measure F. And finally, when you research the word “humanitarian,” you will find the description of Lee Hancock. So, in this case, “lol” is lots of love.
Please vote yes on Measure F. It’s good for Brentwood.
Peggie Schuitemaker, Brentwood
My lol was after I wrote that you were the only person to speak in support of Measure F.
My other comment was expressing wonder at Mr. Hancock's apology. He also apologized for "starting all of this." I took that to mean the Measure F campaign.
As for vicious attacks, People Opposed to Measure F can't control what individuals say.
And the yes group can't stop individuals from calling Kathy Griffin vicious names and impugning her character.
I'm sure the yes group are wonderful people and love Brentwood and care about the city's future.
The people in People Opposed are also wonderful people who love Brentwood and care about the city's future.
Vote NO on Measure F on June 8th