Opinion : Letter to the Editor: Threats and Intimidation Unacceptable in Vinton

Dear Editor,

Recently a member of the community was threatened with violence for providing a service to the citizens of Vinton. On the surface, it may appear Ms. Valerie Close misinterpreted the intent of the comment. No city wants negative publicity. Having meetings recorded could be unsettling to board members as they may feel under a microscope. Closer examination reveals the words uttered by a VMEU board member were meant to intimidate Ms. Close. Harassment or bullying should never be accepted even if the threat is not likely to be carried out. Apologizing to Ms. Close for her lack of understanding the threat was not an apology.

Yes, the board member has been generous with his time, money, and expertise to benefit Vinton and its residents. The threat does not take away from those accomplishments. To allow the board member to stay on the VMEU board does signal a general acceptance of the act. Vinton has an exciting future ahead with the new housing development south of the high school and the development of the Iowa Braille School area. IVinton is a needed infrastructure that will benefit the current citizens and hopefully bring more business and residents to the city. Allowing residents serving on boards or elected to offices to do as they wish with disregard for laws or acceptable behavior has the potential to negate the positive things planned for Vinton.

Rural Benton County was my home as a child. My husband and I made the choice to make it our home after a few years living in a large city. Most of my adult life I have worked in Vinton. My husband and I opted to enroll our son to attend Vinton Shellsburg Community School District instead of our home district. The City of Vinton was perceived by us to be a community open to ideas and always willing to find the funds to benefit the residents, in particular children. Allowing the rule of law to not be followed and to allow threats to be made with no consequence is not the perception one would want. The city council members and the mayor have the power to decide what perception of the city they wish to promote. My hope is it will be one of transparency, fairness, adherence to law, and removal of board members whose actions are detrimental to the benefit of all who reside and do business in Vinton.

Sincerely,

Teresa Wilson