Latest Westerlund mailer to District 4 voters touts going to Iraq
Councilman Larry Westerlund, who is scheduled to report for active duty in the Navy, had been playing down the military angle in his campaign for re-election in District 4. But his latest mailers are now pointing out that he will be serving his country as a lieutenant commander after being called to active duty from the Naval Reserve.
In a mailer that District 4 residents began receiving this week, there's a "message from your City Councilman Larry Westerlund." He compares his service to great Americans who came before him.
"Like our forefathers, when called to duty they served then returned to resume their lives," Westerlund says on the front of the mailer, and again in the text of a letter on the back.
Westerlund is being challenged in the June 3 primary by Susan Good, an aide to state Sen. Dean Florez. The incumbent points out in the mailer that he won't be able to campaign while overseas, but says his wife, Dora, and mother, Judy, will be talking to voters on his behalf.
"Two months ago, I was called to active duty to serve in Iraq," he says in a Dear Neighbors letter. "My orders are for 12 months and I am currently scheduled to depart and report for active duty on May 18, 2008. This means I will miss about six months of the current term and should I be re-elected, the first six months of my new four-year term."
Lawyer Paul Caprioglio, a District 4 resident, has been chosen by the City Council to replace Westerlund while he is on active duty.
This is an odd campaign because the candidate running for re-election won't be here for the last 16 days of the campaign. Good has complained that Westerlund has been ducking debates and has not answered issues that she raised early. She said that after she learned he was going on active duty, she decided to quickly raise issues to give Westerlund plenty of time to respond.
Westerlund said he has attended some of the debates and forums and has been busy with council business and getting ready for his military departure.
Comments
I don't see a problem with him sharing this information with the voters. He is just being honest so the voters know he will be unavailable in the position now and if he is reelected for potentially 6 months. He had to follow his orders and hopes to continue in his job when he returns from serving our country as any other serviceman would hope for.
Posted by: Jackie Krage | May 16, 2008 11:14 AM
I think it is great that he still wants to keep his job here while he is serving in Iraq.
Posted by: Martin Martinez | May 17, 2008 8:02 AM
While I understand that Mr. Westerlund had no choice but to serve and to leave for Iraq, he did have a choice to particpate in various community forums. I went to at least three he decided not to attend(one because of a fundraiser - DTA event), and the other two, well because I'm very sure he will tell everyone he had something going on.
I guess I have never seen someone so unwilling to take on the issues and a challenger like Susan Good. At least I know where she stands on the issues.
Leaving for Iraq and serving this country is honorable, and we appreciate it, but at least make an effort to defend your record - Westerlund should have at least taken the issues on -but know the voter will likely just feel sorry for him.
Posted by: Marvin | May 17, 2008 6:23 PM