The Observer Newspapers | Letter Attacking Wilson Was Scare Tactic

April 17, 2008

Letter Attacking Wilson Was Scare Tactic

To the editor:

Just when I thought we were enjoying a fair election process I read George Taplin's letter to the editor published in the April 17 edition ("Reston Interfaith Creates Problems with Laborers"). After enjoying the company of current council members during the Council for the Arts' "Taste of the Town" and dedication of Raleigh Emory Field at Haley M. Smith Park as well as hearing that the Help Save Herndon debates were cordial and issue-based, I was beginning to believe that we were going to talk about issues, not each other.

George Taplin's attack on Kerrie Wilson in his letter was unwarranted and in my judgment, mean-spirited. Mr. Taplin described Ms. Wilson as "the well paid executive of Reston Interfaith." What does Ms. Wilson's salary have to do with his argument about day laborers being assisted on our streets? If Ms. Wilson was poorly paid, would that change his opinion? Most assuredly not. This descriptor was meant to humiliate her.

I have known Reston Interfaith and Kerrie Wilson for many years and I have great respect for their remarkable record of service to the people of greater Herndon and Reston. I don't know what Ms. Wilson is paid, but I do know her to be a dedicated and talented service provider. She and Reston Interfaith certainly did not deserve such a cheap shot.

Mr. Taplin brings up very old news about day laborers and perceived salaries not only to embarrass Ms. Wilson but in a self-serving manner to create the myth that a new day laborer site is in the offing by new candidates vying for election. Nothing is farther from the facts in this campaign, and I hope voters are not going to fall for such scare tactics.

Mayoral candidate Harlon Reece and the new candidates running for council are absolutely not interested in a new day laborer site. I thought we were going to move away from character assassination and talk about issues.

Richard Thoesen

Herndon

Editor's note: Mr. Thoesen is a former mayor of the Town of Herndon.