Rita Bertolli's candidacy for mayor is surreal.

Everyway she turns, she sees corruption that must be fought and vanquished. Targets of her battle have included mayoral candidate Bob Murphy, mayor Steve Burkholder, the entire Lakewood city council, developers, landowners, and all the "Bertolli bashers" who challenge her on the accuracy of her "facts."

With her band of militants, she has even made a campaign issue of accusing (without evidence) candidate Murphy of stealing yard signs and slashing tires of Bertolli supporters. Similar tactics were used in her campaign against the Open Space land swap.

So far, the most unfortunate victim of Bertolli's crusade is the Rooney Valley Joint Masterplan, a good example of responsible community planning. Produced by the communities of Lakewood and Morrision, this plan took several years to accomplish, and included the interests of property owners, open space advocates, and other stakeholders to ensure the private land in the Rooney Valley was used in the most responsible manner.

Bertolli's political "career" has been built, not on accomplishment, but on attacking what she views as "corruption." As mayor, she would be the leader of the Lakewood political system that she says is so corrupt. Could she obtain significant cooperation from those she has so aggressively disparaged? A Bertolli administration would be one of conflict and little accomplishment.

Lakewood needs a Mayor who is a team-builder, one who promotes cooperation among all the interests within our fine city. Bertolli is not that person.

Tom Glenn