Shawn, this is open apology to you, in an open forum, for brushing off your approach to me at the end of the swearing-in ceremonial, and regular meeting of the City Council, on Monday, November 26 2007.

Yes, that was my photograph in my profile that your recognized, and yes, I did post a story on your.hub.com with the headline "Bertolli's Campaign Objective" -- or something to that effect [I searched for my name on the site and it came up as "no such item."]

It was my mistake to not to engage you, but I wanted to leave really bad because of the arthritis in my lower back was unbearable. I saw my inappropriate claim that you had mistaken me from for someone else as the best possible avenue for departure. I am not an elected official and I am not required to answer your questions, but my disrespect shown to you was not right.

However, my apology will not change the fact that the Bertolli campaign made A VERY, VERY, BIG MISTAKE by condoning, or ignoring the placement of campaign signs nailed to the public right-of-way utility poles in clear violation of Lakewood City Codes. I could not believe that anyone could be that out of touch with reality to place a campaign sign above a public sign to warn motorists about a school crossing that could involve Lakewood children. If the photograph of that violation was a painful truth to the Bertolli campaign, then let it be a lesson to others that follow in that path.

The image I saw on location and the photograph that I submitted of the violation formed an opinion in my mind -- and most likely in many voter's minds -- that the Bertolli campaign held its campaign objective above all else.

Now the last time I looked, I am still allowed to form a FREE OPINION and place that opinion on this forum.

You're a sharp kid Shawn, and so is Ms. Bertolli, and yes, you have every right to challenge the past administration, but now it is all water under the bridge. From this point on, if those who lost in their campaigns continue to express negative doubts on these fine individuals who have helped lift Lakewood's economy and image into an emerging city of greatness, then your efforts will be seen as nothing more than sour grapes and you will all slide into non- relevance.

Which, in my humble opinion, would also be a loss to Lakewood. Show us your vision for Lakewood's greatness.

Sincerely,
William A. Spriggs

Lakewood resident & website author:
Evolution's Voyage:
www.evoyage.com