Jill Kotvis

After reviewing the article posted on PegasusNews.com, I now understand that I am fighting a systematic smear campaign full of lies, half-truths and distortions. This type of negative campaigning has no place in our city.

My supporters want to see a positive, issues-based vision for the future of our city and District 9, and I’ve worked hard to establish a campaign worthy of their support. My message is that we need to focus on improving public safety and expanding our police force; preserving our neighborhoods; and protecting White Rock Lake and other parks and green spaces.

As I have walked door to door and met thousands of my potential constituents, I am even more committed to working with them and know that they are fatigued by mudslinging campaigns and fervently wish they could simply have the opportunity to choose the person they believe will best represent them at City Hall.

I have not focused on the shortcomings of my opponents, but prefer to stand on my own qualifications and vision for the city and District 9. Since the Pegasus News article posted, I have heard from many of my supporters, all of whom have re-affirmed their support, including the Dallas Police Association and the Dallas Fire Fighters Association. They share my disappointment in my opponent’s tactics.

Yesterday, prior to issuance of the Kadane Campaign press release (on which I also was not copied), I sent a letter to my opponent (a copy of which is provided below) reminding him of his promise to me last year to run an honorable, clean campaign and asking him to cease the mudslinging. I appreciate the efforts of PegasusNews.com in reporting this issue.

Dear Sheffie,

Last year you and I agreed that, while we would be opponents in the District 9 City Council race, we would run honorable, clean campaigns and not resort to mudslinging.

We have based our campaign on the issues that I believe are important to our voters and to this city. My message is that we need to focus on preventing crime, preserving our neighborhoods and protecting White Rock Lake. I have not focused on the shortcomings of my opponents, but prefer to stand on my own qualifications and ideas.

I am sure by now that you have seen the PegasusNews.com story, “Mud starts flying in District 9 Council Race” (published April 21).

I was surprised to learn from the story that the false accusations and distorted information about my past apparently were planted by someone in your family or close to your family. The lies about an incident involving the final minutes of my father’s life were particularly personal and painful.

I call on you to renounce these negative campaign tactics – the politics of despair. I urge you, your family, friends and supporters to cease the mudslinging and that you honor your personal pledge to conduct yourself in a manner that would earn respect.

Sincerely,

Jill Kotvis