1000 x 90

Letters / Long Responds To Campaign Mailer, Election Signs Disappearing

Dear Editor,

My name is Matthew Capehart Long.  I am a native of Boone, and I am running for Boone Town Council.  First, I would like to thank you for all of your efforts to introduce and offer background on all of the candidates, including myself, that are running in their prospective municipal elections on November 5, 2013.  I am grateful for the exposure to the citizens of Boone that do not know me on a personal level.

I am very excited about the opportunity to serve the Town of Boone as a Council Member and local leader. 

I apologize that I was not available for comment on Friday.  I was out of town for the wedding of my youngest sister, Becca.  I actually saw an image of the referenced “wolves in sheep’s clothing” mailer while I was away.  I also read the article by Jesse Wood over the weekend.  Since I was not available for comment at that time, I would like to share my thoughts at this time:

I am very proud to have been born and raised in Boone and to be a graduate of Appalachian State.  I have had the opportunity to get to know many local people and local families.  I have also worked in this area and owned a small business for many years.  I am very grateful for the friendships I have with Boone citizens, students, and business owners.  I am so grateful for their support of my campaign for Boone Town Council.  I am proud to have folks supporting me from all walks of life and registered voters of all types.  I believe those that know me, know my true character.  I was very disappointed with the people that endorsed this attack on my character and the other candidates that were depicted in the cartoon. 

I believe that we need some new leadership in our Town and that is why I am running.  I believe we should have more diversity on our boards and committees and the Town Council members should not be serving on all of them.  I would never personally attack the character of the incumbent or any of the other candidates running, period.

As I mentioned, I am a local business owner, General Contractor, andd a LEED Accredited Professional by the US Green Building Council.  I live in a historic neighborhood in Downtown Boone.  I am very much an advocate for smart and sustainable development, the protection and conservation of our natural resources, and for protecting our businesses and neighborhoods.  The statements made on the mailer regarding the agenda are false and do not represent me at all.

I know that the wind can case havoc on our temporary campaign signs and that isolated vandalism occurs.  However, when a very large number of the placed signs completely disappear one can only assume that an individual or individuals are intentionally removing them.  It is disappointing to know that those individuals have such little respect for others.   

I would appreciate it if you will share this letter with your readers and I appreciate your continued efforts to share the campaign and election news.

Sincerely, 

Matthew Capehart Long

Matthew C. Long for Boone Town Council

Nov. 3, 2013