Wichita Mayor Carl Brewer, incorrectly, deflects attention

on

Wichita City Hall SignWhen Wichita Mayor Carl Brewer was asked to refrain from voting on a matter when he has a relationship with one of the parties that will benefit from his vote, here’s what the mayor said:

“What you’re basing your information on is basically what’s been disclosed on Mr. Weeks’ website, and for his information I think he needs to get it correct. I’ve never been to the Caribbean, and most people ask me can’t he tell that that’s Lake Texoma. So I start questioning those types of things.” (Video is here.)

On his radio show, Joseph Ashby deconstructed Brewer’s remarks. Audio is here, and it’s worth listening to.

Regarding the mayor’s remarks quoted above: First, I never reported that the photograph of the mayor was taken at any location. I didn’t know where the photo was taken until the mayor said Lake Texoma at Tuesday’s council meeting. Last year I asked the mayor by email that and other questions regarding this photograph, but he chose not to respond.

Clinton Coen reports the Wichita Post published that the picture was taken in the Caribbean. As far as I know, the Wichita Post is owned by Wichita businessman Craig Gabel. Some time ago I gave that newspaper blanket permission to use my material, just as I always grant permission for any newspaper, blog, radio station, television station, think tank, advocacy group, or website to use my material. I don’t have editorial control over what they do with the material, and the mere fact that my content appears somewhere does not mean that I endorse or approve of its use.

So if the mayor has quibbles with facts that someone reported, let him direct his criticism at the responsible outlet.

But here’s the real problem with Mayor Brewer’s remarks, from Ashby on his radio show: “What does it matter how we found out about it?” And does it matter whether the mayor vacations with someone in the Caribbean or Lake Texoma?

The important fact is that on Tuesday Brewer voted to give his significant campaign contributors and fishing buddy $703,017. That’s what the mayor tried to deflect attention away from.

Comments

3 responses to “Wichita Mayor Carl Brewer, incorrectly, deflects attention”

  1. Winston

    Mayor Brewer’s remarks remind me of “I didn’t have sex with that woman”! He was angry, nervous and worried about the line of questioning. If you watch his answers in the video above, you will see the constant “swallowing” and “dry mouth” which are signs of guilt.

  2. Trisha Lambert

    THIS MAYOR IS CORRUPT! HE SHOULD RESIGN IMMEDIATELY FOR WHAT HE’S DOING! THIS IS EXACTLY WHY OUR SYSTEM IS CORRUPT AND DOESN’T WORK!
    HE GOT MONEY FROM THIS COMPANY TO BE MAYOR, AND NOW IS GIVING HIS FISHING BUDDY A TAX BREAK!
    WHERE IS MY TAX BREAK? HMMMM SO IF I GO FISHING WITH HIM I DON’T HAVE TO PAY?
    OUR ATTORNEY GENERAL NEEDS TO INVESTIGATE THIS CORRUPT POLITICIAN!
    WORTHLESS SCUM BAG BREWER NEEDS TO QUIT OR WE NEED HIM FIRED. …..NOT A MAYOR WICHITA NEEDS!

  3. Daphne

    I never, usually, post my opinion on anything to do with politics or city government but I have to say that report on the news about the mayor really made me mad! Why is he voting on ANYTHING to do with Key Construction if they are “fishing buddies”. That, as far as I’m concerned, a total conflict of interest. I’m sick and tired of the mayors of this city taking their power and using it for their or their buddies advantage. I’d like to know more about what I can do about this. Who I need to talk/complain to. I’m really, really upset about this!

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