Matt Orlando Contacts The Jake Files

I got the following from Matt Orlando yesterday, both by comment on the About page, and via email:

Jake,

I’ve been reading you files for sometime and enjoyed your writings.
Like to talk to you. Can you provide a telephone number?

Best Regards,

Matt

Comment by Matt Orlando — April 21, 2006 @ 5:04 am |Edit This

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Here is my response, sent via email a few minutes ago:

Dear Councilman Orlando,

Thanks for contacting me.  In regards to your request for a contact number, I don’t think that would be in anyone’s interest. 

Since you didn’t elaborate in your email, I can only presume you would like to discuss either A) your reasons for seeking the dismissal of Mark Pentz from the City Manager position, B) my position on a potential recall petition, C) an apology from me for referring to you as an “idiot,” or D) my thoughts on city government.

For reasons that I outlined here, I have no desire for my identity to be known.  I am neither a candidate for office nor a public figure, and I’m under no obligation to make my identity known.  I have no special insight to any particular issue beyond what any other person would have.  I choose to be as well-informed as I can, given what is reported in the media and through public sources. 

Regarding Item B above, I have publicly posted that I am generally opposed to recall on principle.  Given what I know about this situation, I would be content with letting the electorate in the next election cycle decide whether they want you to continue in office, based on your entire record while in office.  I’ll keep an open mind, based on what information is presented by advocates of the recall, but I can’t imagine what would persuade me to change that position at this time.

Regarding Item C, use of the word “idiot” was regrettable.  I like to distinguish myself from those blogs that frequently and routinely use insults and putdowns to make their points, and I let my anger get the best of me in the moment.  Given that public officials generally don’t succeed without having a thick skin, I don’t really expect that you’re seeking an apology, but you have it nonetheless.

Regarding Item D, tune in to this blog for my periodic thoughts on issues both local and otherwise. 

So, regarding Item A, I would certainly like to hear from you what could justify the interrogation that Mr. Pentz received, but I’m not sure what you could say to me privately that you haven’t said, or couldn’t say, publicly.  I’ve read your “My Turn” column in yesterday’s

Chandler
Republic (unfortunately I can’t seem to find it online).  I also watched the City Council meeting and came to the same conclusions that most other people watching likely did.  I felt the treatment was belittling and petty, and I’m not sure what you could say that would be persuasive in changing that opinion.  If there is something that I have posted that is factually inaccurate or you feel is distorted in some way, I’d be happy to correct the matter.  You are welcome, as is anyone else, to post a comment on my site if you would like to correct the record or add any other insight.

Thanks again for contacting me.  I’m glad that elected officials are listening when the public is talking.

Regards,

Amazing Jake