MONROE - Paul Hannes, former alderman of Ward 2 in Monroe, says local politics have become as contentious as state and national politics.
"Local politics have turned nasty; and certain individuals in local politics. Why? That's a good question," Hannes said. "As far as I'm concerned, it's dirty pool."
Hannes received in the mail last week an unsigned letter telling him to "keep your mouth shut if you know what's good for you." The writer also called Hannes vulgar and deprecating names.
The former alderman is not running for office; he lost his seat to Brooke Bauman last year.
But he is campaigning in support of Mayor Bill Ross, who is seeking re-election, and for Louis Armstrong, who is running for Common Council in Ward 7. Hannes has also been vocal in his disapproval of Ross' challenger, Ward 3 Alderman Michael Boyce, and of Ward 7 incumbent Alderman Thurston Hanson.
Hannes believes the letter is an attempt to silence him by threatening him and his family. He turned the letter over to the Monroe Police Department. Chief Fred Kelley said his officers will investigate.
But Hannes said he is more interested in opening the door on dirty tactics in local politics than he is concerned about finding the anonymous letter writer.
"People need to know this kind of stuff is going on in local politics," he said.
Hannes said public criticisms and condemnations have grown recently between elected officials in both political camps, even though local city government is supposed to be non-partisan.
"We have a right to our own thoughts, and I have all the right in the world to voice my opinions - and to tell the world what the other side is doing," he said.
Hannes said the political sand-throwing has escalated in the past year to 18 months, since he last ran for office. That is when he received another unsigned letter.
"Yes, it was nasty, but not really threatening," he said.
He said the latest letter was meant to break his will and fill him with fear, but has only strengthened his resolve to take a stand for democracy.
"Local politics have turned nasty; and certain individuals in local politics. Why? That's a good question," Hannes said. "As far as I'm concerned, it's dirty pool."
Hannes received in the mail last week an unsigned letter telling him to "keep your mouth shut if you know what's good for you." The writer also called Hannes vulgar and deprecating names.
The former alderman is not running for office; he lost his seat to Brooke Bauman last year.
But he is campaigning in support of Mayor Bill Ross, who is seeking re-election, and for Louis Armstrong, who is running for Common Council in Ward 7. Hannes has also been vocal in his disapproval of Ross' challenger, Ward 3 Alderman Michael Boyce, and of Ward 7 incumbent Alderman Thurston Hanson.
Hannes believes the letter is an attempt to silence him by threatening him and his family. He turned the letter over to the Monroe Police Department. Chief Fred Kelley said his officers will investigate.
But Hannes said he is more interested in opening the door on dirty tactics in local politics than he is concerned about finding the anonymous letter writer.
"People need to know this kind of stuff is going on in local politics," he said.
Hannes said public criticisms and condemnations have grown recently between elected officials in both political camps, even though local city government is supposed to be non-partisan.
"We have a right to our own thoughts, and I have all the right in the world to voice my opinions - and to tell the world what the other side is doing," he said.
Hannes said the political sand-throwing has escalated in the past year to 18 months, since he last ran for office. That is when he received another unsigned letter.
"Yes, it was nasty, but not really threatening," he said.
He said the latest letter was meant to break his will and fill him with fear, but has only strengthened his resolve to take a stand for democracy.