Schaffner seeking signatures to be added to mayoral ballot

By Don Bowen/Fremont Tribune
Wednesday, Aug 06, 2008 - 10:59:05 am CDT

A second man has announced that he is going to try to unseat Fremont Mayor “Skip” Edwards in November.

Carl Schaffner has taken petitions from the Dodge County Clerk’s Office to get his name on the ballot.

Schaffner, like Wesley Homes, decided to run for the mayor’s office after last week’s city council meeting in which a proposed ordinance targeting illegal immigrants in the city was voted down by a split council. Edwards cast the deciding vote.

Schaffner said he’s taking a different route than Homes because he wants Fremont residents to know that he is serious about running for office. Homes filed as a write-in candidate.

If Schaffner can get 1,419 signatures of registered voters from within the city limits of Fremont, his name will be on the November ballot as a “by petition” candidate rather than a party affiliation, said Dodge County Clerk Fred Mytty, who is also the county’s election commissioner.

The 48-year-old Fremont man said that he thinks that the city government failed at that July 26 meeting of the Fremont City Council.

“The clear role of government is to look after the residents,” he said. “City government has the right to write an ordinance for the citizenry of Fremont. That’s where they failed. I believe they are all good men, but they fell short.”

He said it was clear that he needed to do more than file as a write-in candidate.

“Write-in candidacies usually do not work,” Schaffner continued. “Checking a box is far easier for voters. The impact I want to make by having my name on the ballot is to show that this is an issue that’s important to Fremont. There’s no better way to do that than to have my name right there.”

After taking out the petitions Friday afternoon, Schaffner knows he has his work cut out for him. Mytty said he has until Sept. 2 to turn in the signatures.

“I’m a practical man,” Schaffner said. “My background is as an arborist ” a tree doctor. But I look at a situation and try to find a solution. I hate when people say that we have to do something a certain way because we’ve always done it that way.”

Even though the illegal immigration issue was the catalyst for Schaffner to enter the race, he said he realizes that there’s more to being a mayor.

“The mayor is not immigration. To be a city officials all you need is integrity and common sense.”

Now, he said he is looking for help to get his name on the ballot.

“I’m looking for a way to get the word out. I’ll have two or three people helping me go door-to-door with petitions for people to sign. I’m hoping I’ll have all the signatures I need in two weeks.”

He said he doesn’t have a Web site, but he can be reached on the Web at carl4mayor@yahoo.com.

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nlw
Aug 6, 2008 12:00 PM
While I admire both candidates for stepping up, the issue here is that there is a lot of time and money wasted on something our city law enforcement is not able to enforce...I didn't say willing, I said able. I also would have to disagree on the requirements to be a city official. I have integrity and common sense, but can tell you that I don't think that makes me qualified for any public office.
m
Aug 6, 2008 12:07 PM
Don't know if this is do-able or not-maybe you can advertise a location/time you will be at and have people come there to sign the petition? It seems like a time crunch going door to door.Good luck-come down jaynes street!!
MikeyV
Aug 6, 2008 12:57 PM
Our free society allows anyone to run for a political office. My biggest concern is that you really DON'T know enough about law and government.
Illegal immigrants are illegal, but the legislation and action have to come from the federal level and until we elect the rigth people in Washington nothing is going to be done.
Had the proposed ord. been approved it could have bankrupted Fremont in legal fees.
Concentrate your efforts to the federal level; elect more of the "common man/woman type" who is not running for self-oriented purposes.
Look toward the person who really has the good of the county at heart.
a
Aug 6, 2008 2:00 PM
What do the people of Fremont not understand about the fact that immigration is a federal issue and the city of Fremont cannot enforce the laws that some people seem to want. If you think immigration is the source of the city's economic problems, I suggest you dig a bit deeper than a few people taking your minimum wage jobs.
Experience and expertise
Aug 6, 2008 2:11 PM
Fremont does not need a bunch of people running as write ins to dilute the election and esure that Skippy gets elected again.
He should just put Fremont first and retire. If he had a record, if he had successes, if he had a vision, if he could articulate anything, it could all be different.
But, here you have a mayor who won't even be interviewed by the local paper and continually fails to share his vision or lack thereof.
HE had a WRITTEN explanation at the meeting to explain his breaking of the tie vote. Could not think on his feet. But more importantly, he already knew what the vote would be!!
cher
Aug 6, 2008 2:12 PM
If having integrity and common sense is what it takes to be a city official, then most of ours are extremely underqualified.
Joe
Aug 6, 2008 2:51 PM
It looks like this candidate is a one issue candidate. It takes more than an opinion on illegal immigration to govern a city.
Negative Ned
Aug 6, 2008 4:02 PM
Skippy will retire as soon he has been re-elected and can pass the job on to the city council president Gary Bolton.

The problem with these people is they have no idea what it takes to live in the real world. Skip owned a filling station and every city vehicle filled their tank at his station for years even after he became Mayor. A conflict of interest maybe?
Gary Bolton was a student, teacher and administrator in the school system thus making his living AND retirement off of the taxpayers, with tenure.
These people have no clue and they are making decisions for us rather than representing us.
The mayor is nothing but a yes man or a fall guy in Fremont. Skip read his prepared statement at the council meeting. How did he know he was going to need a prepared statement at that meeting and who really wrote the prepared statement.The city administrator runs the city so why do we even bother with a mayor other to use for a tie breaker.
No one with any kahoonies or responsibility is going to step forward and be a do nothing mayor. Besides it would be a battle for anyone to get anything done with any original ideas other than what has always been done.
Lanny
Aug 6, 2008 4:37 PM
Yet another one-note candidate. It's time for this city to heal its wounds and move on. People who care about this issue should write their congressman instead of running for mayor. This is a federal issue. Why don't people get that?
Becky
Aug 6, 2008 5:13 PM
I have heard that he will be at the American Legion tonight (Wed) if anybody wants to sign his petition to allow him to be on the ballot. I think
it's great to have a contest instead of somebody running unopposed.
ANOTHER LOOK
Aug 6, 2008 8:07 PM
It is not Fremont's job to deport the illegals from our city. It is a Federal issue. However, we don't need to stand idle as Fremont is destroyed like Columbus, Madision and Schuyler have been.

As a city we can do things to make it very uncomfortable and risky for them to be hear. We can require our police force to report any illegal resident to ICE or Homeland Security if they are ticketed or arrested. We can enforce residency regulations such as not allowing more than one family in residences zoned as single family structures. Let's get creative folks. Our city's future depends on it.

If we as a community can make Fremont unwelcome enough for these illegal's and let them know they will be reported here if the break any law, traffic, DUI, or any other one they will stay away from our community and we'll all be better for it.

Hopefully, one of the write in candidates will win the mayors office, revisit the illegal issue and develop and plan that is truely workable. Let's remove these individuals from our community so the community can truely heal because it never will as long as these criminals are here.
Concerned
Aug 6, 2008 9:34 PM
If these two people had wanted to be OUR Mayor, why didn't they run in the primary? I love this city and do not feel that one issue should be the center of any campaign. Fremont can't solve our countrys immigration problems. This is a matter we should discuss with our congressman and senators.
commonsense
Aug 6, 2008 10:20 PM
Humorous that the mayoral race has just been heated up by the defeat of the illegal immigrant ordinance. I wonder how much of these candidate's time in the past has been applied to expressing their views on illegal immigration to their current congressional representatives? Have they demonstrated against current federal policy? Do these candidates even know who their congressional representatives are?

Oh, and I would also like to know what department of the city government that Carl would cut to fund the illegal immigrant ordinance (estimated to be at least $500,000)if he was in office. Or would he just raise a tax?
Commonsensefremont
Aug 6, 2008 10:27 PM
in response to "Experience and expertise", I credit Skip Edwards for making a decision which would irritate the less educated people of Fremont.
In the movie "The Dark Knight", I heard a quote that reminded me of the decision that Skip Edwards had to make

"Endure, Master Wayne. Take it. They'll hate you for it. But that's the point of Batman, he can be the outcast. He can make the choice that no one else can make, the right choice."
CM
Aug 7, 2008 12:21 AM
I applaud your courage to stand up and do what you think is right and make a difference. We need more people willing to take a stand.
Sv
Aug 7, 2008 12:40 AM
I say go ahead elect a man with blinders on! Hurray! Make a mandate to stop illegals...then you will all have the great town you aspire to have. One that went down the drain into the cespool of immiturity, racism and bigotry. Most of you didn't want the jobs the illegals have, yet can't stand that someone with a different color skin has taken it. My prediction is... move them out say bye bye to Fremont. I know a whole lot of people who, white skin or tanned, that refuse to spend money there because of this stupidity. Open your eyes people, take off your blinders and realize what you are pushing for.
To Another Look
Aug 7, 2008 7:43 AM
To Another Look: The local police force CANNOT turn in illegals to ICE or Homeland Security. If they did so, then they would be doing ICE's job- that is considered enforcing immigration laws. The job of enforcing immigration laws is placed on the Department of Homeland Security and ICE, that's the whole reason they were made. If local officers around the entire US were allowed to enforce immigration, then there would be no need for those federal agencies. Like others have said, if you want something done about illegal immigration, it needs to be done on the federal level. I applaud 'Skip' Edwards for looking out for Fremont. Yes it made some people mad, but doing this was not right for Fremont.

This country was built on immigrants, and I believe it will always be that way. Throughout history, different immigrants have faced tension between them and the others already here: Jews, Irish, Japanese, Chinese....and now the Hispanics. Over time, I believe that the majority of them will become legal through some type of program. There is no way the US can deport 10 - 12 million illegals out of the US. In fact, there are probably more because who is really going to come out and say "Hi! I am an illegal immigrant, count me in." There are illegal immigrants here from all over the WORLD, not just Mexico, Latin America, or South America. So many of these people want to be a part of our country, unfortunately, narrow minded people seem to push them back. All I have to say is think and "do unto others as you would have others do unto YOU."
Nancy
Aug 7, 2008 9:12 AM
I have a great deal of respect for anyone entering this race right now. It shows that there is a need to keep our local government in check. Whatever side of the fence you sit on in this issue of immigration, the mayor & council were wrong. Not in the decision so much but in the way they reached it. Advertising an August 26th meeting and then pushing forward the vote. A vote that was already predetermined. Skip showed that with a premade speech. The council did not have the cajones to bar small children or outsiders from this forum, instead not only did they allow it but many Fremonters lost their chance to to voice their opinions due to being turned away at the door. Why were outsiders given preferential treatment over Fremonters? This was also a hostile environment yet Hispanic children were everywhere. Crying, screaming and acting up as all children would when having to sit still for hours. These children had no business in this meeting and even though they were disruptive, the police ignored it. Our council not only failed Fremont but they made the divide in this town much, much wider. They took away the chance for Fremonters to be able to stand up and say "NO MORE!". Now we have candidates for mayor appearing. Good I say, because it will show the local government they need to listen and not just pay lip service to us. I beleive that Carl is more than just a one issue candidate, but even so, this is the one issue in Fremont that is important. Our economy, safety and the progress of our city depends on it. Good Luck to all the candidates. Let the best man for the job win. Oh by the way, after the meeting at the high school one of the council said their reason for voting to push the vote forward was that they were getting tired of listening to the same thing over and over again. Nice to know that's what the council thought, but with their decision already made I bet they were really bored listening to the concerns of the people who took time out of their lives to go. Just a thought.
reply to commonsense
Aug 7, 2008 10:23 AM
In answer to "commonsense"-I have had numerous conversations in the past with this candidate and, yes, he does make his position known to his representatives. I think he has their numbers on speed dial!
Why would you stay
Aug 7, 2008 10:55 AM
What I just can’t figure out is why would you want to stay in a town that you are not wanted in? For fun lets say my last name is Smith, and Fremont deiced to have an election because ½ of the town and ½ of the city council wanted all of the Smith’s to move out of Fremont.. I would not have to wait for a vote. I would pick up my stuff and move on.
Shelley
Aug 7, 2008 12:13 PM
Nancy and others...if we are so upset about moving the vote early and not waiting until Aug 26...than lets not forget that three of those you hold so dearly for voting yes on this ordinance --ALSO voted yes to move the vote early as well. Also, keep in mind that the mayor you are so upset with didn't have a vote on the motion to move the vote up.

If you are so upset about the vote getting moved up -- than you have 7 council members to direct your unhappiness to.

Finally - Nancy...the council can not create thier own laws about who can attend open meetings -- so barring children is not an option they have. Nor do they have a right to keep certain groups from speaking (and by the way the outsiders supporting the ordinance seemed to out number those against it...hmm?) The state sets the laws for open meetings and while the council has some ability to set process rules and can keep order they can not prohibit folks from coming into the meeting. Attny. Gen website has the full open meeting rules.

Remember...legal is legal right?
JJ
Aug 7, 2008 12:17 PM
I second what Concerned has said. Where were these two people at the primary? I was disappointed in the turn out of the immigration issue, but you can't jump into being mayor over one issue. If they really were in this for the good of Fremont as a whole, you should have been there from the start, not just making a rash overnight decision. Maybe I'll wake up tomorrow and decide I want to be a mayor too.
Bignell
Aug 7, 2008 12:34 PM
To a:

A simple question for you. Since our local law enforcement agency can not go after anyone who breaks a federal law, do we not go after bank robbers, anyone committing mail fraud, anyone who commits capital murder, drug traffickers, people who illegally bring guns into our state, people committing cyber crime, do i need to go on? Or do we let them live amongst us, and let the police have a day off? After all, its a federal matter...
scoop
Aug 7, 2008 1:50 PM
If the Feds don't have the manpower to handle the ever increasing problems, then it's obviously time for State and Local government to react.
concerned
Aug 7, 2008 4:02 PM
I completely agree with you scoop. If the Federal Gov. won't do anything it's time for State and Local to do something.
CW
Aug 7, 2008 6:12 PM
Hey everyone! We get it! Illegal immigration is a federal issue. Why dont you all get that our government isnt helping us and most likely isnt going to help us. We love cheap labor in this country, thats why we outsource jobs, and I have to speak to telemarketers that I cant hardly understand when I call with a problem with my cell phone. I say if the government wont do anything then at least we should try. We cant just do nothing. There are more than 11 million illegals here now, how many will there be in 5 or 10 years? What are we going to do when there are more spanish speaking citizens than english speaking citizens? Everyone just wants the problem to go away without actually having to do anything about it. When has that ever been effective with any problem? I support anyone who wants to enforce the laws. It has nothing to do with race and everything to do with principle.
Negative Ned is right about one thing...
Aug 7, 2008 10:16 PM
I tried to warn as many voters as I could that Skip will retire not long after his re-election (if that happens) and pass the baton to Gary Bolton (who 'coincidentally' just retired). How sad that we had an awesome candidate running against him and we didn't make it happen. Not sure how I feel about the 2 new candidates, but I'd vote for Scott Schaller all over again.
Per Asper Ad Astera
Aug 8, 2008 7:11 AM
Besides the Immigration issue, what else are you prepared to do for the people of Fremont? Clearly
there are other things that need to be done.
Scoop
Aug 8, 2008 2:59 PM
Bignell and the other "bank robbery is a federal crime so why do the police enforce that?" bell ringers. It's because state statutes also cover robbery, and fraud and murder and guns and drugs. Until a state law or local ordinance is passed against illegal immigration it will continue to be a federal issue. Can we please stop comparing the proverbial apples to oranges?
Pig Cutter
Aug 8, 2008 9:26 PM
Hormel Foods in 2006, sales reached more than $5.75 billion with a net profit more than 286 million. They gave Austin, MN Public Schools 2.6 million in a grant. How much do they give to Fremont? They give the Y tons on money, however what about our schools?

They need to start paying city taxes and more taxes to the county. Does the City of Fremont have the courage to ask them to poney or spam up?

Hormel needs come out and make a big gift or brag what they do for our community!!!!!
Michael
Aug 9, 2008 7:10 AM
I for one welcome someone who will run against Skip Edwards. I see this not as an issue of immigration but what has not been done for Fremont in the past to position itself for the future in terms of economic development. Anyone who thinks this will get better while the "good ol boy" system is alive and well in Fremont is maistaken. A vote for Skip is for the status quo.