We’ve published enough articles trying to raise awareness to the City of Bismarck, regarding Mayor Mike Seminary’s violation’s of the Corrupt Practices Law, that even I’ll be grateful when the June 12th election is over. Just last week, I wrote about the fact that the Attorney General’s office and Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) turned a blind eye to Seminary’s blatant violations.
Well, it seems that perhaps Mayor Mike was emboldened by the AG’s office and BCI’s decision to stick their proverbial heads in the sand. So emboldened, in fact, he decided that yesterday – roughly one week before the election – was a good day to release his plan to seek budget cuts and greater efficiencies. Innocent enough? Not really. Seminary not only released the plan, but he did it “using the city’s email address, letterhead and mailing list, as well as posted online using the city’s social media platforms.” Yeah, those are the words of the Bismarck Tribune, not mine.
As the Tribune acknowledges:
“In his four years as mayor, Seminary says he’s never directed city staff to send out a similar news release prior to, or during, the budget cycle.”
Anybody with a brain knows what this is, so let’s call it for what it is— a campaign release. In other words, it’s a campaign tactic – used roughly one week before the election – and its been carried out using the city’s email address, property, and social media platforms.
For City Administrator Keith Hunke to suggest that the timing of this is “more coincidental than anything” is insulting. This isn’t coincidence. Not in the least. You’re either in the bag for Seminary or have the IQ of a box of rocks to believe such a garbage argument.
Not only has Mike Seminary supported, advocate for, and defended policies that are not good for the City of Bismarck, but he’s arrogant in the process. Does standing in solidarity with protesters, Five South, or the Civic Center ring a bell for anyone? Where was his plan for budget cuts and greater efficiencies the last four years? In fact, where have they been this entire campaign? Give me a break.
Maybe the AG’s office and BCI are too incompetent and lazy to acknowledge the problems associated with Bismarck’s mayor, but the people of Bismarck shouldn’t be. His news release yesterday was nothing less than an “in your face” move towards those who see him for what he is.
Here’s to wishing the citizens of Bismarck the best in the aftermath of June 12th. The future is in your hands. It’s up to you to bring the accountability that others shied away from.
(Note: If you need to catch up on issues regarding Mayor Mike Seminary, you can do so by clicking here.)
Sources:
- https://theminutemanblog.com/2018/05/31/ags-office-bci-turn-blind-eye-seminarys-corrupt-practices/
- https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/bismarck/bismarck-releases-mayor-s-plan-to-cut-budgets-one-week/article_312ee9f6-d576-5604-b03e-91ec0ac69680.html
- https://theminutemanblog.com/2018/05/10/nodapl-protests-still-dogging-mike-seminary-campaign-video/
- https://madmimi.com/s/7ba16a
- https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/civic-center-event-center-options-debated/article_3c488ee2-9e37-11e2-92f6-0019bb2963f4.html
- https://theminutemanblog.com/tag/mike-seminary/
