David Cline: Clarify PAL van controversy

Lately, the adventures of Atwater politics seem to dominate the front page. In an article (“‘Fall guy’ in van incident speaks,” Page A1, Oct. 18), the volunteer at the center of Police Activities League (PAL) van-use controversy, spoke out. The driver and volunteer, Jeff Connell, was released from PAL by officer Robert Vargas for unauthorized use of the van to distribute political flyers. Connell insists that not only did Vargas know of the van use, but directed Connell to pick up the keys to the van from the on-duty police dispatcher at the station.

Police Chief Frank Pietro has launched an investigation. It is known the political fliers, distributed by the police cadets, promoted the election of Mayor Joan Faul, James Vineyard and Bill Barkman, all running in this election. It is critical that Chief Pietro deliver an unbiased and comprehensive report prior to the November election. Equally critical is that voters need to know the involvement, if any, of these candidates in this sordid affair before they vote.

The hope is, Pietro’s report will not contribute to Atwater’s reputation as the city consumed by infighting and political intrigue.

This story was originally published October 28, 2014 at 6:44 PM with the headline "David Cline: Clarify PAL van controversy."