I don’t know about the rest of the Auburn community, but I’m really sick and tired of opening the Auburn Reporter and finding a “not too flattering” article about Virginia Haugen. It seems that Virginia can’t make a move or say “boo” without getting criticized. I’ve know Virginia for over 30 years and I believe her to be an honest, down-to-earth and caring person. And she cares about the welfare of Auburn and it’s people. She speaks her mind but isn’t that what America is all about?

I don’t think it was necessary for Robert Whale to pick up on and write practically word for word what was said at City Hall after the last Council meeting between Virginia Haugen, Gene Cerino, Nancy Backus and Lynn Norman. Backus accused Haugen of not being prepared for Council meetings in Whale’s presence knowing it would get in the paper and therefore discredit her. It was uncalled for and a cheap shot.

Regardless of whether Haugen is qualified to run for mayor or not, does not give others the right to attack her. The fact that we finally have others willing to throw their hat in the ring tells me that the Auburn people aren’t exactly excited about our current administration and I say “whoopie” to the three people with enough courage to pose a challenge. Let’s hope for a new, and improved Auburn in the future.

– Jeanne Herold, Auburn