"RIP. Here lies South Bend, a once vibrant city now abandoned by business, overrun by violent crime and driving people from their family homes because of high property taxes."
On the flip side (pun intended) it accuses Mayor Steve Luecke of having "neglected our city and allowed it to die".
There's no point arguing with these folks about reality; remember they brought us the mantra "perceptions are more important than facts". So there's no point in reminding these folks that the crime rate is down measurably and the city government has nothing whatsoever to do with setting the tax rate on real property. None at all. But "let's stop and think" as Dora The Explorer might suggest. From a tactical standpoint, what is the likely outcome of this strategy?
For one thing, the backlash of this tactic has spawned the creation of a new citizens action organization "Citizens For Progress". While it's true that these folks are most likely supporters of Steve Luecke, kicking a hornet's nest rarely brings an advantageous result.
Going further...This sort of approach seems calculated at firing up the base - an excellent strategy for a primary campaign. But think about who's likely to be undecided at this point in the campaign. I'd suggest that it's folks who don't have a particular ideological ax to grind. These are people who who just want their city to work, who want someone serious in control and just don't feel they have enough information yet to know which person that is. I'm going to go out on a limb here and suggest that this postcard campaign just might not seal the deal with these voters. Or actually, it might - but not the way Mr. Manigault would like.
In fact, it's my view that this clumsy move should pretty well ensure Mayor Luecke's re-election. But citizens have every reason to be upset even if the result is favorable. They have been insulted, their work has been devalued. They're mad as hell, and they're not going to take it anymore.
Democracy is not a spectator sport.
Don Wheeler
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