Who says that political pressure doesn't work?!!!!
KMBZ is reporting (broke the news) that Frances Semler, the controversial Parks Board Member sent her resignation letter last night.
Apparently, the poor old broad was getting tired of the political fighting and debate. I'll admit, her tenure was probably the roughest of any Parks Board official in the history of Kansas City.
I wish the broad well and I hope she keeps up with her gardening and her Minutemen political activity. Truth be known, there's a place for the Minutemen JUST NOT IN CITY GOVERNMENT. Some will say that this old bird didn't have any courage but I think the opposite is true, she simply had enough, her resignation shows that she has more sense and bravery than our Mayor who stubbornly stuck by his own will and not any kind of overriding political values. If anyone was making a stand on principle: It was Frances Semler, not Mayor Funkhouser.
Still I don't agree with her or the Minutemen and I'm sure it's yet another disappointing defeat for the crew . . . But I'm not going to gloat (today). Instead, I think Frances Semler deserves a bit of credit for her bravery in calling it quits. We'll see if Mayor Funky begs her to come back but I'm betting that the old broad has had enough and her official resignation is long overdue and should have been accepted by Mayor Funky in the first place in order to avoid a lot of needless controversy.
One last note before a break . . . Mayor Funkhouser promised that he wouldn't accept Semler's resignation if she gave it so this there might be a bit of news (and controversy) still left in this thing.
Hooray!!!
In an interview on Fox 4 this morning, Semler noted that she read an article in the KC Hispanic News and she felt the Mayor didn't really support her and only kept her around to appease the Northland . . . So, she didn't really feel like she had the guy's loyalty.
More details coming . . . Feel free to add your own in the comments.
Here's a copy of Frances Semler's resignation letter:
ENOUGH, I am resigning.
Any individual or organization who speaks with concern of the impact of the well-organized invasion of illegals in this country is subjected to being called terms such as bigot or racist. Many citizens are reluctant to do so for fear of being subjected to the destruction of their character as I have been.
As a United States citizen I have always felt able to express my views freely. Out of respect for the Mayor, I have allowed my voice to be stilled. No longer
Yes, as a member, I have associated with men and women members of the Minuteman Civil Defense Corps. I have found them to be dedicated to the belief that laws must be respected and enforced. Accusations against this organization have been unfounded and unjust. Members advocate for protection of all borders and enforcement of our laws. A report by the American Legion includes these same concerns.
The controversy regarding my membership in MCDC was fueled by Kansas City Star reporters and the President of the Coalition of Hispanic Organizations, Rita Valenciano. John Fierro, President of the Kansas City Park Board, has been connected with this same group. This Coalition is associated with La Raza, led by Janet Murguia, who was pictured on the front page of the Kansas City Star with fist raised. Are these paid positions and are our tax monies involved? Reverend Charles Steele Jr., President of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, has threatened to “shut” the city down. It has been my experience that many of those supporting illegals are immigration lawyers, also paid with taxpayer funds.
Members of the City Council of Kansas City have made vicious, false, and irresponsible claims about me. One member has publicly, with arrogance, expressed her support for “open borders.”
Have the 12 to 20 million illegals in this country made an impact on the economy of Kansas City? Estimates are as high as 40% unemployment in some areas of this city. The invasion of illegals willing to take low wages for long hours has resulted in the income of working men and women being depressed here and nationwide.
Yet, we have a police chief who has publicly boasted about the protection of illegals at the Westside Can Center, staffed by Linda Callon. Chief Corwin spoke to this at a forum held at Penn Valley Community College sponsored by Missouri State Legislators. He was challenged by State Representative Gary Dusenberg for not upholding the law as he had pledged to do. Dusenberg is a former Missouri State Highway Patrolman. Kansas City is not designated officially as a “sanctuary city,” but it is.
It was with great enthusiasm that I accepted the responsibilities of the Kansas City Missouri Parks and Recreation Board. I do believe I have been a positive asset. There are many projects I eagerly wanted to pursue, but after reading the Mike Hendricks article in the January 17, 2008, issue o the Kansas City Star quoting the Mayor and the untrue statements made by Gloris[sic] Squitiro in a recent January publication of the Kansas City Hispanic News, I feel BETRAYED.
Frances Semler
>>>>>>>
Ouch, Semler lies and slanders her fellow board member and a lot of KC people on her way out.
She also slams:
The Mayor
His wife (the co-Mayor)
The City Council
And the KCPD Police Chief!!!
CLASSY!!!!!!! Still, it's important to keep track of another continget betrayed by Mayor Funky . . . Damn, turns out we all have something in common . . . Disappointment with Mayor Funky.
And on second thought . . . I shouldn't give credit for Semler's resignation to civil rights leaders. TKC is the most important Latino in Kansas City so I deserve credit for Semler's resignation, NATCH!!!
Check out TKC's Frances Semler Controversy Timeline for a round-up of the whole nasty situation.