When I learned that Mike Skelly and John Rishe decided to run for office this fall, I looked forward to a healthy debate about the future of Ogdensburg.

Unfortunately, I, and many others, have been shocked and saddened by Mr. Skelly and Mr. Rishe's vicious campaign built on nasty and vicious attacks on outstanding, public spirited, city employees and department heads.

Mr. Skelly, Mr. Rishe and their supporters, have chosen to repeatedly attack and vilify outstanding city employees like City Manager Sarah Purdy, City Planner Andrea Smith, City Recreation Director Matt Curatolo and Assessor Suzanne Arquette when they know perfectly well these fine public servants are prohibited from speaking up or defending themselves.

It doesn't take much courage to attack people who they know cannot correct the public record or fight back in their own defense.

As Mayor, I represent Ogdensburg.

If Mr. Skelly and Mr. Rishe want to attack someone, they should attack me, not defenseless city employees.

I want to ask the citizens of our community a simple question. Is this the kind of leadership you want for our community over the next four years?

People who kick around the people they hope to lead? Is that the kind of boss you would want for yourself, your family members or your children? Is this the kind of atmosphere we want in city hall?

A place where our employees are publicly attacked and embarrassed by their leaders?

I believe Ogdensburg is a great place to live, raise a family, and start a business. Over the past several years we have begun to see more and more people and individuals buy properties and make investments in businesses because they believe in the future of our community and want to be part of it.

Over the next month and a half I intend to make my case on why we need to work together to build our future, rather than tear others apart in a blatant attempt to benefit ourselves at the expense of our community and fellow taxpayers.

But I want to call on Mr. Skelly and Mr. Rishe to end this vicious smear campaign against our city employees.

If you want to attack someone, attack me. I can take it. Bullying those who cannot fight back has no place in a community like Ogdensburg.

It is simply an example of what our community can expect if it elects bullies.

As Mayor of Ogdensburg, I am proud of the record that our city council and city administration have built together with our terrific department heads and dedicated city employees.

Our City Manager Sarah Purdy has worked hard to work with her city department heads, employees and city council to hold the line on spending to help Ogdensburg out of its financial problems.

Wayne L. Ashley

Ogdensburg mayor