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Mayor Margaret Hornady draws controversy over holiday greeting
After 4 years Mayor Margaret Hornady is stepping out of the public eye
Leaving behind a trail of controversy. She made national news for her comments about Muslims and Somalis. Now her words are ruffling feathers once again. Except this time it's what she wrote. A holiday greeting written by outgoing Mayor Margaret Hornady will be mailed out with the utility bills of Grand Island residents. It's missing one line - a line that's enraged hundreds of Grand Island employees. "I wanna say I'm sorry I didn't mean you. I don't know who I meant if I meant anybody but I apologize," said Hornady. She's apologizing to the 500 plus employees of Grand Island. Why? Well, just take a look at this line in a holiday greeting that starts off friendly and then turns sour. She writes: "I'm not naïve enough to assert that each and every one of the 500 plus employees is hardworking, attentive and cares, some are lazy, slipshod and could not care less, but most are good people of whom you can be proud." When asked why she wrote this line, Hornady became agitated. "It wasn't necessary and it's no longer there," said Hornady. Obviously you don't want to name any names. "Of course not! I have no one in mind, I still don't have anyone in mind and this is a fairly large organization doesn't logic and sweet reason tell you that not everyone will care as much as others," said Hornady. Sure, absolutely but... "That's all..." Why put it into words? "That's all!" Shortly after Mayor Hornady became increasingly angry. Well, why did you write this? "Because I was stupid." Mayor Hornady later said the line came out of frustration over decision making made within the city. And I think people do make decisions out of emotions, what they want, not necessarily the facts and just plain reason," said Hornady. This certainly isn't the first time Mayor Hornady's comments raised eyebrows. Two years ago, Hornady told a New York Times reporter that the sight of Muslims in town reminded her of 9/11. But like her or not., Hornady has done a lot of good. She played a major part in bringing the State Fair to Grand Island, balancing the budget and expanding South Locust among other accomplishments. "My whole goal is to do the best job I can of what needed to be done," Hornady said. But the question remains: will she be remembered for her work or her words? If you live in Grand Island, don't expect to get the original draft of the letter. A revised version will be sent out. Grand Island administrators asked Mayor Hornady if she wanted to change the letter and she did. She also said that she wrote the letter under deadline and didn't get the chance to carefully look it over. |
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