Realtor John Herman (with whom I have had no previous communication), who brought the complaint about Republican mayoral candidate Ken Johnson's real estate practices to a national exclusive buyer's agent association, just posted this note:
No one in Bristol, or elsewhere, had any part in orchestrating this for political benefit. This issue was unrelated to the election.
I have met Ken several times in a business setting. We have been friendly. I don’t know him well, and I don’t know Art Ward at all. I don’t know which candidate is better suited to running the city of Bristol. Therefore I have never had any desire to influence the election. Let the best man win.
If anyone thinks there is any pleasure in the joyless, taxing chore of bringing a complaint against a member of their own profession, it is because they have never been stuck between that rock and that hard place.
The question regarding Ken presented itself in August, and was acted on at that time. It had nothing to do with Ken’s candidacy, which we were initially unaware of.
From my perspective, I was of the mind that the issue might be resolved privately. However, the “source” of the article, did not feel identically. The source felt the strong moral conviction that the public had a right to know about the business practices of candidates. Based on the comments on these blogs, the source is either a your villain or your hero depending on which candidate you support.
Again, no one in Bristol, or elsewhere, had any part in orchestrating this for political benefit. This issue was unrelated to the election.
To know what he's talking about, see these earlier posts:
Johnson's real estate business could pose problem
Ward says he is 'totally disgusted'
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Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
17 comments:
Yeah, right. Since Mr. Herman is used to working with big time Greenich and Farmington people, he must think we are a bunch of dumb yokles in Bristol who will believe anything.
It's absurd to say this was not politically motivated. The guy obviously has ties to Art Ward supporters.
It's odd to me the way people are always searching for the motives of sources instead of looking at the information they provide. In this case, things are pretty clear.
Steve,
If that is the case, how do you explain the timing?
Not over yet! Mr. Herman could be subject to ethics complaint for this being aired in the press.
You're absolutely right Steve. It seems that in the absence of any honest rebuttal or defense for his unethical behavior, Mr. Johnson and his supporters instead focus on whoever was responsible for exposing his immoral conduct. He truly does owe Mr. Ward and the citizens of Bristol a huge apology. Mr. Johnson had given his handshake and his promise for a good, clean campaign. What a shame he felt the need to break it.
If there is a complaint against Mr. Herman, I would be happy to testify that I did not receive anything from him, did not speak with him, and do not know him.
well now looks like Johnson does and should owe an apology to ward and his campaign.
Hot head Johnson - spouting off before knowing the facts! NOT MAYOR MATERIAL.
"How can you explain the timing?" Gee, how about because Mr. Johnson resigned LAST WEEK...the timing coincides with Mr. Johnson's resignation. He did something WRONG. He hasn't even tried to deny it. Try to focus on the issue. Mr. Herman could probably take a lie detector test and swear on his first born's life and you still wouldn't believe him. Try to focus on the issue, not the messenger.
Steve, it is not that odd that people look for motives instead of at the information provided, especially when the people providing the information state that there is no motive, other than being a "good citizen."
Half of us were born at night, but not last night.
Steve,
Don't you find the timing of this and the fact that Hermann is a close relative of Gloria Marino (an active Democrat) somewhat revealing?
I do!
Gee why didn't Herman reveal this info sooner so the public had time to contemplate the information? I know, it's called the "last minure surprise" stategy...courtesy a political hack.
It's like talking to stumps...Mr. Johnson is the ONLY person who did something wrong! Why aren't you people asking Mr. Johnson to explain his behavior? Before I would trust a man to take over the leadership of an entire city, I would want to know about his ethics or lack thereof. Why doesn't anyone seem to care?
this Herman guy probably forced Johnsn's hand by tipping him off about a pending complaint, so Johnson had to resign a week before the election.
There is no way this was not politically motivated in Art's favor. They can deny it all they want. But this has become a regular tactic by the people helping Ward.
Mr. Herman...stop with the insults. You are a sore loser. Somebody else beat you at your game. Grow up go away and stay out of Bristol politics.
HOw come Ken did not come forward in August??
He is responding ONLY after he got caught.
Do the Republicans know who their candidate is? Or what?
What is wrong is always wrong. Johnson has been acting unethically for years so who cares when it comes up. And all you geniuses out there - Johnson & Herman were competitors. If Herman wanted Johnson out of business, why would he put this info out right before the election. If Johnson is elected, he wouldn't have time to compete with Herman.
Steve Collins has identified that John Herman is not the source of this information.
People seek an exclusive buyer agents' services because they do not want any possibility of conflict of interest between them and the sellers. Mr. Johnson looked
consumers in the eye and told them he represented only buyers, when in fact he had another company that he established to take listings. Why take pot shots at Mr. Herman-- he isn't running for office! Also Mr. Herman's agents have sold properties in 80 towns in CT, including Bristol. Source: CT MLS
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