LINO LAKES, Minn. — The Mayor of Lino Lakes, Jeff Reinert has responded to a situation involving one of his council members and U.S. Rep. Tom Emmer.
As Alpha News reported earlier this week, Lino Lakes Councilwoman Melissa Maher made headlines when a comment she made on Emmer’s official Facebook page circulated locally online.
“If I were you Emmer, I’d avoid people who have a lot of deadly objects at hand. Selling us all out was not a good plan for your future. You’re a coward and a party whore,” Maher wrote.
Maher later told Alpha News, “Congressman Emmer’s posting showed him visiting with farmers, my comment was referring to those farmers that he may be visiting with, implying that his vote to repeal the ACA [Affordable Care Act] may make some of them very angry,” Maher said. “My comment, though worded irresponsibly and inappropriately, meant nothing more than expressing my displeasure with Mr. Emmer’s politics, in particular, his vote on repealing the Affordable Care Act.”
Emmer’s office has demanded a public apology from Maher, one that she says is in the mail headed for D.C. Copies of the letters can be viewed below:
However, Maher may not be out of the woods just yet as Reinert says, “action is pending” in reference to the ongoing investigation by Capitol Police.
Alpha News reported earlier this week that Capitol Police are responsible for the safety and protection of Members of Congress and their family members around the country.
“I can assure you that I am taking this matter very seriously,” Reinert said. “These kinds of comments should never be overlooked especially when made by an elected official. The comments made by Council Member Maher were reckless, reprehensible and have embarrassed our city. Letting these comments go unchecked implies that it is OK for others to act the same way.
An investigation is now in process by the Capitol Police in Washington DC but has not yet been completed. Final recommendation for action regarding Council Member Maher by our city council will have to wait until the investigation is complete.”
Preya Samsundar
Preya Samsundar was born and raised in Minneapolis, MN. She graduated from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities this Spring with a B.A. in Political Science and Sociology, with a minor in Strategic Communications. Preya has previously worked on several State Campaign Races.
