Chuck Mason's recent personal attack against Mayor Tim Lattimore in The Citizen is a prime example of why people don't go into politics. It shows that Mike Quill, his candidate, is so lacking in substance that he believes the only way he can win is to resort to negative attacks.

If you recall, Mr. Mason ran for mayor four years ago and received only 21 percent of the vote. I think that voters, except for Mr. Quill, have soundly rejected him and his brand of dirty politics. However, I agree that Auburn voters deserve to have important questions answered by their candidates.

Mike Quill has made his record as fire chief the centerpiece of his mayoral campaign. Mr. Quill, please answer the following questions about that record:

€ When you became chief and received a substantial raise over your predecessors, why did you make yourself an “administrative chief” and no longer part of the staff minimum?

€ How much did hiring another assistant chief to take your place on the line cost the city over 11 years?

€ Why did firefighters no longer perform code enforcement after you became chief?

€ Why couldn't fire hydrants be painted rather than spending $90,000 for hydrant caps? Painting would have been less expensive and would be just as effective.

€ Why did you lobby for a $325,000 foam truck that you couldn't use?

€ Why was the current fire department contract a sound recommendation from you, knowing that four new firefighters would tremendously exceed your budget?

Mr. Quill, we voters deserve to hear something from you for once instead of letting your subordinates sling mud for you.

Michael Vasco

Auburn