“Council candidates discuss city's image at forum” was this paper's headline on Oct. 24 in reporting the televised views of candidates Thomas McNabb, Gilda Brower and Peter Kotzer.

We especially find it interesting - and ironic - in some of the views expressed by Kotzer, where he favors “granting amnesty to parking scofflaws.”

We think we understand his stance on the ‘amnesty' issue because, according to a Oct. 16 perusal of the public “Cayuga County Docket of Judgments,” we find six different outstanding judgments - from Oct. 6, 1993 to Sept. 21, 1998, - against Peter Kotzer that totaled $11,823.79, which show that they're still not paid.

And if we apply the1993 statutory interest rate of 9 percent to the above, he now would owe approximately $34,800.

However, because of a 10-year statute of limitations in Small Claims Court, three of the six judgments have expired and he has unilaterally given himself - what one might call - an ‘amnesty' of $28,800. Only in America!

Will the three remaining judgment creditors ever receive the $6,000 due them? Or will he reap another unjust amnesty windfall in a few years?

We'll let the voters make their own judgments on this.

Shame on him for not paying his debts in the first place and than again, hiding from his duty to obey the court ordered judgments.

We now get a little more insight into the character of Peter Kotzer, don't we?

We don't believe that the Auburn council - or any organization - needs someone with such a fatal character flaw.

That's an ‘image' that the city can do without, don't you think?

“Indeed, the price of liberty is eternal vigilance. Our involvement must never stop on that most important day of the year when we choose those who govern.”

And who spoke those words - none other than Peter Kotzer. (Aug. 26)

Couldn't have said it better myself.

Bill Balyszak

Auburn