Should A Mayor Be Partisan?

Prior to the Alabama primary election last week, I received the following text from the mayor of Opelika:

This is a message from Opelika Mayor Eddie Smith letting you know that I am endorsing Wes Allen for Lt. Governor. I have no doubt that he will do an outstanding job and serve us with honesty and integrity. Please join me in voting for Wes tomorrow. The polls will be open from 7am-7pm. The City of Opelika does not endorse candidates for public office. Reply STOP to opt out. Msg sent to Donald. Text fee pd for by WesAllenforAlabama.com

As a political endorsement from the mayor seemed highly inappropriate, I sent him an email:

This afternoon, I received a text message claiming to be from you and endorsing Wes Allen for Lt. Governor. While the text says the city does not endorse candidates, I also find it unethical for elected officials to endorse candidates using their office to influence others. The mayor should be encouraging people to vote, regardless of candidate or party.

If you wish to endorse Wes Allen as a private citizen, I have no issue. Your endorsement as mayor diminishes my respect for your judgment and the office.

Secondly, I will not vote for Wes Allen given his Islamophobic bias. Attacking another candidate, Allen was quoted by al.com as stating

“There is no excuse for participating in the celebration of Islamic Ramadan. There is no excuse to go to a place that operates a mosque and a school to indoctrinate children into Islam, even if you are invited to do so.”

Allen added that the public “will never find me in an Islamic Center or a mosque,” describing himself as a “committed Christian.”

America was founded on the principle of freedom of religion. Allen's comments are antithetical to that founding principle and, in my opinion, disqualify him from serving as Lt. Governor.

I was surprised that the mayor promptly replied:

Mr. Lerude, thank you for your contact. I appreciate your input and explaining your concerns. You make very valid points. I will be more diligent in wording anything or anyone that I personally endorse. Best regards, Eddie

I was impressed and appreciated his acknowledgement of my concerns.