EDITORIAL

Aeschylus is credited with saying, "In war, truth is the first casualty.''

In effect, the Executive Board of Mehlville Local 1889 of the International Association of Fire Fighters, led by President Nick Fahs, has declared war on Board of Directors Chairman Aaron Hilmer. Consider the barrage of attack fliers mailed throughout the district and funded by the union in opposition to Hilmer's re-election bid in Tuesday's election.

Hardly any of the information contained in the fliers is accurate, but that apparently doesn't bother Fahs or Hilmer's opponent, Mike Klund. Fahs also apparently has no use for the truth, as he told this newspaper last week that Local 1889 had not endorsed Klund's candidacy and had no plans to do so.

We must admit we were skeptical of Fahs' claim given the fact that Local 1889 pumped more than $75,000 into two committees supporting Klund's candidacy.

But Fahs' assertion that the union did not endorse Klund is contradicted by a letter on Local 1889 letterhead that states, "Local 1889 are (sic) committed to defeating Mr. Hilmer and electing Mike Klund this April. We would appreciate any and all help you can give us in this effort.''

Why would Local 1889 want to conceal its endorsement of Klund? Consider the fact that the last two candidates endorsed by Local 1889 were overwhelmingly trounced by voters.

The reality is Local 1889 is a political machine whose agenda is obtaining control over taxpayers' dollars — not the welfare of the community or even its own membership. In the process, Local 1889 has proved it will stop at nothing, including exploiting clergy, relatives and campaign-finance reporting requirements, to promote a candidate it perceives will help it achieve that goal of control.

The biggest casualty of the war being waged by Fahs and Local 1889 has been the truth as evidenced by the distortions they have been dispersing about Hilmer and the fire board.

Don't forget that Klund on two occasions has declined to meet Hilmer face to face in a debate setting.

Regardless of the outcome of Tuesday's election, Local 1889, led by Fahs, has shown its true colors and lack of regard for the truth. Fahs and his cohorts should be ashamed of themselves.

They may win a battle, but they most certainly have lost the war over the hearts and minds of the Mehlville community and forever will be tainted by their deceitfulness.

ALSO READ:
Letter contradicts Fahs' claim union did not endorse Klund