There were many reasons why Jim Flynn was voted out of office two years ago by the citizens of Maple Valley. He owns individually or through partnerships many commercial property investment holdings within Maple Valley. He serves as the property manager for more than 50 local businesses. He also owns Flynn’s Old Red Tavern whose graffiti was the single largest eyesore and community embarrassment until he decided to run for re-election. Does he really think that simply paying some money to have the old place demolished would erase any memory of his slum-like business practices?

With so many business interests in Maple Valley, it is difficult to believe that Jim Flynn did not benefit financially while serving on the City Council as deputy mayor and frankly, that the situation was a bit like the fox watching the hen house. His time on the City Council demonstrated time and time again that he was interested in maintaining the status quo and resistant to needed commercial growth. Was his motto, “Keep out the competition?”

Jim Flynn does support Maple Valley through his volunteer efforts, but this alone is not a reason to re-elect him to the Maple Valley City Council, especially when he has so many business holdings that provide potential conflicts of interest. Our city will either stay the “old home town Maple Valley” that Jim Flynn envisions or move forward with the vision of new leadership that Bill Allison offers.

My votes is on Bill Allison.

Kenneth K. Wiscomb

Ravensdale