Mayor Bob Kiss formally reached out to the Burlington chapter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars — twice — in an effort to assuage damage created by a mayoral stand-in speaker at yesterday’s Veterans Day ceremony in Battery Park.
“The remarks were unfortunate,” said Joe Reinert, assistant to the mayor. “They were not the mayor’s words, nor was it his speech by any means.”
Kiss called the VFW yesterday after he learned of the remarks, and will do so again today, said Reinert.
According to attendees who contacted Seven Days, the mayor’s stand-in honored military conscientious objectors rather than veterans.
“Kiss has the right of free speech — as fought for by these and other vets,” wrote one attendee. “But what I could hear of the contents, it sounded like it was read to antagonize and anger those in attendance — who simply wanted to honor those in the military!”
This article appears in Nov 11-17, 2009.
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Another great move by the incompetent Kiss Administration.Burlington deserves better. End this embarrassment now.
Burlington government from 1980 to 2006 was seen as a critical pillar of making Burlington a wonderful place (internally and externally). Symbolically, Kiss has undone so much in his short time. Please leave.
Thanks to councillor Davis for stepping forward with his remarks.I find it appauling that the Mayor continues to rely on others even for his apologies. Mr Reinert has been put on the spot to apologize for the Mayor to the public and attempt to explain his bosses ignorance. I urge Mr. Reinert to look for other employment, serving Bob Kiss right now cannot be a warm fuzzy feeling, as this man must be removed from office.
Unbelievable. Mayor Kiss has shown again and again in the past few months his arrogance, his inability to speak for himself, and his refusal to take any kind of responsibility for any of his questionable actions. I am truly embarrassed that he is our mayor.
Bob apologized twice to the VFW. It was in the freeps. Do you read? the freeps? Do you read? It doesn’t matter what Kiss says or does, you want him gone because you want him gone. A tiny bit of reason is called for. Is that possible? Not when nitwits are involved, I’m afraid.
Sorry gotliteracy, but an apology is really not enough in this case. Kiss knew Hasrauth’s ideology and whether or not he saw his speech ahead of time, simple common sense shows what a poor idea it was to have him speak at this event. It was a stupid decision, and I say this as a progressive who voted for him.
Time for kiss to kiss somebody’s …on this one. He was so totally uncaring in his choice. Quite frankly after he told the Air Guard a few years back there would be no more air shows while he was in office this isn’t much of a surprise.Guess he doesn’t remember some of the Veterans and present service men and women vote in Burlington. He continues to make irresponsible choices. Residents of Burlington the next election.. make the right choice. Tell Kiss to Kiss his!