August 22, 2020
Dear Mayor Ladner,
It is with dismay and disappointment that I am writing this letter to you expressing how embarrassing it can be to have your representation in our town of Silver City.

It is well known that you lean heavily with the "progressive agenda," favoring more and more government interference and control into the lives of Grant County, Silver City and New Mexicans in general. You have touted boldly your pridefully driven desire to let people know that you "are the mayor of Silver City" and that title is of most importance and weight, as you have frequented our downtown on busy days, passing out your business card, while stopping strangers on the street.

You identify yourself, of course with your title and then proceed to tell them that they need to be wearing a face covering or even possibly commending them if they are adhering to your standard of "doing what is best for the common good." (that is debatable, while there is numerous evidence that disputes your claims, that can be discussed further if you desire). However today, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2020, I had the opportunity to meet a couple visiting here from Las Cruces and initially excited to see Silver City and explore our area. Julie, the young woman, intentionally came here and was looking forward to purchasing some gift items, artsy things and having lunch in our downtown area. (Let me remind you, that you are always claiming to encourage people to shop local, to support and help our town's economy by doing just these same things.) While she and her boyfriend were walking down Bullard St with their facemasks on, you approached them and of course, puffed out your title and handed them a business card. Your proceeded to thank them for wearing their facemasks and they said, "thank you, we are here in town supporting the Trump Victory Team and looking forward to enjoying your downtown." Upon their response, you promptly turned on your heels and left, without any further communication. Not a "good bye" or "thank you" or even an "omg, I don't like or support Trump." Just spun around and walked away as quickly as possible.

Wow, talk about rude and uninviting. Just because they evidently spoke words or beliefs that you obviously, vehemently disagree with….. Shame on you. You are, after all the Mayor of this town, as you so proudly want everyone to recognize. Was that really any way to treat guests of our city? Your political agenda and stance obviously have no bounds. Your behavior was a disgrace to our town. I will say that I actually met them after their brief but brutal encounter with you and they said how disappointed they were and that they would not be spending any of their dollars here after that type of introduction and I must say, I don't blame them. I did tell them that Jalicso's would be a great place to support, that it would not snub them or turn their nose up against them if they chose to get some fabulous carry out food before departing Silver City. I believe they took my advice as they prepared to leave this town with its unwelcoming and rude leader.

Well, until we meet again, possibly at the Republican meetings that I have seen you frequent in the past and wondered why exactly you were attending. While I wondered why you were in attendance, I and many others, greeted you with friendliness, warmth and welcomes and did not "spin on our heels away from you," even though we have seen your behavior and apparent support of anything opposite of Republican. You might make some notes and possibly think about using some of the same professionalism and greeting techniques that were used by others to you.
With total dismay,

Cyndi Donovan
Grant County Resident