Aug. 4, 2009
To the Editor:
After last night’s council meeting, I finally heard clearly the meaning of what you all were telling me.
When you were saying: “Stu, we disapprove of your choice in attire,” I was incorrectly hearing “Stu, you can’t be yourself – you must dress like a man.”
It took a while to sink through my thick skull, but I now understand that the real meaning was “Stu, when you represent our beloved community, please dress and act like a lady.” You are right, I was wrong.
Message received – loud and clear.
I am truly sorry for subjecting our community to the ridiculous media circus that resulted from a complaint about my attire while addressing a Silverton Together program. It was way too casual for the occasion, and it won’t happen again.
And to Brenda Sturdevant, manager of Silverton Together, I am sorry that my actions put you in a situation where you had to make the complaint in the first place. Thank you, Brenda, for your guidance, I have learned my lesson.
And thank you, Silverton, for being the coolest town on the planet. I love you.
– Stu Rasmussen
Aug. 4, 2009
Dear Stu,
I have received your message today and accept it with an open heart.
I think we have all learned valuable lessons here.
I am humbled, and we are more teachable when we are humbled.
Thank you also for allowing me to serve the wonderful city of Silverton.
I, too, am sorry for the hurt that was unintentionally inflicted not only on yourself, but many other partners, members of the community and many others.
I pray for peace now for us all.
Respectfully,
Brenda Sturdevant
Manager – Silverton Together