(11-2-25) This is a reply to the Letter to the Editor posted by Heather Coate (Schmidt)

Heather Coate Schmidt made several false claims in her letter that I felt a need to address. She was correct in stating that she does come to many of the city council meetings. However, her claims that she has seen “disorganization, non-transparency and a lot of disinformation” is patently false. As president of city Council I am tasked with conducting the meetings. I am also tasked with making sure that Council follows an agenda and adheres to proper protocol according to Robert rules of Order as well as our own Council Rules. Anyone who has been to a city council meeting would know that there is absolutely no disorganization as claimed. Every meeting is recorded and also posted live on Facebook for all to see for themselves. Order, proper decorum and civil behavior are clearly observed in every meeting.

The accusations of “lack of transparency and disinformation” are just more falsehoods made with ZERO evidence to back up these preposterous claims! City Council is mandated to be open and transparent according to the Ohio Revised Code and the Sunshine Laws. We comply under the threat of legal repercussion if we fail. City Council does not hide information from the public as she asserts.

As to Heather’s final claim that I “have spent a lot of time at the Ohio State house STILL fighting for the anti-drag bill” is only partially true. In the past 18 months I have spoken for a mere few minutes on two separate occasions in proponent testimony in Columbus. I spoke out against sexualized drag shows in our public parks that include simulated sexual acts, partial nudity, vulgar signs, and several other inappropriate items and behavior. I have only spoken at the Statehouse on these two occasions and I did so as a matter of principle, in order to protect the innocent eyes of unsuspecting parents and children in our public parks from seeing such lewd behavior.

Heather’s letter to the editor was politically motivated as an attempt to discredit myself, our city Council, and others in order to influence the electorate towards her political ally just days before the election.

I refuse to respond to Heather or any others with accusations or insinuations. I have always and only treated her with respect and dignity in ever phone call, email, or personal interaction I have had with her over the years, and she knows this to be true!

Jason D. King
President , Celina City Council

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UPDATED: 10-20-23

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