Foss Farrar just spoke with John and the municipal court clerk. Apparently he was charged initially with domestic violence, disorderly conduct and public intoxication (Traveler story did not have domestic violence charge) In the end, though, the prosecutors must have felt like there wasn't much there — he pled guilty to disturbing the peace and paid $60 fine and $70 court cost.
Apparently, his wife called police because her husband was upset and she was concerned about him. He was arrested near the college on Central.
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20 comments:
I deleted a post because, after thinking about it, I didn't want to fuel speculation about John Mars' guilt or innocence. There are a couple other posts I'm withholding for the same reason. Sorry.
I don't think anyone is trying to "fuel speculation" about John Mars, they are just wanting the truth printed. There are plenty of people around Ark City that know him and know what kind of person he is. He only tells you what you want to hear. I think the public has a right to know if they are voting for a person who can't control his anger. I wouldn't want anyone like that representing Ark City.
The Nazi's witheld stuff from the public too. They thought their reasons were valid also.
Mars would do a fine job representing Ark City. He is capable and thoughtful. We would be better off with a Republican though.
Way to buckle, Mr. Journalist. God forbid you let us know the truth about our candidates.
Maybe if we knew the truth, and not just what the candidates want us to hear, we could make an informed decision.
I also think that it will be a cold day in hell before this guy gets my vote, simply because we don't know the whole story. The fact that he was arrested at all doesn't sit well with me, and since you won't elaborate, I can only assume the worst.
it happen and we know it so why hide it , is that freedom of selected speech
What kind of hold does John Mars have on the Traveler? I saw another blog about him but now it has been deleated! I just don't understand why we can't know the whole truth about this man. It was certainly important enough that you printed he was in legal trouble in the past but you won't let anyone ask questions or voice their opinions. Has he got to you also?
I think perhaps some of you are confused.
I am not "withholding" information about this incident. I am withholding comments that jump to conclusions and assume the worst.
Anonymous comments get pretty wide open. I'm trying to keep it civil and fair.
How much information does the voting community REALLY want to know about Mr. Mars? I venture to believe they really don't want to know too much and I'm POSITIVE he doesn't recall the fact that many people know information that could be detrimental to his campaign. Why would a man with so many skeletons in the closet run for public office..does he watch the presidental campaign at all..it's all about diggin up bones. Do you inquiring minds want to know??
I would like to know. I want to know who I am voting for. I don't want to vote for someone that will hurt our community!
Seriously -- this ISN'T the Presidential election this is small town USA -- character is very important -- but I don't think they dig quite as deep into personal lives in these smaller elections as they do in big ones -- don't get yourself too excited. Sounds like your just wanting some gossip.
yup....
"Sounds like your just wanting some gossip."
Yup, Yup, & Yup.
Not many comments here about where he stands on the issues...hmmm ;)
I personally know a lot of info concerning John Mars. He like most of us has had issues in life. That is how people learn and become better human beings. That being said, voting for anyone running for public office requires research and a hard look into everyone who is running. Anyone who is voted into a public office is representing the citizens of that community.
People need to evaluate whether or not he can help the community not whether or not he made mistakes. I definately know my opinion..he will not be getting my vote anytime soon. However, it should be determined by capability not the rumor mill.
If I remember correctly that sometime before he ran for the BOE, their was an article in the Traveler airing alot of his dirty laundry. Perhaps Jon should interview with the Traveler again to satisfy the judgmentel nosey folks. I have met him and his family before and I happen to think they are fine citizens.
Interesting blog. I can understand the curiosity. Generally folks that have skeletons in their closet are scared to lead. I am not, in fact, since did spend many years as a teen taking from society I feel it is an obligation to give back. I do so in many ways from financing educational/athletic trips for kids that can not otherwise afford to go to taking children into my own home to leading in elected office.
If feel the need to vote for someone that has a perfect lily white past then I certainly am not your guy.If you desire dedicated and experienced leader with a passion for the future of this county who is always willing to listen then perhaps you should find out more about me.
As for the arrest last year I don't feel the need to go into detail but in a nutshell I will say I handled the event of a young man taking his own life very poorly to the extent that my wife called the police for my own protection due to me getting into an extreme emotional state. Beyond that I do not and will not make further comment.
At any I available to answer questions on the issues at 442-0764 or via email at jmars@cox.net
Sincerely,
John S.Mars
Interesting blog. I can understand questions and I certainly understand those that wonder why in the world someone with my history would want to run for office. I guess the easiest way I can explain that is to say the I don’t feel that ones mistakes in the past should keep them from moving towards realizing their full potential in the future. It is this same mentality that allowed me to transition from a high school drop out and low skilled worker to a productive citizen with a Masters Degree and an executive level job.
Even more I also feel that as an adolescent I took a great deal from Society so as an adult I feel obligated to give back. I do that in many ways from investing a lot of time and offering financial assistance to many of the youth in our community to taking them into my own home. My family and I are currently putting the third child we have taken in through his senior year in high School. It is in our prayers that we are blessed with the opportunity to help out others with this gift of sharing as the years pass.
As for the famous arrest last year I will address that briefly. Last year my family and the community suffered the loss of two young men in a very needless fashion. Young men with great promise. The second of the two had become quite close to our family in the year preceding the tragedy. I had some terse words with him regarding his attitude the day before leaving on a business trip and when I returned he was gone. I am afraid that emotionally I handled the experience very poorly. To the extent that one Saturday a few weeks later w my wife felt the need to summon the police as she was in fear for my own safety. Bad judgment on my part and probably very good judgment on hers. I will not address the issue in any more depth than that.
I believe I represented Arkansas City very well on the Board of Education for four years but if you are in need of someone with a flawless past to represent you at the county level and let that be the basis of your judgment at the ballot box then please cast your vote for someone else. If you would like someone with proven leadership ability with a passion for the county’s future and is willing to acknowledge that elected office is a privilege and will always listen to you then I encourage you to contact me at 442-0764 or at jmars@cox.net to find out more about where I stand on the issues.
Sincerely,
John S. Mars
Is Mars even eligible to vote? Did any of the things he did amount to a felony conviction? Maybe he was convicted before he was an adult?
In my mind, if you can't even VOTE for public office, you shouldn't RUN for public office.
Yes.I am eligible to vote. My convictions were in Arkansas 18 years ago and I received a 10 year suspended sentence. At the conclusion all rights are restored except for the right to own or posses a firearm which I do not. Please remember this will not be the first public office I have held and I have always been completely up front.
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