Vinton Today

Dear Editor,

David Thompson has served nobody but himself for the last 24 years that he’s held the office of Benton County Attorney. Rather than protecting county employees or giving sound legal advice he’s instead harassed and terrorized them while creating a hostile work environment. Instead of protecting the county from lawsuits, he’s instead played a significant role in literally causing one currently in litigation.

His own comment to Veteran Kevin Atkinson’s opinion piece is a bold-faced lie; he did in fact disrespect Mr. Atkinson and use those despicable words. Unfortunately for Mr. Thompson, there are witnesses that are not afraid to speak up against tyranny.

Attorney Ray Lough is a true representative of the people of Benton County, not to mention, “some of our most vulnerable citizens”. Ray has successfully prosecuted over 130 parental-rights terminations, handled over a thousand juvenile court cases, and thousands of court-appointed cases and the Loughs have fostered 74 kids, adopting 11 of them.

His experience is much more diverse than people realize. He’s also handled thousands of bench trials and personally tried five Class A felony murder jury trials, which is actually more than Mr. Thompson himself. Other jury trial experience includes charges of theft and felony assault. Just because David Thompson hasn’t tried a case against Ray Lough in years, doesn’t mean he lacks trial experience. Enough of the broken record claims about Mr. Lough not having any trial experience, they are false.

Yes, he’s a good person. Yes, he’s accustomed to helping people. News flash; you can still be a county prosecutor without being a jerk.

We the people will no longer tolerate this preposterous behavior from an elected official! It’s time for a change!

-Name Withheld

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BF November 3, 2022, 3:06 pm Who says what, only matters to tyrants.
Dave Thompson is not a good fit for Benton County.

ML November 3, 2022, 12:22 pm Why does it matter who writes something? Focus on what people are saying and what the citizens of Benton county want and need instead of WHO is writing it.

LK November 3, 2022, 10:34 am So VT now allows anonymous letters to the editor? Appalling!

Editor's Note: When we have people hunting down the writers, yes. We aren't in Mayberry any longer.

ML November 2, 2022, 9:16 pm Nice write up in the paper. Seriously, Popenhagen is in a nursing home and wasn’t he doing things to inmates that he shouldn’t have been doing and got called out by someone? I wonder if all 3 of those people who signed that letter back in the 90’s still agree with it. Did Thompson’s campaign ask permission from Gary Benson, Jeff Tilson and Kenneth Popenhagen? Oh wait, I’m sure there’s some Iowa code that allows that but no one will ever be able to show the code.

Editor's Note: I was contacted and asked to set the record straight. Here's that article... https://vintontoday.com/articles/News/article1033276.html

ML November 2, 2022, 9:08 pm I would like to comment on DV, if the county attorney is suppose to protect the people and county then why didn’t Thompson follow the rules regarding nepotism? Why did one of Thompson’s employees feel they had the right to harass someone for making a comment? Please answer these questions. You listed 3 things that make a good county attorney and he obviously is not abiding by 2 of them. Give me more time and I’m sure I can give examples for all 3

CM November 2, 2022, 5:13 pm *sync

SJW November 2, 2022, 4:03 pm Thank you again Editor for protecting the privacy and First Amendment rights of citizens from harassment by David Thompson's supporters. Even those using a VPN. Big Brother not only resides on 3rd floor of courthouse, but also apparently across the street. What were the "private investigator's intentions in identifying the writers? I wonder.

DV November 2, 2022, 2:36 pm I would posit that refering to individuals who support Thompson - this is still the American way - we can have different points of view - as "lackeys" could be construed as rude and impolite and thus out of sink with the guide lines.

DV November 2, 2022, 2:30 pm Just for the record. A private investigator has used his data base to search out the name of the writer of the lead opinion and the name does not appear to belong to anyone in the United States. It is the stage name of a musician.

Editor's Note: And this is why the writer felt the need to use a pen name. County Employees contacting people who comment, Private Investigators running names through databases...
Thinking maybe I need to do even more reconsidering of publishing names other than my own.
I have been in contact with the writer and the letter will remain.

DV November 2, 2022, 2:28 pm I have to differ with some in the thread. Winning cases is what makes a good attorney. A county attorney's job consists roughly of three things. 1. Advising public employees concerning the legality of their actions to avoid liability for the county. If public employees are harassing others in the workplace concerning wearing masks, they need to be told. 2. Defending the county in the event of a law suit and 3. Prosecute wrong doers. To think otherwise, is to put the county in harms way. David Thompson does all of this and much more.

SJW November 2, 2022, 1:50 pm Consider this: If the Republicans or even the Democrats could have found someone to run against Thompson in the last twelve years, he would have been gone already. Private practice most likely pays more than Benton County. When Thompson was in Milroys office he had few clients. This job has been gravy for him, and unfortunately he has let power go to his head.

sH November 1, 2022, 9:12 pm I'm sure glad that Thompson has a realtor to work with him on his campaign so he won't have look too far for someone to list his home in VINTON or maybe his WATERLOO one. Oh I hope he keeps that one, they can have him !!!!!. I'm sure he will like having his own private practice where he has to pay for his rent and his own health insurance. Best of luck with all your new clients.
P.S. GO VOTE FOR RAY NOV.8

BT November 1, 2022, 8:00 pm He may be able to win cases but that isn't what makes a good attorney.

BF November 1, 2022, 5:43 pm You are absolutely correct. From the sidelines, I’ve seen an abundance of disrespect for war veterans and a few hard-working county employees who have been harassed and intimidated. What goes around comes around. It's time for a new Benton County Attorney.

BT November 1, 2022, 4:48 pm It's not only up to the people of Vinton to vote all of Benton County needs to wake up. Too many good department heads have left or lost their jobs because of intimidation or misleading the supervisors and they failed to seek the truth. Start asking yourself why so many good employees are no longer in the county.

RS November 1, 2022, 3:03 pm There is always two sides to a story. Hope you all will take the time to read in today November 1st Eagle and tomorrow's Livewire 5 letters from people who lived those years. Letters from former Sheriff Republican Kenneth Popenhagen, Jeff Tilson, Mark Phippen, Repiblican Rick Primmer and a lady Denna Olinger who was involved in a trial and saw Thompson in action.

SJW October 31, 2022, 11:37 pm TF
Vinton Today did that because one of Thompson's lackeys took it upon themself to harass a reader about their comments. Thank you Editor.

TF October 31, 2022, 10:24 pm Dear Editor,

I'm curious as to why initials appear to be all that is required to submit a comment here instead of a full name. Thanks,

https://www.vintontoday.com/articles/News/article1033186.html

SJW October 31, 2022, 9:39 pm I have no doubt that David Thompson acted the way Mr. Atkinson described. His flippant, arrogant, narcissistic attitude always reveals his true nature. He has been in there too long,gotten too comfortable. As have the current board. 2024 is only two years away. We need honest, respectful people to step up and serve the residents of Benton County, not just their friends and relatives.

KT October 30, 2022, 11:18 pm I'm so happy someone had the courage to write the truth and what most all people of Vinton are thinking!! Bravo to the writer!!!!!!

GG October 30, 2022, 7:45 pm BRAVO!

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