The quotes continue in the Chicago Tribune:
Quote:
Dabertin, who Thursday evening also confirmed the texts were from him, said, "This is a very sad, unfortunate set of circumstances," Dabertin said. "The fact is that he said because he has a fight with Whiting, he's going to take it out on (the Chamber)."
In the exchange, McDermott told Dabertin that the city "will not participate at all in Whiting events" until the litigation between it and Whiting over sanitation contracts is complete. Earlier this week, a judge ruled that the Hammond Sanitary District could not cancel contracts between it and Whiting, Hammond and Griffith, as McDermott has wanted so the contracts could be renegotiated.
"We wish them well, and the (Whiting-Robertsdale Chamber of Commerce) as well," McDermott said in a text message to Dabertin. "We've been in expensive litigation for two years, and I think Hammond's position is very reasonable … I have no other option."
Dabertin replied, texting that McDermott is "screwing over an independent organization that has nothing to do with the fight."
"We pay for all the services from Whiting, Tom. Why screw us?" Dabertin said, adding that the chamber has no time to secure other departments because "it takes months to plan an event."
McDermott said he apologized if Dabertin felt "this is somehow personal towards (sic) you."
Dabertin said in a susequent text that the mayor's refusal to help "will look very bad that (McDermott) targeted a private organization that (McDermott's wife, Marissa McDermott) represents," but that other mayors have pledged to support the festival.
"I'm not going to provide manpower to a Whiting event Tom, that's what this is all about," McDermott said.
"It's not and you know it," Dabertin countered. "In fact, (Whiting Mayor Joe) Stahura just called and said the same thing – it doesn't hurt him but it does the chamber."
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/post-tribune/news/ct-ptb-pierogi-spat-st-0717-20150716-story.htmlYea, if it wasn't personal, Dabertin would still have the contract.
Is this enough to turn north hammond against jr in the november election?
Does Dabby have enough insight on McDermott's vices and misdeeds to burn Jr? You bet.