Allegations of Intimidation Surface Against Magistrate Rick Mineer

Whispers of Retaliation, Tenant Threats, and a Challenge to Speak Up

I am breaking from the election articles today because once again, something of import has been brought to my attention.

One of the most despicable things I have heard in recent years is that there are people in town actively afraid to visit certain establishments. There are businesses that have been and are afraid of being retaliated against for showing any support or views that might infringe on this elected official’s views.

I normally wouldn’t do this in an election article. I promised a bipartisan, fair view of the people who are running for office. I also promised a true lens into what kind of person and politician any candidate is. I’ve said more than once that I would lead with truth above sensationalism.

But what happens when multiple people bring you the same story? What happens when you’re trying to research and just like the corruption in this town, the blatant cronyism is apparent?

I will keep this as alleged only because I would like to give this particular politician a chance to give his side.

Here goes.

The Allegations Against Magistrate Rick Mineer

Rick Mineer is a magistrate who is running for judge-executive. And while this is a county position, the cities within this county are also affected by his decisions.

I had first heard allegations against Rick Mineer threatening businesses because he was “allegedly” overheard at El Paso threatening his daughter against going into the Mystery Box, all because it was owned by an Ernst.

Then whispers from others came, from multiple people, sharing similar stories about how they were afraid to frequent certain establishments in Falmouth.

Why?

Because they had been allegedly threatened also by Magistrate Rick Mineer.

He owns a business in Falmouth.
He attends fiscal court meetings in Falmouth.
He owns property in Falmouth.

One of those properties is apartments, and tenants of Magistrate Mineer have allegedly been threatened that they must not frequent “We The Pizza.” That if they did, they allegedly would be kicked out of their home.

What Kind of Leader Is This?

If these allegations are true… this isn’t the kind of man we want for judge-executive. Honestly, it’s not the kind of man we want as a magistrate.

Someone who will work against the constituents he serves because they disagree with him?
Someone who uses unfair advantage to press people to his will?

A Public Invitation

Fun fact. Last night Tommy Weber and I filmed our first full podcast. I am in the process of editing it right now. We are going to try to do this podcast every Sunday or at least the filming of it, to be released sometime during the week after filming.

For any of our next podcasts, I extend an invitation to Rick Mineer. We invite you to discuss these allegations, a chance to defend, explain, or prove them invalid.

Otherwise, what are you doing? Using your imagined power to put leverage against people like a schoolyard bully?

This kind of politics needs to end for all of Pendleton County.

We Want to Hear the Whispers

As always, if you have any whispers, we want to hear them.

Let’s be clear. If these allegations are indeed true, this is intimidation. Intimidation by a public official. If found to be true, this is a crime.

We look forward to hearing any comments and messages this article spurs.

Whisper One Out