Frugalmonger Susan Kniep continues the process of gaming the political process in East Hartford. Mayor Tim Larson recently referred to the noisy gadfly, "She deals in conspiracy, after conspiracy, after conspiracy. But Larson's charge is nothing new. Others have suffered from Kniep's accusations, some quietly, others not so.

When local Republicans left the mayoral slot open on the November election ballot Kniep seized the opportunity to run against Larson who is seeking his fourth term in that office. She promptly signed as an unaffiliated party candidate. However Kniep has been losing voter interest steadily for quite some time. She lost in every precinct in the four-town senatorial district against Gary LeBeau in her most recent election campaign.

What voters should consider in November is the effect another Kniep administration would have on East Hartford. She has already demonstrated in many ways a lack of leadership capability with a multi-tasked municipality. As mayor years ago she dropped an established process of holding director meetings; rather, she met with each director individually. Several directors during the on-going turmoil under her tenure advised this reporter that she got in the habit of bringing to her office selected employees to probe departmental operations. She refused to utilize state funds to renovate the town's original high school, now the popular Community Cultural Center. A new mayor went ahead with the project.

Another habit Mrs. kniep followed as mayor: Maintaining a long personal friendship with out-of-state Joe Paquette, Mayor Kniep placed many calls to the Maine home of former Democratic renegade in East Hartford's political past to seek his opinion on many matters, in other words he was her mentor.. Clearly she trusted few if anyone locally. Recently this correspondence continues via email

During Mrs.Kniep's administration the town suffered greatly with her inability to function in normal fashion. The town was hurt with unsavory comments about her antics and performance

Republican Party officials have long ago spurned the woman for good cause. Suffice to say, no opposition to incumbent Larson is not the optimum process for the GOP but far better for the sake of the town'sreputation to ignore someone who cannot offer even faint praise for anyone, or anything in local political ranks.

Close observers of Kniep's basic approach may note her repeated pandering to a few disenchanted locals to prove her off-the-wall accusations that she is the only one to lead the town.

Lower the boom on Kniep in November by returning Tim Larson as mayor. Pick and choose among town councillors on the ticket.