Newly elected 3rd Ward Alderman Victor Wogen’s role in the recent mailer controversy is not entirely clear. What has become clear, however, is that a certain level of deception and loose ethical standards were employed by the then-candidate and current alderman.

Wogen originally denied playing any part in the mailing of postcards that labeled incumbent Steve Kapitan as “pro-gay” and “pro-socialist” during the campaign.

Wogen even went so far as to personally tell two citizens he had no idea who sent the mailers and that he received one at his own home. Then, less than two weeks later, he acknowledged that he paid postage for the postcards to be sent.

Now, Wogen says he is done discussing the matter.

While Wogen may decline to discuss the situation, 3rd Ward citizens deserve to know what happened.

Government bodies aim to serve the public, but how can the public know exactly who is representing them when that official refuses to talk?

Politicians who attack an opponent’s character while disregarding their own platform is nothing new.

The public, however, has a right to expect that their elected officer is straightforward and honest.

Wogen may be done talking about this issue, but DeKalb citizens shouldn’t be until they receive some kind of acknowledgement from the newly elected alderman.

We’re asking for further elaboration about Wogen’s involvement with the mailers and, if some fault is found regarding an attack on Kapitan, that he accept responsibility.

We think a reasonable discussion of the circumstances that led to this situation is in order.