(August 11, 2015, Maplewood, MN) - State Representative JoAnn Ward recently mailed a postcard to roughly half of the households in her constituency. The postcard contained 2015 session highlights and Ward’s priorities for the future. The postcard also contained pictures of the Representative with various unnamed constituents at community events. The postcard features (under Representative Ward’s name and title) a photo from the 2014 Maplewood Light It Up Independence Day celebration; this photo shows Representative Ward and Maplewood Mayor Nora Slawik posing with former Independence Party Chair and Maplewood resident Mark Jenkins and his wife. The use of the Jenkins’ photo was not approved by Mark or his wife.
Mark Jenkins has been approached by a number of residents who asked whether this photo indicated that he is endorsing Representative Ward for re-election next year. Mark Jenkins stated, “While I support Representative Ward’s work on behalf of the residents of Maplewood, Oakdale, Woodbury, and Landfall, I have not expressed support for any legislative candidate’s campaign at this time. “
Mark has spoken with Representative Ward about the photo and the Representative has agreed to discontinue its use. The two also discussed possible resolutions that would be generally positive for both of them, and agreed to issue this joint press release.
Representative Ward stated, “Mark and I have come to a cooperative resolution to this unfortunate oversight. We have always had a good working relationship, which laid the foundation for us to amicably resolve Mark’s concern. I appreciate that he brought this to my attention and value our courteous conversations.”
Mark Jenkins and Representative Ward encourage political candidates to get permission from any citizen in a posed photo before using it in any campaign material.
