BY ANNE MICHAUD
The Cincinnati Enquirer
The campaign coordinator for Tom Neyer Jr. has been reprimanded and faces possible dismissal after posing as an average citizen interested in donating to Neyer's opponent.
Melissa Wink telephoned the office of Marilyn Hyland on Wednesday, said she might like to donate or volunteer time, and requested fliers outlining Ms. Hyland's positions on the issues.
A caller-identification feature revealed that Ms. Wink was phoning from Neyer campaign headquarters, said Ms. Hyland, the Democratic challenger for Hamilton County commissioner.
She likened the surreptitious telephone call to Mr. Neyer's lack of response to her invitation to a public debate.
"This election is all about communication," Ms. Hyland said. "Are we going to, in an open and forthright way, discuss the issues? Or are we going to make silly phone calls?"
Mr. Neyer said the call was "an unfortunate error in judgment by an inexperienced campaign worker." Ms. Wink is the paid professional who runs the campaign office. Whether she will be fired is under review, Mr. Neyer said.
He said he will debate Ms. Hyland when she contacts his campaign and works out a forum that is acceptable to both sides.
"Random, independent invitations are not relevant," Mr. Neyer said.
He apologized to the Hyland campaign Thursday for the phone call.
A spokesman said Ms. Hyland has accepted the apology.
