WINONA, Minn. – Initial reader reaction to Winona Daily News revelations about mayoral candidate Jovy Rockey’s court record fell generally into two camps – sympathetic and judgmental. Among sympathetic responses posted online, edited here to conform with standards of the written language:
> “I think it’s admirable of Jovy to bring this forward publicly and speak openly about it. Most people are blind to the fact that the large majority of our community struggles to get by. We need someone in local government who can stand before us from a place of vulnerability, willing to take accountability for past mistakes and prove it’s possible to rise up.”
>“I appreciate Jovy for being willing to discuss something from her past that she learned from. Her ability to encourage difficult conversations and participate in the same is an important skill for a leader. A gross misdemeanor from 10 years ago, for which she paid her “debt to society,” is a nonissue at this point. Holding it as evidence for who she is now makes no sense.”
> “We are a compilation of our lived experiences. To wrap my head around how much growth I know Jovy has made over the last 10 years is empowering. The fact that she wants to further that growth and take her lived experiences to benefit our community is a gift that we should not take for granted.”
Among negative responses:
> “Thief plain and simple.”
> “Sad. but it was her choice. What she did and she will do something again that is not legal. Ask for help before you commit a crime.”
> “A lot of people have been broke or in desperation, including myself but I didn’t steal money from my employer. Not what I’m looking for in a mayoral candidate.”
Some reaction focused on the Daily News:
> “This story is just a few days late. Nice work, WDN.”
> “So the WDN looked at Facebook posts but not criminal records. Or did they just choose not to post it before the primary? Not surprising.”
Earlier: Mayor candidate Rockey has 2010 theft record