WINONA, Minn. – Mayoral candidate Ted Hazelton, a prolific social media commentator, took positions at a candidate forum last week that don’t square with many of his Facebook posts over recent months. In a post on January 21, for example, Hazelton called on Winona officials to keep refugees from settling in the county. His focus was against Muslim Somalis. But at the mayoral candidate forum last week, Hazelton said in a written response to a question about local racism: “People really need to take a deep look at themselves before they criticize others. I believe in equity. I feel that Winonans should feel safe, appreciated and valued, no matter what their background is or where they come from.” He elaborated in the written statement on social tolerance: “I would love to have an open forum and listen to people’s concerns, their experiences and learn from each other. That way we can make better decisions on how to help people.” Hazelton’s inconsistency on social tolerance, as well as other issues, were unearthed by reporter Rachel Mergen of the Winona Daily News. Asked to comment on Mergen’s findings, Hazelton said, in effect, “That was then. This is now.” Among other problems that Mergen found, Hazelton:

> Called for a boycott the the Hallmark cable television channel for including gay couples in holiday movies.

> Criticized a middle school that allowed a gay flag in the cafeteria while not allowing a flag for the “traditional family.”

> Called for the assassination of Sen. Maria Chappelle-Nadal D-Missouri, who had a later-deleyed post hoping herself for the assassination of President Trump.

> Said climate change is hoax going back 80 years.

Hazelton: Missing a coherent worldview

Mergen: News reporter

A March 16, 2020, Hazelton post:

“The whole Corona virus thing is getting out control! Everyone is over reacting. Shutting down public places, schools indefinitely, and now the Winona Public Library will be closes starting Tuesday (3/17/20) until April 1st. Therefore, this will be my last post until then. I will be back in 2 weeks! Take care, all my Facebook friends.”

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