Mark Vrooman: Mayor Mike Bordes did not represent Laconia in best light

To The Daily Sun,

As a concerned citizen of Laconia and U.S. Air Force veteran, the record needs to be set straight recording Mayor Mikes Bordes and the Denimgate controversy over Memorial Day.

It is my understanding that the American Legion Post 1 (host of this year's Memorial Day ceremony) sent a letter to the Mayor's Office dated May 7, 2026, (2.5 weeks before Memorial Day) inviting the mayor to speak at the Memorial Day ceremony. The mayor was officially invited, he was scheduled, and he was on the printed program for the ceremony. For the mayor to indicate that he was unscheduled and just stepped up to speak is incorrect. It is a tradition in Laconia, at both the Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies for the mayor to participate in these events. This is not anything new for the city or for the sitting mayor. They always participate.

The mayor showed up dressed inappropriately and disrespected the event. The entire jeans controversy is totally dismissive of the true sacrifice of those who paid so dearly in sacrifice for our country. It deserves respect for the occasion. The mayor needs to apologize to Virginia Nadaud. She was absolutely right in calling him out for his attire. He tried to place blame on her by indicating he simply walked up and spoke when he wasn't scheduled. This is false and needs to be corrected.

Furthermore, support animals don't break loose and run into the bushes at rifle firings. His animal should not have been with him for a speaking event where he was representing the city. Again, it speaks volumes.

We sincerely wish the respect would be given to veterans rather than talk a good game. The mayor was invited by the host organization (American Legion). The American Legion, VFW, Auxiliary Units, and Sons of the American Legion were all dressed for the occasion in solemn respect for the fallen. The mayor chose not to represent the city or himself in the best light. Plain and simple.

Mark Vrooman

Laconia