I am writing about Seaside City Council member Steve Dillard. I have recently found out that Steve has been the target of a smear campaign and had his morals questioned.

Steve and his wife, Annie, also own an inn here in Seaside and I have worked for Steve for 13-plus years. I am not sure how or why Steve became a target, but I can tell you what I do know. Steve is a kind man. Steve is an honest man, and Steve loves this community.

They used to own a sober house, where they would help addicts and alcoholics get and stay sober. Steve and Annie would help these people reintegrate back into society as contributing members of their community. I, myself, am an ex-drug addict and criminal. I was hired at six-months sober when most places wouldn’t hire me.

They gambled on me, and 13-plus years later, I am still here working for the Dillards. Steve has always been there to help me when I needed it. They are constantly donating to homeless shelters and Helping Hands Reentry Outreach Center.

Steve did not do what these people accused him of. Sadly, his name was somehow thrown into this mix, and he has been called horrible names and slandered terribly.

I will say this one more time … Steve is a good man, and I hate that this is happening to him. Have a conversation with him, and ask him to tell you what happened.

DAMON SKOGSETH

Astoria