Sapulpa City Council candidate Kent Glesener is denying any involvement in the creation of an anonymous note that accompanied a controversial pamphlet that circulated last week, calling the stunt a political smear ahead of the upcoming election.
The pamphlet, which raised concerns among some residents about its tone and messaging, was first reported by the Sapulpa Times earlier last week. The material referenced Islam and included content attributed to Christie Glesener, prompting questions about its connection to the campaign. Stapled to the pamphlet was an anonymous note referencing Ward 5 incumbent David Mortazavi and his Iranian heritage.
In a statement provided to Sapulpa Times, the Glesener campaign said it “categorically and unequivocally denies any involvement whatsoever” in the creation of the anonymous note attached to the pamphlet or the distribution of the material. That statement is available in full at the end of this story.
Glesener also addressed the issue publicly on social media, stating that the flyers “are not part of my City Council campaign” and that he does not know who distributed them. “I was as shocked as anybody about this misinformation about my opponent,” he said.
The campaign’s statement also addressed the origin of some of the content. It acknowledged that Christie Glesener authored religious writings in the past, including a publication dating back to 2008, but said the language appearing in the note attached “was not part of [her] original work.”
Christie Glesener also responded on social media, stating that neither she nor her husband nor anyone associated with them authorized or distributed the material. She said the pamphlet was not distributed by them and should not be attributed to their campaign.
The controversy first gained traction through a social media post by Zebba Chelsea Denton, the niece of Ward 5 City Councilor David Mortazavi. In her original statement, Denton raised concerns about the pamphlet and its contents, noting that Christie Glesener’s name appeared prominently in the material.
However, Denton later clarified her original post, stating that the flyers appear to have been distributed anonymously and are not confirmed to be connected to the Glesener campaign.
At this time, no individual or group has publicly claimed responsibility for the distribution.
The election for Sapulpa City Council is set for Tuesday, with early voting already underway. Get a sample ballot at okvoterportal.okelections.gov.
See our continuing election coverage at sapulpatimes.com/elections.
Read the full statement from the campaign office below:
Glesener Campaign Issues Statement Regarding Anonymous Campaign Material
Sapulpa, Oklahoma —Kent Glesener for City Council Sapulpa Seat categorically and unequivocally denies any involvement whatsoever in the creation of any anonymous note or circulation of it.
Any attempt and effort to portray the Gleseners as motivated by religious hostility is deeply offensive, untrue, and particularly disturbing.
The language in the note attached was not part of Christie Glesener’s original 2008 publication from a faith based non-profit entity.
Christie Glesener is an ordained minister, original writings and ministry work have always been rooted in Christian Faith, compassion, prayer, humanitarian aid, and outreach. Her work consistently emphasized ministry and prayer for all people.
Let us be absolutely clear: any Anti-Muslim rhetoric does not reflect Kent Glesener’s values, his campaign, or his vision for Sapulpa.
Kent Glesener remains focused on the expressed concerns of Sapulpa residents: leadership, accountability, public safety, infrastructure, and responsible stewardship of taxpayer money for the city’s future.
This appears to be exactly what it looks like: a last-minute political smear campaign timed to interfere with Tuesday’s election and to damage Kent Glesener’s reputation, to mislead voters and divert attention from the real issues of the city facing Ward 5
The residents of Ward 5 deserve an election based on truth, ability, experience, leadership, and respect for every resident.
Upon learning of the altered document, Kent Glesener previously requested the record be corrected immediately a few days ago.
Kent Glesener, again, respectfully requests anyone sharing this information to post immediate correction of the record, today.
Media Contact:
Kent Glesener
E-mail: Kent4Sapulpa@gmail.com
Phone: 918-688-3588
