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In early August we told you about the city of Mason City hosting a drag show as part of its RAGBRAI overnight stop. And on Aug. 30, we told you about the records obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request in an effort to learn more about how this show became a reality and how city officials handled it.

But some questions still remain.

One councilman said it was PG-13. We’ve sent that individual a video clip that was publicly posted on social media that shows an audience member’s face very near the pubic region of a drag performer and asked if he believes that was PG-13. We haven’t received a response and we haven’t released that video clip publicly either. But if the councilman responds, we’ll share his answer with you.

Also, if something is PG-13, it usually means someone is making sure children under 13 are not around without their parents. Who from the city was doing that?

City officials have said no taxpayer dollars were used on the drag show. But a woman called Nancy Lund, who isn’t a resident of Mason City but was on the RAGBRAI committee, said in communications she would pay the $750 or find a sponsor if it became necessary. What was this $750 for? Who paid it?

A councilman said the drag show was not advertised as they didn’t want to bring too much attention to it. And after that statement, he said the city wasn’t trying to hide anything. How can both of those statements be true?

It wasn’t advertised at all. Visit the Mason City RAGBRAI website. Visit the Mason City RAGBRAI social media accounts. Nothing. All that was referred to was surprise guests.

It’s ironic because that agenda is all about “pride.” Yet there wasn’t enough “pride” in the event beforehand to let people know it was happening? Seems odd.

What do some of these officials really think of their citizens?

Aaron Burnett, the city administrator, told Nancy Lund not to worry about the event after concerns were raised from citizens.

“This is a silly think for people to get bent out of shape on. You are 100 percent good. I can’t wait for the party!”

Lindsey James, executive director for Visit Mason City, wrote:

“I have a concerned citizen reach out to me and ask about the drag queen show happening on Wednesday. Is there any tax dollars going toward it? Any information you have for this? Wish I didn’t have to ask for this. Crazy world.”

Do they really not understand why people would “get bent out of shape” at grown men dressed up like women dancing like strippers for dollar bills in front of minors?

Throughout these communications council members and officials say things like…

“I don’t think the city had any involvement…”

“Pretty sure…”

“If I’m not mistaken, I’ll check more…”

“As far as I’ve been told…”

Shouldn’t these people know?

There isn’t a definite answer offered by anyone when asked if any taxpayer money was used to facilitate the secret show.

These are all questions that remain. And hopefully, someone within the city provides answers.

I will give the city credit, they were very responsive to the records request and reasonable to work with. But there is more yet to be done when it comes to explaining why things happened the way they did.

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