Prairie Village resident Jori Nelson said during her address to the city council last night that her inquiry into city council travel expenses “isn’t political, and isn’t personal.”

In an lengthy letter posted on her city council Facebook page, Ewy Sharp identified herself as one of the councilwomen Nelson had referenced in her speech, defending her attendance at national conferences, and questioning the timing of Nelson’s inquiry.

“In listening to Ms. Nelson’s continual statements that ‘this is not political’ during her remarks, I began to think about this,” Ewy Sharp wrote. “The timing is interesting, to say the least, with the mayoral election just two weeks out. Her record requests go back to 1999, the year our current mayor took office.”

Ewy Sharp, who seriously considered running for mayor herself, says in the letter she believes Nelson’s inquiry was a calculated move by supporters of council member Michael Kelly. She addressed Kelly directly in parts of the letter, saying she was disappointed with the way he had conducted his campaign. She then endorsed Mayor Shaffer:

Because I have not always agreed with Mayor Shaffer’s leadership style or vision for our City, I welcomed your candidacy and looked forward to healthy debate on the issues affecting our City. I am disappointed that this has not occurred, and instead, it has turned into negative, finger pointing personal attacks. With this letter, I am publicly announcing my support for Mayor Shaffer and would encourage my supporters to do the same. Prairie Village needs a leader who remains focused on the issues at hand. Shaffer’s supporters are discussing his strengths not attacking you. That is what leadership is about. That is what Prairie Village needs.