Well it probably helps that all I'm seeing is this one comment thread, on this one letter to the editor.  

The only point I can see that Ms. Mencke brought up was that she doesn't think Mr. Jared is a nice person, therefore implying that his opinion is invalid.

I agree with you, in effect, B.D. I don't see any valid points in this letter to the editor, just Ms. Mencke saying "oh, he was rude to ME - the problem must be YOU".   I don't see that as a credible argument any more than you do.