Novi Mayoral Candidate Email Hacking Story Catches Fire

News broke this week that a campaign volunteer for mayoral candidate Justin Fischer hacked into opponent Bob Gatt's email account and sent two emails to the editor of the Novi News.

The volunteer forwarded email conversations Gatt had with two Novi residents regarding ongoing issues in the city, according to the Novi News.

Dan Ferrara, the campaign volunteer, admitted to Gatt on Oct. 27 that he hacked into his email to try to negatively influence Gatt's campaign. Ferrara told Fischer after his meeting with Gatt, and Fischer fired him and sent an apology letter to Gatt, according to media reports.

Fischer said he does not condone the act and had no knowledge of it.

The news has caught the attention of several local and even national media outlets, including the following:

Novi News: Novi mayoral race: Fischer campaign worker admits hacking into Gatt's e-mail account

Detroit Free Press: Novi Mayoral candidates: Volunteer broke into e-mail to influence election

Detroit News: Hacking riles Novi mayoral candidate

Novi.org: Mayoral candidate Bob Gatt's email hacked by opponent's campaign volunteer

WDIV-TV Channel 4: Novi Mayoral Candidate Says Email Hacked By Rival

MSNBC: Novi Mayoral Candidate Says Email Hacked By Rival

Candidates speak out on Facebook

Both Gatt and Fischer have spoken out on their Facebook campaign pages to address the situation.

Gatt posted on Facebook Wednesday night:

"Despite the fact that the Fischer campaign and his supporters are already trying their best to turn this around and make it my fault, and despite the fact that the Fischer campaign committed a felony crime against me and my family, and despite the fact that the Fischer campaign is taking no responsibility for their actions, and despite the fact that EVERYONE KNOWS that the buck stops with the candidate and that he/she cannot hide behind a veil of saying "I didn't know", I still plan on remaining positive and will always do what's best for Novi and the great residents of this great city. I've protected you for nearly 40 years. I will continue to do so."

Fischer wrote a note on Facebook, including a link to his apology letter to Gatt, on Friday afternoon:

"These tactics are not a reflection of my character or values and this situation goes against everything I believe the political process should be about. I want to express my sincere regret that these events took place."

Fischer followed up his note with a post on Facebook a few minutes later Friday afternoon:

"Despite the unfortunate incident involving a former campaign volunteer, I encourage my supporters to remain positive and move past this incident as I have...I want to share with you, my supporters, that no matter how hard they try, those trying to politicize this unfortunate event CANNOT and WILL NOT break my spirits! I acted immediately and decisively -- and while appalled by the actions of the former volunteer, I hold my head high with the campaign’s swift actions and response. Thank you for your continued support!"

What do you think of the situation?

Patch has received emails from residents sharing their opinions of the situation. We want to know what YOU think.

Should Fischer be held accountable for his volunteer's mistake? What do you think of the way the candidates handled the situation? Will this change your perspective going into the elections Tuesday?

You can send us a letter to the editor at rebecca.jaskot@patch.com or leave your thoughts in the comments below.