A friend and I were discussing the recent Supreme Court decision regarding campaign finance reform when my friend told me of an idea they heard of. Make all politicians wear a uniform like NASCAR drivers so we can all clearly see who is sponsoring who.
While I thought it was a funny idea, the more I thought about it the more I liked it. How much easier would it be if we all knew who was giving money to each candidate, who was funding the ads and who the candidates were beholden to? It truly is a genius idea and one that should be immediately implemented. I wonder how credible a candidate would seem if they were talking about software piracy with Microsoft written on their suit. Or perhaps they are discussing airline regulation with an Alaska Airlines logo on their lapel. It makes you wonder what you are missing.
While I don’t expect to see this implemented anytime soon I hope that we are more vigilant in watching our representatives and paying attention to how they vote and where they spent their time and our money. A little scrutiny is a good thing. A lot is even better.
I love this idea, and I would whole heartedly support it. In fact, I'd like to take it one further. I'd like to see a publicly accessible web site where every piece of legislature that comes before the local city, county, state, and federal governments is listed, and a summary of how each representative of the people voted.
ReplyDeleteNo more claiming to support or stand for one thing while voting for another.
Once that happens, I think it would be much easier to see which individuals or organizations are trying to manipulate the system, and which are honestly trying to do the right things.
Sounds like Mr. Hansen is in good company. I voted for all of them. Michelle
ReplyDeletesee my response under "throw it out"
ReplyDeleteBart,
ReplyDeleteI will do my best to bring out the information on the votes that the council takes and how each council member voted. I am glad to see so many of you starting to get involved and taking an interest in local politics.
I asked the question about political allies earlier. To be fair then who are your political allies on our City Council, Thomas?
ReplyDeleteI clearly don't have any. I can only get one of the council members to respond to my emails and she tells me she won't talk to me.
ReplyDeleteActually, Mike, I've known Elizabeth Walker since she first moved to Duvall. I did meet Mr. Hansen at her victory party and he seemed to know quite a lot about local politics. I recall that he gave Elizabeth all the credit for winning her election, saying that she had grown as a candidate. Why are you so obsessed with him? Were you involved with the opponent's campaign? Michelle
ReplyDeleteI suppose I am bothered by his activities during the election. He started his PAC to work AGAINST John Durant not FOR Elizabeth Walker. He sat in the truck with the Walker sign for hours at a time on the side of the road. I even saw him sleeping in it a few times. He seemed a little obsessive in his quest for her victory.
ReplyDeleteI consider his activities the scourge of political life. Part of the reason that the right and the left have so much contempt for each other is because of campaigning like he did. I want to do all I can to ensure that this type of activity is shunned in our community. We can do a better job sitting down and talking then we can by putting out fliers that are full of speculation and fear mongering. Lets work for a cause not against each other.
And to answer your question, I was not involved in any campaign last year.
Mike
Perhaps we should turn our attention back to the discussion at hand. I am for more concerned about the politicians than I am for a single supporter. And apparently Mr. Hansen does not have the desire to comment as he has refused many offers to post and many emails asking his opinion.
ReplyDeleteBut do not worry I am sure that he will put out a flier at some point letting us know what he thinks.
So let us focus on the idea that has been presented. Do you like to know who is paying for your politicians? Or do you prefer not knowing?
I'd like to know who in Duvall is paying the most for our politicians.
ReplyDeleteIt is enlightening. During campaign season any citizen can go and review the books of any candidate. I believe it is only during the last week or so before the election.
ReplyDeleteI would suggest that during the next election you go and ask each candidate to look at their campaign books.
You could even try calling up the winning candidates and see if they would be willing to share them from last time. They are not required to at this point but they might.
It's quite easy to google a specific list of political contributions. The top three contributors in 2008 who live in the 98019 zip code were: Kirby & Trina Wilber $6,950. (Fred Thompson, ERC PAC, Republican party, etc.), Michael & Ann Groesch $4,600 (John McCain), and Vicki Edwards $4,250. (Congressman Dave Reichert). Money is the mother's milk of politics as the saying goes. FackChecker
ReplyDeleteFact Checker,
ReplyDeleteIt appears that you missed the point of the post. I want to know where elected officials are getting their money not who gives the most. I do not care who gives money away, I care about who is getting the money. I want to know where our local politicians got their money. Who funded their campaigns? Have they shown deference to these people or groups? Does donating to a local politician "pay dividends"?
I love this idea, Thomas, since candidates say they will represent the voters and yet are beholden to their monetary supporters! As one who kept track of my husband's campaign money, I will let you know that our books were open and accessible (and frankly, are still on the kitchen counter).
ReplyDeleteIn a nutshell, of the $1041.77 spent on John Durant's modest (and positive)campaign, half was funded by us. The remainder was from small contributions from your friends and neighbors-no outsiders, no big groups. Had he joined City Council, he'd have no strings to anyone but the common man of Duvall. Anyone else want to step up? - Carolyn Durant
Carolyn,
ReplyDeleteThank you for being willing to share this information. Please thank your husband for being willing to step into the political ring. I admire all candidates who are willing to do this.
Thomas
Thomas, you are welcome. I feel the same way about candidates ready to step up and do a hard job. Skeptic as you are, you might find it hard to believe but I was really touched at the swearing in of candidates at the recent City Council meeting. Some I voted for and others I didn't, but for all I think it's great that they want to serve. City Council is a pretty thankless, but important, place to be.
ReplyDeleteOh, and in the spirit of full disclosure I should share that one of our contributions came through the Eastside Republicans from a Duvall friend. I just remembered that. Still . . . it's not quite NARAL is it?
-Carolyn Durant
Carolyn,
ReplyDeleteIt renews my faith in the political process when citizens can go through a campaign which results in a disapointing outcome and yet still enjoy the process and be grateful for those who are now serving.
As to your other point, did any of our local candidates receive support from NARAL?