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Isabelle Offers "Policy, Not Politics"
(by J. Guy Isabelle Barre Town - October 08, 2008)
Editor:
I read with great interest Representative Tom Koch╒s explanation of why he agrees that gubernatorial candidate Anthony Pollina has violated no campaign financing law. Far be it from me, as a non-lawyer, to challenge Mr. Koch╒s legal interpretation, but let me come at it from a practical standpoint. Whether it is a violation of someone╒s First Amendment right or not, money in all politics, no matter what political flavor, has gotten out of control.
I thought so before I announced my candidacy for House from Barre Town, and am further convinced now that my mail has increased fivefold since that announcement. Not a day has gone by that a seller of signs, ads, consultation or other source of influence has not contacted me. If money isn╒t the evil of politics, then why is it so difficult to change health care, education or any other critical issue facing our citizens?
I agree with full disclosure, but disagree that the voters make a decision knowing who is spending what. It╒s been a while since I was at a function where someone╒s campaign finance report was a topic of discussion. The point is that most folks don╒t know because they don╒t look.
What I can tell you is that I am not a man of means, and have made a promise to spend under the filing limit of $500. Those who wish to donate to my campaign can write a check to the local emergency fuel fund. That will help someone, is tax deductible, and will begin making a statement that you should not have to spend $10,000 to run for a select board seat or $3,000 for a school board seat, as has happened in Barre Town.
I have lived in Barre Town all my life, spent 15 years on the school board, and countless hours on various other boards. Barre Town needs representation that is going to worry about policy, not politics. Take a look at the Legislature. How many working people are serving? One of the reasons is the cost to get there.
You should not have to buy your way to what used to be the people╒s House. One promise I will make is that, if you want my vote, you should sell me, don╒t buy me. Anyone wishing to give to the local fuel fund can call 476-4397, or e-mail me at mgdaddy105@aol.com
J. Guy Isabelle
Barre Town
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