Voters:
Early voting begins October 13th. I have updated the Milton Coalition Voting Guide, which is a one-stop shop for 1) information on the candidates and 2) general election information (dates, locations, etc.). I have added several recent news stories covering the candidates as well as links to a few websites that provide detailed information on the HD-47 races, including district maps, previous election results, and financial disclosure summaries. Following is a link to the Voter Guide. I will post additional news stories as they become available.
I was disheartened to learn that Republican candidate Jack Miller withdrew from a scheduled debate hosted by Appen Media. According to Ms. DeFranco, his campaign notified Appen of his withdrawal just 10 minutes before the debate was to commence. The debate proceeded without Mr. Miller, with Ms. DeFranco responding to the moderator’s questions. A link to the debate is provided at the Milton Coalition Voter Guide.
Mr. Miller also avoided debating his primary run-off opponent Brian Cochran, with his campaign stating he was “unavailable” for a debate. Voters deserve better from Mr. Miller. Why is Jack so afraid to debate his challengers? If Jack cannot show up for a candidate debate, should we assume he also won’t show up for citizens when we need him? Doesn’t Jack understand the importance to voters of demonstrating transparency and accountability? I suppose Mr. Miller knows he has much to answer for. He would rather not answer uncomfortable questions about his being tipped off about Jan Jones retirement . . . about PAC money pouring into his campaign . . . about his countenancing dark money campaigns (over $300,000 in expenditures) conducted on his behalf . . . about several sketchy endorsements he touted . . . about his flip-flopping and evasiveness on legalized gambling . . . about funding from special interests . . . about copious political IOUs he has issued . . . and about conflicts of interests inherent in his employment by Milton Mayor Jamison.
Yes, Mr. Miller has much to answer for. Right now, Miller is confining his campaign appearances to carefully orchestrated events with friendly audiences. I hope some attendees will pointedly ask Miller about these issues he seems intent on avoiding . . . and please make sure the video cameras are running. Voters, ensure that Jack earns your votes by telling us exactly where he stands on the issues that I have outlined above.
Advocating for Candidate Transparency and Accountability,
Tim
Note: I am not inclined to endorse either candidate at this time. However, I believe that voters deserve a full and fair vetting of both candidates. That requires open, honest, and substantive dialogue with citizens. And right now, Jack is avoiding such conversations with voters. We need spirited and rich discussion and debate, not pep rallies and look good/feel social media posts. Elections should not be popularity contests; we are not electing Prom King/Queen, but rather electing a representative that understands and appreciates the serious and difficult task of governance.
