In 2010, a Raleigh tea-bag tycoon named Art Pope funded campaigns across the state through direct donations and through several political action committees. Pope targeted even the most moderate state assembly Democrats, as detailed in an October, 2011 New Yorker magazine investigation. As a result, the Statehouse became not just right-wing, but radically right-wing. Radical right-wingers want to privatize or dismantle all parts of government that do not serve business. For them, democracy, financial and environmental regulation, the ability to sue for negligence, etc., are more than a bother — they cut into profit.
In contrast, the politicians I’m volunteering for this year (Jane Whilden, Susan Wilson, Susan Fisher and Patsy Keever) believe government should exist to protect and empower everyone equally. They know that we all pool our taxes to build and operate roads, schools, research centers, parks, etc., for the benefit of all, including businesses. Government has to regulate responsibly in order to protect the public from unscrupulous polluters, cheaters and predators.
All this brings me to Rep. Tim Moffitt. In 2010, Pope’s outfit targeted Moffitt’s opponent, Jane Whilden, sending out vicious negative mailers. Moffitt received $16,000 in direct Pope-family contributions as well as thousands in corporate PAC money. Moffitt won. In Raleigh, he propelled the radical agenda of gutting public education, women’s rights and laws that protect our environment. …
Despite the fact that commissioners represent all of Buncombe, voters can only vote for two candidates in their district, plus the chair. It’s a ploy to get two Republicans on the board, and it may not even work. Either way, taxpayers now have to fund two extra commissioner salaries thanks to Moffitt’s little game. …
People know what they’re getting with Moffitt. Vote Jane Whilden. Read more at my blog, http://www.speakingforbuncombe.com.
— Heather Rayburn
Asheville
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