Vote Jen Heath

Ever wonder what kind of shenanigans take place in a city election? I can tell you!

I ran for office a few years ago and was surprised by some of the tactics used by incumbents to keep their seats and political power. Here are just a few that I had to deal with as a candidate:

- Lies and twisted statements posted on social media by members of the opponent’s PR staff – who did not acknowledge that they were a paid member of the campaign
- False cease and desist letters sent by local nonprofit group with ties to the incumbent. Once a lawyer was engaged, they slunk off to avoid the truth being made public
- City resources used to support the incumbent –a resident forwarded an email chain showing that a “friend” later appointed to a board position emailed the city to notify them of something my campaign had mentioned. There were subsequent emails directing city staff to research and compose a response for the incumbent
- Illegal use of parks, campaigning was done at local city parks while serving alcohol without permits. A few were supported by a nonprofit friendly with the city, which is against the rules of nonprofits according to the IRS.
- Media – a supporter reported they were questioned and almost not allowed to post an op-ed, they had to go through all kinds of grilling about if they had ever canvased, been part of, or supported the campaign. The incumbent’s frat brother and major canvasser was allowed to post a hit piece when the small print on the site clearly states that submissions by those working with a campaign would not be allowed…
- City resources used to remove campaign signs in the right of way. Some residents with signs did not know where the right of way on their property was so the city removed the signs – fair enough. However one supporter decided to drive around the neighborhood and document where the incumbent’s signs were allowed to stay within the right of way and reported it to the city.. nothing was done.
- Our campaign got call from a local business person that had allowed a sign to be placed on their property – the city had called and said they were in violation by having that sign (they were not) and another said that the city was making noise that they would not get a permit they were hoping for if the sign remained

We know these things happen in national and regional politics, I had not thought that they happened in local politics, but they do.

Just remember that when you see an article, read a post or get a mailer, do your own research. Make sure that the person you vote for is going to represent you, not their political ambition or financial earnings. I was literally told by a professional political advisor – “it’s okay if it’s not accurate, people don’t research, they just read”. Most politicians know you are busy and won’t hold them accountable so they don’t have a problem making statements that are not 100% true or they know they can’t keep. They just want your vote to keep their job or get the job they can benefit from. It doesn’t matter the party a politician is a politician. Today is the last day of early voting and Tuesday is election day!

MAKE YOUR VOICE COUNT

Do Your Own Research and VOTE