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Mailer violates law's spirit; WCCC
Topic Started: Oct 28 2007, 09:38 AM (359 Views)
Mrs.M
Veteran
http://www.hometownlife.com/apps/pbcs.dll/.../710280525/1009

WCCC mailer at least violates law's spirit


Shocked is the right word for the reaction to a Wayne County Community College mailer that is trying to sell voters on a millage renewal that goes before the voters Nov. 6.

We strongly agree with Redford Township Clerk Garth Christie's assessment that the mailer clearly looks to be using public money to campaign for the ballot proposal. We support his challenge over the legality of the item.

If this kind of mailer, with its "Top 12 Reasons Why We Should Support" WCCC isn't illegal, it should be.

A spokeswoman for the college says the mailer's attorneys checked it out and found it to be legal. After all, WCCC has the "public obligation to provide information" so that people can make up their minds, according spokeswoman Tina Bassett. "It does not tell people how to vote," she said.

That may be a technicality. However, the words "why we should support" seem to obviously cross the line from information into endorsement. "Support" quite clearly means the same thing as "vote yes," even though it doesn't precisely say "vote yes." It's a mighty thin hair to split.

If this flier is somehow ruled legal, state lawmakers need to follow up to fix this loophole in the state's campaign finance law.

While we agree that a public entity such as the college should be able to inform the public about facts facing the college, state law should prevent such blatant attempts to spend taxpayer money to promote a tax renewal. In the end, the judgment must be made based on the spirit of the "informational" item and the timing of when it's sent, not whether the specific words "vote yes" or "vote no" are included. If there's a group wishing to promote "support," it should be done with private funds, not public.

For those of us who care to notice, these types of mailers that violate the intent of the law but not its letter erode public confidence in our electoral system.
I'd agree with you, but then we'd both be WRONG.
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