The opening statement I made at last night's candidate debate is now live on
my website:
www.rtformayor.com )
With our tax bills soaring, and the city's financial condition
deteriorating, the next Mayor will be facing some very serious fiscal
choices. So taxpayers have a right to know that the next Mayor can act
independently.
That's why at last night's debate, when I was given a chance to question the
other candidates, I asked:
"Since you have both refused to join me in releasing the names of your
contributors, could you at least tell the taxpayers whether you have, or
will, take money from companies or individuals that compromise your ability
to make independent decisions on behalf of the taxpayers, including:
developers with multi-million dollar projects before the city, like
Brookfield and Ryan,
companies with major environmental conflicts with the citizens, like
Northwest Airlines and American Iron, and
companies or individuals involved with the plan to build a stadium.
If a candidate has taken money from someone who could profit from their
decisions,--but the candidate can make a case that they will still be able
to make an independent decision....then make the case and we can move on.
But people have a right to know.
We are running very different types of campaigns. When this began, I was
given a play for a half million dollar campaign but said no because it would
force me to take large contributions that would tie my hands when I got to
City Hall. So we have built a grass roots network of supporters and, to
date, have had an all volunteer staff.
The three other candidates are all planning to spend more than $1 for every
resident in the city.....probably about $5 for every primary voter.
Meanwhile they are having fundraisers hosted by people and initials who
currently have business before the city.
So when you see that big ad for another candidate in the paper, or get a
paid phone call from a polling company, ask who pays for it.
And ask who will walk into City Hall without the conflicts that will keep
the next Mayor from making the tough choices that will have to be made.
R.T.Rybak
www.rtformayor.com
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