This press release is from Chris Roy, a GOP candidate for Vermont Secretary of State.
If there is one issue that matters most in the campaign for Secretary of State, it is honesty and transparency. Voters demand and expect it from all elected officials, but most importantly, the next Secretary of State must be held to the highest ethical standards because that person will oversee Vermont’s Election Division.
Recently, my opponent attacked me when I identified clear inconsistencies between statements he has made regarding his former Government Department’s budget, and the actual numbers.
On WCAX this past Sunday, Gibbs said his budget “certainly did not increase.” He then said, “It’s a good thing we are not running for Auditor because the math is a little fuzzy.”
But the Times Argus confirmed the facts as I stated them. Gibbs even admitted his inconsistency, and acknowledged that the budget did increase, “when a half-million in federal stimulus money and increased timber sales and park entrance fees are counted.”
In addition, also on WCAX, Gibbs said his department “reduced its reliance on taxpayers by 30%.”
But the facts are, Gibbs conveniently disregarded that his operational budget INCREASED its reliance on federal taxpayer funds by $550,656, including one-time, unsustainable funds from President Obama’s so-called ‘Stimulus Plan” totaling $372,750.
I’m disappointed that my opponent also ignores his own words. When criticizing Deb Markowitz, Gibbs said, “Whenever a problem comes up, she is quick to blame others for the mistake and take no responsibility.”
And that’s the exact strategy he’s using here: deny the facts, personally attack me, and spin the media. He still claims I am misrepresenting his record, while refusing either to identify how I have done so, or to express any regret for having attacked me personally instead of acknowledging simple budget truths. I think Vermonters are sick and tired of this type of politics. Do you agree?
This campaign is at a crossroads. Will Vermont continue this kind of politics as usual in Montpelier where government insiders control the agenda, attack any dissenters, and disregard the facts? Or will Vermonters change course, say “enough is enough” from the politicians, and let someone from outside Montpelier reform the way government operates.
Politics is not a game. The future of our state, my native Vermont, is too important to treat truth and honesty in so cavalier a fashion. The stakes are too high, and we need leaders we can be proud of, who are guided by principles of community service, honesty and courtesy – not politics as usual, where words and principles are treated as malleable pieces of clay to be manipulated for whatever purposes are desired by a politician on any given day.
One of the main reasons I am running is because I know that more and more Vermonters have lost faith in their government. I will use my 20 years of experience OUTSIDE Montpelier, in the private sector and as an active volunteer on local and state boards, to BREAK the status quo, reform state government and bring honor and integrity to the institution.
Weighing in: