Editor’s note: The following is a letter to the editor. The opinions expressed in this letter are those of the writer, and do not necessarily reflect those of The Mendocino Voice. If you would like to submit a letter to the editor feel free to write to info@mendovoice.com.Â
Dear Editor:
I recently became aware of a significant change in how candidates for local office are conducting their campaigns. In the past, our local city council races were locally funded, candidates agreed to limits on spending, and there was not the kind of nasty, derogatory comments about other candidates that are now commonplace on the national and state level.
On. October 13, Rescue California Coalition, a conservative political action committee based in Southern California, filed Independent Expenditure Reports with the Ukiah City Clerk showing that over $5,700 was being spent on opposition mailers against the three incumbent candidates. Ross Liberty donated $5,000 to this PAC just prior to this filing.
While I can appreciate that Ross Liberty owns a local business that offers employment, I don’t appreciate the way he is heavily funding the city council race, hoping to unseat the three incumbents through an opposition mailer. He was the driving force behind the No on Annexation campaign, funding signage and spreading incorrect information about the city’s proposal. Now he’s turned his considerable resources and influence to elect the three candidates who are backed by the Mendo Matters group.
Personally, I don’t like having one wealthy person in our community wield so much influence. Consider this when you cast your votes for the Ukiah City Council.
Margo Frank
Ukiah