10/27/2004

Campaign Spending - District 7 style Jerry Hunt over at Mike Barber's campaign site has a good question which I would like to modify slightly:   When candidates are asking for demanding my vote money, I like to see how often they themselves have participated in the democratic spending process.   As of the last reporting required by the state for campaign spending:   Mr. Barber has spent in the neighborhood of $30,000.  (Total - primary and general elections combined)   Mr. Winstead is on pace in the general election to match or exceed the $48,000 he already spent to win in the primary.    In the case of Mike W, spending in the range of $100,000 to win a seat on the Board of Commissioners is rather unheard of even in Guilford County. --- And this is from a 35 year-old developer who is promising to cut spending and donate to a charity his $14,000/yr commissioners salary.    I'm almost embarrassed to be running against such a paragon of altruism who just wants to serve his community.   Here is the Jim Capo rule of campaign spending:   People put money into political campaigns in direct proportion to the return on on their investment they expect to realize.  The cost of these returns are borne by taxpayers.   Oh yeah, I forgot to say how much my campaign is spending:  $3000.   That amount does two things: It does not exceed the amount allowed by the state under which the time and expense of quarterly reports are mandated by law.  And, it demonstrates to voters that I am capable of delivering a quality service at a cost effective price, just as I would on the Board of Commissioners.    I can already promise you that when we see the final results, Mike W will have lavishly spent the most per vote by far and I will have spent by far the least.  Which candidate would you like to see end up in charge of your money? 5:48:16 PM      comment []

TV and the Internet At first glance, I was disappointed not to be invited to being on a WXII on-line candidate forum.  But then I saw the results of Mr. Barber's and Mr. Winstead's efforts. TV and the internet are still not a good match perhaps. As for Mike B's comment, "A solid education system raises community intellect," I think I would have said "develops" rather than "raises."  He was sharp though to leave out the adjective "public."  All three candidates in this race are sending their children to private schools. 4:44:56 PM      comment []

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