(St. Louis Post-Dispatch – September 12, 2012)
Bill McClellan made his point about negative campaigning in his column “Strange outcome for ‘my’ candidate” (Aug. 31). Voters deserve the facts about my opponent’s negative attacks in my bid for a third term as state representative.
My opponent, not me, voted wrong on the Safe Drinking Water bill. Why? Tacked on to the final bill were provisions allowing dangerous radioactive waste to be transported on Missouri highways without regulation. The Sierra Club opposed it. So did I, along with St. Louis-area Reps. Jeanette Mott Oxford, Jeanne Kirkton, Tracy McCreery, Jill Schupp and 11 others.
My opponent insists I voted against new jobs. Why would I? I voted against the Quality Jobs Act because the state does not have an extra $10 million to pay for it. At the same time, health care was being cut for the blind for lack of state funds. For that reason, the bill died. Being a legislator requires making sensible choices.
I have had six previous opponents in various state representative elections. Until now, my credibility has never been questioned. After months of unjustified attacks on my record by my opponent, the time has come for me to speak out. So I ask my opponent to tell voters the truth.
Why did she accept donations from the Students First PAC, which fights teacher tenure nationwide? Why did she vote for a charter school bill that would harm our five vibrant, award-winning public school districts in the 87th District?
Voters have twice elected me to keep them informed of the facts, stand up for their values against a Tea Party Republican majority and be a strong, effective voice in the House. I take that responsibility seriously as a policy maker and legislative leader.
State Rep. Stacey Newman — Richmond Heights