I Cry Foul to the Bill Lee Campaign
August 16th, 2008 by Dan Gaffney
The Bill Lee for Governor Campaign is hosting a forum on veteran’s issues. A noble cause that I can support. What I do not support though is the use of the House of Representivties chamber at Legislative Hall! Campaign events at Leg Hall are wrong in my view. If the Lee camp can not afford to rent a pizza joint, find a VFW or something because the taxpayer supported seat of government should not be used. It would be wrong or even illegal for Carney or Markell to use public resources to fund their respective campaigns, just like it would be wrong for Christine O’donnel to use the floor of the US Senate to host a campaign event!
I learned this morning that the Republican Party pulled the strings to have this happen.
Here is the Lee release that got me all stirred up this morning on the air:
Bill Lee to Host Veterans Forum
DOVER ~ Gubernatorial candidate Bill Lee will host a Veterans Forum in the House Chamber of Legislative Hall, Dover, on Wednesday, August 27, from 6 to 9 p.m.
The meeting will be open to all who wish to comment on issues affecting Delaware’s veterans. Those unable to travel to Dover for the forum can e-mail questions or concerns toMaria@LeeDelaware.com, or call Bill Lee’s campaign headquarters at 302-260-9206.
The event has grown out of some of the issues identified in The Delaware Plan and from feedback directly from veterans, according to Bill Lee, a Marine Corps veteran.
“Our military veterans, including those who have served in previous and present conflicts, represent a significant, important, and productive segment of our citizenry. The Delaware National Guard and the Reserve have been continuously deployed in combat zones and to natural disasters. We need to hear their concerns and determine how we can best assist them and their families,” said Mr. Lee.
The agenda will include property and income tax issues as they affect veterans; state hiring practices; contract set asides for veteran contractors; educational benefits that would extend to family members; the veterans home; best ways to retain highly trained and entrepreneurial retirees in Delaware, and a number of other issues that have been the source of inquiries from veterans. The floor will be open to give and take on all issues during the three-hour, nonpartisan dialogue. (”Yeah, right!” -dg)
“I’ve reviewed the legislative record and Delaware has, for the most part, been veteran friendly, but we need to make certain we do right by these patriots and their families who have been so willing to defend us. Our goal is to hear what veterans have to say and incorporate their priorities into my vision,” said Mr. Lee.
This event needs to be relocated to avoid any further appearance of impropriety.
August 17th, 2008 at 9:34 am
Im with you Dan, it is beginning to appear that ethics, credibility, strong sense of Family and genuine concern for the people they represent are no longer criteria for membership in the political arena.
I am a constituent of the 41st District and now must endure another Lifflander/Atkins battle. I like John Atkins, past history aside, after all the man is human and who doesnt ocassionaly live in a glass house? If he didnt throw his hat into the ring, Lifflander would have stayed in her hole. She can pretend to be an “authentic democrat” all she wants, most of us know her real agenda.
How is Mr Lee able to hold the forum in Dover? Those people that have made it possible and biased, should no longer retain their own seats in the House.