The feedback has been fantastic thus far, but the word I hear above all others is "independent". From Democrats: Are you an "independent" now? What do you mean by that? From Republicans: How can you be "independent" from the Democrat establishment?
This gets back to a very basic focus, which if you've read this blog for any amount of time you will recognize - we need to get beyond the red team/blue team dichotomy and pay attention to what's best for our community. I am a Democrat, proud of the social progress we've seen over the last five years, dedicated to lifting up and protecting our most vulnerable, but also very concerned about the taxes we've asked our middle class to bear and the business climate we're left with after a devastating recession. And I know there are many other Democrats, Republicans, and Unaffiliated voters who feel exactly the same way I do.
We have audits that are going without redress. We see no-bid contracts end in multimillion dollar disasters. Corporate subsidies and tax breaks are being awarded with presumed benefits, but no accountability. Our state locks up thousands of non-violent substance abusers and you are stuck with the bill for their room and board. All of these things are being done with a "go-along-to-get-along" attitude that does not attach to one party or another. Open the books on the Ehrlich administration - same thing. Patronage hires, Open Meetings Act violations, and audited subsidies found to be misdirected by the officials we trusted to be "fiscally responsible" with taxpayer dollars.
So when I say "Independent", I am not talking about a political party. I am talking about the same guy you know. I'm stubborn about what I think is right and a mighty obstacle against anyone I think is wrong. I did not run for this office to be co-opted. We may not always agree, but you can always count on me to be able to explain my actions. That's Independence.
On a somewhat related note, my biggest event of the year is next Thursday and I would love for as many of you to be there as possible. You can find out more about the event here or donate through this link.
Have a great Friday doing what you love! Let's go O's!
