The leaders of Mendocino County's Republican and Democratic parties, as well as Ukiah Police Chief Chris Dewey have issued a joint statement expressing outrage over mailers sent out in opposition of Measure B which they call misleading.
"We are outraged that the No on Measure B Campaign has purchased space on slate mailers that masquerade as official publications of recognized organizations," the three said in their statement. "These mailers are a deliberate attempt to fool the voters."
One of the mailers is marked "Attention Republicans," a second reads "Voter Information Guide for Democrats" and the third reads simply "Cops."
All three come with disclaimers that read that the document was prepared as a voters guide and is not the product of an official party organization. They also note that all appearances were paid for by each candidate or ballot measure.
Speaking individually, Dewey, Margie Handley of the Mendocino County Republican Party and Democrat Jim Mastin all noted their disapproval of the mailers.
"Every police chief in the county, the district attorney, the Highway Patrol commander, the Ukiah Police Officers Association and the Deputy Sheriff's Association endorse Measure B," Dewey said. "I'm not aware of anyone working in law enforcement who is opposed."
"It is outrageous that anyone would try to imply that the Republican party is opposed to Measure B," Handley said. "In fact, the Mendocino County Republican Central Committee has endorsed Yes on Measure B."
"It's election time, and we want every voter to become informed on the issue and then vote their conscience," Mastin said. "Local groups send out readily identifiable slate mailers that promote positions supported and endorsed by your neighbors and friends. Unfortunately it's also the season of the phony slate mailer. They are designed to deceive, misinform, remain anonymous and do it all for the highest bidder."
Laura Hamburg, spokeswoman for the No on B Campaign said the campaign was not involved with the mailers.
"We didn't pay for the mailers and we didn't have anything to do with the content," she said.
Though saying it was not involved, Hamburg said the campaign was glad to know there were opportunities for the No on B message to get out to Republicans and members of law enforcement who might be against Measure B, despite official endorsement of the measure by both of those groups.
Measure B, which was placed on the ballot by the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors in January, would repeal Measure G and set medical marijuana limits in Mendocino County at the state limit of six mature or 12 immature plants and eight ounces of dried marijuana.
Measure G, which was passed by Mendocino County voters in 2000, instructed law enforcement to make the prosecution of marijuana gardens of 25 plants or fewer the lowest possible priority.
The election is Tuesday.
Ben Brown can be reached at udjbb@pacific.net.
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