Groups express "outrage" at phony slate mailers that imply endorsement of No on Measure B

NEWS RELEASE - YES ON B COALITION-- YesOnB@pacific.net
May 29, 2008

Leaders of the Democratic and Republican parties and a top law enforcement official issued an unusual joint statement today denouncing the No on Measure B campaign's use of phony slate mailers that imply that their groups have taken a position opposing the ballot measure on marijuana.

The 3 slate mailers, which masquerade as official endorsements when they are not, were received by Mendocino County voters during the past week. Unless the voter reads tiny print, the mailers appear that they were sent by the official Democratic party, Republican party, and a "COPS" organization of law enforcement.

The joint statement reads as follows:

We are outraged that the No on Measure campaign has purchased space on slate mailers that masquerade as official publications of recognized organizations. These mailers are a deliberate attempt to fool the voters. The voters need to know that these slate mailers are paid political advertising and do not represent the position of any official group.

The "Cops Voter Guide" does not reflect the position of law enforcement. Every law enforcement leader in Mendocino County has endorsed "YES on Measure B."

The "Republican California Voter Guide" does not reflect the position of the local Mendocino County Republican Central Committee which has endorsed "YES on Measure B."

The "Voter Information Guide for Democrats" does not reflect the position of the local Mendocino County Democratic Central Committee which has not taken a position on Measure B, but has sent out an "Official Mendocino County Democratic Voter Guide."

Signed:

Chris Dewey, Police Chief, City of Ukiah
Margie Handley, California Republican Central Committee
Jim Mastin, Chair, Mendocino County Democratic Central Committee

Each of the signers made additional comments.

Police Chief Chris Dewey said: "Every police chief in the county, the District Attorney, the Sheriff, the Highway Patrol Commander, the Ukiah Police Officers Association and the Deputy Sheriffs Association endorse Measure B. I am not aware of anyone working in law enforcement who is opposed."

Republican Margie Handley said: "It is outrageous that anyone would try to imply that the Republican Party is opposed to Measure B. In fact, the Mendocino County Republican Central Committee has endorsed "YES" on Measure B."

Democrat Jim Mastin said: "It's election time and we want every voter to become informed on the issues and then vote their conscience. 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. We encourage you to listen to your local voices."

The phony Republican slate card endorsing No on B is titled "Attention: Republicans. Election Day Voting Guide" and features large quotes from major Republican figures like Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and former Governor Pete Wilson. It was issued by California Voter Guide, 1954 W. Carson St., Torrance, CA 90501, (301) 787-6573

The phony Democratic slate card endorsing No on B is titled "Voter Information Guide for Democrats" and is issued by Voter Information Guide, 13701 Riverside Dr., #604, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423.

The phony "COPS" slate card endorsing No on B is titled "COPS Voter Guide" and has two images of a police badge. It is issued by COPS Voter Guide, 705 E. Bidwell St. #370, Folsom, CA 95630.

Yes on B Coalition spokeman Ross Liberty said that his group had received many phone calls from confused voters who had been deceived by the paid mailers into thinking that police or the local Republican party or Democratic party were opposed to Measure B.

Liberty commented: "This is just a continuation of the campaign of intentional deception that we have seen from the beginning from the No on B campaign."

"They have lied about Measure B by saying it targets medical patients and won't do anything about the large growers. They misrepresented Sheriff Allman's position in a failed attempt to claim it would be a burden on law enforcement. Their supporters have filed bogus lawsuits and stolen our signs in an effort to prevent the voice of the people from being heard and they have bought space on every phony slate mailer out there. This has all been an effort to deceive and confuse the voters. But we believe the voters won't be fooled. They are fed up with the damage commercial marijuana growing is doing to our County and they know Measure B is the best solution available," said Liberty.

Copies of the phony slate mailers can be faxed to interested media upon request to YesOnB@pacific.net.