McClendon distorts Kilmer’s record

Published 3:42 pm Thursday, October 28, 2010

I’ve known Sen. Derek Kilmer for several years now, and one thing I’ve always appreciated was his personal integrity.

Even when we disagree, I can count on Derek giving me the straight story.

I’ve depended on that honest approach working with Derek to save St. Anthony’s Hospital, keep down our tolls and find funding for infrastructure projects in Gig Harbor.

His opponent, Marty McClendon, has a different approach.

McClendon’s statement in the voter guide is riddled with blatantly false claims about Derek’s record.

I asked McClendon to explain the inaccuracies and prompted him multiple times to respond without success.

• Fiction: “(Kilmer) voted for $500 million in new taxes.”

• Fact: This is based on a package of taxes passed by the Legislature in 2005 that Derek voted against. Derek has opposed sales, gas, estate and other taxes.

Derek also sponsored restoration of the I-747 property tax caps, one of many initiatives McClendon failed to bother voting in.

• Fiction: “(Kilmer) refused to come up with a solution for the fiscal crises he created and cut spending, but instead remained silent.”

• Fact: Derek repeatedly called for sweeping reforms of state government, institution of the Auditor’s recommendations, proposed specific spending cuts and bringing the Legislature back to session for further cuts.

Derek also co-sponsored the constitutional amendment to set up a rainy-day fund.

When voters had the chance to ratify that amendment, McClendon again didn’t show.

We can agree and disagree on the issues, but people should run for office on the truth.

DEREK M. YOUNG

Gig Harbor