To the editor:
I recently came across Nathan Dull’s letter to the editor entitled “Paulsen is better than Phillips for CD3,” published on Aug. 31, and realized it is light on facts.
Among other things, the letter states that Paulsen does the right thing for our environment. In reality, Erik touts his image as an environmentalist (portrayed by his Boundary Waters TV ad and joining an environmental caucus), but he gets low grades on his actual voting record for climate change, according to the League of Conservation Voters. To further prove my point, the City Pages article, “Erik Paulsen Discovers that Climate Change is for Real After All” describes Paulsen’s self-serving reasons for finally changing his ‘beliefs’ about the environment.L
I previously voted for Paulsen based on the recommendation of his predecessor, Jim Ramstad. And even though Erik Paulsen talks like he’s a moderate, he votes the party line 98 percent of the time (FiveThirtyEight.com). Now I know that Paulsen’s quotes don’t match his votes. He actively opposes consumer protection, funding education, environmental protection, financial sector regulation, gun control, labor rights and wages, racial equality, countering Russian interference and women’s rights (Politicsthatwork.com).
Additionally, Erik claims to represent his constituents, but he seems to be afraid of us. He controls his interactions with robo-call town meetings, refuses to attend open forums in his district, and won’t debate Dean in a public setting. He has only agreed to debate Phillips in paid forums like the recent one hosted by the TwinWest Chamber. I was lucky to meet with him last summer when he opened up a few time slots with 24 hours’ notice. But is that how our representative should act?
Lastly, Paulsen ranks sixth of 435 congressman in taking money from special interest PACs. (OpenSecrets.com). Phillips, on the other hand, is campaigning on a platform to get money out of politics. He has refused all PAC contributions.
If you want a new leader for CD3 willing to favor independence over rigid ideology, I encourage you to take a close look at Dean Phillips. Dean has my vote.
Ann Gavin
Plymouth
Click here to read the original posting in the Sun Sailor (9/11/18).