Tuesday, October 31, 2006

My response to my opponent's letter to the Davis County Clipper



Dear Editor, Davis County Residents, and Mr. Millburn,

In a recent letter to the Clipper my opponent Bret Millburn said that he had not refused any invitation from unbiased, independent groups or individuals to appear or discuss the issues important to Davis County.

What he neglected to mention is that he did refuse a formal request and challenge from my campaign to participate in a FORMAL DEBATE.

In the formal request that was sent to Mr. Millburn I explained the following,
"I have been talking with several non-partisan organizations and I believe we could have a debate forum that is both fair and fun, that is if you will agree to participate.

Please let me know by October 9, 2006 if you are willing to participate in a formal debate. You can consider this letter a formal request from my campaign to do so."
His written response after stating in public that a debate was in order,
"As far as other times and locations, my schedule between now and Election Day is pretty tight. I’m sure you can appreciate between full-time employment, family, other responsibilities, as well as a planned campaign timetable; it is difficult to commit to anything outside of already scheduled events.

Kind regards,

Bret Millburn
Quite frankly, not only does Mr. Millburn owe Mr. Sanders an apology, but he needs to apologize to all the citizen's of Davis County for running away from the Democratic process.

If this is any inclination to the type of commissioner Mr. Millburn will be, to speak half truths and to cut and run when the goings get tough, than I suggest that you vote for the candidate who understand and lives by the long standing American theme, " when the going gets tough, the tough get going."

As your commissioner I will not run away from hard situations. I will instead fight for my constituents on a daily basis in the bold manner you deserve. I will listen, I will be hands on and involved, and I will work hard. These are not goals Mr. Millburn, these are givens. More importantly I will be there for the citizens of Davis County as a friend, neighbor, and a public servant who understands that this is office is not a reward for being a good soldier in the majority party, but rather a position earned by rising to the occasion, and by understanding that Davis County needs real leadership to protect our citizens pockets books from poor administration and a lack of preventative maintenance, and vision.

Mr. Sanders was telling the truth, and if there was any cowardly, backroom political muckraking it came from your cowardly decision to stay clear of any honest and open competition.

With every best wish,

Rob Miller, The Best Candidate for Davis County Commission, Seat A.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

If you're going to run for office, you've should realize you've made a commitment to RUN A CAMPAIGN.

That means debates. If you suck at debating, get a coach. You can improve.

With notice on Oct. 9, 2006, I find it hard to beleive that a candidate couldn't debate. It is a highly effective campaign tool, especially if it's broadcast (even if it's not broadcast you'll get a couple of quotes in the newspaper). You can reach more people in an hour of good debate than you will over an entire weekend of doorknocking. So the argument that "I'm too busy" is complete BS.

We challenged all of the local House candidates in Cache County to do a radio debate. They're all busy, real busy. Families, jobs, church callings and civic duties. And 5/6 found time to do it, and should be commended.

For a candidate to be unwilling to debate demonstrates a comfort zone that is too small and narrow to successfully win a race and/or an inability to function in tough situations in office.

As John Wayne said, "Courage is being scared to death but saddling up anyway".

Rob, I've read your blog for quite some time. You are clearly capable and a the kind of public servant local government needs. I hope you pull off the victory next Tuesday! Best of luck!