Communication: It’s important. It’s vital. It’s something I work hard at. And that is why I have chosen to post a response to the opposition letters, some anonymous, some not, that are appearing in residents’ mailboxes and on their doorsteps.
I began this campaign by often introducing myself as a “long-time listener, first-time caller” to Salem politics and that sums up my council voting history: none. This is why it is interesting to me that I have already been classified as a ‘rubber stamper’ or a ‘council servent’. The Mayor has not attended any campaign events, or donated towards my campaign. I have spent the last 20 years in Salem watching Salem politics play out and have put my name out there to try and do better for my community. To me, that does not mean blindly following anyone. What that means is using my knowledge, listening to the constituents of the Ward and the city, reviewing and understanding the data, asking questions and getting stuff done.
The divisiveness among us is at a tipping point. We need to find a way to move on and have conversations with each other, not attack each other. We need to not ‘agree to disagree’ but still hear each other, to really listen to each other. I have attended hundreds of city meetings over the years, and have spent time listening. There is a lot of commonality in what we want – but when you are constantly an “obstructionist” or “follower”, it can be hard to hear even what we all agree on.
And in response to the letters you may have received; here you go:
1.) I was a volunteer on the “Yes on 1 Sanctuary for Peace” campaign in 2017. I answered this directly during the September 10th debate (note: my opponent voted against the Sanctuary Ordinance while on the council).
2.) I have organized many neighborhood clean-ups – picking up litter is my jam! At the North River walking path clean up this past May, about 25 neighbors showed up to help – it was a big job. Some of the crew from Juniper Point Investment (builders of the Ice Cream Way development on S Mason St) were there as well and were a huge help. Bettering the neighborhood and our quality of life is important to everyone that showed up that day.
3.) Full campaign finance reports are available for all to see at salem.com. To speak to mine: Marc Tranos, resident of Ward 6 and owner of Juniper Point donated $250 to my campaign, as well as two other employees of Juniper Point. I addressed this previously but will copy here as well: As a first-time candidate that was not in a position to self-fund like my opponents, I also do not have any official policy regarding donations. Perhaps I may in the future, but right now I do not (the state already has many restrictions in place). A donation means nothing more than just that – a donation to my campaign. It does not equal anything nefarious. You can see from my report that I have a wide range of donators, including opponents to the Ferris development.
Anything else you would like to know? Ask me here, or shot me a message, email or call! You can also find out more about me at meg4ward6.com. Because like I said at the beginning of this; Communication is VITAL!