Last Minute Campaign Tricks in Troy

Every election in Troy...every single time...there is a last-minute play by zealous political ideologues.  The play is always targeted against someone of integrity.  It is always grossly inaccurate.  And it's usually flung out there by members of Troy Citizens United. As the years have gone by, these attacks have become more desperate -- perhaps even beginning to backfire as we work harder to publicize how ridiculous they truly are.

Just this weekend, there were TWO heinous attacks targeted at Mayor Dane Slater.

The first came from an address on 70 Tacoma and was paid for by Troy Citizens United. This is nothing new; a Mr. Ralph Savage lives at that address and has been responsible for mailing out false and misleading information under the following names for years:

-- Troy Election Committee

-- Taxpayers For Troy

-- Troy Council Election Committee

-- Troy Voter Guide

-- Troy's Taxfighting Team

-- Cap Troy Milllage Tax Organization

We've shared these mailings with you before.  Always printed in tell-tale black, red and white...always with numerous grammatical errors...always with juvenile drawings, the mailings are full of gross exaggerations and often outright lies, much centering on Dane Slater's pension. The residents of 70 Tacoma and Troy Citizens United are preying on the ignorance of the people of  Troy.  They are banking on it...it USED to work.

This time, however, we WON'T SHOW YOU the offensive material.  The mailer targeting Dane Slater is so disgusting, over-the-top, racist and cruel that it doesn't warrant any attention beyond our strong condemnation.  SHAME ON YOU, Mr. Savage.  SHAME ON  YOU, Troy Citizens United.  SHAME.

The second attack is from a cowardly group of malicious thugs.   Was it paid for by Troy Citizens United?  Martin Knollenberg?  One of the other candidates?  We don't know. This attack was an anonymous robocall alleging that Dane Slater is "double dipping" on our tax dime.  Why?  Because he DARES collect his hard-earned police pension and his mayoral "salary."  What we know right now is that the call was placed from a legal office outside of Troy. The organizers of this call are also hoping and praying that the Troy electorate is ignorant.

But let's remember...the Mayor and all members of council DON'T HAVE a salary.  They are allotted a stipend of $175/month.  That's it.  Now, Dane Slater did EARN a pension from his over 30 years in the Troy Police Department.  So of course he is collecting THAT -- WHO WOULDN'T?  In fact, the pension Mr. Slater earns comes from a wise investment that he HELPED TROY  MAKE, allowing Troy to make even MORE off of the tax investment that pays for the salaries and pensions of Troy employees who were entitled to them at the time.

That's right...Mr. Slater's pension actually EARNED money for Troy.  But do the cowards behind this call or the members of Troy Citizens United tell you THAT?  Of course not.

Telling the truth and being accurate wouldn't allow Troy Citizens United and other thugs to sway elections.

Telling the truth and being accurate isn't how Troy Citizens United and other thugs play the game in Troy.

The good news is that Dane Slater doesn't play games at all.  He simply shows up, gets the work done, and goes home to his family.  He is a man of honor and integrity.  Loathe to even address the rumors circulating about him, he just takes it and moves on.

We speak up for Dane Slater because he's too humble to justify those attacks himself.

What Mayor Dane Slater does tell, however, is the TRUTH.  Here is a message he offers us on the eve of the election.  It appears on his website, www.keepmayorslater.com:

Dear Fellow Troy Resident,

Troy is alive and well.  As a 35 year member of the Troy Police Department and retired Captain, a Troy City Council Member and current Mayor, I am proud to be part of a tradition that continues to keep Troy among the safest to live, work and have fun.  I have 40 years of dedicated local service to Troy.

When I was elected to City Council in 2009, I was part of the majority that put together a plan that got us through the most difficult and roughest times known to Troy.  Today we are seeing the results of our plan, as Troy is rebounding and thriving again.  I want to continue to provide the leadership and experience needed to continue our plan.

Since I was appointed Mayor in 2012, City Council members have been working with a dedicated City Administration team to ensure that our tax rates remain low and that Troy continues to be the envy of communities everywhere.  Public safety, roads and community input will remain top priorities.

Civility and respect is restored to the Mayor’s office.  I will continue to play an active role in our city’s growth and development as your Mayor.  I am asking for your vote on Tuesday, May 7.

Sincerely,
Dane Slater

Mayor Dane Slater asks for your vote...and so do we.  Troy deserves it.

KEEP MAYOR SLATER on May 7th.