Thursday, October 18, 2007

Cheryl Haskins, "A New Face for Renton"

Cheryl Haskins' candidacy is being viewed with more and more suspicion by highly-regarded Renton community leaders from across the political spectrum. I've actually heard from many of them, and they are alarmed by the source of her campaign contributions. In case you missed it, 94.5% of her funding has come from outside of Renton, and she has more money than all six other city council candidates combined.

Cheryl Haskins' campaign slogan, "A New Face for Renton," has been quite effective. It certainly got my attention, and almost got my vote. It immediately positioned her as being from outside the political establishment, which is appealing to voters who view career politicians with disdain. In addition, the slogan diffuses the argument that she's an outsider; she's just "new," with fresh energy and creative ideas.

Unfortunately for her, Cheryl Haskins has not demonstrated any real affinity or commitment to Renton. Where does she volunteer here in town? Which local community groups has she led? Which neighborhood committee has she been involved in? Which local business did she help grow? Which local boards has she sat on? How many years has she been working to improve our city?

Maybe she's just not one to boast about her accomplishments, but I doubt it. All other candidates for city council specifically list their ties to the Renton community on their respective websites. Does hers?

There's a reason why Cheryl Haskins is dependent on outside money for her campaign: she has virtually no support, financial or otherwise, within the Renton city limits. Could that be why only one single organization in Renton – the firefighters union – has endorsed her? Check out her opponent's list of endorsements.

Cheryl Haskins can no longer run on her slogan alone.

18 comments:

Anonymous said...

Boy, you are vicious, when you attack, you have a one track mind. Outside $? give me a break, I bet you have given $ or worked for a candidate outside of your community. Instead of doing your slash and burn politics, talk to her and get informed.

Renton Citizen said...

Give you a break? I don't think so. 94.5% is a ridiculous percentage to be coming from outside the city. Attempting to minimize that fact is a battle you will lose.

Until you've been the victim of tactics used by the religious right to denigrate and viciously dehumanize gay people, you have no clue what "slash and burn politics" are all about.

Regardless of how heated this debate becomes, I will never disrespect Cheryl Haskins' humanity.

Anonymous said...

First of all, outside money is a real issue. And this 94.5% figure is a signal that her ties to Renton are tenuous at best.

I'm willing to say that rentonfacts wouldn't be up in arms about this ridiculous (and suspicious) funding situation if Ms. Haskins weren't also basically a stealth anti-gay candidate.

Renton Citizen said...

Thanks, Mike. Yes, I did indeed start this site because I wanted to expose her anti-gay history, but if I'd only stumbled upon the evidence of outside funding, I think I'd also be up in arms. I may be gay, but most of the time I'm concerned with of other issues, believe it or not. In fact, my last big political cause was ensuring that the BNSF line along Lake Washington would be considered for future transit. I'm a passionate person (obviously), and I think I'd find to keep a lid on *any* potential scandal I might come across. I appreciate your comments.

Anonymous said...

Oh, but you do engage in slash & burn Jihad against those that differ from your narrow views. I have seen your kind, and your refusal to acknowledge opposing views are very troubling. Attacking conservative values has turned into a sport for you, instead of honest debate. It is you who spew hate. I live in Renton; you must recognize that not everyone that lives here should be a slave to your extreme liberal tendencies (meaning attack those who do not follow your orthadocxy)

Renton Citizen said...

Oh goodness, it has begun.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for getting the word out about Ms. Haskins, and her activities. It's amazing how well she flew under the radar.

By the way, I got your comment out of moderation on that "other site." :-) (and thanks for the offer for a link!)

Anonymous said...

Oh, brother. Let's not use euphemisms like "conservative values." Let's call them what they are: intolerance and an unwillingness to let people be who they are. "Renton Citizen" is not saying that candidates shouldn't be conservative. Or Republican. Or straight. Or church-going. Or ANYTHING. He's saying that Haskins has worked for years and years to deny people their equal treatment and protections under the law.

Renton Citizen said...

Couldn't have said it better myself.

Anonymous said...

That is why your liberal values will never win. Your own intolerence and hateful diatribes to anyone who dares cross the liberal mindset is breathtaking!

Anonymous said...

Although I don't believe in trashing candidates, I do believe that voters deserve to know something about the background and value systems of candidates for public office. At first I was almost persuaded by Ms. Haskins' "new face" campaign. However, I will be voting for her opponent since: (1) I am no fan of ultra-conservative religion/ politics and (2) Ms. Haskins has very tenuous ties to Renton. Thanks for the information!

Anonymous said...

Well, to cancel your vote, I will go with Cheryl. Your "tenuous" claim is absurd, she as been living here for close to a decade. Talk about not wanting to trash...sheesh!!!!

Renton Citizen said...

No one's attacking Christians here. I'm just trying to make sure Cheryl is held accountable for her very public and divisive activism. However, her outside funding is what's really getting people's attention.

I think "tenuous" is a perfect word to describe her ties to the Renton community. Again, I ask, what local organizations has she been involved in and what relationships has she built with community leaders?

As a comparison, check out Greg Taylor's endorsements and accomplishments. He has never held elected office, but he's obviously very involved in our local community and has a lot of support from residents and leaders alike. He is an evangelical Christian (from what I know), but I have no problem with his personal faith. His public record does not reflect that of someone who's trying to impose his view of morality on others.

Anonymous said...

Yeah right, you base your distored opionion on what others say, yet refuse to even talk through. How the hell would you even know about her vision and plans when you do even have the decenecy to talk directly to a candidate. Your closed mindness reveals your motivations- take verbatim what you read, and shut out anyone who disents from your views.

Renton Citizen said...

I really don't care about her vision for Renton. She has disqualified herself as a representative of all our citizens by making it her mission to oppose gay rights, which she did in a very public manner.

but I digress...

94.5%

She is a surrogate of outsiders and the religious right.

Anonymous said...

I don't understand what the pro-Haskins anonymous is even saying. Why do you support her? It's not because of her dedication to serving the people of Renton (she hasn't so far), or her wide appeal in Renton (her money comes from elsewhere).

So... what?

Mary said...

Shouldn't we be looking at who is best qualified for the position?? The choice should be clear, King Parker is a man of integrity. He has served this community well and truely cares about the city of Renton and it's citizens. Take a look at his resume, the choice should be clear. I know Mr. Parker because he is involved and I see the dedication he has to this community.

Renton Citizen said...

Indeed, Mary... King Parker is seems far more qualified and selflessly involved in the community, and his endorsements demonstrate that. I've tried to remain neutral on King Parker's candidacy to avoid any suggestions of collaboration. However, I think it's about time to do a posting on his qualifications. Would you like to write something more substantial, and I'll post it as a guest entry?