I have often scratched my head when Republican lawmakers in this state say they are against Amendment V because of transparency. They feel voters have a right to know what party a candidate belongs to, but it seems many of them don’t want you to know what they do for a living, or more specifically the name of their business. Let’s talk transparency. I want to know what profession or previous profession (many are retired) a lawmaker is. It is important to my decision making. As an independent, I mostly lean left, but do vote for Republicans on occasion, if I feel they are the best candidate. Their life experience in their employment is very important to me.
Out of the 6 districts the Argus Leader media surveyed only ONE Democrat, John Koch listed his employment as ‘Salesman’. The rest of the Democrats either revealed who they work for, what they do, the name of their business, or that they are retired (and they even listed their employment before retirement).
On the other hand, most of the Republicans were very vague as to what they do or who they work for. One of them even went so far to call herself a career politician, Jenna Haggar listed the State Legislature as employment (A 40 day out of the year job).
This is why Amendment V is important, it will give voters the opportunity to research candidates beyond their party label.
Image/information: Argus Leader Media
