A
check of 'independent' candidates' backing
In-de-pend-dent - not dependent: as not subject to control by
others, not affiliated with a larger controlling unit, not requiring or relying
on something else, not looking to others for one's opinions or for guidance in
conduct, not bound by or committed to a political party (Source: Merriam-Webster
Dictionary).
In
the upcoming Charlestown local election, there are nine candidates on the
ballot who will be listed as Independent. There is only one candidate who fits
the definition as stated above: Craig Louzon, who is running his campaign with
his own opinions and financing.
The
claim by Charlestown Citizens Alliance that their candidates are true
"independent candidates" is questionable and misleading when you
consider the following:
- They are all endorsed by one political group - Charlestown Citizens Alliance
- They campaign under a unified platform - Charlestown Citizens Alliance
- They campaign as united candidates - Charlestown Citizens Alliance
- 100 percent campaign financing by one entity - Charlestown Citizens Alliance
- 60 percent out-of-state financing - Charlestown Citizens Alliance
Charlestown
Citizens Alliance is not an officially-recognized political party; they are a
registered Political Action Committee or PAC whose sole purpose, by definition,
is to raise money for special interest groups.
If their candidates are truly
independent, why is it not a single one has offered their own platform, sent
out their own campaign material or secured any individual funding?
With
Charlestown Citizens Alliance providing everything for their campaign, how can
their candidates claim to be independent? More importantly, can they be trusted
to be "independent" if elected?