Machine Politics in Arvada

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, September 26, 2011

Contact:
Dave Chandler
dave@mayordave.us
303-424-9897

Chandler: Machine Politics in Arvada

Conflict of interest and the appearance of bias have tainted a candidate forum in Arvada says mayoral contender Dave Chandler.

"The city government's TV station has asked the Arvada Chamber of Commerce to organize a candidate forum on October 6, but this Chamber is clearly compromised and biased and should not be involved in this kind of event," Chandler said. "The movers and shakers of a powerful faction of the Arvada Chamber leadership have contributed thousands of dollars to my main opponent. There is big money involved and Chamber staff cannot be expected to act in ignorance of this reality."

Chandler said that the sponsorship by Arvada city government's KATV channel 8 is acceptable if the host for such a forum is impartial, fair, open, and unbiased. "Did the city government do any checking to find out if this private group had a bias before they invited them to organize this forum?"

"There is an odor of machine-type politics arising from this government-private organization partnership. Is this the "business as usual" kind of politics that good citizens of our community should tolerate?"

Chandler pointed out that Chamber board member Ted Terranova and family/business have contributed $1,750 to mayoral candidate Marc Williams; Chamber board member Franke Barone and relatives have contributed $2,250 to Marc Williams (Barone is also Williams's campaign manager); a member of Williams's law firm is a board member of the Chamber and that law firm has contributed the maximum $750 to Williams; and chair-elect of the Chamber board, Brett Haigler has given Williams $150.

"I am running for mayor of Arvada in large measure because I want to give voters the choice whether or not to kick out of office the special interests, big money, and insiders taking care of themselves and their cronies that we are sick and tired of in this country."

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