I recently filed the paperwork to establish a re-election committee. Later this week I’ll take care of the formality of an announcement. I would like the opportunity to serve one more term. If I get one (voters will determine that) I’ll say that’s probably it. The reason is because I believe very strongly in term limits for paid elected officials. Serving shouldn’t be looked to as a career. My job is my small business. Now, local municipal government is not a full time paid position but in general many of the same rationale for limits still apply.
Related, I’ve decided to cap donations at 75 dollars for any single person, entity or PAC. There was quite a bit of PAC money infused into the first election I ran. The incumbents were flush with out of town special interest money that actually funded television commercials. Un-precedented in a local election. I often write in this space that money in politics is one of the biggest issues we face as a Democracy. My opponents had they won at worse would have been totally beholden to those interests. At best the perception would have still existed. So again, I’ll put my money (or rather access to money) where my mouth is. No person, entity or PAC can donate more than 75 dollars this cycle to my campaign. This is a self imposed limit. Had I done this last time I would have left a few large donations on the table. Nonetheless, right thing to do. For ethical folks money does not equal influence. Problem is often even the perception that it does is damaging.
Additionally, I am eliminating robo calls from any campaign strategy. Frankly, they are annoying. Also, again I’ll limit the amount of signs I place in public domains. A few key high visibility spots sure, but probably no more than 12 in public locations across the entire township. Instead I’ll focus on getting the majority of my signs out on private property if people are willing to host one. When you see my sign, it means that person or business is a supporter. A sign on private property or a business is alot more meaningful I think to voters than littering the landscape.
Will you be willing to host a sign in your yard in April? Email me at Ronbeitler@gmail.com
As with last time I will hit doors. Hard. As many as time allows.
Final quick note when I ran and hit doors the first time I told folks I wouldn’t be a stranger in the years between elections. I was thinking about that today as I read a couple old blog posts. I think I accomplished that. I tried to be extremely accessible. I conducted 6 town hall meetings in individual neighborhoods over the last year alone. (Graymoor, Shepherd Hills, Hills at Lockridge, Wild Cherry Knoll, Lamplighter Village and Harvest Fields.) They were well attended by about 200 people in total. Before that I periodically walked neighborhoods just for the heck of it. To chat and see what was going on and what people thought about certain issues. This is also why I maintain this blog and try to consistently make meaningful posts on my social media.
Will you consider making a donation of any amount up to $75.00 max? If so, you can via Paypal here. Any amount is appreciated.
Or you can mail checks to:
Elect Ron Beitler
5540 Lower Macungie Rd.
Macungie, PA 18062
Thank you.