The truth about Kathy Green: A letter from the candidate

A number of negative mailings attacking me on behalf of my opponent Su Ryden have gone to Aurora residents in recent days. These pieces distort the truth and mislead citizens with false statements about my record. Particularly abhorrent is the claim that I would allow insurers to deny cancer screenings when my own mother is suffering from lung cancer. In an effort to keep this campaign clean, I have put the word out to party officials that I will not stand for any ads that would attack my opponent. I ask Mrs. Ryden to do the same and to publicly denounce the distortions already made. She can put an end to the dishonest activities of third party groups by publicly asking the groups to cease their activities. To do otherwise while claiming to run a clean campaign is disingenuous.

I am posting corrections to the distortions below. But I also encourage you to do your own research. Take the time to look at the information by using the very sources cited in the attack ads. After looking at the information, I am sure it will be clear just how willing this group has been to mangle the truth

Sincerely,
Kathy Green

Claim:   Proposed a plan to cut the number of local police officers while on city council

Truth:   Aurora City code mandates two police officers per 1,000 citizens. This requirement is funded by a voter-approved sales tax. However, after a number of Federal grants expired, the sales tax has fallen short of funding the requirement and other city services are often cut to make up the gap in revenue. In 2005 while on Council, I proposed asking the voters to decide if they wanted to keep the requirement, as an alternative to raising taxes.

Claim:   Wants to cut funding for public schools and give the money to private schools and wealthy kids.

Truth:   I strongly support increasing funding for Aurora’s public schools through Issues 3A and 3B. These ballot issues would bring millions in needed funding to provide for the future of our children. I support providing vouchers for low income families so that they can best decide for their children. The rich are not the only ones who should have a choice.

Claim:   Kathy Green declined to answer on Abortion; she answered every other question on the Rocky Mountain News survey, but did not state how she stands on this issue.

Truth:   This is the first accurate claim. I declined to answer a wedge issue like Roe V. Wade, just as my opponent declined to answer a question on illegal immigration. In that same questionnaire, I said that I oppose Amendment 48 because it is too extreme.

Claim:   Wants to allow insurers to deny coverage for cancer screenings and other basic care by basing their operations in other states.

Truth:   My mother has lung cancer. I would never allow insurers to deny cancer screenings. We know early screenings are the key to effective treatment. No one should suffer needlessly. My answer in to the League of Women Voters Candidate Questionnaire was that Coloradoans should be allowed to select the best health plan for themselves regardless of where they live.

Claim:   Wants to give $300 million in subsidies to big oil even though oil companies are making record profits.

Truth:   I oppose Amendment 58 which would increase severance taxes on oil companies. Both the Denver Post and Rocky Mountain News have also come out against 58 because the increased costs will likely be passed to consumers, creating higher energy bills during an already stressful time for Colorado families. Another problem with the Amendment is that funds need to be used for both higher education and state-wide transportation. We can increase the operating funds for our state colleges to help keep tuition rates affordable for Colorado’s working-class students while also using some money to repair roads and bridges already in desperate need of repair.