Self-serving postcard
A while ago I received in the mail a postcard from my state representative, Richard Creagan. On this card, which was produced, printed and mailed at taxpayers’ expense, was information about the representative’s new office manager, such as his education, work experience, and community service.
If there was something about what this manager would do for their constituents, I wouldn’t have minded. But since the information was total void of anything specifically positive about his function, I object to Rep. Creagan producing this self-serving piece at my expense. Consequently, if I was notified by mass mailing about some information about pending legislation, (aside from raising the age to purchase tobacco products to 100!), perhaps I would have thought that would be a good expenditure of taxpayer funds.
I called Rep. Creagan’s office and left a message, asking how many households this piece was mailed to, but I have yet to receive the courtesy of a return call.
I contacted the state Ethics Commission regarding this subject and was told it will look into the matter. When I asked that I be informed of the outcome, I was advised that the Ethics Commission does not publish the results.
So perhaps this will all just go away, without anything being done. After all, Rep. Creagan — and ALL representatives (and senators!) — seem to have unlimited funds provided at taxpayer’s expense.
Maybe soon all taxpayers will be glad to know that they helped an elected official pay for his/her entertainment expenses as well.
Michael L. Last
Naalehu