(Letter to the editor, Waynesville Mountaineer, Jan. 24, 2012)
Bothwell offers a positive alternative to Shuler
Although I have been a life-long Democrat and in recent years have volunteered on behalf of Democratic candidates, I have become so frustrated with Heath Shuler’s voting record on social and economic issues, I came very close to changing my voter registration to Unaffiliated because I wasn’t sure I wanted to remain in the same party with him.
That was before Cecil Bothwell announced his plans to run for U.S. Congress against Shuler.
Bothwell, who far more closely represents my values, offers me a positive alternative to Shuler. Campaign finance reform is an issue that is very important to me, and Bothwell refuses to take corporate contributions or corporate PAC money to finance his campaign.
I also agree with his stances on creating jobs that pay a living wage while protecting our environment; maintaining and strengthening social safety nets; improving public education to prepare our children to become productive and responsible citizens; and protecting human and civil rights.
If you share concerns about those issues and want a congressional candidate who is eager to listen to, and try to educate, his constituency rather than pander to their fears, ignorance and prejudices, I urge you to learn more about Cecil Bothwell and join me in supporting his bid for U.S. Congress.
I believe him to be a competent, ethical and progressive leader who can help take us into a bright future rather than dragging us back into a weary past.
You can meet Cecil and ask him questions about his campaign platform at a Town Hall Forum at 5:30 pm, Thursday, Jan. 26 in the downstairs meeting room of the Haywood County Library.
Mary McGlauflin
Maggie Valley
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(Letter to the editor, Hendersonville Times-News, Jan. 12, 2012)
To the editor: About two months ago, I changed my voter registration from independent to Democrat for only one reason. That was so I could vote for Cecil Bothwell for the U.S. House of Representatives in the upcoming Democratic primary.
Our current representative, Heath Shuler, has proven himself to be just another corporate yes-man, typically siding with big-money interests, voting with the extremist Republican bloc, and hanging out with his sketchy C Street buddies.
Cecil Bothwell will stand up for the interests of the working class people of Western North Carolina. He has said his vote will not be for sale, and his record as an Asheville city councilman speaks for itself.
Henderson County voters will have an opportunity to get to know Cecil Bothwell at a town meeting at 2 p.m. Friday at Janitzio Mexican Restaurant on Spartanburg Highway.
Aaron Coffin
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(Letter to the editor, Asheville Citizen-Times, Dec. 21, 2011)
Cecil Bothwell is running for U.S. Congress in Western North Carolina. He is looking to unseat the conservative and, in my opinion, pro-corporate Blue Dog Democrat Heath Shuler in the next Democratic Party primary to be held on May 8, 2012. This is a rare chance for the people of Western North Carolina to elect an honest, forward-looking progressive who is not beholden to the corrupt influence and control corporations have over our politicians.
Bothwell represents those of us in this country who are not satisfied with the status quo and believe our government has a moral obligation to its citizens first, and not to the needs of the few, elite and powerful. I feel Shuler represents the opposite way of thinking. I strongly urge everyone truly concerned with the deep problems our children will be facing to put some action behind their words and complaints and get involved in Cecil’s campaign. Think Bold. Vote Bold. Act Bold.
Stack Kenny, Asheville
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(A a response letter to a constituent, by Linda Brown)
Thank you for writing and I appreciate your sincerity.
Cecil Bothwell goes to church.
He is an active member of the Unitarian Universalist Church in Asheville.
Carl Sandburg, one of our local heroes, was also a member of that congregation.
As any member can tell you, Cecil is one of the most active members of his church.
He launched a jail ministry and on many Thursday evenings you will find him at the Buncombe County Detention Center.
Weekdays he has served as a tutor for schoolchildren.
And much more.
What does Cecil believe in?
He cares about people, especially the needy – those who have lost their jobs, their homes, and their health.
(I know because thanks to a catastrophic illness, I have lost all three.)
The man cares about people … and that is a quality much needed in a member of Congress.
You have to understand that Cecil was an Eagle Scout and everything that means.
The only U.S. President to have been an Eagle Scout was Jerry Ford.
President Ford tried to do the right thing … even when he knew it meant political suicide.
That is, he pardoned President Nixon … and saved our country from the long nightmare of Watergate.
Today, we need more Eagle Scouts in Congress.
Above all, Cecil lives by the Golden Rule – that is, we should treat one another as we wish to be treated.
That we should behave toward one another as friends, not enemies.
Cecil lives what he preaches.
I would not work for him if this were not so.
I am Catholic and my religious faith is long, deep, and strong.
But when it comes to deeds, not words, Cecil exceeds me by millions of miles.
Last of all, Cecil Bothwell is a man of honesty and integrity.
He demonstrates that every day on City Council.
And he particularly demonstrated during the tenure of Sheriff Bobby Medford.
Despite death threats, Cecil, as an investigative reporter, put the sheriff in prison for 15 years.
The man is incorruptible … and that, too, is a quality much needed in a member of Congress.
I hope this answers your question.
If not, please let me know.
Linda
