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Campaign mailings alarm and confuse By Dani Dodge Like most people in the Rogue Valley, Andrew Foley�s mailbox has been filling up lately with campaign mailings. There�s been two or three letters and brochures a day signed by everyone from Bill Clinton to representatives of the religious right, Foley said. Don�t be fooled by mailings Here are some tips from experts for perusing campaign mailings: Carefully check to see if you recognize and respect the group that sent you the campaign literature. Many legitimate groups � including those that share your political sentiments � will be taking stands on issues. If you don�t recognize the sponsor, try to find out more about the group or individual and their political agenda. There should be a Web site or phone number for you to contact. If the sponsor of the mailing is not named, or can�t be found, it�s best not to give the piece too much credence. If the campaign mailer purports to be unbiased, make sure both points of view are reflected. Study the official state Voters� Pamphlet. Still confused? Pick up League of Women Voters ballot guides at Medford Fred Meyer stores and library branches. Or go to the League of Women Voters Web site at www.lwvrv.org, or the secretary of state�s Website at www.sos.state.or.us. If you�re yearning for more information, check out RVTV Channel 9 at 6 p.m. Monday when the league will host a show discuss the most controversial of the measures. But Foley, an 82-year-old retired Medford psychologist, was alarmed late last week when he received a flashy "26 Ballot Measure Made Simple" booklet. The glossy black cover is adorned with gold stars and a majestic bald eagle. It made recommendations on all the statewide ballot measures. "Nothing else bothered me like that one," said Foley. "I was feeling a little angry because someone was trying to coach everyone to vote their own way. People should do their own thinking." Foley isn�t the only person alarmed by the mailer. Election officials and League of Women Voters leaders are warning voters to carefully consider who is paying for the mailings before deciding if the information is valid. "The voter has to beware," said the state League of Women Voters President Paula Krane. "It�s horrible because it hasn�t been this way in the past." Local league leaders say that while the mailer seems to come from farmers, homeowners and small business owners, the mailer�s recommendations differ from established farm and business groups, some whom published their opinions in the state�s Voters� Pamphlet. "In the (Measures Made Simple brochure) they don�t tell you who they are and where their money comes from," said Ruth Walsh, voter service chairwoman for the Ashland League of Women Voters. "That�s reason to be suspicious." Despite the complaints, however, the mailer isn�t even close to getting anyone in trouble. Although there are laws on the books saying groups must identify themselves in their mailers, a 1999 attorney general�s opinion said that law could not be enforced, said Mike Arpin, program representative for the secretary of state�s office. "We suggest (political groups) do it voluntarily, and most do," Arpin said. "But as far as mailings or political signage, there�s a law but we don�t enforce it." Jackson County Clerk Kathy Beckett said the best source of information on ballot measures is in the state Voters� Pamphlet. "The explanatory statements should really help people focus," Beckett said. "That and the financial impact statements are important. " She noted, though, that people need to carefully evaluate the arguments in the pamphlet because those are paid statements. She also noted that the League of Women Voters puts out an impartial voters guide that is available at Fred Meyer stores and county library branches. If after they�ve researched the questions voters still can�t decide, don�t guess, Beckett said. "If they really don�t understand a measure, they shouldn�t vote on it, but leave it to someone else," Beckett said. "People need to realize they don�t have to vote the entire ballot. They can leave questions blank and the ballot still counts." Reach reporter Dani Dodge at 776-4471, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2000 Mail Tribune, Inc.