Whisper campaign started in Keller elections

From: Kevin Stevenson

To:

Subject: An interesting comment from our ‘friends’

I thought that you would enjoy seeing what some of the candidates are saying about us over here on the ‘other side’ of 377. Spread the word to your friends and neighbors and let’s prove ‘em wrong by going to the polls to let them know how we feel about THEM.

From: Melody Kohout

To: Debbie, John Price, Kevin Stevenson

Subject: HMMM?

It has come to my attention, that the supporters of the majority portion of the current school board members feel they are a “shoe in” in the upcoming election.

They have gone so far as to say that KISD “patrons living on the “other side ” of 377 are not smart enough to read and vote”.

I don’t know about you, but I have told everyone I know living in the Central and Fossil feeders about their feelings toward their population - they were shocked and are spreading the word.

CODE OF FAIR CAMPAIGN PRACTICES

There are basic principles of decency, honesty, and fair play that every candidate and political committee in this state has a moral obligation to observe and uphold, in order that, after vigorously contested but fairly conducted campaigns, our citizens may exercise their constitutional rights to a free and untrammeled choice and the will of the people may be fully and clearly expressed on the issues.

THEREFORE:

1. I will conduct the campaign openly and publicly and limit attacks on my opponent to legitimate challenges to my opponent’s record and stated positions on issues.

2. I will not use or permit the use of character defamation, whispering campaigns, libel, slander, or scurrilous attacks on any candidate or the candidate’s personal or family life.

3. I will not use or permit any appeal to negative prejudice based on race, sex, religion, or national origin.

4. I will not use campaign material of any sort that misrepresents, distorts, or otherwise falsifies the facts, nor will I use malicious or unfounded accusations that aim at creating or exploiting doubts, without justification, as to the personal integrity or patriotism of my opponent.

5. I will not undertake or condone any dishonest or unethical practice that tends to corrupt or undermine our system of free elections or that hampers or prevents the full and free expression of the will of the voters, including any activity aimed at intimidating voters or discouraging them from voting.

6. I will defend and uphold the right of every qualified voter to full and equal participation in the electoral process, and will not engage in any activity aimed at intimidating voters or discouraging them from voting.

7. I will immediately and publicly repudiate methods and tactics that may come from others that I have pledged not to use or condone. I shall take firm action against any subordinate who violates any provision of this code or the laws governing elections.

I, the undersigned, candidate for election to public office in the State of Texas or campaign treasurer of a political committee, hereby voluntarily endorse, subscribe to, and solemnly pledge myself to conduct the campaign in accordance with the above principles and practices.