Opponent Continues Divisive Politics

In an LA Times article written by Jean-Paul Renaud and Garrett Therolf on Wednesday June 5, 2008, the cost of the campaign for my opponent and I were discussed.

“Parks said Wednesday that his campaign spent $900,000, while Ridley-Thomas reported spending $800,000 -- not counting the millions spent by special interest outside his campaign.”

The article continues with a quote from Bart Diener, who is the assistant to the president of Service Employees International Union, Local 721, "We didn't break the bank in the primary; we’ll spend whatever we feel it'll take."

The fact is; we were outspent by a six-to-one margin in an election that saw a 17% turnout. The opposition spent $97 for each vote it received. Put another way, they spent $5.5 million to receive 45% of 125,000 votes.

My opponent threw everything and the kitchen sink at my candidacy, and I am still standing today. The people of this district were turned off by Ridley-Thomas’ negative campaign tactics against me and now, the people want a campaign based on issues.

‘"The fact that Bernard Parks was a mere 5 percentage points behind someone who had five times the money indicates someone who has incredible strength," said Carol Schatz, president of the Central City Assn., a downtown business advocacy group. "I think the message came through in the end that special interest money -- should be objectionable to any community."’

The people of the 2^nd District demand that their next County Supervisor is someone who will put the needs of the citizens ahead of the needs of special interest groups.

I believe that all people of the 2^nd District need “active support,” including Union workers & Households, Small Business owners, Senior Citizens, Veterans, the infirmed, and Children. We cannot allow only one facet of our population to be served, there is too much to be done, too much at stake in this election to permit this to happen.

I ask for your continued support. Donations are needed now more than ever, so please visit our website at: http://parksforsupervisor.com/action/donate.php to donate.

We must have a Supervisor who will represent everyone’s best interests at heart. With your continuing support, I am confident I will be the next Supervisor of the 2^nd District.

Thank you,

Bernard C. Parks