This week, the Daytona Beach News-Journal's endorsed John Mica (R) FL-07 rather than "Jack" Chagnon (D). We knew they would, despite Mica's zero voting record rating on the environment and every other Democratic Party cause the New-Journal trumpets in its daily editorial positions.
In this crucial year, then, why not endorse a charismatic ex-Marine challenger whose literature and speeches takes those same Democratic stances rather than pandering to Southern conservatives? Because Mica got Federal "pork" for the News-Journal Center for performing arts, dream of publisher Tippen Davidson, wannabe symphony conductor and classical music snob.
Ironically, Tippen insisted on a site for his too small and unneeded Center that local environmentalists fought a losing battle to block. Cox, a 49% shareholder at the time, sued the News-Journal for using their corporate funds for a vanity project. The paper settled by buying up Cox's shares. Help us by emailing David Wiggins, Editorial Page Editor, at david.wiggins@news-jrnl.com See our letter to the editor below:
Letter to the Editor sent by Jack Chagnon:
Outraged Volusia-Flagler County voters have contacted me about your endorsement of my Congressional opponent (Oct. 17th Editorial) for the 7th District (Ormond Beach, Holly Hill, Daytona Beach, and most of West Volusia). Your editorial has the appearance of a quid pro quo because Rep. Mica secured the funding for the News-Journal Center, a fact omitted from the laundry list of "pork" used to justify endorsing a man who votes to deny funds for embryonic stem cell research, alternative fuels, and combating global warming. Meanwhile, Mica votes for "Stay the Course" in Iraq, subsidies for big oil companies, tax cuts for our wealthiest citizens, school vouchers, Pell Grant cuts for college, endless deficits, and gutting bankruptcy protection. But, after seven terms in Congress, Rep. Mica has little to offer your readers except an $800,000 study for a toll road connector that your Editorial Board attacked last June and the County Council voted against -- twice!
When I am elected to Congress, this ex-Marine will work to set a timetable to get our sons and daughters out of the Iraqi quagmire. I also pledge to work with my colleagues to fix the prescription drug plan so Medicare is not welfare for drug companies and HMOs. With a Democratic controlled Congress, President Bush's No Child Left Behind Act will be left behind, replaced by an education bill that really educates kids. Funds will go to research on stem-cells and alternative fuels, so America can lead the world in solving problems instead of ignoring them. Deficits will be slashed and the wealthy will pay their way again as fiscal responsibility returns to government.
A poll released Monday by Daytona's Einhorn & Lewis, Inc. (that also polls for Republicans like Evelyn Lynn) finds that District voters would strongly support a candidate with my positions and oppose one with Mica's voting record, if only your paper would be responsible and let your readers know.
I know it's hard for a local paper to speak out against power, even if it means endorsing an individual who stands for everything you find repugnant. So, I'll re frame things to give your paper reason to reverse its position. All national polls indicate that the GOP won't hold onto the House and possibly lose control of the Senate as well, so a re-elected John Mica can't chair any committees or help the District with "pork barrel projects." Endorsing me, and not Mica, would thus be "the better choice." My stances on the issues align with your published positions and those of your readership and, as a member of the majority party, I can be more effective in getting this District the funding it needs.
Winter Park resident, Mica knows little and cares even less about the ignored and exploited Volusia/Flagler area. Volusia/Flagler lacks a 4-year public college and commercial television station and has long suffered with the lowest wages, least educated workforce, and highest taxes in the state. We need a change, I can help get us there, and the News-Journal knows it.