March 28, 2024

Response to recent Payton support letter

I am writing in response to Councilman Craig Trotter’s questions he raised in his endorsement of Patrick Payton in Mr. Payton’s race against State Representative Dan Kelley.

First, Councilman Trotter quotes an article recently in the paper about the election. He asks for details about the statement, “(w)e, as voters, don’t have time for condescending politics, and a vote for (Payton) — an attorney from Des Moines — would not be the right choice for Jasper County.” Councilman Trotter asked readers for an example of Mr. Payton’s “condescending politics.” So, as constituent of Dan’s, I am happy to oblige.

It is not one example of Payton’s condescending politics; it is thousands of examples. Mr. Payton has sent literally thousands of negative mailers, and untrue statements to voters all over the district. Mr. Payton is responsible for this barrage of negativity into our county. We deserve a better campaign from Mr. Payton. Unfortunately, he chose differently.

Councilman Trotter also asked about Mr. Payton’s work as a Des Moines lawyer. There is nothing wrong with living in Newton and working in Des Moines — many of us do. It’s not about where he works; it is about how he runs his campaign. So, it is worth mentioning that when Mr. Payton first decided to run for office, of the thousands of dollars he raised, the vast majority of his donors were from outside of Jasper County. In fact, only $25 — one donation — came from Jasper County.

I hope this answers Councilman Trotter’s questions.