MUTH’S TRUTHS

The following letter was sent to Republican Assemblyman John Marvel this morning regarding his violation of the “no tax” pledge he signed less than a year ago…

March 18, 2007

Assemblyman John Marvel
P.O. Box 1270
Battle Mountain, NV 89820-1270

DELIVERED VIA FAX & EMAIL

Dear Assemblyman Marvel,

I am writing today concerning your Tax Pledge to the voters of your district and rather disturbing comments attributed to you in today’s Reno Gazette-Journal.

Last year, during your campaign for re-election, you signed the “Taxpayer Protection Pledge” sponsored by Americans for Tax Reform. In signing that pledge you promised to “oppose and vote against any and all efforts to increase taxes.”

I’m sure I needn’t remind you that it was your flip-flop on the tax hike in 2003 which resulted in the largest tax increase in Nevada’s history. And the excuses you’ve provided since then for changing your vote that year simply don’t hold water.

To be perfectly honest, because of that vote four years ago, Citizen Outreach PAC was not inclined to support your re-election bid in 2007. It was ONLY because you signed the Tax Pledge that we reluctantly endorsed you in your primary race last summer.

Despite signing the Tax Pledge, you recently co-sponsored a bill to raise taxes on your constituents in Washoe County. Those would be the same constituents to whom you promised during last year’s campaign that you would “oppose and vote against any and all efforts to increase taxes.”

In a RGJ story by reporter Ray Hagar this morning you are quoted as saying:

“That (the Tax Pledge) was for another session. If the people of Washoe County want this, then I think you are obligated. And just because you get on a bill to co-sponsor it, that doesn’t mean it’s a final vote.”

Reserving the remote possibility that you were misquoted, if accurate, this statement is outrageous.

1.) As noted above, your tax pledge was ABSOLUTELY for this session. You signed the pledge just last year during your campaign for re-election.

2.) The “people of Washoe County” didn’t request this bill. There has been no citizen-driven effort to raise taxes in your district. This effort is being led by government bureaucrats and local elected officials who won’t set spending priorities and make tough budget decisions.

3.) Your “obligation” in this matter is to honor your word; word given IN WRITING to the voters of your district during last year’s campaign.

4.) And while co-sponsoring a bill is not the same as voting for the bill, the Tax Pledge you signed specifically promises that you will “oppose…any and all efforts to raise taxes.” Co-sponsoring a tax-hike bill is NOT opposition. It’s support.

There’s just no way to “spin” this, Assemblyman Marvel. You broke your promise to the voters…period.

We hope you will at least vote against the bill if it comes before you.

Considering your flip-flop in 2003 which resulted in the largest tax hike in Nevada history, combined with breaking your Tax Pledge this year, there is no way we can again support your candidacy in the future. Indeed, Citizen Outreach PAC will now actively look for a Republican primary challenger we can support should you decide to run again next year.

Under the circumstances, we urge you in the strongest possible manner to retire from the Legislature after this session and avoid what would likely be a very difficult and contentious primary race in the next election cycle.

Sincerely yours,

Chuck Muth
President
Citizen Outreach

cc: Voters of Assembly District 32
Grover Norquist, Americans for Tax Reform
Nevada media

Posted on March 18th, 2007 by Chuck Muth
Filed under: Nevada