๐๐๐ญโ๐ฌ ๐๐๐ฅ๐ค ๐๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ญ ๐๐๐๐ฌ ๐๐๐ซ๐ญ ๐
We noted the right-wing PAC and a number of their acolytes expressing concern online and in a recent LTE in the Chico ER about our filings on their respective web pages, and even a reference to โdarkโ money, which is utterly hilarious coming from a PAC that has brought in over $220,000 (the majority from far-right interests, out-of-towners, and developers/real estate interests).
First, we should note that by law, we didn't have to turn in Form 496 at this time; the requirement to file goes into effect when you spend $1,000 in aggregate supporting or opposing a single candidate or measure. We haven't nearly reached that for any candidate yet.
Nonetheless, we went ahead and filed those on October 22nd, because transparency IS important. Whether required or not, filing so people can see what has been spent, and for those who have donated, what has been done with their money, is the right thing to do.
As of October 22nd, we had spent $2842.83 running ads on FB, Instagram, etc.
A total of $1245.14 was spent on ads for candidates we oppose or support. The majority, however, was not spent on specific candidates; it was spent on promoting education, community-building initiatives and events, and spreading the word about our work. Some of our initiatives:
โข Promoting education and conversation about PACs, both our own and the local right-wing PAC; particularly the amount of money that has poured into our local election from far-right interests, out-of-towners and developers. Weโve also spent money to share and correct some of the most egregious misinformation and outright lies spread by the โSafetyโ PAC.
โข Documenting and discussing actual crime rates in Chico, both on our own and promoting a story in the Chico ER that explored those numbers. The โriseโ in crime in Chico is mostly a myth created to serve a conservative PAC, and itโs important people have the real story.
โข Confronting myths about homelessness and the homeless, and sharing stories that illustrate the issue.
โข Sharing opportunities for civic engagement, including information about council meetings and city surveys
โข Information about registering to vote, and local voting information such as ballot box locations. Concerns about illegal ballot boxes.
โข Community Events, such as a fundraiser for CHAT
We spent an additional $1800 on a couple of billboards to introduce the community to Stand Up for Chico.
Thatโs it. We are committed to transparency, and perhaps more importantly, to acting in the best interest of the entire community, of which transparency is only a small part.
The Chico ER also published an article on October 25th with the most current numbers for all campaigns, which you can read here: Chico Council Race Spending Tops $420k
We canโt ignore the political; itโs part of the fabric of all of this. We are a progressive PAC, and we believe that progressive values best serve the community.
Nonetheless, our mission was, and remains, to act in the best interest of our entire community. To correct lies and misinformation. To promote initiatives that advance solutions and organizations doing good work. To make Chico a better place.
You can view all of our filings to date here.
Just enter ๐๐ก๐๐๐ ๐๐ in the search by name field.
Help Us Grow the Movement for Positive Change:
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @StandUpChico
Help us fight back against misinformation and build up, rather than tear down our community: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/standupchico
