LETTER: Keeping Discourse Truthful When Considering Citizens United

As many may have read over the past few weeks, a group of citizens have petitioned the Watertown Town Council under the rules and provisions of the Watertown Charter to consider action on the United States Supreme Court Case Citizen’s United. 

Since then, efforts have been made by partisan groups in favor of the ruling to purposefully misconstrue the process in hopes that the mere notion of impropriety will sway the public to similar methods of thinking. I am writing in today simply to set the record straight.

First and foremost, it should be clear that I, Ken Woodland, am not the driving force behind the initiative. Although flattered to be given credit for helping with guidance, I would do the same for any passionate group of citizens who are pursuing an issue they feel so strongly about. Taking responsibility would discredit the hard work of those who actually put it together. Regardless of my opinion on the issue, my actions are the same, no matter the group’s stance on whichever controversial topic of the day may be at stake. Next, the sole reason why this initiative is on the 12-11-12 agenda is because of the Charter rules in regards to petitioning, as the Town Attorney pointed out last evening. Although it is kind for some to believe I set or influence the Council agenda, they are wholly and sadly mistaken. 

Next, some have indicated that the Council is being “forced” to debate this matter.  As was done in many cases in the past, the Council can simply decide not to address the issue. Implying this action is forceful and will definitively be debated by the Council is plainly incorrect. 

But no issue from this group is quite complete without a conspiracy theory, so not wanting to let us down, inferences were also made implying Council members who are potential supporters of this petition were trying unsuccessfully behind closed door to convince others. Minds of similar thinking also came out with the popular theories that Obama faked the Bin Laden killing, had Bill Ayers ghostwrite his memoirs, and visited Mars as a child.

An honest debated could have started by establishing set-in-stone criteria for the Council to follow when petitions seeking a position are brought to the floor. The Council logically wouldn’t have the ability to make these decisions if it never intended to. The debates could have ranged from whether this ruling reaches the municipal level all the way to examination of the case itself. But the debate cannot get off the ground with misconceptions purposefully being distributed. 

Last night the Council came to a conclusion on this matter, details of which I’m sure will be highlighted elsewhere. I am writing for future actions, to urge those who are deliberately giving the public misconceptions to advance a partisan agenda to cease from doing so. Non-factual and easily rebutted personal attacks are the aspects that incite disdain for the political system in general and keep substantive debate away from kitchen tables. Although some may be able to risk that for their partisan agenda, I am not.  

In short, slander and libel have no place here. Some attempt to use those tools to discredit with personal attacks, like on my legal expertise for example. In my case, I do not blame them for the confusion of the complexities of contract law which inspires their misconception, but unless there is that much of a desire to test my legal skillset, I strongly encourage these practices to stop so that we may all have honest debate that will foster intellectual and bipartisan growth for all.

Happy Holidays to All!
Kind regards,

Ken Woodland
Town Councilor: District D