To the Editor:

Recently “SSI” surveys popped up on my called ID and in a moment of curiosity I answered my phone. I figured it was a political questionnaire and it was. What I didn’t anticipate was a veiled attempt by Sen. Jim Davis, R-Franklin, and/or his operatives to misrepresent Davis’ Senate votes while misquoting and selectively editing the positions of his state Senate opponent Jane Hipps.

For example, would I be more or less likely to vote for Jim Davis knowing he voted for an 11 percent raise for North Carolina’s teachers? Left unsaid was that this was a one-time raise given at the expense of tenure and future raises and cut teacher assistant jobs. I replied less likely. How about if you knew he “lowered your taxes?” Truthfully, this tax cut benefits only the wealthiest 20 percent. Poor and middle-income citizens will see higher taxes with the repeal of the Earned Income Tax Credit and the movement to a flat tax system where four of five will pay more taxes.

After a series of similar questions I was asked questions in the same format about Jane Hipps. Would I be more or less likely to vote for Jane Hipps, “who wants to raise your taxes?” I replied she wanted to increase education funding and increase jobs for the middle class by returning to fair taxes on millionaires and corporations. There were other additional questions. You get the picture.

I want to know who paid for this deceitful “survey.” Was it Davis’ campaign or dark, out-of-state money? Either way, this type of campaigning does not belong here in the mountains. Hipps will be outspent, but hopefully people will use their voices, letters and votes to overcome money, half-truths, misrepresentations and manipulation of  facts.

Good, honest debate and comments on issues are important and vital. This “survey” is a travesty and dishonors our political process.

Barbara Morris

Franklin