MEA vs. UtilityWatch

"MEA has presented only one side of the issue and then told MEA members how to vote. UtilityWatch has provided additional information and analysis on the issue and not told people how to vote."

"Although, not required, UtilityWatch is willing to state the amount of money spent on the announcement from our long-standing education fund.  However, since no funds were raised for the purpose of this election and no one is told how to vote, UtilityWatch remains in compliance with the reporting exemption."  

    --Excerpts from Letter to MEA from UtilityWatch  February 25, 2008

February 24, 2008 UtilityWatch received a letter from MEA stating that UtilityWatch was not in compliance with reporting rules due to the fact we had aired a public service announcement "in support" of the proposed bylaw change.  Not true.  [See MEA's Letter]   UtilityWatch's PSA urged people to get both sides of the story and to get informed.  UtilityWatch did NOT take a position on the ballot measure.  [See and hear the UtilityWatch radio announcement]

UtilityWatch filed an exemption with MEA stating that we did not intend to take a position in the election, but if we did we would file necessary reports.  To date UtilityWatch has taken no position on a candidate or ballot measure.  We stated that in a letter to MEA  February 25, 2008.  [See UtilityWatch reply]

February 25th, UtilityWatch specifically requested MEA post our reply on its website.  But  MEA continued to leave the impression that UtilityWatch was not compliant and did not respond.  Neither was true.  So we asked them again to set things right.  [See UtilityWatch request dated February 27, 2008]  Finally after MEA received UtilityWatch's February 27th letter MEA posted it.  While MEA still lists UtilityWatch as non-compliant, MEA has produced no justification for the listing.  

Are other groups, not even being listed by MEA as non-compliant, spending money that appears to be in violation of the rules?  Stay tuned, we're looking into it.