My opponent is implying that I have done things that are illegal and against the rules of running for public office.
THIS IN FACT IS NOT TRUE. Before I had my signs made, I called Madison County Democratic Party Chairman,
Matt Melucci and spoke to him personally. I asked him if I possibility could put DEMOCRAT on my signs and
pamphlets. He informed me that as long as I did not put DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE on them, which I have not
done, that it was alright to do. He also informed me that even though it is a Consolidated Election, without a
caucus, and that it had not been done before, it was indeed legal to do, and totally up to me if I wanted to let the
people know that I am a DEMOCRAT in any manner I chose.In regards to the signatures on my petitions, if they
were improper and unacceptable they would have been disallowed.
The rules applying to these petitions were to get a required minimum amount of (65) signatures, and a maximum
amount of (115) signatures. The maximum amount was to insure enough signatures in case some of the
signatures were disqualified; I turned in the maximum amount of (115) that was allowed. The only thing that
amazed my opponent in regards to these signatures, in my opinion, is the fact that I got the maximum amount.
He did indeed try to find a way in which to have me disqualified, but he could not do it. My opponent is being
misleading in the facts. Evidently my opponent has a problem with the manner in which I chose to inform the
people that I am a DEMOCRAT. He must feel threatened in some way about this, given the choice of tactics he
is using in implying that I am doing something illegal, devious, and deceptive. I strongly deny any and all
statements that my opponent has made in regards to this.
Concerning my lack of knowledge about every single road that is the responsibility of Chouteau Township, he is
somewhat correct in this. I mistakenly thought that Maryville Rd. was included, but at least I admit when I am
mistaken. Even my opponent could not have known everything when he started out. If I am elected, I assure
each of you that I will get the job done correctly. I consider myself to be a quick learner and I have no doubts that
I can and will accomplish what the job requires of me.As to my opponents voting preferences, he has the right to
vote for who he chooses to. I do not know who he voted for, but I do know for a fact that he is registered as a
REPUBLICAN on the voter registration list. This was his choice to be registered this way and it was my choice to
be registered as a DEMOCRAT. After all, life is full of choices, you make them and then you live with them.
While I do not have a problem with his choice in his registration and voting preferences, I do have a problem with
his implications of me being devious and deceptive, while denying how he really votes. This seems to give the
impression of him having something to be ashamed of or having something he wants to hide. It seems to me
that my opponent if feeling desperate.
AFTER ALL “CHARACTER ASSASSINATION IS A PRODUCT OF THE GRAND OLD PARTY’ We all witnessed
this in the Presidential Campaign of John McCain. In closing I would like to state that if anyone would like to see
exactly what people are complaining about feel free to call me at 797-0373I will personally take you on a tour of
the areas of complaint. You will be able to see the smashed culverts that cause some of the flooding. By the
way, my opponent cannot truthfully say there is no funds to fix this one of many problems since there are quite a
few new culverts stacked up at the Township garage.
Please vote Jim Lockhart, April 7, 2009
for Chouteau Township Highway Commissioner
Response To My Opponent's Open Letter Regarding the Chouteau Township
Commissioner Election
Submitted by Jim Lockhart, Candidate
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