Reports indicate that Craig Wilhelm’s campaign slogan contradicts a lousy public record on voting, taxes and business according to the Knute Buehler campaign. The Buehler for State Representative campaign launched a TV ad yesterday drawing attention to the credibility gap between Craig Wilhelm’s campaign slogan and his public record. The ad highlights Wilhelm’s failure to vote in 38 percent of local elections from 2008 to 2013, his failure to pay Deschutes County property taxes on time – three years in a row and Wilhelm’s choice to register his business in Washington state instead of Oregon.
The ad can be viewed here: www.knutebuehler.com/news-media/.
“Actions speak louder than slogans. The facts reveal a credibility gap between Mr. Wilhelm’s political slogans and his public record,” said Buehler campaign manager Jennifer Stephens.
Wilhelm on his part began running negative campaign ads suggesting that Buehler is ‘absent on choice.’ This ad is paid for by the Future PAC, which is a campaign committee of the Oregon House Democratic caucus.
The problem with that ad is Buehler’s own website says: “I am pro-choice and believe the issue of abortion should remain between a woman and her doctor — not government and politicians.”
According to releases from the Buehler campaign and online information:
• Lousy Voting Record: Craig Wilhelm failed to vote in 38 percent of local elections. Wilhelm skipped 5 of 13 elections from 2008-2013, missing votes on critical local issues, including funding for schools, COCC and public safety. When asked about his spotty voting record during a candidate debate in August, Wilhelm first denied the truth and then admitted he “should have planned better.” (Source: Deschutes County Elections office, Craig Allen Wilhelm Voter profile accessed May 8, 2014; Candidate debate Aug. 5, 2014)
• Lousy Tax Record: Craig Wilhelm was late paying his property taxes three years in a row. Wilhelm was delinquent on his property taxes from 2007-2009, leading to $325.44 in penalty interest charges. The failure to pay his taxes on time reflects poorly on his commitment to schools and local services. (Source: Deschutes County Tax Office, Property Information Database accessed May 13, 2014)
• Lousy Business Record: Craig Wilhelm chose to register his business in Washington, not Oregon. Craig Wilhelm talks about creating jobs, but given the choice, he registered RRT American Services in Washington State. The company is located in Bellevue, Washington, www.rrtglobal.com
Records show it was established in 2008 and incorporated in Washington. Current estimates, although not substantiated, show this company has an annual revenue of $950,000 and employs a staff of approximately 1 to 5.
(Sources: Washington Secretary of State Corporations Division, Limited Liability Reinstatement signed by Wilhelm on December 10, 2013; Craig Wilhelm Statement of Economic Interest filed April 17, 2014)
Promote Oregon launched a website, www.WhoisCraigWilhelm.com, aimed to educate Bend voters about the public record of Oregon House District 54 candidate Craig Wilhelm.
The website says: Although Mr. Wilhelm claims to “love Bend” in his most recent campaign ad, his local record within the community paints a different picture. According to public records, Mr. Wilhelm failed to pay his local property taxes on time three years in a row and has failed to vote in 38 percent of local elections, missing important votes involving schools and public safety. He also chose to register his business, RRT American Services, in Washington state – not Oregon.
“If you love Bend, you pay your local taxes on time, you participate in local elections and you register your business in Oregon – not Washington state,” said Promote Oregon spokesperson Kara Walker. “Actions speak louder than words and there is a clear pattern showing Mr. Wilhelm’s disinterest in following rules and participating in important events within the Bend community. Voters expect more from those who want to represent them in public office.”
The website features details and records stating that:
• WILHELM FAILS TO PAY HIS PROPERTY TAXES ON TIME. While seeking – and being denied – an appointment to a vacancy on the Bend City Council, Wilhelm was late in paying his property taxes in 2007, 2008 and again in 2009, and was required to pay $325.44 in penalty interest charges. (Source: Deschutes County Tax Office, Property Information Database accessed May 13, 2014; Bend Bulletin, January 15, 2009 and Bend City Council Work Session Minutes, January 21, 2009)
• WILHELM FAILS TO VOTE IN LOCAL ELECTIONS. Even though he was a local Democratic Party leader, Wilhelm didn’t vote in nearly 40% of the local elections held between 2008 and 2013, when voters were deciding issues critical to local schools, public safety, the arts and economic development. During a debate in August, Wilhelm first denied skipping local elections and then conceded he “should have planned better.” (Source: Deschutes County Elections office, Craig Allen Wilhelm Voter profile accessed May 8, 2014; Candidate debate Aug. 5, 2014)
• WILHELM REGISTERS HIS BUSINESS IN WASHINGTON STATE – NOT OREGON. While Wilhelm has publicly lectured others about locating “their P.O. box to avoid high taxes in California,” his own business, RRT American Services, is registered in Washington state, not Oregon. In fact, a week after declaring himself a candidate for the Oregon House, he renewed the Washington registration. And Wilhelm is not a member of the Bend Chamber of Commerce. (Sources: Washington Secretary of State Corporations Division, Limited Liability Reinstatement signed by Wilhelm on December 10, 2013; Craig Wilhelm Statement of Economic Interest filed April 17, 2014; www.CraigWilhelm.com, Issues – Economy, Accessed June 23, 2014)
• WILHELM HAS A PATTERN OF NOT FOLLOWING RULES. Wilhelm has racked up a dangerous driving record with 10 speeding and other traffic charges, including driving on a suspended license and misdemeanor reckless driving. He even had a bench warrant issued for failing to appear in court. (Source: Court reports in Oklahoma, Virginia; Alabama and Oregon)
