Who’s really running Winfield campaigns?

Serving as an elected official is a big commitment. I know this, because I have served, and I have run my own campaign. So, to those who have served, thank you. That said, not everyone is best suited to serve as a government official, and we should pay closer attention to our governing bodies and those entities that pay for and run elected officials’ campaigns.

During the Winfield campaigning season, I have received lots of propaganda. Some pieces have come with paid for by Citizens for Tim Allen, Citizens for Tony Reyes, and Winfield United Political Committee. It has been clear to me who is speaking in the material I’ve received from Tim Allen and/or Tony Reyes, what’s not clear to me is who is speaking in the pieces from Winfield United Political Committee.

What does “endorsed by Winfield United” mean exactly? It most certainly is not the same as being endorsed by the Daily Herald, as the Daily Herald is not: getting professional photography of its endorsed candidates; getting candidates speaking coaches; writing campaign literature, which the candidates don’t even see or approve themselves before it goes out; paying for and putting up yard signs; going door to door campaigning; fund raising; and filing financial reports. All of these things are part of the Winfield United endorsement.

If the candidates let Winfield United run their campaign, how are they going to run our village? Currently, only one member of the Winfield village board ran his own campaign and that was Jay Olson in 2008. So who then is really running our village? I’m giving my vote to those with a passion for the job; those willing to put in the work in an election, because they will put in the work once elected.

Angel Oakley

former Winfield trustee