In a campaign mass mailing by the Republican candidate for Berks County Coroner there is the following statement:
“FACT: Nick Bybel MD is the most qualified candidate for the office of coroner. (League of Women Voters Forum, 9/29/09)”
While this statement may have been made during the Candidates Forum by a candidate or a supporter, it was not made by the League of Women Voters of Berks County moderator. We are demanding a written retraction of this misleading statement from the Elect Doctor Bybel Corner Committee and the Berks County Republican Committee, immediately. We further demand that this retraction be mailed to the mailing list which received the erroneous material as well as a retraction to appear in the Reading Eagle.
The League of Women Voters is a non-partisan organization that does not endorse candidates but provides forums to inform voters. The League does not support or oppose any political party or any candidate, but does and always has taken stands on issues which its members have studied.
According to our By-Laws, Article II, Section 2, The League shall not support or oppose any political party or any candidate. (copies available upon request)
The League of Women Voters began formally as an organization in February 1920 in Chicago, six months before the ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment giving women the right to vote. Our mission is to LET PEOPLE KNOW. MAKE PEOPLE CARE. HELP PEOPLE ACT. The purpose of the LWV is to create in citizens a sense of responsibility for knowing about governmental problems and doing something about them. Through study and action on issues affected by government and through its services to voters, the League seeks to encourage the informed citizen who actively participates in government.
Citizens are encouraged to vote for the candidates they think best on November 3.
Sincerely,
Pamela S Gockley President of the League of Women Voters of Berks County
