Submitted to the Swift County Monitor & Appleton Press

Dear Editor:

Everybody loves a good rumor. It tickles the ear. It astounds us or makes us angry. A rumor is definitely easy to swallow. The truth, however, is not so easy. It takes more explanation. Truth can be complex and mundane. The truth takes time to digest. That is why some people choose to spread rumors. They have a desire to hurt or take someone down in a way truth cannot.

Andrew Falk and his friends have decided to spread a rumor about me by saying I do not really live in the district I hope to represent. This is a manufactured story and completely not true. Rather than discuss his record, or engage in constructive discussion about our differing visions for job creation and economic development, Falk's campaign is engaged in the politics of personal destruction.

The truth – I was born in Graceville. In 2008 my wife and I decided to return home. After looking for suitable housing for my wife, our five children, and me, we decided to instead build. I currently live in an apartment while our new home is being built. My daughter has been attending CGB School in Graceville since 2008 and my son began in 2009. Two of my younger children started attending CGB this year and I am a volunteer EMT for the Graceville Ambulance.

I believe this is a very important election for all of us. Our state government is out of time to balance its own budget. Our communities need more work. The education of our children should be more about quality and less about politics. I decided I can do something positive and decided I could best invest my time by becoming a State Representative.

We need straightforward, hard working, and responsible government. We need a representative who will focus on making our community better. That's my plan, and that's why I'm working hard to earn your vote.

Jay Backer

Candidate, House District 20A