2006.10.14: October 14, 2006: Headlines: COS - El Salvador: Politics: Election2006 - Kefalas: Fort Collins Coloradoan: El Salvador RPCV John Kefalas writes: I feel a little deja-vu because here I am again - before you, only this time powerful special interests are attacking my character and public service record with lies and distortions
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2006.10.03: October 3, 2006: Headlines: COS - El Salvador: Politics: Election2006 - Kefalas: North Forty News: John Kefalas is waging a determined campaign to win the state house seat he was denied two years ago by a thin 484 votes out of the 36,673 ballots cast in House District 52 :
2006.10.14: October 14, 2006: Headlines: COS - El Salvador: Politics: Election2006 - Kefalas: Fort Collins Coloradoan: El Salvador RPCV John Kefalas writes: I feel a little deja-vu because here I am again - before you, only this time powerful special interests are attacking my character and public service record with lies and distortions
El Salvador RPCV John Kefalas writes: I feel a little deja-vu because here I am again - before you, only this time powerful special interests are attacking my character and public service record with lies and distortions
"Regarding my faith, I was raised Greek-Orthodox and have been a member of the Fort Collins Mennonite Fellowship for many years. Mennonites are one of the three Historic Peace Churches along with Friends (Quakers) and Church of the Brethren. One of my fundamental beliefs has to do with refraining from war to resolve conflicts, and I developed this belief throughout my life - from my service as a Peace Corps volunteer in El Salvador to my service as a citizen diplomat in the Middle East." John Kefalas was a candidate for Congress in 2004 and served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in El Salvador.
El Salvador RPCV John Kefalas writes: I feel a little deja-vu because here I am again - before you, only this time powerful special interests are attacking my character and public service record with lies and distortions
Special interests distort honorable record
John M. Kefalas
Two years ago, in the homestretch of a close and clean election campaign, I stood before you in the arena of public discourse to explain my faith, values and vision for Colorado and our community. I feel a little deja-vu because here I am again - before you, only this time powerful special interests are attacking my character and public service record with lies and distortions.
It feels like the story of Daniel and the lions. Many of you know the story. Back in those days, some privileged bureaucrats feared Daniel because of his exemplary public service and honesty. Their power was threatened and they sought to trap him by changing certain laws.
Daniel refused to bow down to the king and was thrown into a lions' den, but because his faith was strong, the lions' jaws remained shut and he was saved. Now, I'm no Daniel, but I am compelled to set the record straight about me and what I stand for.
Consider this example to better understand two values I hold dearly. I support passing legislation that allows parents to take unpaid leave for their children's school activities because this is pro-family and pro-education public policy. My opponent, Bob McCluskey, opposes parental leave legislation because he views this as anti-business. For me, policies that support families and public education are good for business.
My campaign is based on core democratic values such as civility, cooperation, fairness, equal opportunity, compassion and justice. I am deeply committed to serving the public interest and promoting the common good with integrity and accountability. I am a bridge builder and a pragmatic idealist grounded in the realities of our community and the state of our country.
Regarding my faith, I was raised Greek-Orthodox and have been a member of the Fort Collins Mennonite Fellowship for many years. Mennonites are one of the three Historic Peace Churches along with Friends (Quakers) and Church of the Brethren. One of my fundamental beliefs has to do with refraining from war to resolve conflicts, and I developed this belief throughout my life - from my service as a Peace Corps volunteer in El Salvador to my service as a citizen diplomat in the Middle East.
I am a conscientious objector who will die for his country but refuses to kill for his country, and I will not bow down to the king. This fact has bearing on how I've put my faith into action in the past and in the present. Today, I have a son who is serving in the U.S. Army, and I've learned to love him unconditionally and to honor his path of patriotic service.
The fact is that I pay my taxes and always have and do not wish to increase your taxes because as a middle-class wage earner with another son in college, I know how hard it can be to make ends meet. Set aside your biases and consider how I redirected a percentage of my federal income tax to life-affirming causes and organizations as a matter of conscience. I was honest with the IRS and accepted the consequences. And my federal income tax debt has been paid in full (plus penalties and interest) for a long time.
My vision is based on working together to build a fair and sustainable economy with family-supporting jobs, a clean environment and renewable energy, with affordable and comprehensive health insurance for all and with excellent schools that are accessible to everyone.
Please contact me at 221-1135 or john@johnkefalas.org. Check out my Web site, www.johnkefalas.org to find out why it is in your interest to elect me as your next state representative.
John M. Kefalas, of Fort Collins, is the Democratic candidate for state House District 52.
When this story was posted in October 2006, this was on the front page of PCOL:




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Story Source: Fort Collins Coloradoan
This story has been posted in the following forums: : Headlines; COS - El Salvador; Politics; Election2006 - Kefalas
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