Toole: Taylor twisted statistics

Editor,

I write to respond to Mike Taylor's letter about my votes on bills at the Legislature. We all know that statistics can be twisted to make any point the twister wants. By focusing on his analysis of my voting record, which is misleading and inaccurate, Mike is hoping that the voters will stop thinking about his record on deregulation. Here's his record.

Mike supported deregulation when he voted for deregulation of natural gas.

Mike supported deregulation when he opposed a special session to stop deregulation.

Mike supported deregulation when he opposed a second call for a special session.

Mike supported deregulation when he signed on as a sponsor of the electric deregulation bill.

Mike supported deregulation when he voted for it following floor debate in the senate.

Mike opposed deregulation when he voted against it on "third reading," no debate or amendments allowed.

Mike opposed deregulation when he voted on the bill when it came to the Senate from the House, again no debate or amendment allowed.

Mike and I served together on the Senate energy committee. We got along well and had a lot of discussions about energy issues. Mike has been inconsistent on deregulation because he does not have the history, understanding or experience to know how big utility monopolies manipulate the law and political process. I have over 20 years experience working on energy issues supporting citizen groups and opposing the big energy lobby.

Because of that experience, I understood that deregulation was a big mistake and opposed it consistently from the very beginning. I traveled across the state, wrote articles and spoke at public meetings doing anything I could to stop the deregulation debacle. I was invited to represent the deregulation opponents' viewpoint at Governor Racicot's conference promoting deregulation. We lost the deregulation battle because a lot of legislators, just like Mike, didn't understand what was happening.

I have a lot more experience than Mike advocating for consumers and I believe that makes the difference in the race for PSC. I would appreciate your vote.

Ken Toole

Helena