WDTC Series: Just the Facts - Exposing misinformation
Facts Matter
Transparency is a cornerstone of our democratic process, and any group seeking to influence public opinion should be forthcoming about their affiliations and intentions. We all know how dangerous misinformation can be, and how easily it can spread, especially when designed to look "official" or "accredited."
Many residents in town have been receiving unsolicited emails from United for Woodbridge, a self-described “non-partisan group of concerned citizens, not affiliated with any other group.”
We believe we all have the right to know who is contacting us and for what purpose.
United for Woodbridge is a registered political action committee (PAC) that was formed to oppose the "sale of public land."
The PAC has/is actively campaigned against initiatives in Woodbridge, such as multi-use plans for the former Country Club of Woodbridge, housing development, and zoning amendments.
The president of the PAC is Cathy Wick, who is the vice president of Woodbridge Land Trust, president of Woodbridge Park Association, and administrator of Conserve Woodbridge, and the treasurer is Paul Harrigan.
Both Cathy Wick and Paul Harrigan filed FOIA Requests earlier this year to obtain the email addresses of all town communication subscribers.
What is particularly concerning is that this PAC purports to “fill the gap” of a local newspaper by repeatedly circulating incorrect and misleading information to the residents of Woodbridge.
The PAC authored and mailed a “bright green flyer” under the guise of informing residents on recent TPZ zoning regulation changes; in reality, the PAC misled residents by omitting crucial relevant information as detailed in the WDTC March “Just the Facts” newsletter.
The PAC insists on repeating the false narrative that the former CCW was purchased for open space only, relying on a paid political campaign advertisement and ignoring official town documents that prove the contrary, as detailed HERE .
The WDTC remains committed to providing the facts to ALL our residents.
We are unfortunately watching, in real time, the significant threat the spread of misinformation poses to our democracy nationally.
The WDTC will vehemently defend against these manipulative tactics leaking into our town, and we encourage all residents to assist us by staying informed, asking questions, and making sure that you have access to transparent, accurate information.
WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW:
If you have received unsolicited emails from any group or organization, you can review the Customer Contact Data Notice.
Make sure you are signed up to receive Official Town Communication emails.
If you are on Facebook, be sure to follow the Town's Official Page.
Town Board and Commission meetings are streamed live and are recorded to be available to watch anytime on the Official GATV79 YouTube Channel, making it easy to get the information directly at the source.
Join the effort to combat misinformation in Woodbridge by sharing this email with your friends and neighbors.
