I received a horrible robo call from Bruce Lilley with the caller I.D. saying JACKIE ONASSIS. The call proceeded to call Vicki Barnett disgusting. I marched myself over to Lilley's headquarters on Grand River, went in, and told him how disgusting the call was with it's content, and using JACKIE ONASSIS'S name on caller I.D.
He swore to me "his campaign had nothing to do with this." I asked him "well who else is running against Vicki Barnett?" I told him instead of worrying about sending out his big glossy postcards everyday (that his three volunteers were feverishly addressing at a table at the time) he ought to spend his time"investigating" who might be sending these horrid robo calls. BTW..one volunteer said to me"oh I got one of those too from JACKIE ONASSIS" Really? And you didn't tell your boss Mr. Lilley? He was "shocked "when he heard this news from me!
Post cards don't win an election, but using a dead Democrats name on caller I.D. for a reprehensible robo call SURE CAN LOSE THEM!

I know Mr. Lilley, and he is a man of integrity. He has stated time and time again that he has not done the calls and if he knew who was, he would ask them to stop. He finds these calls abhorrent, and this whole situation has been upsetting to him and his family. Please remember that if one of Ms. Barnett’s backers decided to place a robocall against Mr. Lilley, she would find herself in the same position: being accused of something she knows nothing about, and having people continue to attack her despite her knowing nothing. Worst of all, she would have no way of proving anything, which brings me to my next point…

The problem is that robocalls can be placed by ANYONE, at anytime. So, we can’t assume that because Mr. Lilley is the only other candidate, he’s the source of the calls. Any person or PAC with extra cash can place a robocall without his knowledge. What’s more, they’re not required to name themselves in the message. And there’s no way to find out who funds them once the call has been placed, as the information is not public record. When Patch first ran an article about the robocalls, they never reported this fact. They also should have gotten to the bottom of the accusations in the calls by sorting out what’s true (if anything) and what’s not, and at a minimum, report on how Ms. Barnett voted.

Both candidates support legislation requiring that funders of robocalls be identified. Let’s hope whoever is elected gets it done.

Stacy: Do not forget, those calls could have been placed by Mr. Lilleys' opponent as a way of causing a reaction such as yours. Remember, its election season and ANYTHING is possible or probable.

ohhhhh right Art! If you knew Vicki Barnett you would know that she would never stoop to using Jackie Onassis's name and call herself disgusting. It is called a difference between having class, and running on EMPTY. Even the fact that you mentioned that this was a possibility shows how desperate the far right has become. BUT..having observed Vicky over the past years, I am sure she would welcome your phone call and inquiry about this most toxic tactic being used by her opposition. Why don't you give her a call? Even though she is busy being the State Representative, she always takes time to talk to her constituents, as she hold meetings throughout the town and takes calls. Art, do you work for Lilley? Seems like a comment or diversional reaction by someone desperate to divert from the issue at hand.

Art, not emotional, and your response of calling me emotional is a typical insulting way to respond to a woman. I didn't see you call the letter writer emotional. I must have pressed your button. I was simply saying that stating this could have come from the Barnett campaign was absurd, and surely now that you have shared communications with her in that past, you know I am correct. Art, I think we agree the robo calls are awful regardless, and so we can unemotionally agree on that point.

Representation works best when it's close to home. Who you choose as your state representative is important.

Bruce Lilley, a lifetime Farmington resident, is running for Michigan State Representative in the 37th District. It's refreshing to hear him speak of our country's constitution, the wisdom of our Founding Fathers and the need to work together towards common goals as our founders did. Bruce sees the potential which needs to be tapped and he'll work hard, with others, to realize that potential. The result - prosperity, growth and security to all.

Bruce's pledge of his sacred honor to work for Farmington and Farmington Hills residents and the State of Michigan is meaningful and sincere. He has been tirelessly going door-to-door asking citizens for their support. The large number of local volunteers supporting him and his campaign is impressive. Bruce is genuine and selfless.

He'll represent us well and knows we're better when we work together. We encourage you to vote for Bruce Lilley on November 6.

Scott & Tracy Freeman
Farmington