Natomas resident, business owner and chamber of commerce leader Noel Martin says he is frustrated by the assumption he has endorsed Councilman Ray Tretheway’s bid for re-election.
“I was told by the council member’s staff I was participating in a press release announcement for Kaiser coming to Natomas and I intended for my participation to be pro-Natomas, not pro-Ray Tretheway,” Martin told THE NATOMAS BUZZ. “I think that his campaign team overstepped their boundaries on this one.”
Photographs of Martin, Natomas Chamber of Commerce president and owner of Postnet on Natomas Boulevard, have appeared on two separate political mailers recently sent to District One residents by the Tretheway campaign. Although neither piece explicitly states he endorses Tretheway, Martin feels the use of his image implies support for the Tretheway campaign – and he’s been hearing the same from members of the community.
“I appreciate Noel’s years of service to Natomas and his commitment to the Chamber of Commerce. I appreciate that he agreed to have his picture taken by my political campaign for use in my campaign mail,” said Councilman Ray Tretheway in a statement released by his campaign manager Rebecca Concepcion Apostol. “When I heard about this issue late this afternoon, my campaign called and left a message with Mr. Martin. I hope to talk with him soon to clear up any misunderstanding.”
To date, neither the Natomas Chamber of Commerce nor Martin have chosen to endorse a candidate in the current election to represent District One. Tretheway, the incumbent, is running against Angelique Ashby and Efren Guttierrez. The election is set for June 8.
“I am, once again, disappointed in my opponent as it is unfair and dishonest to send out a misleading mailer to thousands of voters that implies he has the endorsement of the Natomas Chamber of Commerce President, Noel Martin,” said Ashby. “He owes his constituents the truth and I hope he will act quickly to issue an apology and send out a correction.”
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