Shane Wilkin and Beth Ellis are running for state representative in the 91st District. Wilkin, of Highland County, is an insider. Folks here in Highland County have unanswered questions.

First, the DOJ $844,000 grant to Rocky Fork Lake. A public records request was made March 6 for communications surrounding withholding of grant monies. Commissioners have not complied. Why?

On March 19, Wilkin met with nine DOJ officials in D.C. for a two-hour meeting. ”We worked out a plan to move the grant forward.” In another public records request, reported, “Mr. Wilkin took no notes and therefore has nothing to provide.” The clerk’s notes — 35 words.

Why this withholding of information? Are there politically embarrassing details? Could the grant be lost already?

More unanswered questions on felony theft in office of the commissioners’ clerk. From July to November 2017, $2,845.22 taxpayer money stolen. The rest of the five years the clerk was employed? The county auditor was not asked, nor did he have anything to do with the audit. Who did the audit and for what time period?

Negative ads are being mailed portraying Beth Ellis in a demeaning, subordinate way. Shane says he can’t stop them. Since they are on your behalf, Mr. Wilkin, I think you owe an apology to women in the 91st District.

If Mr. Wilkin should lose this political race, it won’t be because of a person, or an organization, or money, or endorsements. He will lose it all by himself.

Barb Cole

Member, Republican Central Committee

Highland County