Last week included in our local paper was a handy “2012 Informed Voter Guide.” But in small letters was “Paid Advertisement” and it was published by The Freedom Foundation. For those who are not civics geeks, The Freedom Foundation is a very conservative group with unknown financing. They often work with the Cato Institute — a libertarian Koch brothers’ funded right-wing think tank. The Koch brothers (each worth $20 billion) are two very conservative billionaires who fund right wing causes and lobbying efforts. Most of their money comes from oil, gas and coal — but they own many other businesses. Far from just being “climate change skeptics,” they are involved in many issues regarding regulations and taxes. Thanks to the Supreme Courts’ Citizens United decision, we may never know who funds these types of “guides.” They have a clear agenda and you should keep that in mind when presented with something that tries to look like a balanced tool. They are far from nonpartisan or balanced.

Jill Yomnick

Clinton