Memo to David Madore: Jon Russell may be your friend, but it's likely because he's using you.

So, David Madore left this comment for me on the Columbian web site:

David Madore · Top Commenter · Vancouver, Washington

Kage, I do no know Jon's history. But I consider him a friend with conservative values. Whatever that history, I think we are often too quick to write people off, especially our friends who disappoint us.

Reply · Like · about an hour ago

This was my response:

David Madore, that is the difference between us. I DO know his history, and it's a history of dishonesty, of underhandedness, of lies and manipulation. It's a history of selling out his "conservative values" for a paycheck, like when he consulted FOR the "yes" side of the largest tax increase in local history, the Port Levy. It's a history of lying about his education, lying about his wife's profession, lying about his campaign donations. It's a history of character assassination using fake names and aliases, even as an elected official.

It's a history of refusing to take any responsibility for his actions or inactions, like the debacle that is Washougal city government, the mismanagement of tens of thousands of STILL missing dollars on HIS watch as a member of the city finance committee and the entire Stacy Sellars episoide... all of which happened under his very nose, but none of which does he claim or take any responsibility for.

That he's your friend, I believe, is because he's attempting to use you to his ends, given your money, your inexperience in the political arena and your far too trusting nature. But his fake values, his false Christianity, his well-documented history of lies and shifting blame to others vastly overshadows any worth he may have as a conservative.

I did not just pick him out of a crowd of politicians to amplify his many shortcomings. He's earned my attention and the amplification of his many faults and deliberate actions... and his claim of conservative values and GOP allegiance is simply not confirmed by his actions.

I have personally urged him to stop his political ambitions while he proves he's changed. He hasn't. And he won't. And unfortunately for us all, in Jon's world, it's what's all about Jon. And I simply cannot have that type of person in government when I know it for a fact and, as I told him to his face, I will do everything I legally can to make sure that he isn't, particularly when I run the risk of HIM being in state government representing ME.

This, of course, is but the executive summary of the debacle that is Jon Russell.

Those reading this who want to know more can read all about here:

Cross-posted at Clark County Politics.