CHAPTER 1: "THE RETIREMENT"

Robert Pittenger, another millionaire politician, accuses Jim of secretly taking a "taxpayer funded bonus" (see source 1) he didn't deserve – an accusation that his own source, the Charlotte Observer, outed to be a boldface lie calling it, “real dirty politics”. (see source 2) Meanwhile, as State Senator, Pittenger voted against funding for police and teachers (see source 3), and now he’s calling their retirement a “Scheme to live off the taxpayers". (see source 4) Then, the Charlotte Observer reveals that Pittenger currently takes his own taxpayer funded state pension after attacking our veterans for living off the taxpayer. (see source 5) He claims he gives it to charity – so he gets a tax deduction giving your money away.

Pittenger's Attack Mailer "Secret Bonus"

Pittenger's Attack Mailer "Get Rich Quick Guide"

Pittenger's Attack Mailer "Double Dip"

THE TRUTH - THE FACTS

• Pittenger wants you to believe Jim took a secret taxpayer funded bonus that he didn't deserve. The "bonus" Pittenger refers to is actually not a bonus at all. Jim receives his earned retirement including his self-funded 401K for his 37 years of service as an MP in the Army, street cop, and Sheriff of Mecklenburg County.
  

• Another source Pittenger cites as his "proof" that Jim took your money is County Manager Harry Jones who issued the following statement on April 4th refuting Pittenger's claims which read, “The additional amounts of accrued vacation paid to Commissioner Pendergraph at the time of his retirement were for benefits he earned during his service as Mecklenburg County Sheriff." (6)
  

• Jim and his wife released their tax returns to prove they had nothing to hide, and challenged Pittenger to do the same given his statement that, "Voters have a right to know the background of a candidate". Pittenger's response to allowing voters the right to know his background: "NO". (7)
  

• Pittenger is another millionaire politician who lives by a different golden rule - the one that says: He who has the money, makes the rules. Only a politician like Pittenger can accuse a man of "stealing" from the public, and then cower behind his wife to prevent from having to face the public on his own merit. So, which is it Mr. Pittenger? Do you believe in transparency and that voters have a right to know, or is this just something you say to get elected?

 SOURCES 

1. Transcript of Robert Pittenger's TV AD: "Secret Bonus" - Read Here 
2. Charlotte Observer: Pittenger's Attack Ad - A Breakdown - Read Here
3. Bill HR 1473 - Pittenger voted No - Read Here
4. Pittenger Mailer - Get Rich Quick Guide - Page 3 - Read Here
5. Charlotte Observer: Pittenger's Pension Proves Ironic - Read Here
6. Charlotte Observer: Mecklenburg County Harry Jones Statement - Read here
7. Charlotte Observer: Pendergraph Releases Tax Returns - Read Here

Read more here about the choice you have on July 17th.