Hyde Rejects Attack Ads, Urges Focus on Real Issues

In the middle of tense negotiations and high-stakes decisions, Deputy Prime Minister Cordel Hyde is calling for a reset in tone. Speaking out today, Hyde distanced himself from the recent wave of personal attack ads targeting union leaders. He says those kinds of tactics only distract from the real work that needs to be done. According to Hyde, it’s time to focus on solutions, not smear campaigns. Here’s how he put it.

 

Cordel Hyde, Deputy Prime Minister

“I said to the folks that a lot has been said on both sides, but we don’t support that kind of stuff. We are about getting results, talking constructively, about respecting each other, being serious about the issues and we don’t get into personality issues, we really cant because this country is too small, the demands are too great. Our time is limited. We are not going to be here forever. And so, we have to maximize and get much done as hard as we can for as long as we can. And when you get into personality, it takes away from the work you have to do, so we don’t support that. We made that clear to those on the other side on the joint unions.”

 

Reporter

“While you are around the table doing the work, there is your colleagues on the other side saying we will have to raise taxes if the teachers gets their increase. This has to make the work you are doing much more difficult.”

 

Cordel Hyde

“That is our job, to find a way to reach an agreement and we cant shy away from that. I wish we had reached this point some time ago and now we are here and I think we are as close as we can get.”