Seen a Rogue on the loose? Get in touch with our Roguemeister: JOHN SCHRAG jschrag@wweek.com (503) 243-2122 FAX: (503) 243-1115 We don't doubt that state Sen. Eileen Qutub wants to reduce kids' exposure to secondhand smoke. But that's no reason for the Tobacco-Free Coalition of Washington County to run what amounts to a political ad on her behalf--paid for with your tax dollars. The coalition of anti-smoking groups has launched a $300,000 public-relations campaign, funded by the state tobacco tax, to curb smoking. An ad currently running in metro-area newspapers features Qutub standing on the steps of the state Capitol, with five cuddly kids, "speaking out for a smokefree environment." The choice of this spokeswoman is roguish for a few reasons. First, Qutub may well want to protect children from tobacco, but in other areas she's been downright hostile to kids' health. As chair of the House subcommittee overseeing human-services budgets, for example, the Beaverton Republican shot down Gov. John Kitzhaber's proposed increase in funding for drug and alcohol treatment. The proposal would have earmarked about $17 million for at-risk youth and families with children. Second, the ad looks like a political endorsement for a woman who is reportedly eyeing a bid for secretary of state. Finally, the idea of using Qutub came from PacWest Communications, a local PR firm hired by the county coalition. PacWest's president is Paul Phillips, a former Republican lawmaker who held the Senate seat now occupied by Qutub. Scott Ballo of PacWest sees nothing wrong with using Qutub in the campaign. He says similar ads in other counties have used other "community leaders," although he knows of none that used elected officials. We don't blame Qutub for taking advantage of the offer. But in a county of nearly 400,000 people, a better spokesperson could have been found. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Willamette Week | originally published June 9, 1999