November 19, 2008

To the Editor:

This is a letter to all our shameless and incompetent politicians on Capitol Hill. This includes all Democrats and Republicans and Independents alike. No acceptions to any political party. I am 72 years old and I have heard the same old political rhetoric about lowering taxes, better schools, more jobs, a better health plan since I was able to understand this political garbage.

Now you politicians have taken it to a new level. You have destroyed the working people’s ability to better him or her self and destroyed small businesses that are the very back bone of this great nation. You have destroyed their jobs as well as their life long savings for retirement. You have destroyed thousands of home owners and sent them to the streets with only the clothes on their and their children's back, you must really be proud of yourselves.

You politicians take a pay raise every year and fatten your retirement fund. You also point fingers at one another for doing such a terrible job on Capitol Hill. However, you should point your finger at yourself for doing such a horrible job running Capitol Hill in such a careless manner. There are no words to express to such a dismal performance. Each and every one of you so-called politicians are nothing less than scud buds that have loaded your pockets at taxpayers expense.

The American public should mandate that there shall be only a two-term politician, the same as the president of this great nation. This will stop the buddy system and greed. The American public should also mandate that every politician on Capitol Hill shall forfeit all future pay raises and contributions to their retirement fund as well as pay for 1/2 of their health insurance for the next five years.

This would be only a small price for you politicians to pay for your rotten performance. The American public entrusted you to run Capitol Hill efficiently and with dignity and to protect the American public’s interest. You politic ran have taken this great nation to an all-time low. Shame on you. You give the American people reason to not trust any of you people with anything. You don’t deserve our trust.

Ronald Graffunder,

Abbotsford

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To the Editor:

The selection of a new administrator is a diplomatic issue - neither personal nor emotional. It appears that emotions and personal issues are affecting the decisions of our village government. The village board really has two separate issues to act upon.

First of all, the processes described in The Record-Review articles to interview and hire an administrator were not appropriate, possibly illegal. Shame on the editor for blaming the village board members who voted “no” to continue a process that was faulty. Their “no” vote said “we don’t want to be a part of this improper action.” I would have hoped that Sue Willhite’s answer at this point would have been something like, “Thank you for the offer Mr. Guenther, it is an honor, but I will wait for the board’s approval.”

The village board must start the search/interview process over, this time following proper procedures. The board meeting on Monday, Nov. 10, comes at a prime time to rethink the amount budgeted for the position of administrator. The number $50,000 has been used by the Village President based on Dennis Weix’s salary. It is important to consider that during Dennis’ term as administrator, the village also employed a full-time village clerk at a wage of at least $40,000. Perhaps the board should set a lower wage for the clerk and offer a new administrator a higher wage. I understand that wage was a deciding factor for the new applicants.

Secondly, after a proper search/interview process, the board needs to select the most qualified candidate. Mr. Guenther stated at the meeting on November 6, “that the further he went from Edgar, the more people did not understand the dilemma.” Common sense would tell us that the closer you are to an issue the more you know about it. And sometimes you can be so close to the issue that “you cannot see the forest through the trees.”

I encourage the board to take on the challenge of hiring a new administrator who knows government laws and processes, someone who has a vision for the future, someone with new ideas and positive energy. It is not important that the village remain with what is familiar. Those who have worked directly with the applicant should evaluate past performance. It really is not important that it be someone form Edgar, maybe even better if he/she is not, then they will not share the embarrassment of this selection process. A fresh start is what Edgar needs now.

DuWayne Untiedt,

Edgar

November 12, 2008

To the Editor:

I attended the Edgar Village Board meeting held on Thursday, Nov. 6, and was appalled at what I heard. Since the citizens were not allowed time to speak, I feel the need to express my opinion. One of the board members called Mr. Richard Guenther a liar not once, but three times. Totally uncalled for. Did he forget that Mr. Guenther stepped up in the early 90’s to fill the position after his brothers’ death and was elected and then re-elected three – four times? Does this sound like someone who is anything but honest and honorable? Surely we the citizens would not have been taken in for so many years.

After the board adjourned one of the members was asked why he had voted no and he replied, “ I voted the voice of my constituents.” Were you talking about the handful who made life so miserable for Sue Willhite that she was forced to resign her clerks job, or the voice of the 187 voters who put her on the village board last spring because they felt she had much to offer the village?

Then there was the question a citizen asked, “Did you consider raising the salary offer to attract the more “qualified” candidate?” Are you going to be the first to complain when our taxes are raised or cuts must be made in other services to cover the additional $25,000? I know I won’t like it. I’m sure I will be accused of being in Sue’s corner. Maybe that is true, but I like to think I would speak up on behalf of anyone I felt was getting a raw deal. Thanks for listening.

Ruth Hall,

Edgar

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To the Editor:

I am writing in response to the Oct. 29 article “Willhite in Limbo.” The article starts, “In a dramatic reversal.” There was no reversal, no shifted positions. The reason I voted against going to closed session is because I wanted the public to know what was going on with the selection of this position. Also, I did not bolt from the meeting. I stayed until it was adjourned.

We live in a reactive society. It is not often that you get public input before a vote. However, due to President Guenther’s premature release of information to The Record-Review, I was able to get that information from the public and I will vote accordingly.

The article itself is once again one sided. The only board member interview is with President Guenther. There are several facts that are not provided to the readers. At the Oct. 20 committee meeting of the board as a whole, President Guenther read a statement to the board. The statement said Sue Willhite was to be named the new village administrator, without a vote being taken or any Personnel Committee recommendation being made. The board then entered into wage and benefit negotiations without this subject being on the agenda. This agenda was also flawed in that it did not call for the board to reconvene to open session to formally vote on the closed session action. This whole situation could have been avoided had the committee chair proofread the agenda before it was made public.

In other newspaper articles, President Guenther keeps bringing up the term unanimous to describe the board’s position on this matter. The board’s position is anything but unanimous.

From the “Another Sad Chapter” editorial, it states that Willhite received a letter of intent from President Guenther. I do not recall any mention of the letter of intent or its delivery to Sue Willhite. The editor then asks Edgar to hang their heads, that this is not a proud moment. I say this is how government should work. There are six voices and six opinions on this board, all receiving input from the public and from my point of view, the public has spoken. Not everybody will get what they want, that is life.

Terry Lepak

Edgar Village Trustee

Editors Note: Allow me to respond to your allegation of “one-sided” reporting on the Sue Willhite hiring fiasco. I think that’s a cheap shot.

This newspaper respectfully sat on the sidelines for months allowing the village board to meet in numerous closed session meetings to come up with criteria for hiring an administrator, interviewing and, finally, selecting (I thought) an administrator. When Edgar Village President Richard Guenther announced the closed session appointment of Willhite as administrator, the paper, considering Guenther as village spokesperson, ran the story with a single source. The newspaper continued to use Guenther as a single source for an update when the board split 3-3 on going into closed session and failed to publicly vote, as listed on the agenda, to hire an administrator. With no one else speaking to the paper, Guenther was the village spokesperson. Was this one sided? The newspaper would have interviewed every board member but did not because to do so would have asked the board to compromise secret, closed session information. The newspaper respected the board’s right to secret discussions on personnel matters and did not pursue this avenue. Was this wrong? You tell me. This newspaper for months could have leaked private, closed session information to the public about the administrator hiring process but, instead, respectfully gave the village board all the elbow room it needed to hire the best person it could for the administrator’s job. You now attempt to drag the newspaper into the Willhite controversy. That’s not warranted. Let me add that when trustee Mike Bergs and citizen Ditto Untiedt criticized the Willhite hiring process in a public statement to police this newspaper reported those statements.

Now, in your letter, you divulge closed session information in detail far beyond (and factually at odds with) the official minutes posted at the village web site. I am baffled. Does this mean that Edgar Village Board wants this newspaper not to respect closed sessions and report secret information? Or only when it benefits certain board members in certain situations? Again, you tell me.

The basic thrust of your letter is to say that you wanted Willhite’s hire as administrator released to the public so you could, as a board member, vote based on public reaction. I get that part but I have to ask why that strategy wasn’t made part of the ground rules from the start? If the board wanted this paper to report the names of administrator finalists, as is not uncommon, the paper would have obliged. Believe it or not, this paper wants to work with local government.

The point of our editorial was that the board messed up the administrator hiring process and unnecessarily hurt an individual, namely Sue Willhite. We called that screw-up sad, appalling and unprofessional. Now, you are saying that this is “how government should work.” So you are saying that if an individual applies for a job in Edgar the board will unofficially offer the job, then, depending on public reaction, jerk it away and then attempt to justify the switcheroo by releasing confidential information to the public. I am blown away. I wish the village well in trying to find a qualified candidate to fill its administrator position.

November 5, 2008

To the Editor:

Now that the national election is over and we have a president elect, let us get down to “brass tacks.”

Something is rotten in Edgar! What some of the members of the village board did to Sue Willhite is a travesty! She was the village clerk for a number of years. May I say, Sue is a Wisconsin Certified Clerk/Treasurer. The last year she was clerk she was ridiculed and unjustly victimized by certain new board members. So much that with a heavy heart she resigned her post and found employment elsewhere.

Then, not too long ago, Sue was placed on the village board by popular vote. Being one of only two women on the board was not easy when the village administrator position became available. Sue was told she had to resign from the board (there they go again) in order to qualify. She was backed by the Marathon County Administrator, the Marathon County Clerk, the Marathon County Highway Commissioner, several area business people and Jerry Petrowski. Are these recommendations chopped liver?

So, after interviewing several men, they decided they could get her for less money than the men. (Double standard you know.) But, to Sue, it was coming home. She then quit her other job and went right to work getting the newsletter, working on the budget and myriad of other things even before she was officially installed. She is a whiz at multi-tasking. Sue was due to be in her new office on Nov. 4, Election Day.

Sue is the most qualified person for this position. She loves Edgar and all the people in Edgar. She is the heart of city hall. Well, you “good ole boys” can’t balance the budget, but you can and did rip the heart, soul and guts right out of a wonderful person!

Why are you so afraid of an intelligent woman? This all smacks of sexual harassment! Let’s get out of the dark ages and come into this century. Maybe the people of Edgar should get together and have a brand new slate of board members. Maybe half of them women. What do you think people? We need Sue Willhite as Edgar Village Administrator.

Judy Frost

Edgar

To the Editor:

What's wrong with this picture? The Edgar Village Board had a person apply for the administrator's job who was qualified, knew the work, was recommended by people in high authority, lived in Edgar, and able to start work almost right away. They said “No!” What are they hiding or looking for? Who are they trying to help? The Village or themselves?

At the Oct. 20 meeting, they gave the O.K. and then at the Oct. 27 meeting they said they hadn’t voted and walked out. I think the citizens of Edgar should have a say in what goes on in Edgar. Speak up and be heard. We have too much to lose. Sue did nothing wrong. (We’re proud of you, Sue.)

Enola Willhite,

Edgar

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To the Editor:

In other newspaper articles, President Guenther keeps bringing up the term unanimous to describe the board’s position on this matter. The board’s position is anything but unanimous.

Terry Lepak

Edgar Village Trustee

Editors Note: Allow me to respond to your allegation of “one-sided” reporting on the Sue Willhite hiring fiasco. I think that’s a cheap shot.

This newspaper respectfully sat on the sidelines for months allowing the village board to meet in numerous closed session meetings to come up with criteria for hiring an administrator, interviewing and, finally, selecting (I thought) an administrator. When Edgar Village President Richard Guenther announced the closed session appointment of Willhite as administrator, the paper, considering Guenther as village spokesperson, ran the story with a single source. The newspaper continued to use Guenther as a single source for an update when the board split 3-3 last week on going into closed session and failed to publicly vote, as listed on the agenda, to hire an administrator. With no one else speaking to the paper, Guenther was the village spokesperson. Was this one sided? The newspaper would have interviewed every board member but did not because to do so would have asked the board to compromise secret, closed session information. The newspaper respected the board’s right to secret discussions on personnel matters and did not pursue this avenue. Was this wrong? You tell me. This newspaper for months could have leaked private, closed session information to the public about the administrator hiring process but, instead, respectfully gave the village board all the elbow room it needed to hire the best person it could for the administrator’s job. You now attempt to drag the newspaper into the Willhite controversy. That’s not warranted. Let me add that when trustee Mike Bergs and citizen Ditto Untiedt criticized the Willhite hiring process in a public statement to police this newspaper reported those statements.

The point of last week’s editorial was that the board messed up the administrator hiring process and unnecessarily hurt an individual, namely Sue Willhite. We called that screw-up sad, appalling and unprofessional. Now, you are saying that this is “how government should work.” So you are saying that if an individual applies for a job in Edgar the board will unofficially offer the job, then, depending on public reaction, jerk it away and then attempt to justify the switcheroo by releasing confidential information to the public. I am blown away. I wish the village well in trying to find a qualified candidate to fill its administrator position.

October 29, 2008

To the Editor:

I have never felt the need to write a response to any of your “Editor letters” before, but after reading Neil Marthaler’s letter last week, I found it impossible to stay quiet.

I am a Christian. I am against abortions (unless extreme measures must be taken to save the mother’s life).

Mr. Marthaler, you don’t know how any Christian can vote for a Democrat, but after eight long years with a Republican president, it is still possible, legally, for almost any woman to get an abortion in the United States.

I believe that speaks heavily.

Gina Knetter

Edgar

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To the Editor:

I am writing in response to a number of the irate supporters of Rep. Jerry Petrowski (R-Marathon) who have written over the past couple weeks – it’s obviously election time!

They all seem to think it’s terrible that Petrowski’s opponent, Nate Myszka, has dared to question Petrowski’s 100 percent Republican party-line voting record in the Assembly. In fact, if you read their words closely, it’s almost as though they think Petrowski is some sort of “victim” despite the fact that he’s been in office for a decade!

I beg to differ. The real victims are those of us here in central Wisconsin who are waiting for real leadership on the economy, health care, and many of the other big challenges facing us here – the kind of leadership that is impossible to have when you vote 314 out of 314 times with your party leader in Madison.

Hollie Mader

Marathon

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To the Editor:

The 86th Assembly District needs a representative with an allegiance to constituents that is greater than their allegiance to their party. Nate Myszka has worked hard to gain a wide spectrum of experience and knowledge in public service that would help him represent all of us. He has indicated a readiness to work to advance access to health care in a way that will be a benefit to both businesses and individuals. We have had too many years of legislators that simply scoff at an opponent’s plan but offer nothing as an alternative. The next few years will be critical for the survival of many small businesses that make up the Wisconsin economy and their survival will in part depend on whether their employees have access to health care or not.

The Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) being offered by some legislators do not address the costs of health care or facilitate access to health care. We need health care proposals that actually address the issues.

Nate Myszka has shown abundant energy and willingness to work on issues such as SeniorCare and making health care affordable. Vote on Nov. 4 and help elect Nate to the Wisconsin Assembly to help ensure the quality of life here in Wisconsin.

Richard Wentzel

Edgar

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To the Editor:

This letter is being written on behalf of the New Library Committee as a means of trying to clear the air with some “misconceptions” that have been brought up recently. Our committee was established to raise revenue towards the new Marathon City Library in an effort to alleviate the tax burden to the residents of Marathon City.

Recently, it was brought to our attention that our group is trying to refute the Marathon Fire Department’s efforts in their building project. That has never been part of our agenda. We understand the needs of their department and the value that it serves to the residents of the Marathon area and we certainly understand that the construction of both facilities would benefit the entire community.

Our committee would like to personally thank the Goldbach Foundation for their donation of the future building site of the Marathon Library. Without this generous donation this project would not have been set in motion.

We certainly welcome community members in joining in our efforts and moving forward to better our library facilities. If there are any questions/concerns, feel free to contact any member of the committee or stop in at the Marathon Library.

Colleen Handrick

Committee Member

New Marathon City Library Project

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To the Editor:

My father always said you can never build yourself up by tearing others down. Unfortunately, my opponent is trying to do just that. Once again, he has taken the low road during this election season by trying to distort my record.

So I wanted to set the record straight.

My opponent claims that I have become partisan and only vote the party line. The truth is that 85 percent of the votes he speaks of passed by more than 80 percent of the legislators in agreement. I’ve worked in a bi-partisan fashion with dozens of legislators from the other party and will continue to do so.

My opponent claims that I have done nothing for health care. The truth is that I worked with Governor Doyle to reduce the cost of health care by making 100 percent of employee-paid premiums tax deductible (saving Wisconsin families $149 million annually). I also voted for BadgerCare Plus, ensuring that 98 percent of all Wisconsin residents, including children, have access to affordable, quality health care.

My opponent claims that I voted against SeniorCare, and am not helpful to seniors. The truth is that I was one of the original authors of SeniorCare, which is a great program that makes prescription drugs affordable to our seniors. And when Washington tried to eliminate this program, I fought against them, and won. I eliminated state taxes on Social Security so that our seniors will no longer have to pay state taxes on that income; allowing seniors to keep more than $99 million of their money this year alone. And I fought to expand Family Care so seniors can stay in their homes and communities.

My opponent claims that I’ve done nothing to keep jobs in our area. The truth is that I voted for the Jobs Creation Act and an Investment Dairy Tax Credit to help our farmers. On top of that, I have a plan to create good paying jobs here in Central Wisconsin by supporting research on the production of cellulosic ethanol made from wood pulp and switchgrass. This emerging industry will create new jobs for our local communities and provide income to landowners and farmers who grow future feedstocks that will fuel our country and economy. These ideas, combined with continued expansion of wind and solar energy across the state, will spur significant economic growth in Central Wisconsin.

This is the truth on my record. It’s unfortunate that my opponent feels he can win by trying to make things seem differently than they are.

Jerry Petrowski

86th District State Representative

Stettin

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To the Editor:

As arguments go back and forth concerning the referendum on the November 4th ballot, maybe it is time to again explain the facts. Facts are not “scare tactics” as quoted by our village president. They are facts.

Fact Number One: 153 citizens signed the petition for the referendum to put Village capital construction projects costing over $500,000 to referendum for approval. If the referendum passes, all village construction projects costing over $500,000 will have to go to the voters for approval, putting the fire station and proposed new library on hold.

Fact Number Two: Referendums do not come free, but have various costs attached, which of course have to be added to the project. Those costs have been spelled out in a pair of public informational meetings that have been held.

In our Village President’s comments in the Oct. 22 paper, he indicates that the VanDerLoop Equipment property is a better location for the fire station. However, there was no mention of the potential costs to the village for this transaction. Those potential costs were discussed at the informational meetings.

Fact Number Three: If there were an interest in VanDerLoop Equipment moving to the Marathon Business Park, the topic would be brought before the village board for discussion and decision. To date, this has not come before the board and, to my knowledge, there currently are no and have not been any formal negotiations regarding the VanDerLoop property.

Fact Number Four: The Nov. 4 referendum does not place retirement housing at the Market Street location. If there was a party interested in purchasing the Market Street location and construction apartments, the topic would also be brought before the village board. In the period of time the village has owned the Market Street Property, no proposal has been introduced.

Citizen concerns regarding the safety of the Market Street location are important. However, if the fire department uses Third Street as the departure route, I don’t understand the concern. Entry to Main Street would be at the same point on Main Street as the current fire station.

Fact Number Five: The Village has the ability to and will place warning signs, traffic control signals, and limit parking along the Third Street exit route providing additional space.

I believe that this referendum will have a grave effect on the operation of your village government. The City of Columbus which passed a similar referendum with a limit of $1,000,000 is proof of that. I urge voters to seek the facts about the referendum, to vote on November 4, and to vote no on the referendum.

Jim Lemanski,

Village of Marathon trustee

Marathon

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To the Editor:

I’m proud of our state Representative Jerry Petrowski. He’s definitely the most honest, hardworking person I know. Jerry isn’t like other legislators who only pop up during election time. He works everyday helping people from the area with their problems and works to make our lives better. I constantly see Jerry out and about, volunteering for different causes, attending town, village and city meetings, offering his advice and help everywhere he goes.

He is the perfect model of what a representative should be. It’s too bad there aren’t more people like him. The world would be a better place.

Verona Braatz

Marathon

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To the Editor:

It is time to elect a “Build-America President.” Wisconsin’s economy, like that in much of the country, is falling on hard times. Both candidates for president talk about the need to create new jobs but only Barack Obama has the plan to put people right back to work.

Obama recognizes the value of rebuilding our aging infrastructure. Every corner of this state has roads in need of repair, bridges that are in danger of falling, dams that need strengthening and public water and sewerage systems that need updating.

What Obama knows is that when you put people to work rebuilding infrastructure you are providing good family supporting jobs with decent benefits. This work is ready to go. You don’t have to wait for some trickle down economic theory to eventually create jobs. Needs for rebuilding infrastructure can be found in every community in this state.

One of the major priorities of Sen. Obama if he becomes president is to create something he calls a National Infrastructure Reinvestment Bank that would invest $600 billion during the next 10 years to create nearly two million new jobs. Many of these would be in the construction industry and would happen right here in rural Wisconsin. He wants to “Build-America.”

It is that kind of common sense plan that I believe can get our country and state moving again. I hope you will join me in voting for Obama for president.

Chuck Warner

Medford

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To the Editor:

It seems to me that the Madison politicians have been talking a lot for several years now about the same issues: helping the uninsured find health insurance, how to finance our school system, shoring up the State budget, and cleaning up the ethics mess that resulted in criminal charges for leaders from both parties. Unfortunately there has been very little progress made in any of these areas.

Perhaps it is time to send a message to Madison by electing someone new. Nate Myszka is running for the 86th Assembly District and he has my vote. I've known Nate personally for many years, and am impressed with his intelligent, thoughtful approach to issues and his commitment to the values that define central Wisconsin: hard work, family, fairness, integrity and responsibility.

Nate Myszka knows from first hand experience just how important issues such as job security and access to medical care are to families in central Wisconsin. He will be the independent, common-sense voice in the capitol that we desperately need if we are ever going to get more than just talk from Madison.

Bradford Ness

Wausau

October 22, 2008

To the Editor:

Like most people in central Wisconsin, I enjoy using the lakes and rivers in our area for recreational purposes.

However, it concerns me that property owners with land bordering the Eau Pleine Reservoir have to pay high property taxes throughout the year, despite significantly lower water levels. Water is drained from the reservoir by the Wisconsin Valley Improvement Company for hydroelectric generation for paper mills. A better explanation is needed as to why the same amount of water continues to be drained year after year given that area paper mills have reduced or closed operations.

That’s why I would encourage everyone to support either lowering property taxes for residents with land bordering the Eau Pleine Reservoir or decreasing the amount of the water drained by the Wisconsin Valley Improvement Company.

Amanda Kaiser,

Roseville, Minn.

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To the Editor:

I have become concerned about the representation we have been getting from our 7th District Congressional Representative, David Obey. Opensecrets.org is an Internet web page that tracks campaign contributions to our elected representatives. I compared Mr. Obey’s campaign donations with the other seven congressional representatives in Wisconsin and found he obtains 90 percent of his donations from political action committees and individuals who reside outside the State of Wisconsin. The other Wisconsin congressional representatives receive about 40 percent of their donations from out of state sources.

How can Mr. Obey be representing the Wisconsin 7th District when he receives most of his campaign money from outside the State of Wisconsin? Mr. Obey has raised 34 percent more money than the average amount raised by other Wisconsin representatives.

The largest contributor is Farallon Capital Management, who gave Mr. Obey $16,800. Farallon is an investment company located in California. Mr. Obey in turn voted to bail out these investment companies.

Mr. Obey has been in Congress for 31 years and has become so accustomed to the Washington, D.C., environment that he no longer represents the needs of the 7th District. I strongly suggest that voters in the 7th District vote for anyone other then Dave Obey.

Dan Hubin,

Shell Lake

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To the Editor:

I’m so tired of the nasty presidential political ads. And now we’re starting to see the same from some of our local races. I received an awful letter in the mail the other day. Some guy named Nate Myska. This guy can’t be any older than 22. What does a guy that age know about life? And he has the gall to attack a guy that has worked hard as a farmer and a family man? Not to mention a guy that has done a lot for our area. Wake up Mr. Myska, this is not Washington, D.C. Take your political tricks and go back to where you learned them - back to Washington. People in Washington are screwing up our way of life; we don’t need you bringing those problems here to Wisconsin.

Randall Ross,

Marathon

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To the Editor:

As the election nears, most of the focus is being placed on the economy and to a lesser degree the war. History reflects there will always be good and bad economies and wars.

One item that has not been in the forefront very much in this election is the abortion issue. Very few want to admit that abortion is the outright killing of unborn babies. These babies are truly victims with no voice about their future.

If indeed we are still considered a Christian nation, (the polls tell us we still claim to be) I ask this question. How can anyone claiming to be a Christian vote for any candidate associated with the Democrat party, a party that openly endorses abortion? How would you answer that question, Mr. Obey and Mr. Decker, since you also call yourselves Christians?

I’m asking everyone to be represented at the polls in this election but consider what your vote may hold for these innocent victims - our future.

Neil Marthaler,

Athens

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To the Editor:

The Everest Area Optimist Club sponsors a variety of events and activities for youth in our community. These include our tri-star basketball and hockey contests, essay and Oratorical contests and youth appreciation free movie afternoon.

Sometimes, however, we do things on a smaller scale, and sometimes out of the Everest area. On Oct. 11 I took part in one such event.

I did Safe Assured enrollments as part of the Edgar Family Fall Festival. Getting more children enrolled is the most important reason for being there, of course, but for me personally this is becoming one of the Optimist Club activities I enjoy most. This is the third year I have been there, and it always has been a very enjoyable and rewarding experience.

Each year after I get the Safe Assured systems set up and operating, I show volunteers from the Edgar High School how to operate the systems. Then, I only have to be available to answer questions or solve minor technical problems that might come up. The students do the rest and, each year, they have been nothing but fantastic. They are polite, respectful, friendly and patient when things don't go right. They don't complain when they have to stay later than they had planned. They -- and I know this is an oft used cliche -- restore my faith in the youth of today and make me feel reassured that our future is going to be in good hands.

The Edgar Family Fall Festival is a project of an Edgar High School group that exists, according to its mission statement, to "promote personal growth and leadership development through Family and Consumer Sciences Education." Focusing on the multiple roles of family member, wage earner and community leader, members develop skills for life through character development, creative and critical thinking, interpersonal communication, practical knowledge and career preparation.

That group is the Edgar High School Chapter of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America. FCCLA is a nonprofit national career and technical student organization for young men and women in Family and Consumer Sciences Education. FCCLA is the ultimate leadership experience for more than 220,000 members and more than 7,000 advisers from 50 states.

The Edgar chapter adviser is Kristine Federwitz and, in addition to this event, the chapter is involved in a haunted house outing, cake and cookie raffle, gingerbread house raffle, Valentine's Day cookie and flower sale, pumpkin painting for the PTO, candygram sales for Halloween and gift wrapping at the Wausau Center Mall for Aspirus Hospital.

About a year and a half ago my daughter, Kimberly, while serving with the Greater Wausau AmeriCorps team, told me that while she was somewhere promoting AmeriCorps she asked if anyone knew what VISTA -- Volunteers in Service to America -- meant. Someone answered "Volunteering is Something Totally Awesome."

I have to believe the FCCLA Chapter in Edgar would agree, and I really think all of us who volunteer with young people have to agree with that also. I know I'm glad I volunteer through the Optimist Club, and being at this event and working with these young people was totally awesome.

Charlie Pufahl

Secretary of the Everest Area Optimist Club

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To the Editor:

The complaints of the insurance industry have been never-ending. Insurance company CEOs demanded no regulation, no oversight, and no accountability. Often, they got exactly what they asked for. On the other hand, policyholders got treated with hardball tactics as insurance companies denied and delayed its way out of paying just claims.

And now, the American public is getting stiffed again.

The king of all insurance companies, AIG, trampled over consumers and other businesses for years, and now, the government and taxpayers are bailing them out. Apparently, the reward for greed and misbehavior is a golden parachute, courtesy of Uncle Sam.

AIG is not a bastion of the American economy, but has skirted the rules and taken advantage of a lack of regulation to prey upon American consumers and businesses. Commentators described AIG as “the new Enron” for its litany of corporate fraud. AIG has paid out billions in fines and settlements to the SEC, IRS, and DOJ. Even in America’s greatest times of need, AIG was found to be exploiting Hurricane Andrew and September 11th to raise rates and “capitalize” on the marketplace.

A report from the American Association for Justice found AIG to be the third worst insurer in America, with Allstate ranking as the worst. So it’s only fitting that former Allstate CEO Edward Liddy has been tapped to take over AIG. While at Allstate, Liddy set the bar for corporate abuse of policyholders and using hardball tactics to deny claims.

AIG and other insurance companies frequently rail against trial lawyers and how litigation is hurting their bottom line. By pushing through tort reform in many states, insurance companies got what they wanted: the ability to trample over policyholders without being held accountable. This is what happens when a dangerously unregulated insurance industry is allowed to run wild: greed bites off its own tail.

Before being forced out in June, the last AIG CEO received a $68 million compensation package. The former heads of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will each receive around $5 million through their pensions and 401(k) alone. Lehman’s CEO received a $22 million bonus in March. Now all have tinkered or already collapsed. And in the last couple of months, reports have shown how corporations have funded executive benefits by manipulating rank-and-file pensions, two-thirds of major U.S. companies pay no federal income tax, and the median pay of S&P 500 CEOs has risen to $8.4 million.

And we’re paying for all of it.

Next time you hear the U.S. Chamber of Commerce or WMC calling for tort reform or pinning America’s ills on trial lawyers, think about AIG. Look where the lack of oversight, regulation, and accountability have left us today.

Christine Bremer Muggli is the President of the Wisconsin Association for Justice (formerly the Wisconsin Academy of Trial Lawyers), Wisconsin’s largest statewide voluntary attorney organization defending the civil justice system.

Christine Bremer Muggli

President of Wisconsin Association for Justice,

Wausau

October 15, 2008

To the Editor:

I was very disappointed today when I received an ugly piece of paper in my mailbox. It claimed that Jerry Petrowski doesn’t work hard enough. Are you kidding me? Jerry Petrowski’s opponent needs to get his facts straight. Has he ever met Jerry? Why would his opponent think people would believe these lies? Ask anyone around here and they will tell you that they see Jerry all the time trying to help people.

Jerry’s opponent also claims that Jerry ‘quit’ on Senior Care and some other issues. That is ridiculous! Jerry was one of the people that helped develop SeniorCare. Everyone knows that!

Stop spreading your lies Mr. Myszka. We have enough politicians that lie to us, we don’t need more. I know who I’m voting for - someone who spends his time working for us - I’m voting for Jerry Petrowski.

Ruth Hawks

Wausau

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To the Editor:

I am writing this letter to extend my thanks and appreciation to State Representative Scott Suder and his dedicated staff who have repeatedly gone the extra mile to help me and several of my family, neighbors, and friends over the past few years.

Regardless of where you stand on the issues - Democrat, Republican, Independent or otherwise - I can say without a doubt that Scott is always there to offer a helping hand in your time of need, to answer a complex question with straight forward and honest answers, or to help navigate the sea of government red tape that has become commonplace in Madison. Simply put Scott is one of those rare politicians who puts the needs of the people he represents above his own ambitions.

As a small business owner, I especially appreciate the professional manner in which Scott and his staff go about their business of working for us. Time and time again they have gone above and beyond to help me in a timely manner and for that I am thankful.

Come this November I hope you’ll join me in voting for Scott Suder knowing full well that Scott is a hardworking, dedicated man of the people who has made it a priority to serve his constituents and not the special-interests.

Clarence Oertel

Marshfield

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To the Editor:

I recently read a letter accusing 86th Assembly District challenger Nate Myszka of having no specific plans for remedying some of our state’s major issues. While I did not attend the event referenced in the letter, I was present at the Monday night debate at UW-Marathon County and this is what I learned. Mr. Myszka does have plans for dealing with some of those issues.

Mr. Myszka supports the American Jobs Act, a simple bill which would make sure that when contracts using taxpayer dollars are let, companies using American workers would get preference. Mr. Petrowski acknowledged he voted against this bill.

Like all financially responsible citizens, Mr. Myszka believes we need to resolve the state budget crisis to provide more flexibility during severe economic hardships like what we are now experiencing. He wants to close tax loopholes for large out-of-state corporations to spread the tax burden more fairly so it is not borne solely by the small business owners and taxpayers of Wisconsin.

Mr. Petrowski has been our representative in Madison for ten years. During that time the deficit has skyrocketed and Mr. Petrowski has been unwilling or unable to address this or any other important issue facing the citizens of his district. Enough already! It’s time for a change! Mr. Myszka will provide new ideas and new energy to get the job done and I’ll be voting for him!

Sheldon Schooler, M.D.

Marathon

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To the Editor:

As a retired teacher from the Marathon School District, I have had the opportunity to get to know and like both Nate Myszka and Jerry Petrowski over the years. Many in our area already know that Nate was elected to the local school board years ago and has since devoted himself to public service, gaining experience in local, state and national government.

Jerry Petrowski gained my support and my vote in his first two terms by professing strong support for education, and assuring me that he would be an independent voice in Madison. Sadly, he has increasingly become a hard-line party politician, who in the last two-year session voted with his party on 314 of 314 votes!

Nate, on the other hand, said during a debate last week that he would not always agree with Governor Doyle or his party, and will fight to prevent granting state contracts to corporations that send jobs overseas. He will also fight tax breaks for companies that hire illegal aliens.

Rising health care costs are preventing workers from realizing wage gains and threatening the survival of small businesses. The Republican controlled Assembly, not only did not act on the Senate health care plan, they offered no alternative. That is not leadership.

“Change” is the mantra of this year’s election season. I believe that Nate Myszka can bring an independent, energetic new voice for Central Wisconsin as Assemblyman of the 86th district.

Scott Schutte

Wausau

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To the Editor:

I am in favor of a new fire station on either side of the river, but not at the 4th and Market Street site. I feel that the heavy traffic flow on 3rd and 4th Streets makes this location unsafe for a fire station. I think it would be wise to find a safer site, even if the land had to be purchased. Let’s get it right.

It is good that the village board finally scheduled an informational meeting. Having served on the board in the past, I feel that all planned major building expenditures should be exposed to public input before any final decisions are made.

I urge voters to visit the Market Street site, visualize a fire station there, then vote your referendum decision on November 4. A “yes” vote would support your preference for a safer building site. Thank you.

John DeLaporte

Marathon

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To the Editor:

There has been much discussion about the possibility of moving to a renewable energy source at the Marathon Area Elementary School (MAES). The Marathon City School District school board has been reviewing information on the potential of an addition/upgrade to the MAES heating system since the spring of 2008.

This has certainly spurred questions within the community. The hope is that through this article community questions will be addressed.

One consideration is to install an outdoor wood pellet burning system. The unit that has been researched is a Pelco Biomass Boiler. The reason to look at this system is because it is a renewable energy system. Renewable energy systems reduce the need to rely on fossil fuels such as natural gas. The addition of a wood pellet boiler unit would diversify the heating system at MAES, and as such would provide the flexibility to choose the heating system source based on the best fuel price available at the time. International trends include looking at renewable energy sources since their efficiencies have been improved so dramatically. It is important to note that other renewable sources were also considered. The most cost effective being the consideration of a wood pellet boiler system.

To address the questions of fuel cost, it is important to remember that no matter which fuel source is under consideration there are changes in pricing dependent upon supply and demand. Though no one knows the future of fuel pricing, it is important to look at past trends and relate the information to the possible future pricing. The school board is taking this information into consideration.

Other questions pertain to the emissions from an outside heating system unit, and it is an important consideration. Wood pellet fuel is a dry solid fuel (unlike wood chips or corn). Research shows there is a small amount of smoke upon start up and shut down of a wood pellet boiler system though during proper operation the emissions very closely compare to fuel oil or propane.

Aesthetically, an outdoor system will look differently. The boiler unit is approximately five feet in diameter and 10 feet tall. The hopper to hold the wood pellets is about 12 feet in diameter and nearly 25 feet tall. The hopper would also be white in color so a large red “M” could be added. The system would be located between the electric transformer pad and the southeast exit door located on the south (parking lot) side of the MAES building.

The project is being considered due to the age of the current boiler heating system, energy consumption and conservation. The current natural gas boilers at MAES are 22 years old. Though still working, new technologies are more efficient. Therefore, considering an upgrade to the system is important. The wisdom of the school board to be informed is of utmost significance. This is being looked at very carefully. The district would receive nearly $25,000 in grant money to move to a renewable energy source. Subsequently, a comparative natural gas boiler update has also been reviewed. This system would also save on energy cost due to improved efficiency. The district would be eligible for a smaller grant (approximately $6000) for the natural gas boiler system upgrade. The cost of the systems (after grants) is nearly the same.

Other significant considerations are “going green” and the amount of energy savings correlating to the payback length. Initial projections show payback being between seven and eleven years depending on the initial fuel (per therm) pricing used. However, the current trend in fuel (fossil) price declining makes the comparison calculations change on a daily basis.

If you have questions or comments, please contact the school at 715.443.2226.

Rick Parks,

Administrator,

Marathon School District

October 8, 2008

To the Editor:

I was one of several seniors who circulated the petition for a Marathon building referendum. I fully support a new fire station and have no preference as to where it is built, as long as it is not on 408 Market Street.

Since this building will serve for generations to come, we strongly feel that its location must meet a standard of reasonable public safety of which 408 Market Street does not.

We urge all voters and the ones that signed our petition to drive by this site and then make your own voting decision.

A yes vote approves this ordinance, so think about the safety in this part of the village, the swim center, future library, and senior housing.

Jack Krautkramer,

Marathon

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To the Editor:

At its meeting on September 4 the Board of Trustees of the Village of Marathon City voted unanimously to reject an ordinance that was proposed under a Petition for Direct Legislation that was signed by more than 150 residents. As the result of the Village Board’s rejection of this ordinance, this proposed ordinance will appear on the ballot as a referendum question in the Village of Marathon City for its electors to approve or disapprove. As one of the trustees who unanimously voted to reject this ordinance let me explain my position and possibly clear up some of the misinformation the electorate of the village might have.

I and other board members have been told that the petition was circulated to stop a fire station from being built on property that the village owns on Market Street. Yes, if the referendum question is approved, it will delay that project. If the referendum question is approved, it will also delay and add cost to any other capital project (including buildings, streets, utility work, etc.) costing over $500,000 that the village might need to invest in the future. The village would have to spend $5,000, $10,000 or more for engineering plans and cost estimates for each project that would go to referendum and which may be voted down.

The village needs to build a new fire station. The present fire station on Third Street is outdated, energy inefficient and much too small to safely house the trucks and equipment that we have now and the replacement equipment that we will need down the road. The conditions in our current fire station are unsafe for our volunteer firemen and need to be addressed. The accidental death of a fireman in Pulaski this July is a reminder of the danger of moving vehicles around in tight spaces.

We have also been told that other properties might be better for the fire station. The village doesn’t own any of these properties, nor are any of them, to my knowledge, currently for sale. Any of these suggested properties would have to purchased. This could add $100,000 or more to the cost of the project (now estimated to be about $1,000,000). Any property purchased by the village would, of course, be taken off of the tax roll and the lost tax dollars paid from the property (about $2,100 for each $100,000 of fair market value) would have to be paid by the rest of the village’s property taxpayers. Also, no one has made an offer to buy, and put back on the tax rolls, the Market Street property which the village now owns.

The village board does not want to tax its residents out of their homes. The village owns the Market Street property. We will not have to purchase additional land. The Market Street property is located where there would not be an increase in response time. This is vital.

I know that this letter will raise more questions. Trustee Andy Kurtz and I will be available for any meeting to answer questions that you may have. There will be a public informational meeting the last week of October for the same purpose. Thank you and I urge you to vote no on the referendum question in the November 4 election.

Jim Lemanski,

Village trustee Marathon City

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To the Editor:

Of all the problems facing Wisconsin, the need for honest and open government is at the top of the list. Legislation should pass or fail on its merits and not based on contributions from lobbyists, Allowing campaign fundraising while the budget is being worked on is wrong.

This is the top reason why I support Tim Swiggum for the 69th Assembly seat. Until the lawmaking process is cleaned up, the legislation enacted will be determined by lobbyists who pay for access regular citizens do not have. Campaign finance reform and ethics reform are very important to Tim Swiggum. Honesty is the best policy.

Tim also supports Healthy Wisconsin, a program that will save taxpayers money. We would experience substantial savings by cutting administrative costs and having the whole state in one insurance pool. As a state, we would achieve a higher level of health care for less money. To those who say "I don't want some bureaucrat making my health care decisions," I ask, who makes them now? As a person who has had alot of experience dealing with health care providers and insurance companies, I have found that the people who were best to deal with were those associated with programs such as Wisconsin Senior Care as opposed to insurance companies motivated by making as large a profit as possible. Tim's opponent supports the current system.

The mantra of our current assemblyman is cut taxes, cut taxes. Unfortunately, he appears to not realize that there needs to be tax revenue to make the state work. The progressive income tax is the fairest way to provide this necessity. Property taxes and the regressive sales taxes are the least fair. Tim Swiggum supports a progressive tax structure as the fairest and best way to raise these funds. We need a representative looking out for working people, not lobbyists.

Here is an example of our current assemblyman's priorities. As chairman of the Assembly Judiciary and Ethics Committee, he dealt with an anti-price gouging administrative rule. Secretary of the Department of Agriculture Trade and Consumer Protection, Rod Nilsestuen, had supported a 10 percent price increase limit in cases of disaster, man made or natural. Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce wanted the limit to be 25 percent and our representative, Scott Suder, sided with them. Suder is saying that in times of emergency, when people are the most vulnerable, they can be gouged up to 25 percent for items they need. Just another reason he needs to be replaced.

On November 4th, vote for Tim Swiggum. A family man with true family values.

Gary Fergot,

Edgar

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To the Editor:

I recently read the letter in some of the local papers regarding Rep. Jerry Petrowski not updating his political flyers despite the fact that we have so many new and serious issues that need to be dealt with.

So I decided to go to his website (http://www.legis.state.wi.us/assembly/asm86/news/) to see if I could find any updated information there. While I'm not sure how old the flyer in question was, I was disappointed to find out that Petrowski hasn't updated his website, either, during the past couple years. The legislative update you can access from his homepage is from 2006! Maybe this is because the current "two-year" legislative session only lasted 27 days and not much work was actually produced outside of an extremely overdue budget.

As much as I hate to say it, the complete lack of recent information from Rep. Petrowski leaves me with similar conclusions that the other writer came to -- either he isn't doing much for us these days, or perhaps he's doing things he doesn't want us to know about.

Either way, we should all ask ourselves if that's the kind of representative we want looking out for us in Madison.

Mary Grossnickle,

Mosinee

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To the Editor:

Each election cycle we are bombarded with words and images designed to convince us which candidates are better suited for office, whether that be on the local, state, or national level. Labels are used to identify which people are to be “included” and which are to be “excluded.” Billboards are erected with the intention of swaying our vote based on emotion. Along with all the election activity comes pressure, some of which can be handled quite easily with the mute button on the remote. There is another kind of pressure which requires careful consideration. I am referring to the pressure Catholics and Christians in general may experience at church or at church-related activities.

Catholics, in particular, have received guidance on responsible voting in a document called “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship.” This document, written in November of last year, addresses a broad spectrum of issues to be considered when choosing a candidate: torture, preemptive war, ignoring the poor, and racism, to name just a few. We are advised by the bishops who wrote this document to look at all the issues and then make an informed decision. This document is often not referenced at all by church leaders or is misquoted to get out one message: “A Democratic vote is a vote for abortion.” Many bishops and pastors do not abide by the document themselves.

As in past elections, we are witnessing pastors from a variety of religious denominations using their leadership roles to endorse particular candidates, even though it is illegal to do so and claim tax-exempt status at the same time.

We, as citizens, have the right and responsibility to vote as our informed consciences guide us. We also have the right and responsibility to speak up when church leaders cajole, intimidate, insinuate, or just plain tell us how to vote. Perhaps our informed consciences will lead us to report violations of tax code policies as specified by the law.

The election process need not make us weary, angry, discouraged, or passive. We listen and learn with a wide-angle lens and then go about our lives, remembering we have a most wonderful gift in our country – the right to decide, without coercion, who will govern us.

Doris Link-Schreiber,

Withee

October 1, 2008

To the Editor:

Regarding John McCain’s mortality, polls show many Americans are wary of voting for someone his age. At 72 he would be the oldest first-term president in history. While many Americans in their 70’s and 80’s are thriving and vital, we should look very closely.

To show off his strong family genes McCain often appears with his 95 year old mother, Roberta. She is lively and spry. However, genes come from both sides of the family. McCain’s father, John S. McCain Jr., died at age 70 while his grandfather, John S. McCain Sr., died at age 61.

Actuarial tables inform us that a man aged 72 has about a 15 percent chance of not surviving four years and about a 32 percent chance (about one in three) of not surviving eight years. (Social Security Administra-tion 2004 actuarial tables.)

These statistics do not take into account the fact that John McCain has battled melanoma, a deadly form of skin cancer, since 1993, when he had a melanoma removed from his arm. In 2000 two more melanomas were removed plus a lymph node. In 2002 a lesion removed from his nose was identified as a non-malignant form of melanoma.

A recent study concluded that “those with skin cancer ran twice the risk of developing other forms of cancer.” (Medical University of South Carolina at Charleston.)

This should give us pause when we note that, if John McCain is elected president, just a heart-beat away from the presidency is Sarah Palin.

Cliff Cleland

Member DeKalb County Democrats Executive Committee

DeKalb, Illinois

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To the Editor:

For many intending to go to the polls in the near future, here are some facts not always made crystal clear - but true nonetheless.

Nate Myszka (D) worked for Congressman Dave Obey both in Washington, D.C., and in Wausau. Both are Catholics. Nate Myszka is supportive of Roe V. Wade (abortion) and Dave Obey is for same-sex marriage as well.

Mr. Myszka received a great portion of his contributions from people outside of the 86th District with many of those coming from out of state. Among his contributors is Mike Tate who was the lead man in promoting the same-sex marriage amendment in the State of Wisconsin. In fact, a large number of his contributors have been active in this support.

Congressman Obey continues to state that he voted for the Drill Act (HR 6515). He did...but it was actually a sham bill...designed to fail, but giving cover to those running for re-election, knowing it would not pass (with the help of other Democrats). Because of strong public sentiment for drilling, Obey can tell his constituents that he voted to drill for oil. In a straight party-line vote, he actually voted against the Drill Act submitted by the House Appropriations Subcommittee. When a new bill on oil drilling was brought before the House, Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco), shut down the Congress allowing all to leave for vacation. Wanting to resolve this issue, the Republicans remained at the Capitol...to no avail. Our nation is now faced with a dilemma as our energy supply is a matter of national security. Time and time again, Congressman Obey has voted (along with many Democrats) not to allow new refineries to be built.

Nate Myszka said he wants to ease the economic strain on central Wisconsin caused by high food and out-of-control gas prices. This would be difficult as in my opinion, this is a continuing Democratic problem. The minimum markup bill passed in 1939 is one of the problems. It was passed to ensure fair competition and prevent larger companies from driving smaller ones out of business. There are not many "Mom & Pop" gas stations anymore. Last October, Judge William Callahan ruled this law unconstitutional as it eliminates competition and increases the price of gas an additional nine cents per gallon over and above our state and federal gas tax. When asked to comment on this ruling, Donna Seidl (D) stated, "We'll see about that." Governor Doyle on Aug. 8, 2006, suspended the minimum markup law for ethanol...why not include gasoline?

Turning to the national scene, on C-Span 2 (Book TV), Barack Obama (D) said the first thing he would do as president would be to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). This would open up same-sex marriage across the United States. While in the Illinois senate he voted for the Comprehensive Sex Education Bill (IL-SB99), which would include teaching children K thru 12 about homosexuality as they are doing in the State of Massachusetts and California. In my opinion, this is a process to introduce and indoctrinate children into the gay lifestyle. Obama also supports the hate crimes bill as well as abortion.

Also on C-Span 2, George Soros endorsed Barack Obama. If you are not familiar with Mr. Soros - check out his agenda and ideology. Ms. Joelle Fishman, Chairperson of the Communist Party of the United States, in the Peoples Weekly World (Communist newspaper) also endorsed Mr. Obama. My thought is...why would these people endorse him except for the fact that they agree with his positions on the issues. Is this Christianity?

Archbishop Raymond Burke said Catholics, especially politicians who are publicly defending abortion, should not receive communion. Archbishop Charles Chaput of Denver has stated "Democrats don't even know Christianity." He quoted the Lutheran pastor, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who stated, “Destruction of the embryo in the mother's womb is a violation of the right to live which God has bestowed on the nascent life. To raise the question whether we are....concerned...with a human being or not is merely to confuse the issue. The simple fact is that God certainly intended to create a human being that has been deliberately deprived of life and that is nothing but murder.”

Let me close with this thought - since it's the season for political signs to bloom - be cautious about where they're placed. If I lived across the street from the same Catholic church that I attend - and put up a candidate's sign who is for abortion - would that not be like putting my finger right in my churches' eye?

Charlie Lucas

Marathon

September 24, 2008

To the Editor:

The following is a quote from The Record-Review dated Sept. 17 regarding the candidate forum. “Eighty-sixth assembly District challenger Nate Myszka, a Democrat, told a candidates’ forum sponsored by the Wausau Region Chamber on Monday that he did not have specific plans to fix the state’s financial problems or an unsustainable health care system, but that blame for these woes rested with his opponent, Rep. Jerry Petrowski.”

Myszka says he does not have specific plans to fix the financial problems or an unsustainable health care system caused by his opponent Petrowski.

Before one should criticize or blame your political opponent, I believe before you enter the political arena, you should at least have your ideas down pat, as to what you feel needs to be done to correct the system.

It would be no more than fair to the voters to hear his side of the issues that he blames Petrowski for doing or not doing.

Myszka can’t expect to ask voters to vote for someone who does not have answers or solutions to the problems that he says exists.

I see no reason to give my vote to someone who presently does not have any solutions.

While on the other hand, I can see myself voting for someone who already has years of experience and has proven to give us a voice in our government.

Francis Fochs

Marathon

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To the Editor:

Our 86th Assembly District needs change. The current assemblyman Jerry Petrowski voted against AB 504 that would have taken the DNR Secretary appointment out of the governor’s office and restored integrity to the DNR by helping to get the politics out of what should be an objective process. Petrowski has a lot of explaining to do to members of the Conservation Congress, fishermen, hunters and outdoor recreation related businesses.

Petrowski voted against SB 523, a strong Great Lakes protection compact. This resulted in a weaker version passed in a special session. Petrowski voted against the Wisconsin Safe Climate Act (AB 157), that would cut pollutants, promote clean, homegrown energy like wind and solar power and increase energy efficiency.

What did Petrowski vote for? He voted for bills like AB 804 that would have restricted public citizens from challenging public nuisances to property and health. He voted to dismantle Wetland protections with AB 163 that would have weakened the current science-based permitting process. In short he voted for anything the business lobby special interests out of Madison told him to vote for.

Petrowski’s record speaks for itself, and what it tells you is to vote for Nate Myszka, the Democratic candidate.

Voting records may be checked at: http://www.legis.state.wi.us/.

Rich Wentzel,

Edgar

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To the Editor:

Beware college students! Someone may be trying to suppress their right to vote. Last month, Barack Obama supporters were registering thousands of students at Virginia Tech. University. Montgomery County elections registrar then issued news releases incorrectly suggesting that students registered to vote at their college might lose their right to be claimed as dependents on their parents’ tax returns or could lose scholarships or lose car and health insurance. All lies.

According to an article entitled “Warning For College Student Voters,” published in Insider Higher Ed’s Web site on Sept. 3, 2008, there’s an “exemption in the U.S. tax code allowing dependents to live away from home while attending school.” The article states that in “calls to 10 top health insurance companies, none indicated that registering to vote at a college address would be grounds for dismissing students from coverage.”

Furthermore, in 1979 the Supreme Court ruled that students have the right to register to vote at their college addresses.

If you know college students who received a similar threat or notice at his/her college, challenge it. If denied their rights, they could contact their local ACLU who filed a federal lawsuit against William and Mary College in 2004 on behalf of two students denied the right to register locally. The school caved in. The case was dropped.

Incidents of voter suppression on a grand scale in Florida in 2000 and Ohio in 2004 can be linked directly to Karl Rove, Republican chief dirty tricks guru and campaign strategist. He maintained contact with the operatives involved in those actions. This action in Virginia looks suspiciously like the work of Rove. Don’t let it happen again this year at any college.

Cliff Cleland

DeKalb County Democrats Executive Board

DeKalb, Illinois

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To the Editor:

On Sept. 6, 2008, John McCain said there were "tough times all over America." In recent days he has repeatedly said: "the fundamentals of the economy are strong.”

Aren't massive job losses, soaring deficits, devaluation of the dollar, rising unemployment, bank failures and the mortgage meltdown basic 'fundamentals' of the economy? Here's a question I would ask him: "Which is it, John? How do you have a fundamentally strong economy when the aforementioned economic indicators have all headed south?" -- a question the news media should be asking him.

Paul Jaehnert

Vadnais Heights, Minn.

September 17, 2008

To the Editor:

The Athens Old Timers Band completed another successful season Sept. 4 with the final concert of the 2008 summer. The weather was a little chilly, but our most faithful listeners were in attendance with coats and blankets.

The season began with a big opener in May. The group was invited to perform at the re-opening of the Woodson House Museum in Wausau. The one hour concert included our best polkas, waltzes, marches, old time and modern selections. Rusty Balz narrated between the songs, informing the audience about the band’s 116 year history, telling of the families with multiple generations of players, and sharing anecdotes about the band. The concert was well received by the listeners and the Historical Society Committee.

During the summer the band was asked to perform in many local and long distance towns and parades. We opted to keep travelling to a minimum and chose to play a Wednesday night concert at Stratford’s Klemme Park in July, and we participated in parades in Edgar, Stratford, Colby, Rib Lake, Marathon, and of course, for our favorite crowd at the Athens Fair.

One highlight of the season was playing special request waltzes for many concert listeners who were celebrating their 50th or more wedding anniversary. One 50th anniversary selection was for Deloris and Melvin Schmidt. Deloris was a past conductor of the band and returned to the gazebo stage to conduct the band one more time.

An added feature to the concerts has been the return of Phil LaFontaine’s popcorn wagon. After Phil’s retirement, Bill and Debbie Balz purchased and rehabbed the wagon and Debbie has been serving popcorn since the 90’s. The buttery aroma is often a distraction for the band members and Debbie always has fresh popcorn for us at the end of the evening.

Brats, burgers and the always popular pie and ice cream have been made available many Friday nights by local youth groups and the Trinity ladies’ group. When you see their trailer parked on the square during the day, you know you can plan your evening dinner under the trees.

We’ve enjoyed very large crowds all season, with many listeners from around the state. If you play an instrument or your horn has been in the closet since high school, we’re always happy to have new members. We play every Friday night in the summer beginning around 8 p.m. Call Rusty Balz for more information (257-7752). He probably can even find an instrument for you, if needed.

We’d like to thank our financial supporters for 2008. We really appreciate their efforts.

And one last hearty thank you to our listeners and the community as a whole for your support. We enjoy playing, but your support of our music means a lot. Thank you and we’ll see you next year, after Memorial Day.

Ruth Weiler

Athens

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To the Editor:

Like Barack Obama, I started my career as a community organizer on the South Side of Chicago. I helped revitalize the area by knocking on doors and organizing people on the grassroots level to take ownership and solve problems in their neighborhoods. Given the effort I put into this work, I take offense to Gov. Sara Palin's snide remarks in her speech at the convention, and during her visit to Cedarburg demeaning the work of community organizers. Rather than sarcastically dismissing the work that so many of us have done to serve our fellow citizens, I wish she would have addressed the issues America really needs to hear. Not once did she address the issues of health care, strengthening the middle class, or solving the mortgage crisis.

What Mrs. Palin fails to understand is that the grassroots organizers she demeans are the backbone of community efforts to build hockey rinks, organize volunteers to help in community centers, and build senior centers to provide care for those who need it most.

I do not understand how someone can frown upon Obama's admirable service to the Chicago community before he started his career. Instead of taking a job on Wall Street or in the business section making loads of money, Obama chose to help steel workers losing their jobs, he helped people find job training, get their children an education, and improve their living conditions. The fact that the Republicans would stoop to belittling that service in an effort to score cheap political points only serves to show how devoid they are of ideas to help struggling middle class families.

Peggy Wireman,

Monona