Viewpoint: Views on local, state political candidates
Group supports Fisher for supervisor
Editor,
We write to offer our support for Russ Fisher for Oneida County Supervisor. Russ is running in District 5, which includes parts of the east side of Rhinelander and the town of Pelican. The seat is currently held by Carol Pederson who is not running for reelection.
As a resort owner, since 2001 with his wife, Billi, Russ has been a fixture working with various groups to advance our local economy. Russ Fisher has served on the Pelican Promotions Committee for about a decade. He has been a leader in helping us make good decisions spending local room tax revenues to benefit local businesses.
Based on our experience, we know Russ will provide reasoned, well thought out input on the county board. He will spend within the taxpayers’ means and will listen to his constituents just like he listens before making decisions with our committee.
Vote Russ Fisher for county board on Tuesday, April 3.
Kari Zambon, Steve DeCloux, Dan Brekke, Donna Forsyth
Pelican Promotions Committee board members
Support for Anderson for supervisor
Editor,
What qualities do we look for in a county supervisor? There are times when knowing a lot about a little is a very valuable attribute. There are also times when having a broad range of experience and knowledge is even more valuable.
The April elections for our county board are an example of the latter. We have an opportunity to elect a person of broad knowledge and experience to represent the voters of District 5 on the Oneida County Board. Vote for Gerald Anderson on April 3, District 5 of the Oneida County Board.
Jan and Jim Leschke, Rhinelander
Reader says keep office of state treasurer
Editor,
In most states, the state treasurer provides independent controls of the state finances and sees that public funds are invested to gain the most for the state. Over recent years, Wisconsin’s legislators have removed most of those functions from the treasurer’s office to consolidate power under the governor’s appointees.
If we want a future legislature to restore independent powers to protect our public funds, we need to keep the office.
The more sneaky part of the proposed constitutional amendment is its attack on the integrity of the Board of Commissioners for Public Lands. The BCPL has always consisted of separately-elected state officials, not directly related to the governor’s office. Putting the lieutenant governor on that board is a consolidation of power that this state does not need.
Vote “NO” on the amendment to eliminate the treasurer.
Gerald Anderson, Rhinelander
Reader favors Dallet for Supreme Court
Editor,
We have become accustomed to extreme partisanship from our political parties, but we still believe that our courts must be a place where decisions are based on an independent and balanced perspective backed by experience and integrity.
The Wisconsin Supreme Court is no longer such a place. Because of enormous money pouring in from out-of-state billionaires and big corporations in previous elections, we have a Supreme Court that caters to the interests of the wealthy and powerful. The court even dismisses calls for justices to recuse themselves when a case concerns their donors!
We need to restore the integrity of our Supreme Court. That is why we need to elect Rebecca Dallet. She is the only candidate with extensive experience as a judge. She insists that courts serve justice for all the people, not just the few.
Her opponent is receiving vast amounts of Big Money, for a clear reason. They want to keep buying the Supreme Court so their interests are upheld. Unlike Dallet, her opponent even refuses to say he will recuse himself whenever a case concerns one of his donors.
This is crucial election. The winner will serve a 10-year term. The balance of the court is at stake. Vote Dallet on April 3.
Susan Bilda, Arbor Vitae
Reader: Vote Russ Fisher
Editor,
With this letter I want to ask the citizens of Oneida County District 5 to vote for Russ Fisher for county supervisor. I have lived next door to Russ for over 17 years and can assure voters that Russ is a kind, honest and dependable man. Numerous times when I was in need of help I could depend on Russ to come over. Not only was I able to depend on Russ, but also any club, charity or individual benefit looking for support could depend on Fisher’s Resort.
The main reason I want to encourage citizens to vote for Russ is his work ethic. Fisher’s Report, as with any resort, demands long and sometimes late hours. Every morning Russ is up early working on the yard, remodeling a cabin or one of the other never-ending tasks that are required to operate a resort.
I think we can depend on Russ to also work hard for us and to make the best decisions for Oneida County. Please vote for Russ Fisher for Oneida County Board.
Paul Tubbs, Rhinelander
Local control
Editor,
On March 20, the League of Women Voters did our community a great service by hosting a forum for candidates for Oneida County Board. The responses were thoughtful and there was overall agreement about two issues.
One is the need for greater local control. For the last eight years, state government has attempted to take control away from local governments and thus, local citizens. The other issue is the need to protect our natural resources, and in doing so our quality of life and our tourist economy. One of the goals of the power-hungry state government is to eliminate the ability of local residents to make decisions on environmental protections.
Most of the candidates at the forum voiced support for greater local control and environmental protection, but the truth is the current board has not done enough. We need a board that takes strong action to preserve local democracy and our natural resources.
Fortunately, there are four candidates in competitive elections that we can count on to fight for local control and our environment. One is an incumbent, Bob Mott in District 7, who has been a tireless champion for the citizens of Oneida County.
In addition, we have the opportunity to add three more board members who will provide the leadership we need: Jeff Vollmer in Minocqua and the western edge of the county (District 19), Steven Schreier in Rhinelander (District 4), and Gerald Anderson in Rhinelander and Pelican (District 5).
If we are fortunate to elect these candidates, we could have a county board that works effectively for local control and environmental protection and thus all citizens of Oneida County. Don’t miss out on this opportunity. Vote on April 3.
David Barnhill, Hazelhurst
District 7 encouraged to vote Mott
Editor,
To the voters in District 7 – Enterprise, Schoepke, Monico, Piehl, Three Lakes (Ward 2) and Stella (Ward 2). I have served on the Oneida County Board alongside Bob Mott for six years and I believe he is a thorough, competent supervisor who pays attention to issues that come before us. In addition, Bob does not hesitate to tackle the tough questions that occur. He does his own research and makes decisions based on what is best for his constituents and Oneida County taxpayers. I encourage you to vote for Mr. Mott who has proven himself to be someone you can depend upon to make good choices on your behalf.
Carol L. Pederson, second vice chair, Oneida County Board
Reader says Schreier is dependable, reliable
Editor,
I am writing to encourage residents of Oneida County District 4 to vote for Steven Schreier for Supervisor April 3. Steven is passionate about improving our community and representing the residents of the south side of Rhinelander by attending all meetings. His campaign has made a commitment to be dependable, reliable and accountable to the citizens of the district. Steven understands that the backbone of our Northwoods economy is the tourism industry and has made a commitment to environmentally sound economic development.
Promoting green jobs by supporting Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) loans is just one idea he favors. County-wide access to broadband internet access is another priority of Steven’s. While we in the city have access to broadband internet, that is not case for much of the rest of the county and this is inhibiting our economic growth and the vitality of our community. Broadband access will certainly attract younger entrepreneurs to our community benefiting both the city and rural communities. These are just a few of his ideas. Please join me in voting for Steven Schreier April 3.
Tom Jerow, Rhinelander
Support for Gerald Anderson
Editor,
Having lived in Pelican Township all my life, I encourage District 5 residents to vote for Gerald Anderson for the county board. With his experience making base maintenance plans during his eight years in the Air Force, he knows about buildings, utilities and roads! And we certainly could use better roads! He also reviewed construction contracts and made sure contractors did what they were supposed to do.
As a veteran, he supports the care the county office gives and will work to see that care continues. These are enough reasons to vote for him on April 3, yet I would add one more: from his experience as a pastor, he can work well with others on the board. Oneida County will benefit from Gerald Anderson’s knowledge, experience and temperament.
Gail Bloom, Rhinelander
Outgoing board member endorses Fisher
Editor,
Russ Fisher has been a resident of the town of Pelican and our neighbor for over 17 years. He and his wife, Billi, are owners of Fisher’s Resort, Bar and Grill on Lake George. Russ is very civic-minded and active in a number of community organizations such as our lake association, community club and Hodag Sno-Trails Snowmobile Club as well as the Room Tax Committee and organizer of the ice golf tournament on Lake George. It is my pleasure to endorse Russ and encourage residents in District 5 (half of the town of Pelican and three wards in the city of Rhinelander) to cast your vote for Russ on Tuesday, April 3.
Carol L. Pederson, second vice chair, Oneida County Board
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