The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Merrill Foto News, its publishers, Editor, or staff.
To the Editor:
The Merrill Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Clyde Nelson, is running as a write-in candidate for the 4th District City Council seat. I am not a business owner or chamber member, but it would seem to me that the Chamber Board is OK with being viewed as a political organization or lobbyist of sorts since it is rumored they had to approve his request to run.
I am, however, a tax payer. And as such, certainly wonder how my interests will be weighed against those of a chamber business member whose fees pay the wages of my elected representative. Will Mr. Nelson’s close-knit affiliation representing the business community within the city be equally weighed against those of his district when making council decisions?
In full disclosure, I am running for the 4th District Alderman seat. It’s not a decision I came to lightly, which is why I went out in December and got the signatures of support required to run as a declared candidate, not a write-in. I believe the citizens of the 4th District deserve to know they are being represented by someone who has their best interests in mind at all times. And in fairness, shouldn’t business members of the Chamber be able to expect the same from their paid director?
Respectfully,
– LaDonna Fermanich
4th District Candidate,
Merrill, Wis.
To the Editor:
Four years ago, we were preparing for a mayoral election. On the ballot was Bill Bialecki and a newcomer; a young upstart with no political background. The story then, and resurrected now is both a snow storm and over confidence in the result kept voters away. It wasn’t true then. It’s not true now. Those of us who recognized in Bill a civil servant who loved his community, could not continue to support his unwavering allegiance to a city administrator that was the most divisive city official I have ever seen. That election was a referendum and a call to change. While Derek tried, the support from aldermen was not there.
What has changed? The same administrator is still in place; still divisive, rude and condescending. While much has been done over recent years, the question remains at what cost? The difference this go around? We have a new candidate with years of experience in city government. Steve Hass is thoughtful and measured in expressing his positions. Check out his resume and his expansive service to our community. He favors progress, but also financial restraint, working within our city’s budget, not damaging our bond rating. Part of the mayor’s job is to create an environment of cooperation and open dialog. Will that happen with a mayor and divisive administrator in lockstep? We can’t move forward by stepping back. We need new ideas, and a respectful approach from someone with experience. My Vote is for Steve Hass!
– Cathy Robinson
Merrill, Wis.
To the Editor:
In looking at the Merrill City website under News & Announcements, I recently read the list of city projects that have been finished or are currently in the works. This comprehensive list covers a 10-year time period; 2012—2021. We should all be impressed with how much our government has accomplished—222 projects total, not including those that have been recently approved to begin this year. On this list are projects of all sizes and types and when compared to decades past, our city is now in the midst of a revitalization that we should all be PROUD of. A revitalization that proves growth and development can happen, while retaining that which makes Merrill, Merrill. This list of 222 projects, addresses the main problems faced by City Officials in 2012. So over the past 10 years, the city has worked hard to REMEDY these problems, as one can clearly see by reading this list. Does the city have debt as a result of addressing these problems—of course! However, that debt is being paid off faster than it is accumulating. Through expansion of the property tax base and new economic development, the City can then begin to address additional community needs. Folks, a city that has NO debt, is a city that is dead. I ask you all to go online and to read this list for a better understanding of what our city has been doing!
– Heather O’Neill
Town of Harding, Wis.
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