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:
I am writing this letter in support of Steve Hass for Mayor. As a former Alderman for the Sixth District, I have worked with Steve on the City Council for many years. Steve has served as Council President and on many other Committees. He has served as Alderman for the Second District for 13 years. Needless to say, he has a lot of experience working with City administration and the various Department Heads, as well as the employees of the City.
Steve doesn’t have any hidden agenda or axes to grind. He wants more citizen involvement and will work to develop more transparency with the citizens of Merrill.
Steve will work to keep spending of tax payer dollars within a set budget. The COVID pandemic and rising inflation has caused all of us to watch what we spend our money on. The City must do the same. Steve will be a great Mayor for Merrill. Please remember to vote in the April 5 election.
Sincerely,
– David Sukow
Merrill, Wis.
To the Editor:
This letter is addressed to readers who live in Lincoln County District 12, which covers the Towns of Harding and Tomahawk and much of the Town of Corning. On the April 5 ballot, I ask that you write in Paul Gilk, your Supervisor, who has worked diligently in the past 10 years for the good of all Lincoln County residents. Paul was born and raised on a small farm in the Town of Harding and thus he knows and understands the needs of his neighbors. For eight years, he served as Pine Crest Trustee from the County Board and he helped support and facilitate the additions of the rehabilitation and memory care units. He is now on the committee that oversees North Central Health Care Nursing Home. Our County Board has been squeezed into a box, due to the cap that was put on raising taxes and difficult decisions regarding finances have been necessary. Paul has always been a voice of reason on our County Board. He realizes the importance of having a forward looking agenda, and an approach that not only deals with current issues but that prepares us for the future, and this includes encouraging and facilitating a transition in our local governments to alternative energy sources in buildings and vehicles. Paul Gilk is prepared to do this. Please write in Paul Gilk for Lincoln County Supervisor, District 12, on April 5.
– Richard L. Brown
Merrill, Wis.
To the Editor:
I was the City Council representative in District 8 before leaving Merrill. In that office, I worked with both candidates for Mayor of Merrill. I saw how both worked with the public, with employees, and with the other elected and appointed officials. With that experience, I can say that the best choice to lead Merrill going forward is Steve Hass.
Steve Hass is honest and fair. He listens to all sides and does his own research before making decisions. He asks questions and tries to see the long-term consequences of decisions made now rather than blindly accepting what is put before him with no thought as to who is going to “pay the bill” someday.
He’s a representative who listens and tries to find answers and solutions for employees and citizens. He‘s the Alderperson who went to the City Garage at midnight during a blizzard to do a “ride along” on a snowplow so he could truthfully address the concerns of citizens and employees with firsthand knowledge of how things operate. He speaks thoughtfully, with no bluster, bullying, or bluffing.
Steve would not be satisfied paying lip service to concerns while allowing others to run the City in his place. He has integrity and makes decisions based on experience and his own research; Steve is no one’s puppet but stands firm in his commitment to Merrill’s future.
My experiences with both candidates makes me firm in the belief that Steve Hass is the best choice for Merrill’s next Mayor.
– Anne Caylor
Kaukauna, Wis.
To the Editor:
April 5th Lincoln County voters will be asked to elect Supervisors to the County Board. I served on the Board for a short time recently. I was shocked by the lack of transparency and accountability exhibited by Board members, many who have been on the Board for a number of terms. Many keeping quiet when they should have been questioning why, where, when, and how various Departments are spending Taxpayer funds.
On April 5 it is the RESPONSIBILITY of We Taxpayers to elect County Board Supervisors who will hold Departments responsible for spending our tax dollars wisely rather than rubber stamping budgets.
Almost EVERY district in the County has Fresh New Faces ready to serve the citizens of Lincoln County. Before you place your vote, make SURE to check who your candidates are and help ELECT Fiscally responsible representation.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Regards,
– Chuck Bolder
Merrill, Wis.
To the Editor:
“Giving the people a voice … a voice for the people.” It all sounds the same to me. Every election we have candidates who tout such a slogan. Personally, I have never needed anyone to be my “voice” … I have my own and use it and so do YOU. Your voice can be heard anytime at City and County meetings. It is heard every time you vote. So many complain about not being heard by government, but so few ever attend meetings. It is impossible to be heard if one neither attends meetings, nor votes. In a small city such as Merrill, one also has the opportunity to contact City Officials directly; I have done this many times quickly and easily. “We the people,” have ample opportunity for our OWN voices to be heard — we do not need someone else acting as our “voice.’” All too often the person speaking for us is only voicing his or her own opinion. Perhaps at times, their voters are being represented, but from what I have observed with certain candidates is that they are using their elected position to push their political agenda, not yours. With so much voter apathy these days, it is easy to listen to someone who wants to be your “voice.” God gave you a voice, so why not put it to good use and make the effort to be personally involved in our government – “by the people, for the people.”
– Heather O’Neill
Town of Harding, Wis.
To the Editor:
In April we will be casting our votes for our County, Towns, Cities, and School Boards in Lincoln county.
Many new candidates are running against the incumbents. With this many new candidates, it makes one think that perhaps outsiders may be attempting to influence our votes. These candidates are sharing very little about themselves. Their backgrounds, work experience, etc. are lacking. One other important detail is also missing as some of their campaign literature has no disclaimers.
Who is paying for these? Why are they running for these offices? What experience do they offer? What do they want to contribute to our communities?
Please take the time to ask some of these questions and research as much as possible.
SOME CHANGE IS GOOD BUT LET’S MAKE SURE IT’S FOR THE BETTER.
– Ginger and Bob Richards
Tomahawk, Wis.
To the Editor:
The Spring Election in Merrill is of utmost importance to our future. In a previous election, I had contacts with numerous citizens at their homes. The main subject of those conversations was the high tax rate in Merrill. This tax rate has contributed to a feeling of anxiety for many taxpayers. In my opinion, there is a method to ease their anxiety and set the future of Merrill on a positive course.
As Mayor, Steve Hass would diligently manage the City financial future, while also exploring opportunities for growth and development. During his time as an Alderperson, Steve has demonstrated that he will not “jump” at every chance to spend City (OUR) money. Instead, he has carefully researched the pros and cons of various proposals, while always putting the needs of the taxpayers first. We won’t need to worry about “open government” if Steve is elected. Over the years, he has exhibited that he is in favor of keeping the citizens informed on City issues.
Lori Anderson-Malm shares Steve’s concern for fiscal responsibility. She has demonstrated that while serving on the Redevelopment Authority. Over the last several years, she has attended numerous City meetings, made public comment, and asked critical questions.
We can all agree that we are hoping for a positive future for Merrill, and I believe that Steve Hass and Lori Anderson-Malm are the right choices as we face the future together.
– Debbie Alvin
Merrill, Wis.
To the Editor:
For several years, I had the pleasure to work with Steve Hass in City government. During that time, Steve has ALWAYS served us with dignity and a passion for putting the needs of ALL people first. He has made financial decisions based on merit, and only after careful consideration. Steve has the knack for being a good listener, a trait that seems rare in today’s political environment. Steve won’t make false promises, but he will always do “all he can” to address concerns and answer questions. Steve has always exercised common sense and exhibited strong leadership, two essential traits in high-quality government. We would be fortunate to have Steve Hass serving us as our Mayor!
Prior to declaring her candidacy for City Clerk, Lori Anderson-Malm contacted me to gather more information related to the position. During subsequent discussions, she demonstrated a genuine interest in how, if elected, she could best serve the taxpayers of Merrill. Her enthusiasm was impressive! As a member of the Redevelopment Authority, Lori has not hesitated to ask the “tough” questions that needed asking. She has the qualifications and the eagerness to serve, and I have no doubt that she is ready, willing, and able to handle the City Clerk’s duties.
In the April election, I urge you to elect Steve Hass as Merrill Mayor and Lori Anderson-Malm as Merrill City Clerk.
– Bill Heideman
Merrill, Wis.
To the Editor:
I am writing to show my support for District 12 County Board Supervisor Candidate Jon Weiler. I have known Jon my entire life, as he is my father. We became residents of Lincoln County in 2016 after Dad retired from the Army. It has always been his dream to live in the North Woods, and when my parents visited, they fell in love with the beauty and the people of Lincoln County. We immediately knew we found our “forever” home. My husband, daughter, and I live in Lincoln County, as well, and I work as a school social worker in Merrill.
The most important thing that I want to convey to the voters about Jon is that I can honestly and truly say that no one, and I do mean NO ONE, will work harder than him at ensuring that Lincoln County becomes the best place to live, work, and raise a family.
He has strong Christian and family values; a passion for the people of Lincoln County; and is committed to being fiscally responsible; devoted to serving veterans; and dedicated to ensuring we have jobs and quality housing to keep people here. His vision for Lincoln County is being a place where our children and grandchildren will be proud to call home.
He believes that elected and appointed officials must be accountable, be accessible, and be transparent with the voters, and I know that he will be the best choice for District 12 Supervisor. Please vote for Jon Weiler on April 5.
Respectfully,
– Alexis Medford
Merrill, Wis.
To the Editor:
It is remarkable, that 37 candidates are running for the 22 seats on our Lincoln County Board of Supervisors, and I strongly support the majority of the incumbents. Most of the incumbents have been doing and will continue to do what is best for Lincoln County, its residents, and plan for our future. Among the incumbents are members who work diligently to oversee our County nursing home and help it meet the needs of our citizens. We have incumbents who are IT experts, the former director of HAVEN, social workers, and one who worked as a health expert for the Department of Corrections. Most incumbents are well versed in County government and bring with them vast expertise, experience, and compassion for their fellow citizens, and they are worthy of re-election. They work tirelessly on behalf of all of us and the work they do is non-partisan. They do what is best for the citizens of Lincoln County and they are accountable and accessible. If you doubt this, please contact the Supervisor who represents your District. If you do not know in which District you live, call Lincoln County Clerk (715-539-1019) for this information. Thus, for all of the above reasons, the following incumbents and also a former Supervisor deserve your vote on Feb. 15: Judy Allen, Nubs Ashbeck, Bill Bialecki, Hans Breitenmoser, Paul Gilk, Dora Gorski, Brian Hafeman, Kevin Koth, Elizabeth McCrank, Greta Rusch, Pat Voermans, Derek Woellner, and Judy Woller. Please vote.
Respectfully,
– Catherine G. LeMay-Brown
Merrill, Wis.
To the Editor:
I want to support and urge you to vote for Clyde Nelson, who is running as a Write-in candidate for the 4th Aldermanic District in Merrill. I have known Clyde for 48 years and have found him to be very responsible, honest and a man of integrity. I have had the privilege as a volunteer to work beside him at the Lincoln County Fair and a long time ago as a professional financial consultant. I have found Clyde to be a good listener, negotiator, and problem solver. Clyde looks at many different alternatives before offering a solution. Clyde was involved is some situations that could have become quite disruptive and by meeting people face to face and asking good constructive questions and then offering some alternative solutions, the situations ended up in a satisfactory and ongoing relationship. Clyde’s biggest asset is the willingness to go to people who have an issue and discussing viable solutions with them. I am sure Clyde would use this same type of situational management as an Alderperson.
Merrill is a very nice place to live and work. Every community in America will have challenges as it addresses budgets and planning for the future. Clyde possesses the personality and the background to continue the things we have come to enjoy. He has the insight to pose Merrill for the future to maintain the attributes of this City we have come to value and cherish.
– Tom Mueller
Merrill, Wis.
To the Editor:
To the citizens of the 12th District in the Towns of Tomahawk, Harding, and Corning:
I’m writing to inform you that I’ve registered as a write-in candidate for the April 5th election.
On Feb. 15, I lost in the primary. I can take getting beat fair and square, but I can’t quite stomach getting hammered by misrepresentation and half-truths. Jon Weiler alleges that I have been unaccountable and inaccessible. That simply isn’t true. I listen to constituents and always have.
Jon hasn’t put forward a single concrete proposal. His campaign (complete with glossy oversized postcards mailed from Reno, Nev.) is devoid of content.
Julie complains about County debt, but it’s an illusion to think that counties don’t borrow when the need arises. The Lincoln County Jail was funded by borrowing. Same with the Service Center and the two additions to Pine Crest Nursing Home. Businesses, families, individuals, and county governments borrow money. That’s just a fact of life.
As to cutting out the fat, there are employees of Lincoln County who make good middle-class incomes because they’re qualified professionals who know their jobs. Probably every one of them could make a lot more money in the private sector or with a larger county. They stay in Lincoln County because they’re committed to the place. To our place.
Since I’m thoroughly aggravated by all the hollow posturing and misrepresentation, I’m asking you to write in Paul Gilk for County Supervisor on April 5.
– Paul Gilk
Merrill, Wis.
To the Editor:
I’m surprised that the Foto News headline last week warned of scams one week after front page endorsement of a scam. This “people’s convoy” is a group of fringe, white wing extremists who believe their rights, choice, and freedoms in any way affect disease. If you catch cold, it is not because your rights were violated. If you get the flu, it is not a matter of choice or freedom. It is disease, and those things are irrelevant. As irrelevant as the eventual “convoy.”
Endorsement of extremists is something one would expect from OAN, News Max, or Fox. Publishing their manifesto, including a bastardized version of the Preamble to the Constitution is an endorsement of their biased and ignorant rational (sic). Are we to expect more endorsements of fringe extremists? Will the Foto News endorse the violent insurrectionists who stormed the capitol? The Klan? How far will it go?
A letter to the editor expresses an opinion. Front page publishing of an extremist manifesto is endorsing that group and advocating their viewpoint. Unless the Foto News is planning on becoming a conservative propaganda forum, they will need to be more aware of their choices in this highly charged environment.
– Doug Curtis
Gleason, Wis.
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