Paid Letters to the Editor

We welcome letters to the Editor, a chance for members of the community to comment on issues of concern to them. All letters must be original, not duplications of letters addressed to public officials or written by others. The views and opinions expressed are those of the letter writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of this publication, its publishers, Editor, or staff.

To the Editor:
I probably would not know either Elizabeth McCrank or Calvin Callahan if not for their participation in the last two terms of Lincoln County’s Board of Supervisors. Various issues have forced me to pay attention, and that has given me an understanding of their participation and votes during that time.
So, let me explain why I am not voting for Calvin Callahan for State Assembly.
Mr. Callahan often was not present at local meetings, both at committee level and at Board meetings. At one point, he chaired the Broadband Committee which met only once during his tenure.
Mr. Callahan asked to be taken off and was removed from all County Board committees, possibly due to his being down state. While sitting in the State Assembly, his few pieces of legislation focused on fluff recreational bills, anti-wolf measures, and taking away more rights from the poor and disenfranchised - basically those without lobbyists.
Perhaps it is his inexperience that led him to promote those bills. My understanding of his work experience shows him going from school into politics without much, if any, real-life experience in the real-world work force.
Mr. Callahan, when he was present at Board meetings, voted twice against the question of Pine Crest Nursing Home going to referendum. He also voted for eliminating UW-Extension, against the much-needed wheel tax, and supported selling Pine Crest Nursing Home.
I am voting for Elizabeth McCrank because of her impressive resume, extensive work history, and her votes at County Board.
Elizabeth McCrank has earned various degrees from various universities and also taught at university level for several years. Her experience is not limited to just academics but also shows a number of years at carpentry and construction, and more recently, as adult reference librarian at the T.B. Scott Free Library and outreach specialist for the UW-Extension.
Her consistent presence at meetings, her comprehensive take on several issues before the County Board, her pragmatic suggestions to make Board decisions more workable, her willingness to work with others, and her community involvement earn my vote for the 35th District State Assembly seat.

– Diana C. Smith
Tomahawk, Wis.

The cost for Paid Letters to the Editor is $40.00 per letter of up to 250 words, plus $10.00 per additional 50 words, and must be prepaid prior to printing.