To the editor,
The next several weeks before the Midterm Election already show signs of being contentious. We can expect this to be a bitter fight, as so much is at stake.

That’s why it’s important that we select candidates who share our values about improving affordability of life’s essentials, protecting our environment, and providing healthcare, just to name a few. Do the candidates’ key messages and platforms (usually spelled out in detail on their website) do more than identify problems? Do they also suggest solutions? 

If the candidate is an incumbent, what’s their track record? Don’t be fooled by messages on a flyer boasting that the candidate owns a business, or grew up on a dairy farm, or married a high school sweetheart. What has the candidate done to improve our community? Our quality of life? What real ideas does the candidate have to lower costs, protect our water, fund our schools, feed our children and ensure healthcare for all?

Be wary of those candidates who throw out labels like candy at a parade. Public infrastructure or facilities like roads and libraries that we all share are not “socialism.” Employees demanding workers’ rights are not “communists.” People with different ideas than ours are not “freaks and weirdos.” Labels are not just inaccurate descriptions, they are harmful.  

When you drop off your ballot or go to the polls, consider who will most support your family and make Wisconsin a great place to live.  

Ken Wooley

Hudson