Vote YES for referendum

To the editor,

I am writing to encourage all Prescott citizens to vote on Tuesday, April 5, 2022. Voting is an important right of citizenship and all of us should remember that not everyone in our world lives under a government in which free and fair elections can occur.

In addition, I’d encourage citizens to vote in the affirmative to authorize the Prescott School District to issue general obligation bonds to fund necessary repairs to three of Prescott’s school buildings.

If you have taken advantage of the information sessions or tours of the buildings, offered by the school district over the last few weeks, you would understand how needed the repairs are for these facilities. Three of Prescott school buildings are aging facilities and are showing their age. As an older person who got knee replacement surgery this year, I am well aware that things just don’t last forever without some updating, intervention, or replacement.

The good news is that our taxes will not go up! Yes, that’s right. Because the school district has been paying down previously released bonds, this bond will replace the funds already reduced and not increase taxes due the school district beyond what is currently provided.

The Prescott school district’s teachers do a great job for our children and grandchildren. The teachers and school kids all deserve facilities that support a quality educational environment.

Vote on April 5 and please vote YES on the school district’s bond initiative!

Maureen Otwell

Prescott

Grandparent of children in the Prescott Public Schools

Vote for Lugar, District 9

To the editor,

As a resident of District 9 in Pierce County, I’ve been impressed with Paula Lugar’s dedication to her role as my County Board Supervisor. She’s a willing listener and she always gives thoughtful consideration to the decisions she makes on the board.

Paula is a tireless advocate for her local community as witnessed by her volunteer work with Spring Valley Seniors Staying Put and her service on the WestCAP Board, among others. She always puts the betterment of the community at heart and I fully support her re-election to the County Board on April 5.

Phil Verges

Spring Valley

Bergseng is conscientious, thoughtful

To the editor,

As a former county board member that served District 8, I know the responsibilities that go with this position including meeting attendance, familiarity with residents’ interests and providing the best possible services for the lowest cost to the taxpayer. County board actions require consideration of future events that will impact the current and future population and are based on information and discussions that result in decisions that can continue to provide a high quality of life for all Pierce County residents.

Dean Bergseng has provided conscientious and thoughtful representation for District 8 residents and Pierce County. As a long-time dairy farmer, he is familiar with the need to plan ahead, make wise use of resources and care for the land. His participation on the County Board includes chairing the Agriculture and Extension, Fair and Veterans Service committees, as well as serving on the Land Conservation and Highway committees. His support for broadband expansion within the county has been significant in bringing this important technology to District 8 residents. I know that Dean works for change by considering facts, weighing alternatives, and talking with constituents. I trust his judgment and respect his opinions. I am pleased to have the opportunity to vote for Dean Bergseng on April 5 and hope that you will join me in continuing to support informed and participatory government in Pierce County.

Rita M. Kozak

District 8 Voter

Republicans need to get facts straight

To the editor:

DID YOU KNOW? The Republican Party of Pierce County needs to be transparent on THE FACTS. Their advertisement in the Journal last week was full of innuendo and ignorance of how county government works.

Agendas and minutes for the County Board and committees ARE POSTED ONLINE on the county website. Minutes are posted after review and approval. This is the policy recommended by the county attorney.

Meetings have been OPEN TO THE PUBLIC on Zoom during the pandemic, as recommended by the CDC and State Health authorities. As of March 14, meetings are in-person and on Zoom, masks are not required.

Many County Board meetings are in the EVENING. Committee meetings are set according to the schedules of the committee members, citizen volunteers and county staff who work with that specific committee.

EVERY County Board agenda has time for Public Comment.

There are PUBLIC HEARINGS for major board decisions like the budget, ordinance reviews, supervisory redistricting.

The Pierce County WEBSITE under Government – Agendas and Minutes, shows ALL THE AGENDA, PACKETS AND MINUTES.

Minutes are not transcripts. The county uses “Roberts Rules of Order” to determine what should be recorded. I would bet that the county and state Republican Party uses the same.

Salaries are PUBLIC INFORMATION and are POSTED REGULARLY in the paper. Increases are by resolution and votes – see March 22 Agenda item 8d.

The County Health Director operates under Wisconsin State statutory authority. Changes to that authority are made at the state, not county level.

Prescott Bergh

River Falls

Didn't get his way

To the editor,

In the March 16 Journal, there were two letters from former district employees encouraging 'Yes' votes in the upcoming Prescott School District $15 million maintenance referendum.

One was a straight-forward advocacy letter. The other was as much a grievance letter as an advocacy letter. The grievances were with the results that did not go the author’s way in two previous referendums from 24 and 18 years ago! Will this person ever let these go? He reminds me of a three-year-old. Waah! Waah! Waah! I didn't get my way. Waah! Waah! Waah!

Jim Reichert

Prescott