Letters to the Editor

Dear editor, We met with Senator Howard Marklein’s (R-Spring Green) chief of staff Katie Prange on the September 27 on the Statewide Fair Maps Lobby Day to encourage his support of Fair Maps. Prange made it very clear that Senator Marklein’s position is that there is not a problem with gerrymandering in Wisconsin.  This is despite 83 percent of Wisconsin voters supporting a fair and transparent process, and 73 percent wanting to prohibit redistricting from benefiting one party over another (read full poll at:  fairmapswi.com/921poll). She sites as evidence the fact that Governor Tony Evers and Senator Marklein won in District 17 in the same election, and therefore evidence that District 17 is not gerrymandered.  We disagree and think gerrymandering has influenced our district’s representation. Furthermore, our concern is not with the gerrymandering of just one district.  Statewide races in Wisconsin are often competitive; state and assembly races are not. The current voting district maps were drawn in secret (with many Republicans having no input), not by the legislature but by high-priced consultants using sophisticated technology.  Act 43 was clearly created for partisan advantage.  If the 2002 maps had been used as the basis for drawing 2011 maps, Republicans would likely have won 50 seats to 49 for Democrats.  When you look at a sampling of maps generated on behalf of the Wisconsin Legislature as part of the 2011 redistricting process, it is clear the legislature chose the maps that provided the greatest partisan advantage - a 9 seat advantage.  It also resulted in moving over 2.3 million people among assembly districts when only 231,241 needed to move to equalize population.  The process overall was far from fair and it makes no sense to use rigged maps as the basis for new maps.   We are simply asking that an objective nonpartisan group, like the Legislative Reference Bureau or the People’s Maps Commission, draw the maps, not politicians. The process still requires the legislature to approve maps that are drawn. Myra Enloe, Dodgeville Christine Tsubokura, Mineral Point Claudia Looze, Highland   Dear editor, As a co-chairperson of the River Valley School Fair I want to thank everyone who joined us this year at our 58th annual fair. This is truly a community event in the fact that without all of you as supporters we could never do what we do. From the food tent sales to the animal auction it all helps. A special thank you to the Peoples Community Bank employees and the three ladies who assist them each year, they give so much of their time to help with the auction and collecting payments for the exhibitors. The committee and volunteers give a lot of their time throughout the year to help keep the fair going, but I believe if you ask anyone of them they would all say it is totally worth it come fair day. I hope to see you all there next year at our 59th fair. Tim Johnson Spring Green   Dear editor, Having grown up in Spring Green, I love and appreciate the natural beauty of this area.  It’s not something to be neglected. So, in seeing the absolute monstrosity, eyesore of a massive 5G tower raised at the intersection of highways 23 and 14, my heart sank.  Deep. The obvious and complete disrespect for this area and its surroundings couldn’t be more blunt.  The lack of community input and aesthetic regard is shocking.  And don’t even get me started on the effects of 5G (that’s a whole separate letter...). Not only does this tower have immediate negative implications- I can’t help but think of land depreciation- but how will this affect future tourism?   This area used to attract thousands of visitors each year, thanks to its sheer beauty playing main attraction.   Instead of heading to Titletown they can now head to Towertown.  You can’t miss it. Earnestly, Amanda Kraemer  Spring Green   Dear editor, Tobacco 21 legislation is pending in our state legislature which would align our state laws with Federal law. This legislation is very important to me and I appreciate Senator Howard Marklein’s (R-Spring Green) work and leadership on this bill. As a member of the South Central Alliance for Tobacco Prevention and a retired nurse, I fully understand the dangers of tobacco and vaping. This legislation will protect our kids from toxic, addictive chemicals by making it harder for them to access cigarettes, cigars and tobacco products as well as all types of vaping products. Senator Marklein listened to our Alliance’s concerns and amended his original bill to make sure that it included all types of vaping products. The original language in the bill needed to be updated as technology and product development has changed. I appreciate his willingness to hear our concerns and take action. Sincerely, Donna McGinley Mauston