Letters to the Editor

The term, “migrant crime,” was coined by Donald Trump (he indeed takes credit for it) as a way of creating yet more fear in our country and ensuring his election. Fox news and friends picked it up and exploded it all over the airwaves, like a rotten watermelon. But research shows that undocumented migrants, in Texas, the only state where such things are recorded, are substantially LESS likely to commit a crime than U.S citizens. Although violent crime has actually plummeted since the 90’s, crime has become a top issue in this year’s Presidential election, no doubt because Trump and allies repeat over and over again that we are living in a country so dangerous we can barely risk going outside. I’m not dismissing the impact of crime—I’ve been a victim of violent crimes myself—but know that the drum beat of the right wing about “migrant crime” is based solely on getting Trump elected, not out of any desire to improve your life or keep you safe. Lies repeated over and over again are still lies. Don’t believe them, and don’t let them sway your vote.   Patricia McConnell Town of Black Earth   Wondering why ACLU, League of Women Voters, and thousands of your neighbors are so intensely begging for a “No” vote on the questions lurking on page 2 of this current ballot? Here are a few facts about the Joint Finance Committee, who would gain immense power if this yes/no referendum question should pass. The Joint Finance Committee is co-Chaired by Sen. Howard Marklein, (R-Spring Green) who has been given plenty of space in newspapers to urge a “Yes” vote. Actions of his committee have recently been found (by the Wis. Supreme Court) to be unconstitutional. When federal funds are sent to our state, this committee has blocked Gov. Evers from using billions of dollars that were meant to be spent helping our citizens. Their blockages last months or even years. Much of this blocked money is for conservation and environmental projects, but we’ve also been deprived of billions of Covid funding, and a project to help low-income folks get vaccinated. In many cases, in every facet of our lives, this committee put itself ahead of the Governor, who is legally in charge of disbursement. Their tactics have been criticized by many, for years, and yet they continue. Often they use a secret “pocket veto”, wherein any member can object, anonymously, and never have to say why. Rules say they should hold public hearings, within a time limit, to discuss their objections, but they often either don’t schedule a hearing, or don’t put the issue on the agenda. Many government watch-groups have fought to rein them in, but power-hungry Republicans in our grotesquely gerrymandered legislature have steamed on for years. New district lines might make things fairer soon. The much-improved Supreme Court is helping restore some lawfulness. But these two ballot questions will destroy the balance of power between the Governor and this destructive committee. We must fight their sleazy tactics with our own person-to-person messaging. Tell every registered voter to mark “No”. Tell everyone else to register now, then vote “No”. We citizens must stand up for our constitution and end the power-grab of this committee.   Peggy Peckham Village of Arena