Viewpoint April 1, 2020

Reader: Candy Sorensen trustworthy

Editor,

Candy Sorensen has our write-in vote for Oneida County Supervisor District 18. Candy would be your supervisor if you live in Woodruff Ward 3 and Minocqua Wards 1 and 4.

Candy is a long-standing resident of 45 years, a former county board member, and an area educator. We know Candy to be a committed government advocate where the control of county, township and school functions are decided locally. Candy is also dedicated to preserving our uniquely beautiful region with minimal tax levies based upon sustainable economic development and small business encouragement.

Whether promoting tourism in all facets, long-term forest management, watershed and wetlands protection, and all essential human services including the education of our young and care of elders,

Candy Sorensen is someone worthy of trust.

Please ‘write-in’ Candy Sorensen on your April 7 ballot.

Daniel Cabot and Maria Zayas, Woodruff

Fair maps on the ballot

Editor,

I can think of no better argument to vote yes on the two referendums facing citizens in Vilas and Oneida counties April 7 than Congressional action this past week. Every Republican legislator from Wisconsin voted NO on an aid package for the American people because the bill extended sick leave to workers missing work due to the COVID-19 crisis. Sen. Ron Johnson was at least honest enough to admit this. But Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner said the bill was just too long to read before the vote. Huh? That’s why representatives have staffs.

Because of gerrymandering by our majority Republican legislature, these “elected” representatives rarely face election defeat by Democrats so they don’t feel the need to vote in the best interests of their constituents. Gerrymandering also makes these politicians more extreme because their main threat is being beaten in the primary by someone farther to the right. So our current Republican legislators take their cues from the far-right wing of the party which then solidifies their hold on wealthy campaign donors. This relationship also weakens their commitment to represent their citizen constituents.

As a concerned citizen, you can be part of a growing grassroots movement to restore power rightfully to the people. Please vote yes for the Fair Maps proposal, which would create a nonpartisan commission to draw districts after the 2020 census and the proposal to overturn Citizen’s United, which allows unlimited dark money political contributions that make our elections a “pay to play” system.

Erik C. Larsen, Phillips

Reader supports write-in Candy Sorenson

Editor,

A Write-in Candidate for Oneida County Board District 18 is Candy Sorensen, a 45-year resident of Oneida County.

Candy stands ready again to serve her constituents as she did several years ago when she served on several committees – Commission on Aging, Board of Health, Housing Authority, Social Services and Family Care. Community members want Candy Sorensen back on the Board as a responsible, well-prepared, and well-attended member.

As Candy herself says, “Frustration with the rancor of partisan politics has led me to run again for the Board and put my efforts in to local, non-partisan government.”

Please write in Candy Sorensen for County Board District 18 representing parts of Woodruff and Minocqua on the April 7 Ballot.

Let’s get at least one female back on the all male board.

Don and Kas Roberts, Minocqua

Truth and Error – Supervisor Jensen responds

Editor,

It was Benjamin Franklin that said, “When men differ in opinion both sides ought equally to have the advantage of being heard by the public.” and “When Truth and Error have fair play the former is always an overmatch for the latter.”

In a recent editorial Karl Fate wrote, “Robb Jensen didn’t listen to his constituents when he voted yes to sulfide mining after almost 65% of voters said no.”

The facts and newspaper coverage of the Oct. 15, 2019, Oneida County Board meeting do not support Mr. Fate’s claim. I, as well as the majority of county board supervisors voting on the issue, took the position that the public voiced their opinion on the Lynne site and the language in the proposed resolution did not reflect the language in the referendum.

Supervisor Mott said, “What’s happening is that you’re extending the opinion expressed in that vote to the whole county and I’m not sure that was true.” He also said there could be locations in the county where potential mining would not threaten water or other natural resources and society.

I thought the county may well have checks and balances in place that would allow the county to continue to evaluate potential projects on a site-specific basis and make a decision.

Most importantly I said, “It might be that we go back and do a referendum on wherever it is located.” That’s right, before making a decision; I expressed a desire to ask the people!

As Election Day draws near, I ask those voicing their opinions to base their positions on facts. I encourage all my constituents to go to www.RobbJensen.com should they have a specific question and for more information on the issues facing Oneida County.

Robb W. Jensen

District 11 Oneida County Board Supervisor

Supervisor candidate responds

Editor,

Regarding a Viewpoint letter in the March 25 Star Journal:

Sulfide mining. Please read my answers to a questionnaire by the League of Women Voters. I indicated I would respect the outcome of advisory referendum on the town of Lynn deposit and vote accordingly. I went further in both my campaign literature and advertising to indicate I would not support mining in the Oneida County Forest in the next session. I would also refer you to Oneida County Board Resolution #59-97. I authored this resolution putting the Oneida County Board on record in support of the Outstanding Resource Water (ORW) designation for the Willow Flowage.

I did vote to eliminate county funding for the UW Extension. Much of what the UW Extension does is a duplication of services provided by other county departments. In the next budget session I will support money for both Teen Court and 4-H which I agree with you is important for youth development.

John Bilogan served Oneida County for over 27 years with an outstanding record. He retired with full county benefits. He has all the rights of all public employees. Most importantly the right of all Americans of being presumed innocent until proved guilty in a court of law. As a well respected lawyer in the Public Defender’s office you more than most should respect this right. Yet, you Mary acted as judge, jury and executioner in your letter to the editor with regards to Mr. Bilogan in your attempt to score political points against me. Mary, shame on you.

Jack Sorensen, Pine Lake