Column: Independence Day in Stevens Point, where democracy lives at the river’s edge

By Nancy S. Lind

This Independence Day, as fireworks light up the Wisconsin River from Pfiffner Pioneer Park and families gather at the River’s Edge Campground for their “Party in the USA Weekend,” Stevens Point offers something increasingly rare in American civic life: proof that democracy still works when citizens engage with it locally.

While the national mood has shifted dramatically—recent polling shows Americans are now more optimistic about the country’s direction than they’ve been in nearly two decades, with 50% saying the country is on the right track for the first time since 2006—here in Portage County we’re witnessing something even more fundamental: a community that understands independence isn’t just about what happened 248 years ago, but about what we do today to preserve and strengthen our democratic institutions.

My stance is clear: Real independence requires active citizenship, and Stevens Point shows the way forward.

Democracy in Action on Every Street Corner

Walk into any Stevens Point Common Council session or Portage County Board meeting, and you’ll see democracy in its most essential form: neighbors talking to neighbors about shared challenges. This isn’t the performative politics of cable news—it’s the real work of self-governance that the Founders envisioned.

Yes, even when that work gets messy. The recent debates over infrastructure projects like the Fourth Avenue and Division Street intersection—where community members passionately engaged in the democratic process even when they disagreed with final decisions—demonstrate exactly what healthy civic engagement looks like. When residents felt their voices weren’t being heard on the roundabout proposal, they didn’t retreat from democracy; they leaned into it harder.

Mayor Mike Wiza reminded us last July 4th that while parades might be fun, we must remember why we celebrate this day. In Stevens Point, we’re living that reminder daily through active civic engagement that transcends party lines and focuses on community solutions.

Local Government as Constitutional Laboratory

Stevens Point’s city government exemplifies the kind of transparent, accessible democracy the Constitution was designed to foster. When downtown business owners needed extended parking hours, they brought their concerns directly to Mayor Wiza, and the city responded. When questions arise about legal notice requirements and public engagement, the conversation happens openly in our local media.

This is how the separation of powers was meant to function—not as an abstract constitutional principle, but as a living framework where citizens can meaningfully influence their government regardless of their political affiliation. Even when citizens disagree with outcomes, as some did regarding recent infrastructure decisions, the process itself remains accessible and transparent.

The Portage County Model: Democracy in Practice

From Vinnie Miresse’s service on the Portage County Board and pursuit of Assembly District 71 to the contested races that gave voters real choices in our local elections, Portage County demonstrates something essential: democracy requires people willing to serve and citizens willing to participate.

The fact that we have competitive races for County Board positions shows our democratic institutions are healthy. When Pat Keller faces challenger Chris Randazzo for District 14, or when citizens engage in community-centered discussions about solar development, we’re seeing democracy work as intended—focused on issues, not ideology.

Independence Lived Daily

True independence in 2025 isn’t just about celebrating what happened in 1776—it’s about embracing the responsibility that came with it. In Stevens Point and Portage County, that responsibility shows up in:

Local Engagement: When residents attend Common Council meetings, serve on boards and commissions, or participate in community engagement initiatives through organizations like United Way of Portage County, they’re practicing the active citizenship our republic requires. Even when—especially when—they’re advocating for positions that don’t ultimately prevail.

Transparent Governance: Whether it’s Mayor Wiza’s accessibility to local concerns or the open discussion of complex issues like the Matthew 25 initiative’s potential impact on local government, Stevens Point demonstrates that democracy thrives on transparency and public awareness—not on partisan talking points.

Regional Cooperation: From Mosinee’s Tiki Beach hosting community celebrations to Junction City’s annual community picnic, our entire region understands that democracy is built on the social fabric that connects us to each other across political divides.

The Constitutional Imperative for Local Action

As someone who has spent years studying the constitutional framework, I can tell you that the Founders placed their faith not in perfect leaders or flawless institutions, but in engaged citizens. They understood that the separation of powers only works when people are willing to hold each branch accountable, that federalism only succeeds when local communities take responsibility for their own governance.

The Founders were pragmatists who knew that democracy requires work. They created a system designed to channel disagreement productively, not eliminate it. Stevens Point and Portage County exemplify this vision—communities where people of different views can work together on shared challenges, even when the process gets contentious.

A Declaration for the Point

This Independence Day, as we gather along the Wisconsin River to watch the fireworks and reflect on our nation’s birthday, let’s remember that democracy isn’t something that happens to us—it’s something we actively create and sustain.

Here’s what real independence looks like in 2025:

• Showing up to local meetings, not just complaining online
• Running for office or supporting those who do, regardless of party
• Staying informed about local issues that affect our daily lives
• Engaging respectfully with neighbors who disagree with us
• Holding leaders accountable through participation, not just criticism
• Continuing to participate even when specific decisions don’t go our way

In Stevens Point and Portage County, we have something precious: a community that still believes in the power of local engagement, transparent government, and civic responsibility. While national polling shows Americans are more optimistic about their country’s direction than they’ve been in decades, we’re too busy practicing democracy to worry about its theoretical future.

The Work Continues

Democracy isn’t a destination—it’s a daily practice. When fireworks displays are scheduled across our county from Rosholt to Junction City, we’re not just celebrating our independence—we’re demonstrating the community bonds that make self-governance possible.

The American experiment in self-governance remains the most audacious political project in human history. It’s messy, it’s frustrating, and it requires constant vigilance. But it’s ours to protect and perfect.

The Founders would recognize what we’re doing here along the Wisconsin River. They’d see neighbors serving neighbors, citizens holding government accountable, and communities taking responsibility for their own future. They’d see independence lived daily, not just celebrated annually.

That’s the kind of democracy worth defending—and worth celebrating every July 4th.