Kontos Column: Recognizing good choices should be a more regular thing

By Dan Kontos

I’m an opinion writer. My job here at the Metro Wire is to give my opinion on local matters. I’m not a journalist by any stretch of the imagination, though I back up my positions with facts and sources, many of them often left-leaning just to prove a point.

I invite thoughtful contemplation and debate, and I admit I do it with a bit of an edge at times. That’s just me. I don’t pretend to be someone else.

Pedestrian retorts to my columns consisting of tired cries of conspiracy theories, name-calling, empty replies of nuh-uh, and telling me that according to Wikipedia…, all tell me that I have much more work to do. I’m sure there are better examples on social media, but that’s all there is there, and so I avoid it as a rule of thumb.

It’s easy to get caught in the back and forth of laying out well-researched and solid arguments, just to be rejected by absurd and zany responses, and then feeling the need to go back and forth. It’s been said, “Never argue with stupid people, they will drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience.”

That being said, one thing that most of us can agree on is that there are lots of positive things happening in the Point/Plover area, and we should acknowledge some of those. I often times praise our public employees, especially our public safety workers. Tons of great things are happening around our law enforcement, fire, emergency medical, and others who keep us safe and healthy.

Meanwhile, the rest of the local government hums along, regularly providing clean water, garbage collection, road repairs, and even recreation. Many would say that they are just doing their jobs, and they are. It’s fairly routine when professionals are called upon to exercise their strengths day in and day out. We often take it for granted.

What’s harder is when comparative armatures are called upon to do the same. By amateurs, I’m not using that as a pejorative, but as a fairly accurate descriptor. If someone volunteers to perform a job, and usually only gets on-the-job training after they get the position, this means they are not really professionals at their position. They are lay people. What am I referring to? Our local elected officials, of course.

I’m periodically critical of local elected officials, as their job is to make frequently difficult decisions, based on their experience, opinions, and the recommendations of the professionals they oversee. Often times, our opinions clash. It’s nothing personal. It’s the job I was asked to do here. Nevertheless, I think it’s time to acknowledge some good calls made by those same chosen representatives. That’s only fair.

Late last week, under the leadership of Mayor Mike Wiza, the Stevens Point Common Council unanimously approved the creation of Tax Increment District (TID) number 14. Flying mostly under the radar, this is a big deal. Encompassing an area south of Old Highway 18 and north of County Highway HH in the East Park Commerce Center, this TID allows a municipality to use a portion of the taxes collected from property owners within it for infrastructure improvements like roads, water and sewer, and rail improvements.

This move is intended to attract European snack food company Agristo to build its first North American facility in Stevens Point.  This $40-$50 million plant will be capable of processing up to 20,000 acres of locally grown potatoes annually into retail and restaurant products like fries, chips, wedges, and hash browns, while creating up to 150 jobs.

Not a simple task, as the creation of TID 14 itself required a change to state law, and was sponsored by local state legislators, Senator Pat Testin (R) and Representative Katrina Shankland (D). How’s that for bipartisan progress? Like I said, no simple task.

A job well done by the Mayor, Council, and legislatures. Now you just need to close the deal.

At the County, the Board of Supervisors recently rejected a proposal to place another $3.5 million referendum on the ballot this November for the aging and underutilized Health Care Facility. The Board took a realistic look at the future of the facility, and despite the noble work done there, prioritized the taxpayers over an ever-dwindling prospect for continuing the Center.

This action now clears the way for finding a definitive resolution for this situation, as County Executive John Pavelski continues to pursue interested buyers in the private sector. 

As far back as former County Executive Patty Dreier, the County has struggled to find a permanent solution, and was often rebuffed by well-meaning emotional demonstrations by vocal members of the public. It was a hard decision, to be sure, but the right one.

Thank you for that, ladies and gentlemen.  We appreciate the effort and the lessening of the tax burden that many of us cannot afford these days.

Speaking of which, the County Board is also seemingly inching forward with its plan to replace the outdated law enforcement center.  Under the leadership of County Executive Pavelski and County Board Chair Ray Reser, among others, a new Sheriff’s Office and Jail have eluded county leaders for decades. It’s long overdue.

This is another complicated and difficult decision, but appears to be progressing, finally. I am encouraged that once educated, the Supervisors can now see the obvious solution. Many different plans, many failed starts, and a never-ending two-year election cycle have stalled previous efforts. Now is the time to execute.

I salute the County Executive and Supervisors for their determination and dedication to finding a solution to this metastasizing issue in public safety. Time to finish the job.

There are more examples of our local leaders making beneficial and solid decisions. You just need to look for them. I’ll do my part and continue to highlight them, both good and bad, but you can do your part by staying informed. With few sources for local news, perhaps a small investment is worth your money. Just throwing it out there.

So, with that, let’s meet in the opinion section to talk about all of it, boldly, honestly, with an appreciation for all our elected officials, and with a healthy respect for each other. Oh, don’t forget to make plans to vote, vote early, and bring friends to vote. Until then, remember that God loves you, and so do I.