Letter: A message from an elected rep to the citizens of Portage County

Portage Co. residents can send their open letters to [email protected]

To the Editor-

As someone who has served in local government for more than 25 years, I’ve witnessed a significant shift in how our small-town and county boards operate.

There was a time when board members came to meetings dressed professionally, conducted themselves with mutual respect, and—even during the most heated debates—never made things personal. You could strongly disagree with a colleague on policy, but afterward, shake hands and part ways respectfully. That culture has changed.

Local government was originally designed to function independently of partisan politics. That’s why candidates for local office don’t declare a political party affiliation. The goal was simple: focus on local issues and serve the community, not a party agenda.

Today, however, that ideal seems to be fading. Respect for differing opinions has diminished. If someone doesn’t align with a party’s agenda, they risk being sidelined. Political action committees (PACs), which are not subject to the same regulations as candidates’ campaigns, have become increasingly active in local races. These PACs often distribute misleading mailers funded through opaque financial channels such as 501(c)(4) organizations. If you’ve ever noticed the fine print—“Not approved by any candidate or candidate’s committee”—you’ve seen how these groups operate behind the scenes.

This is how political parties are stacking local boards—with candidates supported by outside money and controlled messaging. In many cases, a single individual guides the direction of these boards, acting as a conduit for the party’s agenda. Those who dissent can expect retaliation—not from the public, but from within their own ranks.

We are elected to serve the people, not the party. Unfortunately, I have seen stacked boards reject worthwhile developments simply because the party in control did not agree with a company’s perceived values. These decisions run counter to the wishes and needs of the constituents who elected us.

When a board is politically stacked—as I believe the Portage County Board currently is—progress stalls. Taxpayer dollars are spent with little return, and governance becomes more about political maneuvering than public service.

Local boards should reflect a cross-section of our community—people from all backgrounds and beliefs—working together for the common good. It is time we return to that principle.

Steve Fritz
District 16 Supervisor, Portage County
Third Ward Trustee, Village of Plover