Letter: Fight or flight; time to seek Council replacements is now

To the Editor-

Wednesday, December 1, 2021, is the first day we can campaign for the five even-numbered districts in our city to replace alderpersons. Many ‘fight’ reasons are calling us to vote out present representatives with their stance to intimidate the police and keep citizens fearful, on lockdown, and financially hostage for projects they never supported.

There is time for citizens to think and pray about running for office to fight for our city by completing the necessary papers at city hall, learn the five key elements of a campaign, and write a plan to win 51 percent of the vote. Native sons and daughters are especially encouraged to declare their intentions and hopefully, seek support and coverage of the event.

Many ‘flight’ reasons are calling us to sink our roots into stable communities that respect citizens, police, and firemen, share common goals, wisely use their power of money and position to address city concerns, and are free of manipulation for personal agendas.

There is time for citizens to think and pray about ‘flight’ from a corrupt city for telling a native son he will not be reappointed because he is a white middle-aged man and, instead are planning to hire a female of color from out of state to oversee the police and fire departments; promote mob rule by marching in the streets yelling obscenities about the police then brushing away the verbal damage to our children by saying it’s their right to free speech; changing majority rule to mob rule; and tearing down checks and balances by stacking the Common Council.

What good came out of any of these actions? Do we want to waste more time living under the power of elected officials who are emotionally unable to professionally care about focusing on city problems?

There is time for incumbents to think and pray about their roles in causing our city to fall apart. Mr. Mike Phillips, the former 10th District Alderman, was interviewed by Brandi Makuski, September 26, 2019, and said, “We used to run the council like a business,” he said, “Council, the majority of it, it’s all about self-interest, lack of financial knowledge…I think it’s because they want ‘the feel good’ part of it. I don’t think any of them understand the financial impacts of anything they do. I’m just fed up; what’s next?”

Please read the complete interview to help you decide if you are part of the problem or the solution. Consider the words but mostly the actions of our leaders, then decide if you are called to fight or flight.

This is why it is so important to vote “the butcher, the baker, and the candlestick maker” into office because they understand risk. We need the input of business people to balance the others who are afraid to run a pop stand. They understand very well how to spend money from amounts given to them by someone else, but, are unable to understand how to make wise financial decisions which are proven by their history. Then, which is it for you, fight or flight?

Jean C. Edens
Stevens Point

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