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Letters to The Platteville Journal for Feb. 13
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Tax hikes and fees

I read in last week’s Journal Ald. Steve Becker’s letter asking for our vote. He used terms like “good steward” for the town and  “did not raise taxes.”

I find it strange that someone with Steve’s background as a retired professor of accounting at UW–Platteville did not foresee a rate increase in Solid Waste Collection prior to the November 2012 Council Meeting. This new rate was then set to go into effect for the 2013 budget,

I am someone who has gone to most of the council meeting and I do not remember any discussion about this new rate until I read it in The Journal while I was in New Jersey taking care of personal business.

Did he nor any of the other esteemed UW–Platteville faculty of staff or former  faculty (Council president Michael Dalecki, Professor of Sociology, Ald. Barb Daus, Chancellor’s Office, or Ald. Ken Kilian) ever feel it was necessary to renegotiate the contract with Faherty Inc. or at the very least see if there was another vendor that could service the City of Platteville? Why was this essential service felt for the last possible minute and then announce to the residents that there will be a rate increase of $60 per home this year and an additional $60 next year, 2014?

I also find it very strange that any member of the Police Department or its dispatch staff cannot run for a city office while members of UW–Platteville proliferate the city council.

I will be talking to the other candidates this week and will let you know who I would endorse for Common Council in a future Journal.

People of Platteville: it is time that we start to run our city the way it should be run and not have UW–Platteville run it for us.

Michael V. Mayo
375 S. Chestnut St., Platteville

He’d like your vote

I am running for the Platteville Common Council. I have lived in Platteville for more than 60 years. During that time, I have served on the Platteville Plan Commission, and I spent many years on the Platteville Park Board. I have also worked with several of the Platteville youth programs for many years.

I would appreciate your vote Feb. 19.

Mike Denn
1270 Stars Court, Platteville

Appreciation

I wanted to respond to all the wonderful people who have helped us. Jennifer and I felt so blessed this Christmas amongst all the troubles we have had. It’s nice to know that we live in such an accepting and hospitable community where there are people who see a need they act with great kindness and caring without expectations of wanting in return.

Rea Kirk and her UW–Platteville Families class sponsored the bake sale and soup supper, and the Pastor and Vicar Mike at First English Lutheran Church agreed to host. The Platteville Area Chamber of Commerce has been accommodating with my schedule, giving me time off work. I’d add the Platteville Lions Club, Dupaco Credit Union and Immaculate Conception Parish in Kieler.

I really don’t want to forget anyone, but there are just so many people and businesses who have helped us, so if you have please know you are appreciated.

Joseph A. Wand
Platteville

When doing taxes …

As a volunteer for the Wisconsin Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, I would like to inform Wisconsin residents of their opportunity to help those with MS.

In 2006, the Make a Mark for MS tax check-off program was implemented. This program allocates funds for Wisconsin clients with MS to have assistance with items such as home and auto modifications, physical therapy and durable medical equipment. New Wisconsin Legislature changes have put these donations at risk by limiting the number of participating organizations on the income tax form to 10, and only the top eight financial performers will be returned from year to year. The bottom two will be replaced each year.

As a former member of the Make a Mark Committee, I have seen firsthand what your donations can mean to a person living with MS. Locally, wheelchair ramps and exercise equipment are just some of the tools that have increased the independence of someone living with MS. Your anonymous tax donation also means no further solicitations by mail or phone.

Please consider a donation on your Wisconsin Income Tax form and help to keep the Make a Mark for MS program viable for the over 10,000 people in Wisconsin living with MS.

Kim Leamy Martens
Lancaster



The Platteville Journal will print most letters to the editor, regardless of the opinion presented. The Journal reserves the right to edit material that is libelous or otherwise offensive to community standards and to shorten letters the Journal feels are excessively long. All letters must be signed and the signature must appear on the printed letter, along with a contact number or email for verification. Some submitted letters may not be published due to space constraints. “Thank you” letters will not be printed. All letters and columns represent the views of the writers and not necessarily the views of The Platteville Journal.