‘So ignorant of the law’

Here again, it takes a rebuttal letter to the editor to attempt to clarify to the few people in Kendall who are so ignorant of the law that they persist in causing trouble by using their misinterpretations as a means to disrupt the legitimate workings of the township board.

I, as chairman of the town Smart Growth Committee, and not any member of the town board, posted a notice of “Protocol and Proper Conduct” on the bulletin board. This was necessary because of the constant attempts of the “few” to disrupt meetings by their illegal behavior.

The writers of the letters of the editor took exception to the use of the word visitors to describe the people who attend the meetings. By definition, there are three types of people at a township meeting: the board members, the participants who are on the agenda, and the visitors who, by law, may only observe and not participate without permission. The term visitor is used because it is all-inclusive. You do not need to be a resident to attend a meeting.

Because of the disruptive behavior of the “few” in the past, a sheriff’s deputy had to be called to a meeting because a threat to do harm to our chairman was made. That is why it is within the discretion of the board to use law enforcement to keep order at the meetings. Yes, if making threats is part of your disruptive behavior, you can be arrested–and should be.
The context of the notice that was placed on the bulletin board was taken from the Wisconsin Open Meeting Law, but also from a legal opinion about how Robert’s Rules of Order deals with disruptive behavior at all types of meetings. That part was not as clear as it could have been. and I am responsible for any misunderstanding that may have occurred. The notice has been changed and clarified.

The term “transparency in government” was used as if it is missing in the Town of Kendall. Both parties who wrote letters to the editor on the same day ran for office in the township and were defeated by the voters. The will of the people shows transparency to be working just fine in our township.

One wonders what would motivate a few people to spend so much time on trivial matters in an effort to discredit a very good township board. “Sour grapes” comes to mind.

Tom McWilliams
Chairman, Town of Kendall Smart Growth Committee

‘Enough’ in Kendall

It is time for the people of the Town of Kendall to stand up and say “Enough”!

People have the right to their political choices. That is called the right to vote. But true leadership recognizes they represent all of the people, not just those who are their friends.

To utilize the leadership platform as the forum to personally attack specific people and families and make slanderous allegations for their own political power gain is unconscionable.

It is time to wake up! We have a moral obligation to get involved, see what is happening and being said, and hold the leadership accountable. If wrongdoing has occurred, then show the evidence and bring forth the appropriate consequences. If not, then we need to ask ourselves if the allegations are nothing more than a continued attempt to misuse political power.

Abraham Lincoln once said, “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” The township is divided and neighbor relationships are deteriorating.

I ask you, how can you stand by and watch good people be slandered and do nothing?  In the words of Sam Walton, “Outstanding leaders go out of their way to boost the self-esteem of the people.”

It is time to say: Enough.

Joe and Bernice Flogel
Mineral Point

An act of kindness

I have been a resident of the Town of Platteville for 20 years. I have not seen anyone show an act of kindness on my 20 years of living in Platteville, but I was recently at one of the stores in town. I was going to buy the Telegraph Herald, but I didn’t have enough change. I asked the clerk if she could make change for a $50 and she said she couldn’t. I said that was OK. The man in line behind me asked the clerk if I just wanted the Telegraph Herald, she said yes. The man said he would pay for it. I told him no, that’s OK, but he insisted on paying for it and told him thank you.

There must be a few people in town that do have a heart and show acts of kindness. I did not get the man’s name, but I wanted a chance to show my appreciation again. Thank you for showing me people do still care.

Marie Jerrett
Platteville

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.