Paid Letters to the Editor

We welcome letters to the Editor, a chance for members of the community to comment on issues of concern to them. All letters must be original, not duplications of letters addressed to public officials or written by others. The views and opinions expressed are those of the letter writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of this publication, its publishers, Editor, or staff.

To the Editor:
ALL THREE Amendments: Vote Yes
Question 1: Prohibit Partial Veto to Increase Tax or Fee.
Wisconsinites can restore fairness in government by voting yes on the amendment to prohibit the governor from using partial veto powers to create or increase taxes and fees. In 2023, the governor struck digits from the state budget to turn a two-year school funding increase into a tax increase that grows every year for 400 years, and the courts upheld it. Governors of both parties have stretched their partial veto far beyond its purpose, overriding the legislators we elected. New taxes and fees should be debated in the legislature, where voters can see who supports them. Our Constitution should limit whoever is in power, so Wisconsinites are treated fairly no matter which party holds the governor’s office. Wisconsin voters have done this before. In 1990 and 2008, we amended the Constitution to stop governors from creating new words and sentences with the veto pen. It’s time to finish the job. Vote yes on Question 1 this November.

Question 2: Prohibit Government Closure of Places of Worship During Emergencies. This amendment would ensure freedom of worship in Wisconsin.
During COVID, we saw houses of worship face restrictions, while retailers remained open. Even during emergencies, people should be allowed to worship and practice their faith.
Question 3: Prohibit Government Discrimination or Preferential Treatment. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.”
It’s the most famous line in the Declaration of Independence and the foundation of what it means to be an American and a Wisconsinite. All of us, no matter our sex, skin color, or where we came from, have equal dignity and should be treated as such by our government. This November, the Wisconsin ballot contains a proposed amendment to the State Constitution prohibiting government from discriminating against, or granting preferential treatment to, anyone on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin in public employment, education, and contracting. Our nation and State have made great strides toward civil rights for all. Now let’s close the loop. Applicants for public jobs, students at public universities, and businesses bidding on public contracts should be judged on their merits, not their race or sex. It’s time our government recognizes each person as an individual and treats them with equal dignity under the law. Vote Yes on Question 3 this November.

- Randy Detert

Merrill, Wis.

The cost for Paid Letters to the Editor is $100 for the first 200 words and an additional $25 per additional 50 words, and must be prepaid prior to printing. All Paid Letters to the Editor will be clearly labeled as a “Paid Letter to the Editor.” [Some submissions may be referred to our advertising department to be run as ads.]
This includes all Political “Letters to the Editor” submitted as an endorsement for or opposing a political candidate, referendum, or political agenda and any opinino trying to sway a vote. All political content must be substantiated by verifiable facts with sources referenced for fact-checking purposes. Coverage will prioritize local elections, political issues, and governance that directly impact our communities; and national political coverage will only be included when it is relevant to a local story, ensuring our content remains community-focused and distinct from mainstream national media. We will not print letters that contain potentially libelous material; support discrimination; are vulgar, profane, obscene, derogatory, or otherwise offensive; or make personal attacks or explicit or implied threats. [Libel is any malicious, unsubstantiated, or untrue statement about someone that damages their reputation.]
The First Amendment protects freedom of speech from government restrictions, not private businesses. Companies can set their own rules on speech in workplaces, online platforms, or services. While employees and users have rights, businesses can moderate, restrict, or penalize speech without violating the First Amendment since it limits only government actions
Policy Rev: 06/16/25