Letter to the Editor: Caledonia not interested in sustainable living

The Caledonia Village Board voted down a proposal Wednesday night to allow residents to keep a small number of chickens in their yards. Patrick Flynn, of Caledonia, was a supporter of the ordinance. Here's his response:

What I observed last night, based on community comments was a division of generations. The older generations were clearly opposed, and the majority of the younger generations clearly supportive. Those that educated themselves and actually read the proposal were in favor. Those that did not, had visions of grand ‘ol chicken farms in their neighbors backyards. They feared everyone in their neighborhoods would want chickens and it would ruin their property values.

We based everything in our proposal on facts and testimonials from other communities that adopted this ordinance. The comments made from the opposition were so far off base that it tainted the entire proposal. Kevin Wanggard made the statement.. “We will not allow outside communities influence what we do in Caledonia, this is our community and that will not change”. The board voted based on emotions, “what ifs” and fear that if we changed this ordinance it would lead to other changes down the road.

Self -sustainability in Caledonia will be difficult. An older gentleman said “the next thing these folks will want is solar panels…. That will really bring down property values”. What is sad, is that I do want to install residential solar and wind to power my home. When I asked board member Kevin Wanggard about residential wind power I was told any attempt to change that ordinance will be futile. It is apparent that this community is just not ready for this new generation and this new era to be self-sustainable. The majority of board members are focused on commercial development rather than the quality of life for the people that live here. I truly believe the residents in Caledonia moved here because they wanted to get away from the city. That it was the rural setting, farm lands and open areas that attracted them here. I would hope that our board would recognize this and focus on ways to preserve our natural resources and find a way to reduce taxes in the process.

Patrick Flynn
4124 Mona Park Road

Letter to the Editor: Paulette Garin

With so much economic uncertainty, what we should be asking from our government is Universal HEALTHCARE for every American citizen. Healthcare IS where we demand our tax dollars be spent!

Supporting failing, ill-managed industries will not "recover" our economy. Irresponsible lending practices and unfair tax breaks created our problems, and a multi-billion dollar bailout or economic stimulus plan cannot be allowed to succeed if it only serves to promote self-interests. A company with a solid business plan, innovative ideas and vision will attract financial capital. The American taxpayer does not need to "prop up" those at the top and hope for the "trickle down" effects.

We can weather economic uncertainty. We can learn new technologies and adapt to changing industries, but without health care, the promise of a secure future vanishes. The world is suffering from the economic downturn. For those living in a country with a national health care system, losing your job does not mean losing your medical security. What we NEED is access to quality, affordable health care for every American!

The elections of 2008 were fueled by hope and optimism. Our President campaigned on a platform, which included healthcare reform. Our state legislature listed health care as a primary issue for the upcoming session. What can we do? Contact our elected officials, who benefit from a taxpayer provided healthcare plan. Remind them of their promises that got them elected. Tell them that now it’s time to "show me your health care plan" and get the job done.

-Paulette Garin

Paulette Garin was a 2008 Democratic Candidate for U.S. Congress. She campaigned on a platform strongly in favor of Universal Single Payer Healthcare supporting H.R. 676-The National Health Insurance Bill. She continues to receive national recognition for her position.

You can reach Garin at: paulettegarin@yahoo.com and read her blog at: paulettegarin.blogspot.com

Letter to the Editor: Ron Thomas

As a former seven term Alderman and Mayoral candidate in 2003 who is not seeking an elected position I recognize today what I did in 2003. “There are many good and positive things happening in Racine.”

As a community, we are only as strong as our most vulnerable populations. The vision Racine must have is that of a community which reflects the City mission statement, “We shall respond to the needs of our citizens by enhancing the quality of life.” This statement encompasses every person from every walk of life, every age group and every economic class.

In the very near future, the citizens of Racine are going to hear from a number of candidates who are seeking the position of Mayor within our community. As someone who has campaigned for the position of Mayor in the past and who is deeply interested in the welfare of this community, I thought I would ask the mayoral candidates to consider taking the “high road” in their respective campaigns.

Our community suffers from a poor image, and the well publicized activities of our former Mayor have further contributed to this perception. It is very easy to campaign and stress the shortcomings of our community and never offer any real solutions. Therefore, it is my fear that some candidates will run their campaigns on a platform that accentuates community problems and further contributes to our poor reputation. I know that we do have problems, and I am not asking candidates to turn a blind eye to them; but there are great things going on in our community. Furthermore, many good people are working, daily, to make Racine a better place to live, work and raise a family. I firmly believe that Racine is a great place to live and that there is hope for an even brighter tomorrow for Racine.

I hope to hear the candidates talk about the Workforce Development Strategy for Racine County titled “Higher Expectations.” The six challenges clearly articulate the high road for the Mayoral election:

1. Raising standards and expectations for public education.
2. Supporting stronger more financially stable families.
3. Creating jobs in communities with concentrations of unemployed workers.
4. Enhancing workforce transportation alternatives.
5. Improving job seeker information about opportunities in new and expanding businesses.
6. Communicating a more positive community image.

So, to those who are campaigning to become Racine’s next Mayor, please take an ethical course in your campaigns. Present solutions to our problems and avoid being overly critical. In addition, seize opportunities to mention the good things that are occurring and avoid doing further damage to our image. It would be wonderful if your campaigns would instill hope in the future and lift us from where we currently sit.

Respectfully submitted,

Ron Thomas
1429 Grange Avenue
Racine, Wisconsin 53405