In this election, you will find a number of citizens appearing concerned
about local government. However, there are two distinct groups: for the one candidate
– a group of concerned citizens “tell” the newbie they are
interested. I imagine the initial conversation went like this: “We need
you to run! First, we’ll get your name on the ballot. Money is no object. We
have a local power-hungry business woman who will throw whatever money she can
and get you some yard signs to get your name out there. You don’t have to know
anything about local government, we’ll take care of that for you.”
“We have the backing to get it done. We have help and guidance from a
former alderman, (a former mayor-wannabe, albeit a convicted felon) and he has
all kinds of experience in losing elections, so maybe we can learn from his
mistakes and I’m sure we can still make this happen for you. Besides, people probably
forgot the past.”
Then, there are the legitimate citizens who are currently serving on the
city council or school board and want to continue to strive to see that things
happen that are best for Marshfield.
MAYOR – Mayor Lois is running unopposed. That’s
too bad. A contest would promote discussion on issues facing the city. Most important,
this city council is lacking leadership!!! Lois is an all-around nice person.
She represents the city well at functions. But the council really does need
that leadership to help get some very important issues taken care of, and a mayor has to be the one to take the lead.
Maybe I should run as a write-in for mayor!?
DISTRICT ONE – Current Alderman Mike Feirer wants to
continue serving his neighbors for another term. People should be grateful he
is again asking for their support, because there is no one on the council today
with more experience, and who has done more than Mike has. His involvement goes
back to major accomplishments by the city council. One example being the encouragement of a developer to build a new hotel/conference center, turning a large
depressed neighborhood worth $1M and turning it into a taxpaying property worth
in excess of $10M. And the additional money that property has paid in taxes
from what it was originally worth – the “increment”, has paid for all the
enhancements (new streets, lighting, parking etc.) to Chestnut Ave., Maple
Ave., and all the streets in between – without having the taxpayers do it!!!
Mike also encouraged a developer working with Pick-n-Sav to do the same with
that blighted area. Again, more tax base, more improvements, and it eased the
burden on the typical taxpayer, citywide. In comparison, WHAT HAS THE
CURRENT COUNCIL DONE IN THE LAST TEN YEARS THAT CAN COMPARE??? Mike is not afraid to work at his job, and make things happen. And people who have supported him all these years know what an asset he is, looking out for their best interest.
DISTRICT THREE – Current Alderman Natashia Tompkins can be
very proud of what she has done in the first two years of service as a member
of the city council. She has accomplished much! She has been a voice of reason
when an issue comes to a vote! First and foremost, she communicates with her
constituents and other citizens in the city! If she doesn’t know, she will ask
questions! She is not easily swayed by those who want to upset the cart for
their own gain. Residents on the west side would be wise to have Natashia
Tompkins continue to represent them. She has ideas, and will work to get them
done!
DISTRICT FIVE – Current Alderman Ed Wagner is running unopposed. I don’t know…..he’s kinda like me…he’s done just about everything…was even mayor of Ashland at one time in the last century. I give him credit for running “one more time”. At the same time, he is ending his service on the Wood County Board by not running for another term.
DISTRICT SEVEN – Current Alderman Brian Giles is running
for his fist complete two-year term. He was appointed by the city council to
complete the unexpired term of his predecessor who left for unknown reasons.
Brian has done a good job acclimating to the duties expected of an elected
representative of voters on the east side. He is my alderman, and I had given
thought to running for the position I previously held for 14 years, but
reconsidered, in part, because I feel he has served us quite well. I feel he
will continue to present ideas, and make decisions in our best interest – with none of the long, dragged-out drama that others might bring to the table. I am
voting for Brian Giles on April 2, 2024!
DISTRICT NINE – Current Alderman Mike O’Reilly is running
unopposed. Too bad! He’s been too busy being one of several incognito “authors” on the concerned page. Too afraid to take the heat for his ripping on things he doesn’t like.
He should be more concerned with taking action against those who totally destroyed the skate park recently. It was outright viscious vandalism! And he patted them on the back and said: THAT’S OK! It’s just fine! IT’S NOT JUST FINE!!! NOTHING can justify what was done in that case! Now, I have a heart, and I feel for the family who lost a loved one. Really, I do! BUT YOU DON’T EXPRESS IT BY TOTALLY TRASHING A CITY PARK FACILITY, built with public donations!!! The only way you can do it and get away with it is to have an alderman on your side who condones your criminal action!