During election cycles in both 2020 and 2022, conservatives throughout St. Croix County have made their stances on “law and order” perfectly clear. Or at least I thought they had. You probably remember the large white signs all over the county, urging people to vote for “law and order” candidates, who were in the eyes of the sign holders, Republicans.
But scanning through the election results this spring, I was shocked to see additional funding for the St. Croix County Sheriff’s Office soundly defeated at the ballot box. When offered an opportunity to show actual, tangible support for “law and order,” sign-holding conservatives chose to shrug their shoulders and turn their backs.
Our county isn’t as red as it used to be, thankfully, but conservative Wisconsin Supreme Court candidate Dan Kelly was still able to carry St. Croix by six points. Even the toothless Republican-endorsed ballot questions breezed through with huge margins of support.
Despite all that, the measure requesting additional funding for our brave men and women in law enforcement lost by more than 20 points.
I am proof that it is indeed possible to vote progressive and still be in support of police, despite what these hypocritical sign-wielders may tell you. I was a proud “yes” vote in support of our law enforcement and was disappointed in its defeat.
To my more conservative friends who have been endlessly beating the drum of “law and order,” I urge you to do more than put a big white sign in your yard.
Next time, put your money where your mouth is.
(6) comments
I agree with Mr Myers and Ms. Audley. And I am a strong fiscal conservative. Some family and friends would say I penny pincher. And even I voted for the increased funding for county law enforcement I think Mr. Myers spoke the truth and to those that disagree perhaps it is because the truth hurts?
Let's step back and realize the reasons behind all the referendums that every county and municipality in Wisconsin are facing. None of these entities have received additional funding since the days of Walker- we are talking ten plus years folks - could you continue to live and deliver expected services without an increase in pay for ten years? I think not --- the only recourse they have is to ask the public via referendums - I see nothing extravagant going on, I see us losing ground daily with the Madison legislature blind to the needs of the people - that is what must change if we are to ever "move forward" as our state's motto proclaims.
Progressive Mr. Myers in favor of increased government spending.
Have you looked at your taxes? Seriously, 8% per year?? No. We don't have a revenue problem. We have a SPENDING problem. Don't give me this "GOP is spineless and cheap" bologna. Get rid of all the wasteful spending and luxurious extras and set a meaningful budget. A one-time boost is fine, but you're bailing out the boat with a hole in the hull.
Indeed - there is a tax - overload between the school referendums, the county referendum , et. al. Add in the inflation factor, the increase in interest rates and just the cost of living. I believe that every municipality has a populace that is weary of these costs. They are stretched thin just living day to day. The broad brush used to paint the GOP as a culprit is beyond reality.
Thank you for your fact-based thoughts. I agree.
Welcome to the discussion.
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