What Do You Think?

VOICE OF THE PEOPLE

Village deserves credit for effective leadership

I want to thank the Kenosha News for its New Year editorial praising the leadership of the village of Pleasant Prairie for its efforts to bring Abbott to our county. This is truly refreshing after seeing the paper's constant criticism of the village trustees and administration. Editorial endorsement of almost any opponent has been routine.

Every municipality has its chronic complainers and our local newspaper, like the news media everywhere, has provided a platform for those who practice the politics of defamation and falsehood.

The hard-working, competent people who for years have made Pleasant Prairie the envy of municipalities elsewhere could easily have rested on their laurels but instead they have put in countless hours and exercised extraordinary leadership utilizing their experience and reputation to continue to bring economic growth that has benefited the entire county as well as the village residents. Yes, they have extended our village across I-94 so that in the years to come hundreds of our well educated young people who otherwise may have left the state might find employment close to home.

Those who oppose the village leadership and all that it stands for couldn't find a candidate. The April re-election of Michael Serpe and Stephen Kumorkiewicz will not be challenged. This is well-deserved recognition of those who have given thousands of hours of community service and should be thanked for their willingness to continue to serve.

Howard D. Cooley


Questioning Leadership is OK

There are many Village residents who I feel can perform the job of Trustee as well as current Trustees. Howard Cooley (VOP 01-08-2008) could probably read and understand agenda items, and join the Board in voting 5-0, on all the extensive background work performed by the Village Administrator and staff. He should be thankful nobody ran as it saved him and the PACs thousands of dollars. Maybe that money can now be used for much needed Village equipment.

There have been a lot of positive changes that have come to fruition in last few years due to people questioning the Village and its operations. For example, now everyone can listen to Village meetings online. Referendums? Found the money without them.

“Those who oppose the village leadership and all that it stands for couldn’t find a candidate.” Considering the last three elections have been very close, and no offense to current trustees, but I guess one could facetiously ask the following, “is that the best you got?” Performing most Trustee duties doesn't require one be a politician, it only takes being a politician to get elected. The assumption that one has to be opposed to the current candidates in order to run is somewhat misguided as people may choose to be involved and serve their communities but currently lack the time and resources to be elected. Do you think the current Board is immortal?

I strongly encourage everyone to vote, even if candidates are unopposed. If you don’t like a candidate, then you should choose to withhold your vote or write in a name. It’s OK to be a perennial gadfly and question the Status Quo.

Michael J. Renner


Pleasant Prairie Plans for the future

People have questioned leaders since the dawn of man and civilization. In our current, model of democracy, it is expected in order for the masses to be heard that they do so. There are also proper forums and decorum with which to do such things.

Are Mike Renner and those who "oppose the village leadership and all that it stands for" people we should thank for the state of affairs in Pleasant Prairie? I think not. Those who believe so need to go further back in the village's history to see proof. Pleasant Prairie has been planning for the future since the mid-1980s. These plans have constantly been revisited in order to do what is best for the village in both its current state and with this future vision in mind. "

New homes and businesses are now coming to Pleasant Prairie at a steady pace due to proper planning. For "those who oppose the village leadership," these egotistical thoughts of being responsible for any crucial changes is most humorous.

I concur, they have updated the technological methodology of the village. They have also offered the public alternatives to attending meetings. (Mr.Tiahnybok's Webcast.) Yet, to say they are responsible for much more than this is actually irresponsible and untrue.

Look to members of the board and village administrators who have been in place for more than 17 years. They have been planning with the best interests of Pleasant Prairie in mind.

The board is evolving with a positive vision of Pleasant Prairie. That being said, we residents are responsible for the-board's elections, so the questioning of leadership is both. needed and expected.

John Roscioli