Reader encourages voters to get to know school board candidates

Dear editor,

On April 3^rd, there is an election for three seats on the Marshfield school board, and I would encourage people to learn about the five candidates. The candidates are Karen Shulman, Jodi Meyer, S.A.M. Steiner and incumbents Frances Bohon and Mary Carney.

Here are two examples why:

Due to the inflexible revenue limits placed on Wisconsin school districts in 1993-94 and Marshfield being capped extremely low, our school district has had to have referendums. These referendums raise critical money to support academic programs, sports, music, and other opportunities that would otherwise not be available. Fortunately, the majority of our town, Marshfield Clinic, and the Marshfield Chamber of Commerce all supported the last referendum in November 2017 and it passed overwhelmingly.

Four of the five school board candidates also support this referendum. Mary Carney did not. Ms. Carney voted against the referendum at the school board meeting on Wednesday, August 10, 2016.

Another point of interest is the fact that Karen Shulman, Frances Bohon, Jodi Meyer, and S.A.M. Steiner all had or have children who attend the Marshfield public schools. Mary Carney in contrast does not. Ms. Carney sends her child to a private school. How is one a true steward, have a complete understanding, and advocate for our public schools when they decide to avoid that very system? How do we know she is truly putting the interests of our children in the public schools first when her decisions would not affect her own child? This is especially troublesome in terms of curriculum and budget cuts. There is no accountability. Rather, strong conflicting interests are at play here.

We have four excellent candidates who understand the value of our public schools. Please learn about them and what they stand for. Remember to vote for three candidates on April 3^rd.

Roxanne Cordova
Marshfield, WI

Readers support Boon as Clark County Circuit Judge

Dear editor,

It is with great pleasure that I am able to endorse Lyndsey Boon Brunette as a candidate for the upcoming open seat for Circuit Judge in Clark County, Wisconsin. I am aware of her past accomplishments and was privileged to work with her while she was the Corporation Counsel for Clark County. She rightly earned a reputation for being fair, equitable, and knowledgeable of the law. Her tenacity and follow through was beneficial to staff and community alike.

Mrs. Boon Brunette has involvement with staff that was always positive, giving clear and concise direction when needed. She is professional and was always educated on rules and regulations that require diligent attention involving negotiations, investigations, and mediation. She is also gracious and helpful with clients and employees alike. Mrs. Boon Brunette is a great advocate for protecting our children and families with a willingness to assist with efficient and effective collaboration. She addresses issues in a diplomatic fashion, with great sensitivity to confidential matters.

I have huge admiration for Mrs. Boon Brunette for many other reasons than work. As a longtime resident of Clark County, I have watched her display family values in a day and age of family break up. In my position in Social Services, I unfortunately see the substance abuse, mental health, and child welfare issues that our many communities face in Clark County. Mrs. Boon Brunette brings strength of character and mind to all of the tasks set before her. She is a positive role model and highly respected in her position and within the community.

I truly believe she will commit herself to the challenge of becoming the judge with dedication and diligence. She is ready to advance, and I am certain she will accomplish her goal with great determination and reasonable thought.

Pamella Kernan
Neillsville, WI

Dear editor,

The Clark County Bar Association consists of voluntary member attorneys from Clark County and surrounding counties. The Association meets bimonthly to address issues of concern to the legal community in Clark County.

Attorney Boon Brunette has been a member of the Clark County Bar Association since 2010. The Bar Association’s attorneys have worked both with and against Attorney Boon Brunette on a wide variety of cases, both civil and criminal. Because of her extensive work in Clark County, the Association’s members have come to know Attorney Boon Brunette well. She has always demonstrated her competence, diligence and attention to detail in handling legal matters. In the courtroom, she has always presented her cases with the authority and the assurance that comes from being well prepared.

In negotiations Attorney Boon Brunette has demonstrated her ability to be firm but fair. She has shown that she has the knowledge and skill to negotiate from a position of strength. In addition, her background growing up and practicing law in Clark County allows Attorney Boon Brunette to reflect the values, morals and character of the citizens of Clark County.

Clark County’s citizens will be well served by electing attorney Boon Brunette as the next Clark County Judge. That is why she has earned the Bar Association’s endorsement.

Jacob Brunette
Clark County Bar Association president
Neillsville, WI