Dear editor,

I am a freshman at Marshfield High School. Throughout the school year I am very busy with sports and school.  For football, basketball, and baseball I am constantly traveling from the high school and back to my house.  Lately, I have noticed that the road conditions in Marshfield, specifically Central Avenue, are in failing conditions and I feel that the city could do a better job to try to fix this.

As I traveled Central Avenue, arguably the the busiest road in Marshfield I couldn’t help but realize that it was quite bumpy. I found myself bouncing up and down in my seat due to the poor road conditions. As one of the most important roads in Marshfield I feel that it should be in pristine condition.  Along with Central Avenue, there are also a multitude of other roads that are extremely rough in Marshfield. I also spoke with my fellow classmates to get their viewpoints on the state of the roads in Marshfield. After talking with them I learned they also have similar viewpoints as me on this issue. I do not feel that the city is doing enough to try to fix this pertinent issue. Overall, I believe that the citizens of Marshfield and visitors alike would appreciate focus being brought to this issue.

My solution is that the city should undergo a project in which the roads would be repaired. I think that the public would support this. Because Marshfield is the meeting spot of three of the most important highways in the state — 10, 13, and 97 — there are many people traveling through Marshfield. If one is venturing through the town they would be more likely to stay and visit some of the local shops in which many are located on Central Avenue if the road system is smooth and not uncomfortable to be on. By leaving them in the condition that they are right now it does not invite travelers that likely bring money into our economy. Completing the much needed road repairs would generate public support, encourage tourism, and stimulate the local economy. By improving the conditions of Central Avenue everyone in the community would benefit.

Sincerely,

Will R. Fetting
Marshfield, WI

Dear editor,

I am writing to inform you of a possible alternative to the current United States of America’s progressive tax system.

A progressive tax is when citizens are taxed a higher percent as their amount of taxable money increases. A flat tax would involve the same percent of tax on all income levels. A progressive tax system could be less fair than a flat tax system since it treats people differently based on their wealth. Another part of a flat tax system would be that only income is taxed and not dividends, income on savings, and capital gains from investments or increases in asset values. This removes double taxation and tries to encourage saving and investing. Also, a flat tax system would eliminate deductibles, tax credit, and most exemptions.

A flat tax system could be modified to include a minimum amount of income needed before the income is taxed. Since this system would remove tax brackets and many deductibles, it would be easier to administer and for the average citizen to understand. This means that citizens will not need to hire tax advisors to figure out their taxes, so they can save money. Making the system simpler would reduce errors and tax fraud. This system also encourages investment and savings because additional profits are not taxed at a higher percent.

Overall, implementing a flat tax system could be something to consider as an alternative to our current tax system.

Sincerely,

Allie Bacholl
MHS ninth grader
Chili, WI