Dear editor,

In the Marshfield local print media over the last few years, stories concerning the town of McMillan indicate a certain level of disfunction in the governance of said township. At a recent town hall meeting, the topic arose concerning election of the clerk and treasurer as opposed to appointment. Currently, the township appoints both clerk and treasurer. No public wonderment has been expressed as to the turnover in those positions. Recent history is that there have been 10 clerks and at least four treasurers – I am one – in the last seven years. The current board chair of McMillan started in April of 2011. Stability before 2011, chaos since.

Employee turnover is incidental until its not. Tom left because of illness, Dick retired, Harry left because his wife had a work relocation. However, high rates of staff turnover indicate a leadership failure and is understood as such in business and industry. Elected or appointed as they may be, the high turnover rate of the financial and election staff in the town McMillan has made a joke of McMillan in the Wisconsin Towns Association.

The happenstance of nincompoopery in the town of McMillan has a face and name. For the sake of township stability, Ms. Optiz should either resign or not stand for re-election next spring.

Steve Katona
Marshfield, WI