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Monday, November 1, 2010

ELECTIONS

It is Monday, November 1st.  As I listen to the radio and watch TV, I see the media frenzy showing last minute debates, meetings, speeches, etc.  I see Obama speaking with crowds behind him (staged) and I ask myself why isn't he at his office meeting with advisors discussing terrorism, jobs, tax decreases, etc. - why isn't he doing his real job.


Before the election Tuesday, I just want to briefly reflect on my activities since July (when I filed my nomination papers) and sincerely thank each and every citizen in the 27th Assembly District who I met or addressed.  It has been an educating and enlightening experience.  I can truly tell you that there are many citizens who are frustrated and have lost hope for the future generations.  This is sad.  


Win or lose is not the issue for me.  The issue is that We The People wake up and demand less government intervention and an honest government.


It has been heartwarming for me to receive phone calls and letters from people throughout Wisconsin and the U.S. who have known me as a student, co-worker, business person and citizen.  Renewal of friendships and words of encouragement saying, "Go Get 'Em!"


Thanks to everyone!

Friday, October 29, 2010

From Jermaine

This is a blog from Jack's wife.

I really felt this support letter that a friend, Martin Gross, wrote and submitted to the Plymouth Review should be shared with you since it was only going to appear in the Review.  It does show a side of Jack that potential voters should know.

Jermaine

Enjoy Voting on Nov. 2!


Things that have a good outcome are enjoyable.  That is why I am happy to see Jack Lechler running as an independent candidate for Assembly.  I know Jack well -- he was my boss for 5 years.  I learned a lot from him, he set an amazing example.  Because of him, I would come in to work on Saturdays at 5 a.m. -- and enjoy it.  You see, he didn't make me do it.  We had a lot of work to get done, and his enthusiasm and energy drew me in.  We had fun and were proud of our accomplishments.  And we still wound up with the best part of Saturday free!  


That is the lesson for politics:  there sure is a lot of work to be done right now, and no really easy solutions.  Who wants to work at        5 a.m. on a Saturday?  That is why I want someone who can motivate me to choose something beside the easy choice, whom I trust to find out and explain what will serve me better, and lead me through the hard part with enthusiasm.  I'm happy to give Jack my vote on Tuesday -- give Jack your vote if you want improvement, not just another change.


Martin Gross
Plymouth

Articles in the Sheboygan Press

On 10/26/10, two articles addressing the 27th Assembly District, were published in The Sheboygan Press.  One was a candidate comparison and the other an editorial endorsement. Over the last several years I have been critical of the coverage provided by The Press, and critical of the fact that they seem to resist publishing positions and public awareness info that Steve Kestell and Joe Leibham have attempted to provide them.  However, I did feel that they provided a fair and unbiased assessment of Mr. Kestell and myself in both articles.  I believe that the quote and commentary were quite accurate based on my observations, interviews and participation over the past four months.

I can fully appreciate their endorsement of Mr. Kestell because I politely advised The Press I was not interested in their endorsement.  I would, however, like to highlight and critique several of the quotes and statements of Mr. Kestell.

1.  "Kestell, a Republican, is seeking a seventh 2-year term."

This is precisely why I believe we need term limits.  If you cannot accomplish the job in six terms during both Republican and Democratic administrations, why should we expect a 7th term will be any different.  WE NEED TERM LIMITS!

2.  Kestell said, "I understand how the system works and how to get things done.  I have a good working relationship in the legislature - so no matter who the next governor is, and however the next legislature looks, I'll be able to work within the system."

My comment would be - Oh, really!  I believe this entire statement confirms the primary issue.  The "system" we have isn't working.  The relationships are precisely part of the problem.  It is the "Good Ol' Boys" group in action.  They are beholden to the relationships and the system and it isn't working.  I have continued to hear the whining and finger-pointing throughout the campaign, we are in the minority and it is the other guys fault.  This defines the problem precisely.  Incumbents think they know the system and they are cozy with their relationships.  It is called "go-along to get-along".  That is why we need new independent thinking.

3.  "Kestell, who said he had knocked on more than 10,000 doors during his campaign, said his position on any issue comes from what the people of the 27th are telling me."

My question:  I also knocked on doors and my experience was that many of the people I met didn't know of or never met Steve during the last six terms.  Why hasn't Steve held town hall meetings with the district citizens in cities, villages and townships?  He describes his occupation as a full-time legislator - even though the role of an assemblyman is not defined as such.  If he cannot hold his own meetings, he at least should attend the meetings held by Joe Leibham throughout the 27th District.  I have been to many and have not seen Steve at any of them.  It is a good place to sit and "listen" to the people.  Further, why doesn't Steve write informative articles to the local paper like Joe Leibham does?

4.  Steve expresses concerns regarding the Department of Commerce in the Sheboygan Press article.

Yes, this Department is and has been a boon-doggle, so why hasn't Steve been traveling the district before the campaign and addressing the public with communication to exert pressure and wrath upon the culprits?  With jobs being a major issue, this Department, the head of the Department, the Governor who appoints him or her, and the bureaucrats running it, should have been discussed regularly.  Well, I guess better late than never.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Local Government in Action

This past week, I had another opportunity to witness the concerns and dedication of local government officials in action.  I attended a meeting of the Townships in Calumet County.  It was hosted by the Town of Rantoul in Potter.

I arrived half an hour early and I heard the conversations of the people as they arrived.  As I listened, it was obvious I was listening to the grass-root citizens of our society.  The informal dialogue included all the real life concerns the people were faced with daily - weather, crops, schools, roads, and taxes.

When the meeting began, you could recognize and sense the awareness of the local officials.  They covered issues regarding road maintenance, prevailing wage  laws, unfunded mandates, new fees - all of the issues which impacted the local governments.

You can only leave a meeting like this being impressed and thankful for "real" public servants.

Monday, October 25, 2010

What Happens When the Well Runs Dry?

In the past week, I have read two articles which present a concerning scenario.  The first story came from Elyria, Ohio, population 56,000 located in Lorain County in Northern Ohio.  The article discussed salaries, overtime, vacation pay, pensions, etc.  for public workers of the city (police, public utility workers, firemen, etc).  The numbers  were interesting - check it out yourself.  Google Elyria, Ohio pensions.

The second article was about Fort Worth, Texas.  Some examples given were a 53-year-old policeman retired with an annual pension benefit of $90,312 for life, plus $256,000 in a lump sum payment.  Not bad as a 30-year employee.  Another example was a 54-year-old fireman leaving his job with a pension of $90,130 for life and a $178,000 payout.

You can read more about his at www.star-telegram.com, a Fort Worth newspaper.  But regardless, if you just think about it, these types of scenarios are impossible to fund.  The scenario is NOT unique to these two states, Wisconsin is in the same sinking boat.  The unfunded liabilities will lead us to a cliff.  The well will go dry.

Sunday, October 24, 2010

They're Helping Us Spend Our Local Money Again

I don't know if you received it , but I was most interested in a mailer I received today.  I had heard about these offers to assist you in voting, but I had never received one.  This particular mailer was oversized, colored, and I'm certain, expensive.  It was sent out and paid for by RGA Wisconsin 2010 PAC from Washington D.C.  In case you didn't receive it, let me list a few phrases from it:

Vote early by mail 
         Easy - Secure - Hassle Free - Private


Wisconsin allows any registered voter to VOTE EARLY by mail.


Wisconsin law allows all voters to cast an absentee ballot, meaning you can vote by mail from the comfort of your own home.


I thought that absentee ballots were for those people who were out of town or out of the country on the day of elections, or those who were physically unable to go to a polling place.

What really throws me for a loop is this.  The form contains two pre-addressed cards to send to the City of Kiel.  It reminds the requestor to apply a stamp.  The city, however, when it receives the card must send the ballot to the requestor and pay $ .44 postage and enclose $ .44 postage for the requestor to return it.  Therefore, the cost of elections for that voter has gone up $ .88 and that does not include the labor in the process.  The local government entity cannot reduce their polling cost expenses, and therefore, this
mail-in voting is just a cost increase.

After doing some research, I found that RGA stands for the Republican Governors Association.  I would like to learn more about them and their budget.

Unless this mail-in process is really handled well, I just see it as another vote-early and vote-often opportunity.

In discussing this with a friend of mine in the state of Oregon, he advised that their voting process is done completely by mail.  It is also not a flawless process.  My friend received his ballot in the mail today, but he also got a ballot for his nephew who lived with him in Oregon for a short time two years ago.  His nephew no longer lives in Oregon.  If my friend would have desired to vote twice, he could have.  (He did not - he shredded it.)  I'm sure there were many more errors like this.

This whole scenario tells me that the pendulum has swung too far.  To vote should be an honor and a right.  If it takes some effort, that only makes it more valuable!

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Where I Come From & Why I Care

I was born and raised in Kiel, Wisconsin and attended the Kiel Schools.  During grade school and high school I performed a variety of jobs to save money for college.  I attended and graduated from Lakeland College debt free, all while starting a family.

After college, I taught high school in Milwaukee.  Thereafter, I made a career change and joined Tecumseh Products Company in New Holstein, Wisconsin.  My work focused on sales management, working with both domestic and international manufacturers.  Also, during the past four decades, my wife and I have owned and operated our own independent business.

I have been married to Jermaine Brost for 49 years and we have two children, Lori and Jay. 

During school I was actively involved in numerous extracurricular activies and jobs and developed a love of music.  I have been a member of the Kiel Municipal Band, the Dave Seehawer Orchestra, the Jerry Schneider Orchestra and also played with various other dance bands.  I played piano and organ in church, taught Sunday School, directed children and adult choirs, served on the church consistory and was president of the congregation.

I have always tried to remain active in our educational system and other civic opportunities.  I have served on a variety of committees over the past decades and was a Kiel School Board member for two terms.

Over the years, and especially in the last ten, I have paid close attention to the operations of our local, state and federal governments.  I have attended many listening sessions held by local, state, and federal officials and visited the Capitol in Madison to have discussions with our “so-called” leaders and elected officials.  I also make frequent calls to the offices and know the staff of most of our elected officials by first name.

Really, all of the foregoing biographical data is informational but it doesn't reveal the meat or reason for my candidacy.
What I really want to have an opportunity to address is twofold.....will you vote and why should you vote for me?

I am not running in an effort to begin a new career.  I am running for this state office because I want to TRY to make a difference.  I presently see many public officials only displaying indifference, and unfortunately, that translates into many citizens believing there is no hope, no future and no chance to return to sanity.  This, I have found, has even reached the point where people say, “Why vote, it doesn’t pay, they just get elected and do what they want.  They really don’t care about the people.”  Isn’t this a shame?

Voting is free and the right to vote is there to preserve your freedom.  By not casting a vote, you start to give up your freedom, and unfortunately, many of our public officials thrive on this complacency.

I will not make any false promises to you and will not tell you about all I can accomplish.  I cannot tell you about hope and change because someone already did that two years ago and you can see where that got us.

Here is what I will tell you. I am hard-working, I want to represent you the people.  I will try to listen to you, the citizens, and get your input. I will dig for the truth and for answers. I will try to keep you informed and communicate with you. I want to do my best to represent school, township, village, city and county government and try to deal with the issues that impact us.

This is not about me, it is about you, your families and our future generations.  I can’t guarantee anything except that if I am given a chance, I will try to make a difference.  I realize this won’t be easy, but no one ever promised us that life would be easy.

Here are my topics of concern:  
  • We need term limits for our state and federally elected officials.
  • We need to have more local government control.
  • We need citizens to be more active, vocal and demanding of elected officials.
  • We need elected officials who care about the people – not about their own career or pensions.
  • We need to preserve and create jobs in Wisconsin.
  • We need to create and operate on balanced budgets.
  • We need to reduce government spending.
  • We should not be creating new fees, licenses or taxes.  
  • We need to get rid of the prevailing wage laws.
  • We need to eliminate and stop creating unfunded mandates.
  • We need to return to a government that is as Lincoln said, “of the people, by the people and FOR the people.”
  • We need to return to common sense and get rid of the Good ole’ boy groups who tell us they want to reach across the aisle or be more bi-partisan.
I am not running as a member of one of the Parties.  I am independent of their rules.
Independent thinking -  Independent decisions -  Not beholden to any party.

I would appreciate your consideration in the election.  But most importantly, PLEASE VOTE.

If you decide to vote for me, I will truly try to make a difference.

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

What Goes Around Comes Around

I find the desire of our leaders and government officials to pattern our government and society after Western European countries amusing.  While we are trying to become like them, they are realizing and recognizing that their systems aren't working and are failing.  The generous vacations and pension programs are bankrupting these European countries.  Chaos is starting to set in, but we still want to be like them!

Monday, October 18, 2010

ENDORSEMENTS

For many years I have felt that our area newspapers, such as The Sheboygan Press, have been failing to provide straight-forward information about topics in our state government. I have criticized our Assemblymen and Senators for not putting the facts into The Sheboygan Press so citizens would get more information, i.e. the good weekly articles Joe Leibham puts in the Delta Publication Tri-County News. When I asked our elected officials about this they told me they had tried but there was no interest on the part of The Sheboygan Press. Finding that hard to believe, I called The Sheboygan Press editor some time ago and he confirmed that they would rather not publish articles from elected officials.


After I decided to run as an Independent Candidate for the 27th Assembly District, I thought that the Sheboygan Press, which serves much of the district area, would be interested in comments. After numerous phone calls and visiting The Sheboygan Press offices, I was told they were not interested. Therefore, I found this last minute, 10/13/10, e-mail both interesting and odd.

The following is their e-mail request:


Dear Jack:

The Sheboygan Press editorial board will make endorsements in state and congressional elections in November. 
Because our board includes citizen members, we only meet once a week, which makes it difficult to personally interview all of the candidates. Therefore, we are asking each of the candidates to answer a few questions and return the answers to us via e-mail. 
We will go over each submission and I will ask any needed follow-up questions by phone or e-mail.
We ask you to be specific in your answers and include any specific measures you would propose to accomplish your goals and objectives.
Please return your answers to my e-mail:
jgulig@sheboyganpress.com<mailto: jgulig@sheboyganpress.com>.  I prefer the answers in a Microsoft Word document format.  If you have any questions, please call me.
Thank you in advance for your participation.
Please return your answers by Monday, Oct 18

Joe Gulig 
Editorial page editor
The Sheboygan Press
(920) 453-5191

Questions:

How would you cover the anticipated deficit projected in the next budget and ensure that the state doesn't continue to run a so-called structural deficit?

How do you propose to fund the state's share of public education?

There has been a great deal of talk about job creation.  How can the state help create private sector jobs?

Wisconsin is said to be a high-tax state for businesses.  Do you favor lowering corporate income taxes?  (if yes, how do you make up for the decrease in revenue?)

Do you favor lowering personal income taxes?  (If yes, how do you make up for the decrease in revenue?)

What is your position on state shared revenue with local government?

What is your position on public access to court records of people who have been found not guilty or the charges have been dropped?

What is your position on public funding of Supreme Court races to eliminate the influence of special-interest money?

What is your position on requiring all groups who seek to influence elections follow the same requirement to disclose the names of donors that now applies to candidates and political action committees?

Do you favor a non-partisan commission to redraw congressional district boundaries and boundaries for assembly and state senate districts, or should this be done by the state Legislature as it is now?

Joe Gulig 
Opinion page editor
The Sheboygan Press
632 Center Ave.
Sheboygan, WI  53081
(920) 453-5191

My response via e-mail:

Dear Mr. Gulig,


As you are aware from my previous phone calls, letters and visits to your office, I was very interested, beginning in July, in presenting comments, views and input about issues, subjects and situations which are of great concern to the citizens of the 27th Assembly District, as well as to all of us living in Wisconsin. Up to this time, and until this current request and list of questions suggesting you would evaluate me for endorsement, I was politely told each time by your newspaper that comments, views and input from me, a candidate, were not of interest and would not be accepted.


I made a determination early in my candidacy that I did not want to solicit and seek funding or endorsements. I have tried to be sincere, honest and factual in all of the meetings, debates and contacts I have made. I have stated information about myself and issues on my website and blog.


I thank you for your consideration, request for comment and offer to analyze me for your endorsement, however, I respectfully decline since I am not seeking an endorsement.


Sincerely,
Jack Lechler
INDEPENDENT Candidate for Assembly District 27


P.S.
Please be advised, if you desire to publish this response as a Letter to the Editor (if it is done in its entirety), it is acceptable to me. Do not, however, misquote, paraphrase or take out-of-context any portion of this response.

Friday, October 15, 2010

Why am I running as an Independent?

When I filed my nomination papers at the Wisconsin Government Accountability Board (WGAB) office, I was surprised to learn that I was only asked to provide my name, address and phone.  I was not asked for proof of who I was nor did I need to show any photo ID.  I didn't need to prove I was a resident of the area that I was intending to represent.  Interesting?

Next, I needed to fill in a blank with my "Party Affiliation".  I wrote in None/Independent.  I was told this was unsatisfactory.  It is not possible to say None - you must have a party affiliation.  I responded that I did not want to be associated with any party and if there is an organized group called Independent, I did not want to be identified with it.

When you read or see the news, each representative is typically identified along with his party.  All you hear from the Democrats and the Republicans candidates in an election or during the vote on a new bill, is the need to be bi-partisan and their ability to reach across the aisle. Quite often, the reaching across the aisle requires some "incentive" from the other party to consider the bill.  This is EXACTLY why I don't want to be associated with any organized party.

Nothing frustrates me more than when I hear a vote is to be taken in the Assembly or Senate but the vote is being postponed until they can check on how everyone will vote.  What a bunch of baloney sausage.  Why do you need to twist someone's arm or promise them pork if they vote the way  the Party wants them to vote?  That sounds like intimidation or bribery to me.  Therefore, my party affiliation is "None" but I am listed as an Independent.  Most importantly, I do not want to be beholden to any party and am proud to be independent without any of the restrictions imposed by the party officials.

Improved Transportation?

Why isn’t the high-speed rail – high speed?  Why is this topic being criticized by clear-thinking people?  Why is something that is supposed to be fast, convenient and "transportation-for-the-future" being dubbed as “half-fast”?

This $800 million-plus dollar expenditure is a topic throughout the state.  It is another example of how tax dollars are being squandered.  It is not just the amount of money being spent on the project, it is also about the waste and haste in how it is being spent.  What is the hurry?

Could improved rail service be beneficial?  Could our transportation in Wisconsin and the United States be improved by a great rail system?  I think we all could agree yes to these questions, but again, this Milwaukee to Madison train effort is just a “knee jerk” pendulum swing activity.

I can well recall just a mere 60 years ago going to the Kiel train depot at
7:30 a.m., boarding the train (the Milwaukee Road) with my mother and going to Milwaukee to enjoy a day of shopping.  After five or six hours in the big city, eating at the Kresge’s lunch counter, shopping at Gimbles and Shusters, we would get back on the train at 3:30 p.m. and be back in Kiel for supper.

I can recall as a 12-year-old having my father drive me and our 75-year-old neighbor, Mr. Shubert, to Sheboygan where we would get on the Northwestern train and head to Milwaukee to attend a Milwaukee Braves baseball game.  What a great experience.

I can remember in the early 1960s, there were still some passenger trains running.  In fact, several local band directors attended the Midwest Music
Directors Convention and did use the train but it certainly wasn't convenient as the Kiel depot no longer existed. They were however, still able to board the train in Kiel.  Finally, and unfortunately for those railroad passengers, roads continued to improve and railroad service ceased entirely for passengers. 

What has happened over the last 40 years has been a result of the pendulum swing removing train service.  Railroad beds have been removed or replaced by bicycle trails.  Now that was a real step forward in improving and speeding up transportation and encouraging people to travel via train.  So, the pendulum is starting to swing the other direction, but they want to push it much faster than a reasonable swing.

Which brings us back to the Milwaukee to Madison train.  We again seem to be dealing with a lack of common sense and the purely political desire to spend money quickly and stupidly just to make a political statement.  Why are we in such a rush?  Why can’t we take our time and build a truly modern and futuristic rail system?  Why can’t the train be electric?  The monorail at Disney World was set up in 1971.  It was futuristic then.  That was forty years ago!

I believe we all recognize we are in a changing world with elevated population, fast-life styles and hectic schedules.  I believe most people recognize the need for new, improved transportation systems.  However, what most of the clear-thinking, common sense citizens of Wisconsin don’t want is a government spending $800 million-plus dollars on a project that is not innovative, is “half-fast”, will not be profitable, will cost US more money each year in taxes if the system needs subsidies, etc., etc.

WE THE PEOPLE need to call Madison daily, write letters and let our voices be heard.  TELL THEM what you think!  Don’t spend money foolishly, be prudent, be fiscally responsible, don’t spend what you don’t have, walk before you run, plan your work and work your plan, and live within your means.  Only you can make a difference.  VOICE YOUR OPINION!

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Tri-County News Page 3 was Interesting

If you read or did not read Page 3 in the October 7th issue of the Tri-County News, I would encourage you to go back and look at it.  On this page you were able to see two interesting scenarios.

OBSERVATION 1 - Involvement at the Local Government Level

There was an article written about the county meeting and the discussions regarding the construction of a county building in a fiscally responsible manner and the public sentiment about it.  Also, wages for employees and pay increases in a depressed economy were discussed.  It is obvious that emotions, common sense, compassion, appreciation for service, economics, budgeting, business climate, etc. all needed consideration.  A government of the people, by the people and for the people was clearly working.


We need more citizens attending meetings of school boards, town boards, city and county government.   We need more citizens calling and advising their government representatives of their needs, wants and feelings.  I had the opportunity to attend several township meetings recently.  These can truly be the root and heart of returning to strong local government.  I have been very impressed by the common sense approaches, concern for the people and dedication shown by town officials.  The local government officials need to make certain they continue to represent the people.  My observation is that as we step-up to the next higher level of government, the representatives seem to develop a greater disconnect with “the people”.  Our public officials need to LISTEN to and act on behalf of the people they represent.

OBSERVATION 2 - Fox Valley Sign

Now for the other part of Page 3.  Directly below the county story you will see a picture of a Fox Valley sign being erected.  On the day this sign was being installed, I was driving into Chilton.  I looked at the activity and said to myself, “Wow – look at the truck, the big sign and the workers – this must be expensive – I wonder why it is being put up and what it costs?”


About an hour later, I decided to call the Fox Valley Technical College, Chilton Center, and ask about the sign.  I spoke with a lady who advised me that she was not familiar with the details.  However, she suggested I call 920-735-4819 and speak with Jan Oakey in Appleton.  I then called Jan and asked two questions.  Why did we need a new sign and how much did it cost?  Jan agreed to research it and call me back.  Here is the information she gave me.

We needed a new sign because the other sign was older and needed replacing.  The new sign would be used for information and advertising.  The cost of this new sign shown on Page 3 of the newspaper is $45,000.

I don’t know about you, but I think $45,000 is a heck of a lot of money.  The caption under the picture indicates the sign will clearly identify the school to passersby.  I would like to point out that the name of the school is quite clearly identified ON the building and that anyone trying to find the school should be able to look up the address and find it.  Quite frankly, we should not need to advertise to “passersby”. 

Having had my interest peaked, I asked Jan who administers the signage and sign replacement.  She advised that Fox Valley has set up a Signage Committee to perform this task.  She said that they have a 5–year plan.  I asked her what the “Signage Budget” is and she told me it is only $190,000 per year.  Let’s see, $190,000 times five years – golly gee, that’s $950,000 (almost a million) just for signs for passersby.

Now, just to link topics 1 and 2 found on page 3.  We may not agree with our town, city, and county boards, but we can call our officials, vote for them, run in opposition to them, or vote on referendums for projects and buildings.

Now, look at your tax bills.  You have a line item for Tech Schools and you can do NONE of the foregoing options relative to those costs or the associates functions, operations or expenditures.  The Tech Schools are vital.   I support their purpose and role but their budgets and salaries are not subject to scrutiny by the people.

I hope you enjoy the sign – you paid for it!

I would encourage you to listen to the Jerry Schneider Radio Show for the next three weeks.  That’s WMBE in Chilton, 1530-AM on the dial, Saturday mornings 7:00 to 10:00.

Let’s keep our elected officials working and listening to the people.

The Importance Of and Appreciation For Your Local Government

I am finding out that running for office is a good educational experience.  I am gaining a renewed and enhanced appreciation for how many dedicated citizens there are who serve in the role of school, town, city and county official.

The issue that really concerns me is that many of these officials are frustrated and are weary of all of the regulations and mandates thrust upon them by the higher levels of government.  Most local government officials could and would run their town and city governments more efficiently, more economically and with more common sense if they would not need to deal with or comply with things like prevailing wage and mandated arbitration processes.

We need to get the yoke of higher government off of the backs of local government.

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Wisconsin - Love It But Forced to Leave It

As my campaign moves forward, I've been receiving feedback from some former Wisconsin residents via e-mail or phone calls.  As I spoke with people I've met during the campaign, I've frequently encountered individuals who have changed (or are planning on changing) their residency from Wisconsin to another state.

These people enjoy Wisconsin, they love Wisconsin, but they feel compelled to become residents of another state.  Why?  Certainly in some cases because they want to escape winter and spend time in a warmer climate.  However, with additional dialog, it becomes evident that they have recognized the Wisconsin taxes are out of control in comparison to the states they have moved to.  Some have actually quantified the savings in the range of 5 to 10 thousand dollars per year.  They have incorporated ALL of the imposed state taxes and fees in these calculations (real estate, sales tax, income tax, etc.)

As we continue to lose residents to Arizona, Florida, Texas, and other states, remember the rest of us will carry the burden.  Additionally, recent information has shown that our best and brightest Wisconsin students look for careers outside of Wisconsin because they have more opportunity in other states.  That means we are losing new workers as well.  And of course, we've seen the impact of the corporate taxation enacted by Governor Doyle on businesses taking their business to other locations.  It's a vicious circle and you and I will continue to pickup up an even larger burden of Wisconsin's deficit spending and out of control budget ( including a train that won't have anybody left to ride it!). As this continues, the hurt gets deeper as we not only loose businesses and jobs but also many of our financially stable citizens.

It's time to send people to Madison who are willing to tackle this issue and call their opponents out on unreasonable spending and taxes.

Waiting for Superman

For the last month I have been hearing about a new movie entitled "Waiting for Superman".  This is supposedly a film that analyzes the failures of American public education.  I asked teachers, prinicpals and superintendents about the film and what they knew about it.  None of them seemed to be aware of it.  I am not taking a pro or con position about this film, but I am trying to learn more about it.

There have been discussions about it almost daily on informational news shows.  In fact, the former superintendent of Milwaukee,  Howard Fuller, provided input into this film.  In it's release in January at Sundance, it received the Audience Award for best documentary.  I believe it started showing in documentary cinemas on September 24th.  I encourage you to google, search out and analyze this film and its message.  I'll be doing the same.

One Item at a Time

I have never been able to understand how we got to the point where our state and federal Assemblymen/Congressmen and Senators vote on items and include dozens of unrelated issues.  Why does so much legislation seem to be gray and not black or white?  Why is there a smorgasbord of pork in all the bills?

To me it would appear that the most common sense approach would be to vote and approve one item at a time.  At a minimum, unrelated topics should never be included.

I don't believe any of us could comprehend why the Healthcare Bill would be 2000 pages.  As I attended Petri and Feingold meetings and they held up the 2000 pages (4 reams of paper), no one could believe that anyone had read (much less understood) what was contained in it.  This has become evident as time marches on and we hear weekly of all of the strange items, taxes, fees, etc. which are part of the this new Healthcare plan.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

HIGHER TAXES - OH NO!

Watch out what you wish for.  These were the words a lady used last week in describing her Canadian experience.

She has a small cottage in Canada.  She had it re-shingled and also had to get a new furnace this summer.  In both cases she was shocked because the bill came in quite a bit higher than the quote.  Why?  Because Canada, to help pay for all of their social and healthcare programs (most of which don't work too well), has put in a tax called HST at the rate of 13%.

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

PREVAILING WAGES

As I am listening and learning from our local town and city officials, I am amazed at the explanations and comments I get about the prevailing wage laws in Wisconsin.  Rather than taking my comments as gospel, I would encourage you to read about and ask your city council members, town board members or even small local contractors about their thoughts and experiences with this prevailing wage process.  As I evaluate it, I see just one more example of how local citizens are overpaying to get our needed work and services completed.

Simply put, it appears that anytime work is performed for a town, city, school, county, etc., the contractor must bid the job at an inflated rate.  As an example, if roadwork or roof work would  be done at a government site the, contractor might charge $35 per hour for an employee he would normally bill at $17.

Monday, October 4, 2010

PLEASE VIEW THIS

Those of you over 50 may remember Red Skelton.  To you younger folks, he was a comedian in the early days of TV.  This clip of Red Skelton from 1969 was insightful when  I first heard it many years ago and today it almost seems as if it was prophetic.

Please watch, listen, reflect and share.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZBTyTWOZCM

Sunday, October 3, 2010

SIGNS

You will start seeing some signs for my campaign.  They may not be beautiful, but they do serve the purpose.  I don't have many, but I have a variety.  I have recycled and used as many scrap materials as I could find.

The signs come in an array of colors as well.  Many of my signs are purple, which is my favorite color.  I have also made some red and some orange to represent other colors from our District.  The signs simply state, "LECHLER for Assembly".  I hope you will spot one here or there.

Keeping Informed

How can you keep yourself informed on current events, interesting issues and candidates?  On a broad scale and if you have time, there are many opportunities.  Here are a few local venues.

Wisconsin Eye at http://www.wiseye.org/ or cable or dish TV.

WTMJ AM Radio 620
8:30 am to Noon         M-F   Charlie Sykes
12:00 pm to 2:00 pm  M-F   Jeff Wagner

WISN AM Radio 1130
6:00 am to 8:00 am    M-F   Jay Weber
10:00 am to Noon      M-F   Vicki McKenna
3:00 pm to 6:00 pm    M-F   Mark Belling

You don't have to necessarily agree with them on all issues, but you will become aware and informed.

Thursday, September 30, 2010

TERM LIMITS

We need to have term limits for Assembly and Senate representatives in Wisconsin.

The irony is the elected officials DO NOT want term limits.  Even worse our 99 Assembly people and 33 Senators are the only ones with the ability to create term limits.  We the people cannot even petition a request for a referendum to vote for this change.  It is the fox watching the chicken coop!

And why don't they want term limits?  It's difficult to get an answer on this.  Typically I have been told that the People are already in control of term limits at the polls.  It's time we show the Parties we are serious and implement the only term limits they are willing to agree to by accepting their challenge.  Re-elect no one who has served more than 4-6 years.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Voter ID

People have asked what I think about voter ID.  My answer - I am very concerned about it and I believe it is not an imposition for anyone to show who they are.  Is it a big deal in Plymouth, Elkhart Lake, Kiel - no - but it is a concern in Milwaukee, Madison and many other places across our nation.  When I voted in the Primary election I presented my driver's license - it was really quite easy.  Try going in or out of the country without showing your passport.  Voter ID is necessary and needed.  It is needed because there is a faction of people who try to vote more than once and succeed in doing so.  If elected, I will push for Voter ID and better controls to avoid voter fraud.

Monday, September 20, 2010

Introduction Letters to Local Government Officials

When I announced my candidacy, I sent out the following information to local government officials.

July 12, 2010


Letter to:  County Board Members, City and Village Officials,
        Members of Town Government, School District Boards 
        (in the 27th Åssembly District of Wisconsin)
        
SUBJECT:   I, Jack Lechler, am Seeking Your Input and Support as a
                       Candidate for Wisconsin’s 27tth Assembly District

I am sending this letter of introduction to inform you of my candidacy for 
Assemblyman in the 27th District of Wisconsin.  My name is Jack Lechler.  I am 
67-years old and have been a lifelong resident of Kiel, Wisconsin.  I am 
conservative, practical, try to use common sense, motivated, enthusiastic, try 
to make things happen and am willing to dig for the truth.  I will not make 
false promises to you and I do not profess or pretend that I have all of the 
answers to our vast problems facing local, state and federal government.  No one 
else does either or we wouldn’t be in this mess.

My interest in serving you and our citizenry in this role has been stimulated by 
the issues that are plaguing us, and the sad financial  and economic condition 
of our state.  I have been involved in a variety of administrative and 
leadership roles throughout my life.  Over the past decade I have devoted much 
of my time observing, listening, thinking and commenting about the paths and 
routes I see our government entities taking.  I have spent many hours attending 
listening sessions and town hall meetings (held by those representatives who 
have them!), such as Petri, Feingold and Leibham.  The greatest value in 
attending these sessions is to hear the very intelligent comments and sincere 
concerns from the citizens of Eastern Wisconsin.  If the input of these citizens 
would be acted upon, we would be in much better shape than we are today.  Far 
too often these meetings are filled with statements about what bill or 
legislation the Representative proposed, and far too often the citizens had to 
listen to the sad story about being in the political minority and thus nothing 
could be done.  Sad but true.  We need results, not excuses.

Therefore, I have decided to run as an Independent candidate.  The election 
process is structured to try and re-elect an incumbent and is focused on 
maintaining or getting a party majority.  This is pure baloney sausage.  It is 
not about serving the people or doing what is best for the state or the country, 
it is all about doing what the party wants, keeping the party strong and keeping 
the incumbent in office.  

On July 7th, I attended a listening session in Howards Grove held by Tom Petri.  
I was dismayed to see less than two dozen people in attendance when just six 
months ago, when the health care issue was in high gear, the
same conference room in Howards Grove was filled and had standing room only.  I 
further found it amazing and amusing that two of Petri’s aides approached me and 
said – we heard you are throwing your hat into the political arena.  I corrected 
both of them, advising them that I was not interested in playing politics, 
rather my goal is to serve the people and help restore common sense into 
government.

In visiting at offices of Assemblymen and Senators in Madison, I was shocked at 
the inferences and outright statements that an Independent  candidate can’t win 
a seat, that an Independent cannot be effective and that if I win, I would be 
disappointed to find out that I would accomplish little because of the “system”.  
Give me a chance!  This is the “system” that passes unrealistic budgets, spends 
money they don’t have, will not institute term limits, imposes arbitration on 
local governments, etc., etc., etc.  Give me a chance!

My contact information is:    Jack Lechler
                         1334 1st Street
                         Kiel,  WI  53042
                         920-894-3081
      jacklechler@charter.net                      
I am asking for your thoughts, issues and vote.  As an independent candidate I 
can serve the people not the “machine”.  I would appreciate it if you would make 
others aware of my candidacy and encourage them to contact me for more 
information.

I am looking forward to serving the citizens of the 27th District.  Thank you.

Sincerely,



Jack Lechler

Letter of Introduction to Plymouth, Sheboygan Falls, and Town of Sheboygan

On September 20th, I addressed the following letter to the newspapers serving the communities of Plymouth and Sheboygan Falls.

Dear citizens of Plymouth, Sheboygan Falls and outlying areas,

My name is Jack Lechler.  I am from Kiel, Wisconsin.  I am running as an Independent candidate for the 27th Assembly District.  For the last 8 weeks I have written opinion letters to the Kiel area newspaper.  Beginning this week, since the Primary Election is over, I would like to share some of my observations with you and request your consideration on November 2nd.

IT IS ALL ABOUT THE PARTY
Each day and each week as I partake in the “candidate for state assembly office” process, I am becoming more and more aware how this process has become an entangled web.  As students, we read the words of Abraham Lincoln, who in his Gettysburg address said, “that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain – that this nation under God shall have a new birth of freedom and that government of the people, by the people and for the people shall not perish from the earth.”

Well, my dear friends, neighbors and fellow citizens, each day as I learn more about the “political” process, it has become very evident to me that the intent for a government of the people, by the people and for the people has evolved and turned into a process and government of the Party, by the Party and for the Party.  I have observed this happening increasingly over the past decades as I have seen government activities, action and common sense polarized by PARTY.  It has become like two bully kids on the playground.  The Democrats and the Republicans – serving themselves and each other to maintain the power of their party and their own position.  They are serving themselves and not the will or the good of the people. 

Now as I have become a candidate, this has become more obvious.  The Party bands together like a “good old boys club”.  It is full of cronyism and it promotes the incumbents and tries to convince the public that Party strength and the length of time a candidate serves will promote better government. 

This observation was strongly reinforced as I observed how differently a Party embraces a new candidate if that candidate is the only opponent to the opposing Party versus if the new candidate is running in the same Party opposing a current incumbent.  This became most evident as I watched the build-up to the Primary Election in the 27th Assembly District election.

You might recall that on July 21st, 2010, there was an article in the Sheboygan Press entitled Assembly Candidates Spar Over Debate Issue.  Mr. Kestell, who did not appear to want to have a candidate forum when approached by Randy Meyer, was recorded in the press as stating - the debate flap was “an old campaign trick”.  To the contrary, I doubt that Randy Meyer was employing an old campaign trick since he was merely attempting to publicly discuss issues.  Further, Mr. Meyer was new to the campaign circuit and probably was not aware of “old” political tricks.  Only an incumbent seeking re-election is probably familiar with “old” political tricks.  Contrarily, Mr. Kestell in one of his mailings that was intended to be warm and fuzzy, appealed to the emotions and showed a baby and a teddy bear. It stated Steve’s primary opponent “refused to respond to the Wisconsin Right to Life questionnaire”.  Now if he was addressing this to me, it would be accurate, because as you will recall, I stated that I did not plan to send back questionnaires from any of the special interest, PAC or lobby groups.  I believe, however, that this was an attempt by the incumbent to employ “an old campaign trick” against his prominent opposition.  I question how accurate his accusation was that his opponent, Mr. Meyer, “refused” to respond.

I am a positive person and I do not want to have anyone misconstrue the foregoing as negative comments.  Besides being positive, I am also a realist and I am just sharing some of my observations about the campaign prior to the Primary Election.  There were a number of other events that indicated to me that the Republican Party did not want to have another Republican candidate playing in the pool.  Randy Meyer would have been a refreshing change and brought new vision and leadership to Assembly District 27. 

Since the primary turned out as it did, it becomes imperative for me to work harder and diligently to become elected.  As you may already know, I believe in term limits.  When I have discussed this over the years with Mr. Kestell, he advised he would not be willing to introduce legislation for term limits and stated that term limits can be decided in elections.  That is why we have career politicians, who rely on a complacent public and brand recognition.

On November 2nd it will be up to you – vote independent and get new representation or vote for the incumbent career politician and keep getting more of the same from the good old boys. 

Please feel free to call me, and thanks for listening.

Sincerely,
Jack Lechler
1334 1st Street 
Kiel, WI  53042
jacklechler@charter.net