Bring it on!
There is scant evidence for the assertion that conservatives are "hunting" for candidates to run against Kathleen Falk ("More 911 Staff Is On the Way," 5/29/2008). And there's good reason for that. In every major policy area - from public safety to the criminal justice system to human services to economic development to fiscal responsibility to the environment - Falk has gotten things done, changed old paradigms, solved tough problems and moved things forward.
By every measure, Dane County is better off today than it was 11 years ago when Falk first took office. And that's not just what I believe; voters know it too. Candidates for County Board who run on Falk's record and share her agenda most often win. Every like-minded candidate who runs in Dane County wants her endorsement.
Here's another reality that slows down potential challengers from the right. The last time a conservative ran against her - the well-known and well-liked Dave Wiganowsky - Falk won by a 2-1 margin. She won everywhere. Conservative strongholds like Sun Prairie. Rural areas. Urban areas. You name it. No wonder no one challenged Falk in 2005, the first time any county executive has ever run unopposed in Dane County.
So if any of what Isthmus calls those "political piranhas" are circling, here's a piece of advice: Go for it! Bring it on! Jump on in! Anyone who runs against Kathleen Falk has to get into a conversation about her record in its totality. Anyone who runs against her has to run against the positive changes Falk has made in how county government operates and how its politics are conducted. And Falk wins.
Melissa Mulliken
The letter writer has worked as a political consultant on Falk's campaigns.
Green design
I'm thrilled to see government getting behind green building and developing ("Mayor Dave's Green Dream," 5/30/08). Our company is working on a small residential neighborhood in Dane County that is requiring geothermal heat. We truly believe that "going green" should begin with the design of the project, continue through the design of the homes and then, hopefully, transfer into lifestyle changes for the homeowners.
Sona Olson
Wrong
The federal government is wrong in raising Carin Johnson's disability payment and cutting off her assistance for Medicare ("Falling Off the Eligibility Cliff, 5/23/08). I blame the Bush administration for funding the war instead of Medicaid.
Russell Novkov
