Stop the Recalls

Before I get started, I want to fully disclose I'm a registered Democrat who didn't vote for Gov. Scott Walker and didn't support his radical Budget Repair Bill legislation. I am opposed to the way he and his Republican "posse" have rammed their agenda through the state Senate. I feel there was an is a better way to solve some of the issues that face our state.

I also feel, however, that recalling Scott Walker isn't the answer at this point.

The Senate-level recalls spoke volumes. Yes, there was a feeling that the Republican-led state Senate has overreached in its aggressive agenda to end unions, cut vital social programs and satisfy its wealthy constituents. While the Dems didn't reach their ultimate goal, I believe this sent a message to the Repubs that cooperation is in order. We will see how that received message is responded to.

Further recalls would be detrimental to our state. We are already seeing the effect of angry protests and their negative impact on public relations for the Democratic effort. Angry teachers and citizens interrupting school board meetings simply isn't going to fare well with voters. Our elected officials cannot be constantly up for election, it will only inspire them to act in concert based on polls and election talking points.

If Walker has made jobs his agenda, then we need to push him and ALL of our elected officials to pursue those goals. I personally don't want to see millions of outside political dollars flooded into our state and the countless ads on television the entire fall and winter. Instead of recalling him, those that oppose him need to organize a movement, a collective of ideas and good candidates to oppose him in the 2014 elections. I feel the recall effort is more about anger and spite than about real change.

We need education reform, real job and economic development and responsible social programs reform. We need to make Wisconsin a desirable place to live and conduct business. As much as removing Walker from office right away would seem to address these issues, it really doesn't.

I know those who are most affected by his current policies will oppose me on this; however, I just think we cannot remain in this constant state of recall in this state. I liken this situation to those who survive a hurricane. You can't go backward. All you can do is access the damage, clean up and try to move forward with your altered situation.

That's the only real solution for our state. Life has changed, and we have to adjust and find better solutions. A strong opposition effort in 2014 is all about the ideas, agendas and candidates that will be cultivated now and moving forward.