Question for Republicans

Does it never occur to the leadership and membership of the Republican Party - the ones who claim to be for God, country, and family values - that implementing policies that create living wage jobs with benefits IS promoting family values?  How do you strengthen families and community when so many people are working multiple jobs just to pay for the basic necessities of life - you know, food, shelter, clothing, heat, and maybe even medical care?

You cannot have strong families and communities when parents are unable to spend time with their children because of the need to work multiple jobs and/or outrageous hours.

After 30+ years of stagnant or declining wages and benefits, we now have generations of kids who have been left on their own - fed and sheltered, yes, and even in many cases taught good behavior, good citizenship, and ethics.  By and large, however, many parents are simply too tired and stressed to have the energy to equip their children for the future.

The gains made in the past by labor unions, environmental groups, and education coalitions have been eroded by the last 30 years of Republican policies.  These policies have damaged our ability to protect the environment, to ensure quality education for all, and most damning - have splintered our families and weakened the very fabric of society that they claim to want to protect.

The Bible says the worker is worthy of his hire, and instructs employers to treat their employees well.  Republican policies very clearly do not follow those guidelines.

VOTE APRIL 5!

The Central WI Grassroots Coalition is a coalition of area community groups, labor unions, and county residents.  These groups are working together to promote progressive values, family- and worker-friendly policies, and good environmental stewardship in Portage County.

On Thursday, February 18, the Coalition held a series of candidate interviews.  After the interviews and after reviewing the questionnaires submitted by the candidates, the Coalition voted to endorse the following candidates in the April 5 elections:

Portage County Board:  Meleesa Johnson, District 3;  Sam Levin, District 4; Julie Morrow, District 5; Robert Steinke, District 19; Ron Becker, District 20; Tim Corcoran, District 21; Barry Jacowski, District 23; and Gerry Zastrow, District 24

Stevens Point City Council: David Shorr, District 2 and Cathy Dugan, District 8

Stevens Point Area School Board:  Rory Suomi and Dan Kontos

The following unopposed candidates were also endorsed by the Coalition:  Heidi Oberstadt (City Council); Tom Mallison, Matt Jacowski, Jim Gifford, Stan POtocki, Dan Dobratz, Bo DeDeker, and Chris Doubek (Portage County Board).

We believe these candidates will fairly and equitably represent the residents of Portage County and will promote the progressive values that are important to members of the Central Wisconsin Grassroots Coalition.

Please remember to vote on April 5!