Ex-councilor fed up with 'old guard' trickery

To The Telegram:

Why? Why does it seem to always degrade to this? Some of the "old guard" of the local Democrats don't like that anyone would dare challenge their candidate for the 73rd District. So, instead of embracing the new energy, fresh perspective and hard work of their new members, they choose to attack. Do they attack on the issues? No. They accuse Mary Tripp of being a phony, a "Republican in Democrat's clothing."

On what do they base this assertion? Is there a quota of campaigns one must fill before they are considered a "True-Blue Democrat"?

Evidently, it doesn't count that Mary was busy working to help organize Superior Days in Madison -- only the largest single lobbying event by a community in the state -- and volunteering throughout our area to help those less fortunate than herself.

In the current issue of the Labor World (Aug. 27, Page 13), Congressman Dave Obey is quoted as saying "Douglas County needs more help than all the other counties in the state and you won't get it without Nick Milroy."

Later in the article, state Sen. Bob Jauch notes that Mayor Dave Ross has endorsed Mary Tripp. He further says "if Milroy doesn't win, Mayor Ross will take credit for beating him (Jauch) and Obey."

Is this what they really think this race is about? I'm sick and tired of the same old playground politics in which name-calling, insults and outright lies are the frontline tactics. Seriously, if the Douglas County Republican Party endorsed Nick Milroy, would that make him any less of a Democrat, or change any of his beliefs?

So let's grow up for this last week of the campaign. Readers have ample opportunity to review each of the candidate's positions on issues through this paper, the candidates' Web sites and meeting the candidates face-to-face.

Now to the second reason I'm writing this letter. As an independent, I've always chosen a candidate to support solely on their merits, their track record, and their positions. I've had the pleasure of working with Mary Tripp on Superior Days for the past six years. It's so rare these days to happen across someone with her energy, character, and the drive to work towards turning visions into reality. When I heard she was running for the seat vacated by Frank Boyle, I thought, "Fantastic. Here's someone who can carry on the passion and energy we have come to expect." I immediately volunteered to work on her campaign. Let me tell you, I consider myself fortunate to have participated in a campaign that has been run the way campaigns should be run. Civility and respect are the two support beams upon which her platform is built.

I encourage anyone to go back to her candidacy announcement and work your way forward with her interviews and her supporter's letters. You tell me if you see a difference. Her campaign has been a breath of fresh air. I believe this attitude can begin to change the tone in Madison. So, it came down to this for me: Do I want the same "Line in the Sand" politics in Madison, or someone who can work to get us back on track?

I chose to volunteer my time, my resources, and my vote for Mary Tripp. I hope you'll agree and do the same on Sept. 9. If you need a ride to the polls, give me a call at 392-5351.

-- Kevin Norbie,

Superior

Editor's note: Mayor Dave Ross attended Mary Tripp's public announcement; however, he has not endorsed nor contributed to her campaign.