Voters want more
There was a surprising twist in the recent Republican primary election for the Washington County Sheriff. Jason Guslick staked out a “I’m tougher on crime” position and won the endorsement of Tim Schmidt, owner of Delta Defense. Both lost to the more moderate and experienced Marty Schulteis who wisely steered clear of both issues.
Guslick apparently believed local voters would buy into the fear of criminals invading from the inner city of Milwaukee pushed hard by Delta Defense/NRA elements who believe that the Second Amendment gives everyone the right to tote whatever kind of fire power they want to defend themselves from the hordes of “others” bent on doing them harm. Voters clearly rejected that message.
Had Guslick been paying attention, he would have remembered the most recent Wisconsin Supreme Court election where Rebecca Dallet refused NRA money and handily defeated the NRA backed judge who opposed her. Most Wisconsin voters no longer see an NRA endorsement as a sole reason to cast their vote. Thankfully, the Delta Defense endorsement did not fare any better.
Guslick might have been better served to look at the national polls that show a strong majority across party lines wants sensible and stricter gun control measures, especially in the wake of the mass shooting incidents that show up all too frequently in the headlines.
The post-Parkland shooting millennial voter registration drive aimed at new voters opposed to guns for everyone everywhere has raised the stakes and mounts a significant challenge to NRA positions. These new voters want candidates who will refuse pro-gun money and commit to sensible gun control legislation once elected. They have already swung the discourse away from the Second Amendment purists.
Political candidates, especially in law enforcement, need to walk a fine line. It is perfectly acceptable to stress public safety and the need for public support for law enforcement. Fear based campaigns cross the line, especially when they are tinged with racism and stereotypes. Most voters now want to see effective and fair law enforcement that does not play favorites or support white supremacy.
Anti-Immigration arguments often cross the line as well. Washington County is home to many immigrant families who work hard every day on local dairy farms and behind the kitchen doors in our restaurants.
Let’s have a nuanced discussion on immigration reform that recognizes the substantial contributions immigrants make to the local economy. We need to encourage a path to citizenship to recognize the sacrifices those newly in our country have made to start their new lives here.
Claiming support for a southern border wall will not garner as much support as it once did for President Trump in light of the economic reality of our need for immigrant labor.
Law and Order is a great name for a 1990s television show. Voters have moved beyond the buzz words and slogans and are looking for realistic, sensible solutions to the problems in our society.
We cannot win any war on addiction, especially opioid addiction, with just a lock ‘em up and throw away the key mentality. Law enforcement can disrupt the supply chains all day long. Without effective medical and mental health treatment programs to help the addicted and their affected families, law enforcement interdiction efforts will always fail.
Law enforcement that partners with community-based resources offering treatment, homeless solutions, medical care and other social services will be more effective in reducing criminal activity than driving around in armored SWAT vehicles with automatic rifles at the ready.
Washington county voters appear ready for these changes in our law enforcement strategy. Hopefully, the new Sheriff understands and will act accordingly.
Waring Fincke is a retired attorney and serves as a guardian for the elderly and disabled with a Sheboygan County non-profit agency.
Guns won’t win elections
Voters want more
There was a surprising twist in the recent Republican primary election for the Washington County Sheriff. Jason Guslick staked out a “I’m tougher on crime” position and won the endorsement of Tim Schmidt, owner of Delta Defense. Both lost to the more moderate and experienced Marty Schulteis who wisely steered clear of both issues.
Guslick apparently believed local voters would buy into the fear of criminals invading from the inner city of Milwaukee pushed hard by Delta Defense/NRA elements who believe that the Second Amendment gives everyone the right to tote whatever kind of fire power they want to defend themselves from the hordes of “others” bent on doing them harm. Voters clearly rejected that message.
Had Guslick been paying attention, he would have remembered the most recent Wisconsin Supreme Court election where Rebecca Dallet refused NRA money and handily defeated the NRA backed judge who opposed her. Most Wisconsin voters no longer see an NRA endorsement as a sole reason to cast their vote. Thankfully, the Delta Defense endorsement did not fare any better.
Guslick might have been better served to look at the national polls that show a strong majority across party lines wants sensible and stricter gun control measures, especially in the wake of the mass shooting incidents that show up all too frequently in the headlines.
The post-Parkland shooting millennial voter registration drive aimed at new voters opposed to guns for everyone everywhere has raised the stakes and mounts a significant challenge to NRA positions. These new voters want candidates who will refuse pro-gun money and commit to sensible gun control legislation once elected. They have already swung the discourse away from the Second Amendment purists.
Political candidates, especially in law enforcement, need to walk a fine line. It is perfectly acceptable to stress public safety and the need for public support for law enforcement. Fear based campaigns cross the line, especially when they are tinged with racism and stereotypes. Most voters now want to see effective and fair law enforcement that does not play favorites or support white supremacy.
Anti-Immigration arguments often cross the line as well. Washington County is home to many immigrant families who work hard every day on local dairy farms and behind the kitchen doors in our restaurants.
Let’s have a nuanced discussion on immigration reform that recognizes the substantial contributions immigrants make to the local economy. We need to encourage a path to citizenship to recognize the sacrifices those newly in our country have made to start their new lives here.
Claiming support for a southern border wall will not garner as much support as it once did for President Trump in light of the economic reality of our need for immigrant labor.
Law and Order is a great name for a 1990s television show. Voters have moved beyond the buzz words and slogans and are looking for realistic, sensible solutions to the problems in our society.
We cannot win any war on addiction, especially opioid addiction, with just a lock ‘em up and throw away the key mentality. Law enforcement can disrupt the supply chains all day long. Without effective medical and mental health treatment programs to help the addicted and their affected families, law enforcement interdiction efforts will always fail.
Law enforcement that partners with community-based resources offering treatment, homeless solutions, medical care and other social services will be more effective in reducing criminal activity than driving around in armored SWAT vehicles with automatic rifles at the ready.
Washington county voters appear ready for these changes in our law enforcement strategy. Hopefully, the new Sheriff understands and will act accordingly.
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