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As I See It

Our voices should be heard, not silenced

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Your voice will be silenced if some Wisconsin lawmakers have their way. Republicans who control the Legislature have worked out a deal to provide more state aid to cities and counties. But there’s a catch. Cities and counties across the state would be prevented from holding any advisory referendums, silencing the voice of the voters. Of course, this legislation has nothing to do with the state budget. It is a policy issue, not a spending plan. But the bigger issue is why those in power think people like you and me should not be able to share their opinions on the issues important to them. And whatever happened to local control, which the GOP has touted when it is convenient for them, like ending statewide Covid restrictions. Wisconsinites often get to have their say in advisory referendums. In the last election, La Crosse County voters were asked their opinion on abortion. Past advisory referendums have focused on gerrymandering and legalizing marijuana. It is a way for us to tell the politicians what we think. But if this were to become law, our voices would be silenced by politicians who clearly don’t want to hear what we have to say.

Scott Robert Shaw serves as WIZM Program Director and News Director, and delivers the morning news on WKTY, Z-93 and 95.7 The Rock. Scott has been at Mid-West Family La Crosse since 1989, and authors Wisconsin's only daily radio editorial, "As I See It" heard on WIZM each weekday morning and afternoon.

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3 Comments

3 Comments

  1. david greener

    May 17, 2023 at 5:06 am

    I would like to know how many times have advisory referendums actually been adhered to and created law. I think most times they are just bait to get people to the poles. Advisory referendums are only one way to get your opinion heard not the only way.

  2. TOM FITZPATRICK

    May 17, 2023 at 5:54 am

    This is another example of the abuse of power by a legislature more concerned about exercising power and silencing opposition than solving problems for Wisconsin citizens. This is what happens when one party gets a disproportionate share of power because of gerrymandered electoral districts.

  3. nick

    May 17, 2023 at 7:38 am

    Another example of a stupid Republican Party.
    Every state needs new electoral maps put together by people like myself who cannot stand either party.
    Make them both fight in every state for every seat.

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