navigating political divides
“I strongly urge everyone who is tired of partisan politics overriding common sense and the best interests of the community to support Bruce Ross’ reelection”. - Mark Larson, attorney
The county board is established as non-partisan, by law, and by design. The challenges faced by the county government are practical in nature, not ideological. If we allow partisan politics to ‘infect’ the board, it will become just one more dysfunctional, inefficient, and unhelpful level of government, like we see at state and federal levels. And that does not serve the long term interests of county residents.
Unfortunately, the county board is now running a ‘fever’. There are increasing signs that party ideology is making inroads to this non-partisan body. Indeed, in this very election, voters will have a very clear choice: Ideologues or practical solution-finders?
I belong to neither party. Sure, I have opinions on national and state issues and they influence who I vote for at those levels. But especially when such potentially partisan issues are raised at the county board for purely partisan reasons, I do my best to focus on real county issues to find the best solution for all countians regardless of political stripe.
But it’s not enough to avoid ideological dead-ends. A true leader feels a responsibility to actively bring divergent perspectives together, by honoring the passion of the activists, by deeply understanding the issues, and by seeking the common ground that is the hallmark of lasting solutions.
I ask a lot of questions, because there is truth to be found in the passion of advocates. I consciously ‘give oxygen’ to both sides of the debate in that questioning, in order to uncover these truths to reach a balanced position or decision.
I take pride in having responded personally to every single constituent who reached out to me with a concern. I listen for understanding, then upon reaching a conclusion, will tell you where I stand, and why. I accept that you may not always agree with me. And if that happens often enough, I’ll be out of this job. As it should be.
Here are a couple of those issues that are evidence of creeping partisanship in the county board, and my responses.
.The “Zuckerbucks” debate. When a resolution was introduced to prohibit taking any outside dollars to help run an election (a reaction to 2020’s “zuckerbuck” donations to local governments), I voted against it. Why? Because no one was offering the county any such money. And if some organization was to do so, the Board could have evaluated the value and the purpose at that time. The resolution was purely political messaging intended for one political audience, not a real-life, practical decision confronting the county. To the degree the board allows such partisan politics to interfere with the practical work of the board, Ozaukeans lose.
Redistricting referendum. When partisan activists on one side of the political aisle advanced the concept of a county-wide referendum to tell state officials how to undertake the 2021 redistricting effort, I argued that while the issue itself may be righteous, such a non-binding referendum it is NOT county government business, would have no impact on the state government’s decision, and represented an attempt to gain political advantage. Bringing such partisan politics into the non-partisan functioning of the county board would set the stage for the dysfunction that we see at higher, partisan levels of government. And that does not serve the interests of county residents. My position, expressed in many emails and conversations with constituents, did not make proponents of the effort happy, but they knew where I stood, and why. And maybe along the way, proponents became more sensitive to the adverse impacts it could have on an otherwise soundly functioning, non-partisan county board.
So-called constitutional affirmation referendum. My crystal ball was unfortunately accurate. After the redistricting issue, partisan activists on the other side of the aisle brought a resolution to make Ozaukee County a 2nd Amendment sanctuary county. As a military officer, a former law enforcement officer, a hunter, the leader of a non-profit organization comprised of hunters, I unequivocbly support the 2nd Amendment. But the county has no authority, no role, and no responsibility that would support such a declaration. Activists were not deterred, even when the county’s lawyer agreed with me. They re-cast the original resolution as a ‘Support for the Constitution resolution’. To me, it was political theater, again attempting to gain some partisan advantage: Supervisors already swear an oath to support and defend the Constitution. My actions through my military career have demonstrated my constitutional commitment more than mere words. Here’s a link to the Youtube video of that debate, with my remarks coming at minute 1:12:25. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ikt0rQeaWdg.
You may not always agree with my position but I will listen to understand—and as I reach a conclusion, you’ll know where I stand, and why. And it will not be based on any party’s political platform.