Letter to the Editor: Political Flatus

Immediately after Outagamie County Executive Tom Nelson announced his candidacy for Representative 8th District, Pat Garrett, Wisconsin GOP spokesman, took off the gloves and attacked Nelson’s character with the following tirade [in a statement from the Republican Party of Wisconsin]: “Over the course of his political career, Nelson has promoted the radical left-wing agenda, growing state government to a level we couldn’t afford, while inundating working families with higher taxes.”

I live in Outagamie County and find Garrett’s statement so much unsubstantiated political flatus, which the Republicans are famous for.

Tom Nelson is a grassroots leader, of, for and by the people, who came to my home while canvassing the neighborhood to explain his agenda when he made his first successful run for county executive. In that position he did nothing to promote or foster the issues Garrett claims he did.

Through the years Tom has been unique as a harmonizer who doesn’t polarize issues and has the rare ability as a politician to strike a balance when faced with conflict.

Mr. Garrett, you state “Nelson has promoted the radical left-wing agenda.” Assuredly, voters would appreciate hearing from you as to what it is. You also state he “grew state government to a level we couldn’t afford.” What? How does a county executive grow state government?

Ed Hodges

Appleton, Wis.