Letters to the Editor

Watching the Cub – Brewer playoff game on TV, and listening to it on the radio, was a notable experience but not just because of the game or the outcome of the game, but because of the experience of hearing what had happened about 30 seconds before watching it on “live” TV was like being in a time warp, where I knew the results of the next pitch before the current pitch was even thrown. I wondered how many people were sitting watching the game, hoping and even praying that the batter would get a hit when I already knew the results, and that in two pitches he would strike out. Although using this mini time warp can be entertaining or amusing to others until they know how you seem to know what will happen, it is of little value; however, the time lapse between when one knows, and others know what has or what will be happening, is often the difference between success or failure against others in sports, business and warfare, which is why stealth and secrecy is so important in those fields where one is fighting the opposition or enemy. 

However, in government, openness and not stealth and secrecy is required between the government and the people that they represent. Otherwise, suspicion and distrust arise between both those in government and those not in government, with neither side trusting the other. Even when permitted to hold meetings in closed session, governments should hold meetings in open session unless it is determined to be detrimental to the community to do so. The real justification for a closed session should not be just why the discussion can be in a closed session, but why it cannot be held in an open session. With few exceptions discussion held in a closed session can be made public if those in the closed session vote to make it public. 

Terry O’Neill, Former City of Lake Geneva Alderperson

 

Read to Committee of the Whole, City Council

Referred to Police and Fire Commission, Oct. 1, 2018

Dear City Council,

Having lived in the city of Lake Geneva and surrounding communities for almost fifty years, I have seen several individuals honored through permanent memorials dedicated in their honor. For example, Edwards Boulevard is named in honor of longtime city official Eddie Edwards. The plaza in front of the Riviera is named in honor of philanthropist, Richard Driehaus. Wrigley Drive is named in honor of the Wrigley family. P.K. Wrigley also donated the city’s first fireboat. At this time, I kindly request that you consider naming the Lake Geneva Fire Station as the Derrick Memorial Fire Station. This is a most appropriate honor to the Derrick family who has served as members of the fire department for over 100 years. The Derrick family exemplifies the sacrifice and dedication needed in this demanding profession. They are putting their lives on the line every time they respond to fire and rescue emergencies. I am willing to contribute up to $500.00 for costs involved with placing the appropriate signage on the Marshall Street station. I am very willing to meet with members of the City Council or any other community groups regarding this request.

I thank all of you for your time and your attention to this letter.

Respectfully, Jerry Polek

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