EDITOR:

He said, she said. He lied, no, she did. What a fabrication, no, a white lie. A conspiracy perhaps? Evil character assassination methinks. Trickery, skullduggery, rumors, nepotism, behind the back chicanery. (Utter foolishness!)

They say that “all politics is local.” Some truth there and our county and city are where it appears to be rampant. Trump, Biden, Whitmer —take a back seat.

It all seems to go back to the GOP primary when Cedar River hopeful Dave Prestin won the District primary. Rumors abounded about him and other candidates and attacks on family members. What?

Then, prior to November’s election, there was much fuss about a candidate replacing a candidate for a commissioner’s post, supposedly one dropping out for a ‘better’ candidate?

And, then, the county commissioner battles began and never seem to end, attacks, charges, calls for resignations, social media hack jobs, folks unfit, etc. No wonder commissioners do not get jobs done. TV and Press get weekly or daily fodder to use.

To top that, the city gets involved in issues about budgeting, bad roads and of course recreational pot. The city voters years ago now, voted to allow recreational pot to be sold here. Honoring that close vote, the procedures to install the process of selling have swamped the news. The current sellers by the airport and at the casino have been doing brisk business. The number of places in town and their locations have created a circus atmosphere. Mall, no. Over by library, no. NIMBY, Not in my back yard, thank you. Seems like no one wants sellers near them. “No” to traffic, kids or reputation. I always opined that recreational pot was a very bad idea and law enforcement and the medical community statewide gave it zero support. Oh, I know, “It’s safer than alcohol.” Until someone gets killed or maimed in a crash. Esky may seem like a great place to buy, but I want folks to come here year-round for recreation and other reasons, not to buy pot. If Menominee gets into the selling business, maybe pot money here will diminish. We hear much about Staples, Super One and God forbid, Sayklly’s sites. I am surprised that the candy store would consider selling their hot property to pot interests. Three places for pot near the mall — no thanks. Maybe neon signs on North Lincoln Road. Yikes!

To some degree, it appears that the city and county governments (maybe the Hyde City Council will run our parks) are kind of splitting along conservative vs more liberal lines. Just what we need, huh? How about majoring in compromise? Slowing down the rhetoric? Mellowing out (without pot)? Fewer cops at meetings? More simmering, less boiling.

Fortunately, for me, I am not challenged personally, but I think it simply hurts us all though. Folks, this is crazy. Chill. Way too much drama. Let’s grow up! “Escanaba in the da Moonless Night!” As if these words would be heeded.

Mike Olson

Escanaba