Marathon County Courthouse. MWC file photo.
WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — They’ll give it another try in July.
The Marathon County Diversity Affairs Commission held more discussion Wednesday on the proposed “A Community for All” resolution, where members furthered their commitment to bringing another version back to the Executive Committee next month.
But before they do that, there may be more rounds of community forums to help break the ice that’s been building between two sides in the county that have dug in their heels on the issue.
Commissioner LaTonya Campbell said she feels small-group discussions between the two sides are the only way to make progress. She cited the numerous misconceptions that those against the resolution have made including that the wording would lead to the redistribution of wealth or property and the feeling that ‘racism doesn’t exist in the county as the main reasons.
District 6 Supervisor Jeff Johnson addressed the meeting during public comment and reiterated that there would be no such redistribution of wealth if the resolution passes. “Nobody on the county board wants to take anything away from anyone. They really don’t; I find it sad that it’s been used as a wedge. I also find it disturbing that this has been used as a wedge. It’s hurt our county and it continues to hurt our county.
“I’ve heard from so many businesses that it’s just making it harder for them to recruit; I’m sure the County Administrator would say the same thing,” he added.
Other Commissioners who spoke at the meeting agreed with Campbell’s assessment, saying the only way to make any ground on the issue is to have intimate, honest conversations between two sides who come into the session with clear minds. Some also noted that the best way to get to the bottom of the issue is by listening to understand instead of listening to respond.
Supervisor Johnson also pitched another idea. Should the latest try at the resolution once again fail to gain traction- the county should reverse course and change its motto.
“Our current motto- ‘Where Time is on Your Side’- nobody knows what the hell that means, I don’t know what that means. Are we a black hole or something? I don’t know. We can change it to “A Community for All.'”
In addition, he proposed changing the county’s current clock-style roundel logo by holding a design contest among high school students in the county and offering a cash prize or scholarship to the winner.
Johnson went on to add that he supports the resolution and the facts presented in the “whereas” statements- which were taken from various community surveys, but if that is what’s going to hang up the issue then a different approach is needed. “Nobody cares about the ‘Whereas” in a resolution except the people who wrote them five minutes after the ink is dried. It’s just reality.
“I support the resolution, but in the bigger picture I support Marathon County; and I want to see Marathon County move forward. I will fight to get this resolution passed, but if we can’t pass it I would propose the fallback of changing the county motto and putting it on every sign and shirt that we have,” he added.
The Commission once again heard backlash against the measure from some residents, including James Juedes who questioned why Supervisor William Harris was allowed to re-write the latest version, while revisions suggested by him and others were dismissed.
Again the Commission took no action on Wednesday. Their next meeting is slated for July 28th.
