Editorial/Opinion
Gaining a Conservative majority on the Board is a a major victory for Marathon County residents who care about free markets, individual liberty, and limited government.
Supervisor Dickinson was elected as Vice Chair Dickinson at the April 16th Organizational meeting The two candidates for Vice Chair provided a clear choice between conservative and liberal views of the government’s proper role in our lives.
Vice Chair Dickinson defeated Supervisor Robinson in the campaign for Vice Chair by a vote of 19 to 16. Two Supervisors were absent for the vote and one Supervisor was not yet seated due a vote recount process.
Vice Chair Dickinson has been consistent in his support for smaller government, more personal responsibility, and less reliance on government.
Supervisor Robinson’s career in politics dates back to the 1980’s when he served as a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly and also as the Mayor of Wausau. Supervisor Robinson endorsed former Mayor Katie Rosenberg in the 2024 Wausau mayoral race and serves as Yee Leng Xiong’s 2024 State Assembly Campaign Treasurer.
This is my estimate of the current liberal – conservative split of the County Board.
Please note that this estimated breakdown is primarily based on my observations of the board during the last two terms and examination of past voting records.
Since voting is by secret ballot no one can know for sure, but I would be surprised if I have even a single vote listed incorrectly. Certainly, the expression on Chair Gibb’s face immediately after he announced the Vice Chair results leaves little doubt that he was hoping for a victory by liberal Supervisor Robinson.
Is this the Face of a Man that is Happy that the Conservative was Elected Vice Chair?
One of the key votes from the 2022 to 2024 term was on the 2024 Budget Amendment 6 to reduce the proposed 2024 tax increase. Votes of the returning Supervisors are consistent with the vote expectations shown above.
A no vote on Amendment 6 was a vote to raise 2024 taxes by 5.68%. A yes vote on Amendment 6 was a vote to reduce the tax increase by $1,500,000 to a 2.95% tax increase.
