These endorsements are solely my own and do not reflect the views of Caledonia Patch or AOL.

This election cycle is not your typical spring election.  No matter what your views are, it has never been more important to vote in a spring election.  Locally, we will be voting for a new County Executive, a new Trustee, School Board candidates, three referendum questions and a Supreme Court Judge.  All of these positions could determine how your taxes are affected.  I will never pretend to have all the answers, nor will I ever tell anyone who to vote for.  I present these as who I will be voting for and my reasoning for doing so.

County Executive:  Jim Ladwig has been an exceptional steward of the taxpayer’s dollar as the county’s Register of Deeds.  He’s cut waste and completely transformed and modernized that department, and will continue to do so as County Executive in all areas of county government.  His opponent is a self-described Progressive, and has a lengthy resume of being a tax and spender.  The clear choice for me and has my ringing endorsement; Jim Ladwig.

Village Trustee:  There is only one contested position this year and this is not an easy choice.  Both Jim Dobbs and Duane Michalski are newcomers.  Michalski ran last year and this is Dobbs first time out.  What I do know is that Michalski has been attending meetings for the past two years and is fairly knowledgeable about the village issues.  For that reason, I give Michalski the nod.  I would also like to thank Bob Bradley for the many years of service he has given to our community.

School Board:  For the body that I once served on, this is pretty clear cut for me.  Only one incumbent has shown any signs of differentiating himself from the rubber stampers (those that always vote on administrative recommendations).  Dennis Wiser is for school choice, against the Central Office move and not in favor of the upcoming referendums.  This shows to me that he is independent thinking, which the board is in dire need of.  Handrow and Hargrove have never taken a stand on any issue of importance and have voted in favor 100% of the time with administration.  They need to go and that is why I support Flynn and Pfost.  I have reservations about the activities Flynn has recently involved himself with in favor of the unions and see where his wife, being a teacher, could cast some doubt on whether some of his votes would be self-serving, but Handrow and Hargrove are just that bad that it is worth giving him a try.  Of all the candidates, with or without reservations; Wiser, Pfost and Flynn make the most sense.

Referendums:   No, No and No!!!

Supreme Court:  Justice David Prosser has the experience while Joanne Kloppenberg has none as a judge.  Prosser has the reputation of being the most unpredictable vote.  That shows me that he truly makes his rulings based on the Constitution and not on political whims.  That is what we need.  Also, Kloppenberg did not distance herself from the disgusting third party ads that even the victim said were lies.  Prosser also gets my ringing endorsement.

Remember, voting is a right and privilege that many don’t have, and many have died for.  Take a few moments on Tuesday and vote!