To: An open letter to Governor Walker, Senator Darling, Representative Ott,
From: The Rev. Kenneth C. Miller, Rector of St. Boniface Episcopal Church, Mequon
Date: February 17, 2011
RE: Statement on Collective Bargaining Rights of Public Employees and Unions
Budget seasons are always hard and tough decisions always need to be made. When there are financial crisis such as the ones facing the United States or the State of Wisconsin, those elected to serve the people of the State are under even more pressure to more faithfully serve the common good, both in the immediate and the long term future.
However, I would caution the elected leadership of Wisconsin against fear and panic. While this very well may be a time to ask the people of the State of Wisconsin “not what the State can do for you, but what you can do for the State”, I would strongly urge you not to devalue the workforce of this state by stripping away their right to assemble and right to collective bargaining because of the economic state we find ourselves in today. Your goal of shared expenses can still be accomplished without telling the great people of Wisconsin that they are less valuable and without muting their voices.
At the same time, Unions have had both a positive and, at times, negative effect in our country. However, I understood Wisconsin to be a state on the cutting edge of development and of progress. It seems to me that by totally removing the vast majority of the Unions of the public sector, you as the elected leaders miss a most valuable opportunity to re-organize the Labor Movement into a more profound and positive progressive venue for labor negotiations, equality and fairness and to once again be a leader in this country.
For the sake of political gain, I hope you will not marginalize or shun the citizens of Wisconsin, specifically those who have worked so very hard to make sure that Wisconsin has one of the best educational systems in the country, are some of the most conscientious and some of the most caring individuals I’ve ever met. After having lived in five states and five cities, I was proud and thankful to call Wisconsin “home.” In my view, this bill that is on the table is a step backward. It is a step that I hope you do not take.
Therefore I urge you to reconsider your plans to strip the collective bargaining rights of your public employees and unions.
The Rev. Kenneth C. Miller
Mequon, Wisconsin
My personal thoughts, feelings and convictions about what is happening in Wisconsin.
3 comments:
Good for you!
I don't tweet so hope you get this
Thanks, Donna.
You can find me on Facebook as well, http://www.facebook.com/frkenmiller.
I have written our legislators to thank them for standing strong against the demonstrators in Madison, a large number of whom are not Wisconsin residents. It is a relief to know that finally we have elected officials who have taken a realistic look at the state's troubled finances, proposed a budget to correct years of egregious fiscal mismanagement by previous administrations and who are making the tough but necessary decisions to provide justice to all state taxpayers.
I take exception to your statement accusing our legislators of "totally removing the vast majority of the Unions of the public sector." I have not seen, heard or read anything to that effect and view it as spreading "fear and panic" against which you cautioned our elected leadership in your letter.
I am grateful for the thousands of dedicated public employees who are striving to make Wisconsin the great state it can be.
Cordially,
Doug Hamilton
Post a Comment