I support Eric Englund for the 81st Assembly District because he is the most experienced and most qualified candidate. He is a lawyer who understands how to use the law to benefit his constituents. Eric knows the complexities of the legislative process and will work to stop the partisan bickering and develop solutions to our most pressing problems.

His first priority is education, and he knows UW-Madison is critical to our economic growth. Secondly we need to provide health insurance to all of our citizens and we must also invest in the upkeep of our bridges, dams and roads.

Englund is the only candidate who can bring the necessary interest groups together to solve these critical problems facing Wisconsin. Please join me in voting for him Sept. 9 in the Democratic primary.

-- Al Bernstein, Middleton

Sargent has values for 81st District

Justin Sargent is my choice for the 81st Assembly District representative. I know Justin as a friend and neighbor, and as a dedicated family man.

I know him for the skills he brings to the political arena. He is a great communicator, because he loves to be with people and discuss the issues of the day.

Justin has two children who go to public school and another who will start in a couple of years, and his wife, Melissa, is co-chair of the PTO. He has a personal incentive to support the best education with adequate funding from the state.

Justin fishes and hunts, walking the land and paddling the waters so he sees the environment up close and he cares deeply about it. He cares about workers and understands their issues. Justin worked closely with Sen. Judy Robson on health care issues, helping to find solutions to our health care crisis. Justin has many friends in the gay and lesbian community, so his heart is in the mission of Fair Wisconsin.

Justin is "for real" in his values, and I trust him to bring deep commitment and lots of energy to helping us find real solutions for problems that affect us all.

-- Dorothy Wheeler, Madison

Kiefer is best choice for 81st Assembly

"Tim Kiefer is the best Democrat to represent the 81st Assembly District." So said this newspaper in its endorsement Aug. 31, and so say I, as one whose family has known Tim for nearly 20 years.

Tim is efficient. He has mounted an effective campaign, despite continuing to work full-time as prosecutor in the district attorney's office. He knows Wisconsin could function well with part-time citizen-legislators, as do 40 other states, and he will accept only half his legislative salary if elected, supplementing his income with work in the private sector.

Tim is concerned about Wisconsin's high rate of incarceration -- double that of Minnesota and Illinois, and our very high rate of recidivism. He wants to end that revolving door by requiring prisoners who lack high school diplomas to get their GEDs before release, to be offered needed job training, alcohol, drug and mental health treatment, and guidance in securing housing upon release.

Tim will work for clean lakes, a high-tech economy, domestic partner benefits, and improved access to affordable health care for all Wisconsin citizens. He is an outsider who is beholden to no special interests.

Tim is from a blue collar family. He worked throughout his years at UW-Madison, graduating with honors. He was able to attend Harvard Law School, thanks to a generous student loan program. Clearly, Kiefer is highly efficient, energetic, intelligent and committed to serving us in the 81st District. He will do so very, very well.

-- Barbara Karlen, Madison

Ripp for Assembly in the 47th District

We have known Keith Ripp for more than 29 years.

He has demonstrated his leadership abilities, and his character, honesty and integrity in the work that he has done, both as a business owner and in his community involvement. We know that he is committed to the people of this district and will make the right decisions in support of our best interests.

Keith will be thoughtful in his deliberations and will use common sense in finding solutions that will work. He has a work ethic that is focused on getting results and he is committed to getting the job done right.

We know the family that raised Keith, and the children that he and Lori have raised. These are good people with strong values who care about their neighbors. They have deep family roots in our area, and they know and understand the issues that have been traditionally important to us and those that are currently vital to our present and future.

Ripp will bring his many personal qualities and positive values to any job he takes on and we are strongly supportive of his run for state Assembly.

-- Drs. Gregg and Meredith Bakke, DeForest

O'Neil best choice for 47th District

As a volunteer nurse at a free clinic, I'm convinced of the great need for some type of a universal health care system for Wisconsin residents. Trish O'Neil, who is running for the 47th Assembly seat, is a nurse who has worked in the health care system as a staff nurse and as co-owner of a clinic. She knows the problems of access to health care for the working poor or the unemployed.

We cannot continue the high escalation of costs and premiums for the system we now have. If we can prevent some of the complications of chronic diseases such as strokes or kidney disease by treating hypertension early, we are saving money.

What about the quality of life for all of our citizens and their ability to work and contribute instead of being hospitalized or permanently disabled?

I believe O'Neil has a unique view of our health care system and will work to improve it for everyone. I urge you to support her candidacy for the 47th Assembly seat by voting in the Democratic primary on Tuesday.

-- Joan Zavoral, Lodi

City pool fun for all ages

Many thanks to the Goodman brothers for giving Madison such a fine swimming pool! The facility is clean and well-planned for safety and for enjoyment. Folks of all ages can have a lovely time there. I just wish we hadn't waited so long to try it out.

-- Nancy Rathke, Madison