She deserves re-election.

Wheeler, 73, a retired teacher from Madison 's North Side, has followed through on two issues she considers most important for her district -- protecting the environment and solving traffic problems.

She is a reliable supporter of measures to protect and enhance the county 's lakes and green spaces, including Lake Mendota and the several parks in District 18.

For traffic relief, she supports the North Mendota Parkway. And she supports pursuing a county Regional Transportation Authority.

Wheeler still tends to place too much faith in government programs, at taxpayers ' expense. Her attempt to label herself a fiscal conservative rings hollow.

She also lost focus on local issues to support frivolous grandstanding, such as a resolution asking Congress to impeach President Bush and Vice President Cheney.

But her opponent, Sal al-Ashkar, Madison, has failed to make a convincing case to replace her. Though al-Ashkar, 76, a retired biochemistry researcher, is thoughtful, he lacks the command of county affairs that Wheeler has.