Reject beer sales at Elver fireworks

It's disturbing that city officials are "pleased" that a beer company might sponsor the Elver Park Fourth of July fireworks if it is allowed to serve beer in the area, even for a limited time.

This has traditionally been a family event. There is already an element of danger simply because the crowd is large and darkness is required for full effect of the displays. Wisconsin has a reputation for heavy alcohol consumption, but that is no excuse for allowing beer to be sold where large numbers of children are present. It is not a good example for adults to set for children, or a good thing for non-drinkers in the crowd.

We know well the heavy toll alcohol-fueled drivers take on our highways, the lives cut short, the burden of grief over lost family members, relatives or friends. Is there anyone who has not suffered at some time the adverse effects of alcoholism? It would be better to forego the fireworks than to compromise safety by accepting a beer company sponsorship.

-- Edith Sylvester, Middleton

There's a reason why Pat Downing has been elected town of Perry chairman for nine terms, the same reason that the majority of town supervisors in the Dane County Board 30th District endorse Downing for a second term on the board.

His constituents as well as his peers know he will represent their interests and respect their community's ideals as reflected in their land use plan.

Nearly two decades of public service has taught Downing valuable lessons in decision-making and leadership. His temperament allows him to work within a wide range of ideologies to accomplish things his predecessors didn't.

Examples of Downing's accomplishments on the board include securing funding for the Stewart Lake renewal project, as well as the upcoming resurfacing of Highway ID. He has been an advocate for environmental issues, noted by his Sierra Club endorsement. He also has been a voice for public safety and fought to update the emergency warning system. He has clearly been an asset representing the 30th District on the County Board.

Re-elect Pat Downing on April 1.

-- Karen and Tim White, Verona

Gableman ads cost him D.A.'s support

I am rescinding my endorsement of Judge Michael Gableman for Wisconsin Supreme Court. I endorsed him because he had been a district attorney, and I believed he would bring an understanding of law enforcement to the Supreme Court. However, a recent television ad released by him makes me believe that Gableman is unfit for the Supreme Court.

The ad states that Louis Butler "worked to put criminals on the street," then brings up a case involving Reuben Lee Mitchell and states, "Butler found a loophole and Mitchell went on to molest another child."

The ad doesn't explain that Butler's involvement in that case was when he worked as an appellate attorney for the State Public Defender and not as a judge or justice. Butler was fulfilling his ethical duty as Mitchell's appellate defense attorney.

And the ad is inaccurate. Mitchell served his entire prison sentence. Butler's legal argument was deemed correct by both the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court. However, Mitchell was not given a new trial; his later conviction had nothing to do with Butler.

In the United States, defendants have the constitutional right to a defense attorney under the Sixth Amendment. Our criminal justice system's ability to separate the guilty from the falsely accused is reduced without this. Gableman's ad mocks this fundamental constitutional right.

I am troubled that a candidate for our highest court would belittle our constitutional rights and show disregard for the accuracy of his ads. The integrity of the criminal justice system must not be tarnished by one man's ambitious desire for higher office. Judge Gableman will not receive my vote.

-- Steven G. Bauer, Dodge County district attorney

Police groups favor Justice Butler

State Supreme Court candidate Michael Gableman recently released an ad that attacks his opponent by distorting the truth, striking a new low in Wisconsin politics.

Both Gableman and Justice Louis Butler have touted their law enforcement endorsements. Gableman won the support of one law enforcement organization, the Wisconsin Sheriffs and Deputy Sheriffs Association, which I respect a great deal. However, Butler has been endorsed by five of Wisconsin's largest law enforcement organizations, including the Wisconsin Professional Police Association. We are proud to join those representing more than 18,000 rank and file officers in endorsing Justice Butler.

While those in the law enforcement community can respectfully disagree over which candidate would better serve Wisconsin on the high court, we should each urge those whom we endorse to conduct themselves with integrity and honesty. I hope the Wisconsin Sheriffs and Deputy Sheriffs Association will join the WPPA and other law enforcement groups in condemning this disgraceful ad and demand that it be taken off the air immediately.

-- Jim Palmer, executive director, Wisconsin Professional Police Association, Madison

Sci fi author Clarke's talent will be missed

Author Arthur C. Clarke, who died this week, will be remembered for writing some of the most ingenious, non-violent science fiction ever produced. His concepts, always built on good scientific knowledge or theory, were amazing for their time and often led to actual technological advancements.

"Childhood 's End" is perhaps the greatest science fiction story ever written, and I strongly recommend "The Fountains of Paradise" and "Rendezvous With Rama." The list could go on and on.

-- Nancy Rathke, Madison

Adding fun makes teaching effective

Thanks for the story on the folk fair at Levi Leonard Elementary School in Evansville. It's wonderful to read about a child who can't sleep the night before a school event because he is so excited about the projects he and his classmates have done.

I was reminded of my own grade school years when much cutting and pasting and drawing delightfully drove home the factual content of our studies. It's a great way to learn and teaches so many skills simultaneously.

Arts and crafts of all kinds belong in every discipline. Hands-on activities are not a frill; they put kids on a fast-track for creative thinking and problem-solving. Hats off to teachers Jenny Mohns and Cindy Beedle for their good work.

-- Jean Lang, Middleton

Japan wants robots, not immigration

There is one consideration that was left out of the recent article on Japanese robots -- the unfortunate reality that some Japanese people are suspicious of foreigners. The drive to create robots to solve the labor shortage is also a byproduct of a decidedly anti-immigration stance.

Japan could more effectively solve its labor shortages through better immigration policy. Yet Japan continues to hold foreigners at bay.

Four years ago I read a poll that showed that over 60 percent of Japanese people would prefer Japan's economy to continue to stagnate rather than let more immigrants in. In lieu of immigration, robots are the obvious choice.

-- Paul Nehls, Madison