Former Oshkosh Mayor Melanie Bloechl Supports Tony Palmeri

[note: The following letter was received via email on October 24th, 2004 and is reprinted with Melanie Bloechl's permission. Ms. Bloechl is a former multi-term member of the Oshkosh Common Council and also a former Oshkosh Mayor. Melanie Bloechl challenged Representative Gregg Underheim in the 2000 Republican primary. She cohosts Eye On Oshkosh with local journalist Cheryl Hentz.]

Hello Tony,

I just finished watching the League of Women Voters 54th District Candidates Forum, and wanted to drop you a line. First let me say that I was extremely impressed with the strength and commitment with which you spoke on all the issues that were raised in the forum. Secondly, you are the only candidate that actually "GETS IT!!" Health care concerns, Shared Revenue, jobs. You made me believe again that there are strong,energized and committed people willing and able to take up for the "Little Guy on the Street". You know what I mean, the middle class families that are being squeezed to death with fees and taxes until we can't move or breathe.

Shame on Gregg Underheim, for calling himself the friend to the taxpayer. He and his Republican Governor and the rest of the legislature out and out lied to the voters in 2000. First about the budget and estimated revenues, then even more devastating lies with regard to our shared revenue losses!! How can anyone in this community continue to support liars, when it has cost us all so much. How could you possibly follow men that you know hurt your schools, city and families. Why would you be so foolish as to act like castrated sheep being led to the slaughter. Now, this same man is telling you that TABOR (Taxpayer Bill of Rights) is a good thing. Dear GOD save us from this same pack of B.S. for we are wiser and have choices now.

Tony, while you and I have had spirited debate on issues, and do not agree on certain points, I do believe that you will fight harder for people like myself that have been overlooked and underconsidered until election time rolls around.

Please do not buy into the crap that if you are not aligned with one of the two parties in Madison that you can't get things done!!! That is pure horsehockey my friend. If being a maverick, being straight forward, honest and having the courage of your convictions is a recipe for failure, I proudly stand with you as a huge failure in my 12 year run on the City Council in Oshkosh, for I would like to believe I share those same values with you.

As for Gordon Hintz, I was surprised to hear him say that he was running without party support in this campaign. Really? How does one get the Governor to come to the steps of City Hall without party support? I find this type of double talk very disturbing and indicative of more to come. Don't pee on my shoe and tell me it's raining buddy. Our collars are blue because it represents hard work, not lack of oxygen to the brain.

I am very pleased and proud of both you and Dan Carpenter for having the guts to go it alone, to take on the establishment--the establishment being the Republicans, Democrats, Oshkosh Northwestern, Chamber of Commerce. Anyone who doesn't think this is a major undertaking needs to get off the couch and try it.

Tony, I pray that you will go to Madison and shine the bright light in all those dark, dirty corners. You have given us hope and empowered us to want more, DEMAND more, and have given us a real chance to get IT!

Thank you for your time,energy and love of our community.

Best Wishes,

Melanie Bloechl
A friend in the Fight for Oshkosh and Her overworked,unemployed, uninsured people.