Letter to Fond du Lac Reporter: Time to campaign for Rep. Owens' seat
Thursday, August 9, 2001
In regard to the Aug. 2, 2001 guest editorial, "'Colored' remark isn't Carol Owens' 1st gaffe", I find it interesting that The Reporter used an editorial from The Capital Times and could not or would not write an editorial of its own. Ms. Owens represents a significant portion of southern Fond du Lac County and over the years I cannot recall The Reporter running an editorial based on the often controversial and beyond bizarre behavior of Ms. Owens.
The editorial mentioned bills passed by the Louisiana and Alabama legislatures. I am assuming that this refers to the so-called "covenant marriage" bill which she proposed several years ago. This bill if passed would create a new marriage category. Those who would choose to enter a covenant marriage would vow not to divorce and if in the future a divorce should occur, the state would step in and sanction penalties. What the possible punishment/penalities would be, I have no idea.
When asked about this legislation on Wisconsin Public Radio, Ms. Owens was incapable of adequately answering questions on a bill she introduced. Thank goodness this proposed bill was swept into the trash heap of ludicrous legislation.
In the past few weeks, The Reporter has run various articles regarding racism in the Fond du Lac area. Many do not believe that racial discrimination exists. One only needs to read Ms. Owens comments on the so-called "colored problem" to realize that not only does racism exist, but an Assembly member actually publicly voices racist remarks and doesn't seem to realize what she has said. As Ms. Owens was a supporter of W-2, which eliminated welfare, as we know it, I'd like to know where these "colored people" are getting state money and what type of lifestyle needs to be changed.
The obvious and simple solution would be to vote her out of office. Unfortunately, she has either run unopposed or her opposition has been more beyond the edges of reality than she has been.
As for the assertion that she only represents "white women of a certain age from Winnebago County," I don't know who Ms. Owens represents, but she must receive contributions from various businesses, organizations and associations along with the constituents in her district. White women of her age or any other age in her district most likely do not have the funds to solely finance her campaign.
I believe that it's about time that the Democratic Party of Fond du Lac County, the Republican Party of Fond du Lac County and any third party candidate step up to the plate and run a credible candidate and campaign for her seat. We can't vote her out if she has no opposition.
— Debra E. Augustyn, Campbellsport