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Dear Editor:
Todd Novak is our representative for the 51st Assembly District and is the Mayor of Dodgeville.
Todd Novak is a compassionate person who born, raised and educated in Southwest Wisconsin, and cares about all people regardless of economic status, race, age, or political affiliation.
We see and have experienced, because of his leadership skills and abilities, that he has earned the confidence and respect of his legislative and municipal peers. He was chosen to chair many committees whose goals are to improve air, soil, and water quality, but has done so without the extreme measures some others advocate for that would be extremely detrimental to our agricultural, manufacturing and business economies.
Todd has been chosen by many organizations as the legislator who furthered their cause and goals. The Wisconsin Counties Association, and of course the Wisconsin League of Municipalities know Todd's years of experience enable him to understand the needs of townships, villages, and cities. As Mayor of Dodgeville, he played a vital role in negotiating with the Lands' End Company when they were experiencing property tax difficulties. We can imagine what a loss of jobs and negative impacts this area would experience if Lands' End were to no longer exist.
Growing up, Todd learned first hand about agriculture by following his grandpa around the family farm in Cobb. As he grew, he became increasingly interested in local businesses and political issues. He grew close to those at Ritchie Implement, including its owner, Donnie Ritchie and his family, furthering his knowledge of business and government. We all remember Donnie Ritchie as Village President of Cobb, providing business and government leadership to the whole area.
Todd was also a friend and was mentored by the late Judge, Bill Dyke, whom we all recognized as having an excellent impact on the entire state of Wisconsin. After Todd began participating in the campaigns of these and various other candidates at all levels of government, he chose to become a reporter for the local Dodgeville newspaper. There, he tirelessly attended various meetings, covering issues of government, business, education, and health and writing articles presenting all sides of the issues and possible solutions.
After being encouraged by many because of his vast experience and knowledge, he ran for political office. Regardless of political affiliation, although a lifelong Republican, Todd judges and acts by the effect a law or policy has on the people and not personal benefit of re-election viability!
Yes, we know who Todd Novak is. Todd Novak is a person who has earned our confidence and respect through experience and action. He is a person who represents all and seeks the expertise of those closest to the issues, seeking the best possible solutions and action for resolution.
Todd Novak is a proven leader that understands what is needed to provide a successful economy and quality of life in our area, state, and its citizens. We, in Todd, choose a person of honesty, integrity and fairness that has proven he deserves our vote now and in the future.
As the saying goes, "If it's not broke, don't fix it!" If you now have the proven best and most qualified person, don't change.
A vote for Todd Novak will be greatly appreciated and rewarded, leading to successful outcomes benefiting us personally, our Southwestern Wisconsin area, and our state.
Respectfully,
Bev Anderson-former elected official and business leader
Darlington, WI