Arena village needs leadership change

Dear Editor,

As a resident of the Village of Arena, I urge everyone to get out and vote in the upcoming Spring Election for the open trustee seats. The current leadership in Arena is not working, and it's time for a change.

Over the past year, we’ve seen two new trustees struggle to do their job, hindered by the current President and other trustees who have worked tirelessly against them. I, for one, am tired of the dysfunction, unpreparedness, and bullying tactics being employed by these board members. Arena can’t afford to continue down this path. We need leadership that understands the issues, takes a broad view of the challenges, and looks out for the well-being of our residents.

A prime example of the current board's failures is the Fire/EMS agreement. What should have been a simple process dragged on for months, costing us valuable time and money in attorney’s fees.

We cannot afford to waste any more of our tax dollars on this type of poor governance.

Additionally, the lack of concern for public safety by Kathy Stolz and Brittany Carney is alarming. Their lack of planning, knowledge, and disregard for residents’ concerns is unacceptable. For instance, Brittany Carney has claimed that Highway 14 isn't part of the Village, even though it runs right through the heart of Arena. Kathy Stolz’s comment during the Village of Arena Special Board Meeting held on 7/30/2024 that we don't need EMS services, because we can just dial 911 and get help, is equally misguided.  These meetings have been recorded. I urge residents to check out Village of Arena Special Board Meeting April 22, 2024 6:00pm - YouTube and Village of Arena Special board meeting 7/30/2024 youtube These individuals are making decisions that affect us all, yet they refuse to allow for proper resident input. This has to stop.

Looking ahead, Arena faces significant challenges, such as the upcoming Dane/Iowa Wastewater Commission project. We need competent, engaged leaders who are willing to do the work, listen to the community, and make decisions in the best interest of the Village.

 If we don’t vote for a change, Arena will remain in this state of dysfunction, and we deserve better.

Sincerely,

Sue Pustina

Resident of Arena