Dear Rep. Petersen,
I read with interest your defense of voting against the governor’s mask mandate as reported in the Waupaca County Post where you said you were simply following state law and the Wisconsin Constitution.
Furthermore, you intimated he had ample time and opportunity to work with the legislature on this matter.
It seems a little disingenuous to suggest the governor work with the legislature when the legislature worked quickly in December to remove many of the privileges and responsibilities of the previous governor before Gov. Tony Evers ever took office on Jan. 7, 2019. Does that demonstrate any willingness to work with him on anything? I think not.
For some reason, I am reminded of Jesus taking the Pharisees to task for “following the law” to the letter for all to see, but not caring for the poor or the needy. Is the legislature more interested in following each dot of the Constitution rather than protecting the health of its citizens?
I believe one of the principles embodied in the Constitution is protecting the health and welfare of the citizens.
Because you are now in a leadership position in the Assembly, I look to you to challenge your colleagues to start acting like the adults you are, admit that an election happened and there is a new governor and see if you can’t accomplish some good together.
Maybe we can beat this virus better working together than nitpicking over the governor doing what’s right for the people of the state in the only way he can, because the legislature has not yet shown any interest in working with him.
Carol Elvery and Bruce Inkmann
Waupaca