Hey! Hello! It's 2024!! Are We Ready Dunn County?!?
A Reflection. What's Your Story for 2023? - It's That Time Again, Gearing up for the Spring Primary and Spring Election along with Referendum from the Menomonie School District to be on the ballot
I know, I know, it has been a while since my last post. So, I thought I will start the first day of the new year from good intentions to action! As I had my day of reflection on the last day of 2023, I can say I am a woman with many different hats that at times became a challenge but I endured. I am sure many of you know what I am talking about, doing the juggling act of being a mom or dad, having a full or part time job, going back to school, volunteering in your community and/or pursuing a goal/dream of yours in hopes it will turn into reality. It can be mind boggling for sure. And at the same time it can be a good thing. Learning a new skill, getting out of our comfort zone, having the mindset of being of service to others making a difference in the community and in your home. To elevate ourselves in hopes of reaching our highest potential. But then there is always the possibility of taking on too much that we become overwhelmed and stressed to the max. We all need that sense of balance, right? That means we may need to say “No” to a new project or to eliminate a task or job that is no longer serving us well. Then there is prioritizing our activities, tasks and projects to help with that balance along with time management. Jeepers, just thinking about being a master of a balanced life, having things in proper order with a great handle managing your time becomes the challenge in itself! Of course, challenging ourselves is what helps us grow to become more than we ever thought possible. Look at it this way, everything in life is a process! Enjoy the process of the challenges and adjustments you are making in your life and embrace the little victories along the way. As they say, it is all about the journey not the destination! And as you reflect back, you will realize that you have come along way baby : ) Embrace the process of positive changes in your life!
Well, it’s here! 2024 which means an election cycle on the horizon. For some of you out there you are probably dreading the thought of another election cycle to endure while others are excited about our upcoming election season that are ready for positive changes at the local level, in our state and in our nation. So, your probably wondering what are the dates to hit the polls. Well, on February 20th, 2024 is the Spring Primary which will include the SDMA recurring operating referendum which will state as follows: “Shall the School District of Menomonie Area, Dunn and St. Croix Counties, Wisconsin be authorized to exceed the revenue limit specified in Section 121.91, Wisconsin Statues, by $4,200,000 beginning with the 2024-2025 school year for recurring purposes consisting of operational expenses?” If you want to learn more about what operational expenses they are referring to, SDMA will be giving a referendum presentation at the next Dunn County Board meeting on January 17th, 2024 at 7:00 pm at the Dunn County Government Center, 3001 US Hwy 12 E, Menomonie, WI. Room 54. You can also go to https://www.sdmaonline.com/district_information/referendum_information where you will find the SDMA referendum presentation, referendum guide, calendar of referendum presentations and referendum pamphlet. On the referendum pamphlet it states that the estimated cost to taxpayers living in the SDMA district will be $82.00 a year per $100,000 property valuation. I don’t know about you, but I like to be well informed in advance before hitting the poll booth. Hopefully, this will give you a jump start in the decision making process of whether to vote “yes” or “no” to the SDMA recurring operating referendum. Also another place for information about Absentee Ballot, registering to vote, where your polling place is located and who is on the ballot you can go to myvote.wi.gov.
Next date to get out and vote is on April 2nd, 2024 for the Spring Election which will consist of presidential preference, County Board, Municipal and School Board races on the ballot. Then on August 13th, 2024 is the Partisan Primary Election will happen if needed based on federal, state or local office. The last election of the year is the General Election on November 5th, 2024. The last election will consist of the Presidential race, U.S. Senate and U.S. House races and County Constitutional Officers. This will be a busy year for the county clerk, city clerk and municipal clerks throughout Dunn County. So be kind and patient with your local clerk : ) There is a lot of behind the scenes prepping, coordinating and implementing for each election day to ensure a smooth election day process occurs at each polling place location. I would love to see just the clerks, chief inspectors and poll workers be in total control of their precinct election process verses a 3rd party vendor doing the managing of our elections. It just makes sense.
From one Dunn County Neighbor to Another - Have an inspiring 2024!
Laurie J Christianson