Local lawmaker says: Let voters approve wheel tax | River Falls Journal | River Falls, Wisconsin

Local lawmaker says: Let voters approve wheel tax | River Falls Journal | River Falls, Wisconsin: Assembly Republican Dean Knudson of Hudson says voters have a right to be heard before their local governments slap “wheel taxes” on their autos.

Milwaukee, Beloit, Mayville, and St. Croix County charge $10-$20-dollars a year, on top of the $75 and more that vehicle owners pay to Madison.

Concealed weapons banned from St. Croix County Government Center | River Falls Journal | River Falls, Wisconsin

Concealed weapons banned from St. Croix County Government Center | River Falls Journal | River Falls, Wisconsin: 'The [Administrative Committee] unanimously approved a motion to place signs on the building designating it as a courthouse for purpose of carrying concealed weapons through November.'

Concealed Carry in County Buildings

A county employee sent me the following email:

I am writing regarding the conceal & carry law that will take effect on November 1, 2011. As a citizen in your district and employee of St. Croix County, I am asking that the Board of Supervisors pass a resolution banning concealed weapons inside ALL buildings housing County operations (i.e. not just the Government Center, but buildings in New Richmond, Baldwin and Hammond).

Without a resolution banning concealed weapons in ALL buildings housing County operations, employees and the general public will be subject to the increased anxiety of knowing any member of the public who walks through the door may be armed. Please take into consideration the employees of St. Croix County, as well as the general public, in your deliberations.

Thank you for your consideration.

My response:

Thank you for contacting me.

I believe that the right to Life is one of the most important rights a
person will have and I very strongly support the right of people to
defend their life.

I don't believe that a ban on weapons in all buildings housing county
operations will increase safety -- in fact I think it will decrease
safety because it will only stop the law-abiding citizens while
serving notice to violent people that the buildings have little to no
protection (especially outside of the government center). The Sheriff
and D.A. have both stated that they agree that just posting the
buildings won't help safety. Right now it is also true that "any
member of the public who walks through the door may be armed".

I do also support the employees right to safety so I won't support
limiting employee rights to self-defense.