To the Editor-

We would like to congratulate Mary McComb on her outstanding performance in Tuesday’s 9th District Primary. She lost to a 12 year incumbent from the 9th District by only 6 votes.  We like her chances in the General Election on April 7.

Let us share some of the reasons we are supporting Mary. One reason is because of her fiscal conservatism. She operates “Sugar Doll Chocolates and Gifts” in downtown Stevens Point and recognizes the importance of balancing a budget.

When the incumbent came into office in 2003, our city debt was $19 million and it has now ballooned to $53 million (+279%). As taxpayers, we feel we can do better than that and are confident that Mary will work hard to drop this debt.

This change in attitude is just one of the many “fresh ideas” that Mary will bring to the table. We think that 12 years in office for our current 9th District Alderman is too long and it is time for “new blood” to take on the job.

Mary’s downtown business on Strongs Ave., gives her a distinct advantage over the incumbent.  Her constituents have access to her for 6+ hours per day (Mon.-Sat.), while she is operating her business. Dropping in to see her, is quite simple. The incumbent, on the other hand, works in Wausau and isn’t available for personal consulting during the day.

Mary is also quite “civic minded”.  She helped raise the funds and develop the Schierl Family Dog Park, is on the Board of the Portage Co. Library, was on the Committee for the Redesign of the Matthias Mitchell Public Square and is a member of the Association of Downtown Businesses. We need a “civic-minded” person like Mary on the City Council.

Finally, we need more females on the City Council.  Since we came to Stevens Point in 1968, the number of females on the Council has been minimal. Increasingly, we need “female views” to balance the perspectives of the male members.

We urge you to join us and vote for Mary McComb for 9th District Alderperson on April 7.

Kent and Sue Hall

Stevens Point