To the Editor-

I felt the need to write this letter after some of the assertions my opponent has recently written and stated regarding the Portage County Treasurer race.

There are some glaring differences between myself and Jeff Presley. I have a degree in accounting while Presley has a degree in political science. Presley continues to call me a politician while saying he is not, let us take a closer look at that assertion. Presley has been a perpetual candidate in Portage County over the past decade, running for many offices. The last three offices Presley ran for in his own district, twice for Stevens Point Alderperson and once for County Board Supervisor he has lost. It should tell you a lot when your neighbors, who should know you best, do not want you to represent them.

Presley is also the only County Board Supervisor I have ever seen that has been called out in a county board meeting for carrying out a personal vendetta. This occurred just last year in October regarding the Portage County Business Council. Please go back and watch the video for yourself.

Presley has stated in a recent open letter that I work in a mailroom. This is not a true statement. I currently work at Marten Machining where my responsibilities include shipping/receiving/inventory management/general maintenance. In a previous position, I have also managed no less than 30 employees in cash management/point of sales.

It is unfortunate that Presley reduced himself to mispresenting facts instead of taking the time go and tell the citizens why he is running.  I, on the other hand, have knocked on thousands of doors, attended numerous events, and had conversations with citizens throughout Portage County.  Presley has shown a lack of respect to the residents of Portage County in this race by not going out and talking with voters.  

Finally, Presley has stated that having endorsements of local elected officials is a bad thing.  The truth of the matter is that Presley doesn’t have endorsements because of his inability to work with others in a respectful manner.  It is alarming, after serving on the County Board and Stevens Point school board, that Presley has not received one endorsement or had one open letter of support from someone he has worked with in a public capacity.  Presley has stated he is being hired for a job; when you submit your resume for a job you include references, which is exactly what endorsements are.  

Thank you for the opportunity to clarify these matters.

Tom Mallison
Candidate, Portage Co. Treasurer