To the Editor:

For the past three years Saratoga citizens have attempted to work with our Wood County Board of Supervisors to put in place protections for our water resources, not only for Saratoga residents, but for citizens of our entire county.

During this time, progress was made due to the unwavering support of 3 of our Wood County Supervisors – Bill Leichtnam, Joseph Zurfluh, and Bill Clendenning.  Our progress has not been made with huge wins, but in small steps forward in positive directions.  These small steps were made in the face of complete and total opposition and resistance from Wood County Board Supervisor and Chairman, Lance Pliml.

Every step along the way Chairman Pliml and his band of  “Good Old Boys (and Gals)” did everything in their power to make sure our message was squashed and progress to protect our water resources for county citizens denied.  Unfortunately, Chairman Pliml once again has struck out against citizens with the realigning of chairpersons on Wood County Board Committees.   Chairman Pliml removed Supervisor Clendenning from his chairmanship of the Judicial & Legislative Committee and replaced him with Supervisor Wagner.

Many are aware that Supervisor Wagner has been openly hostile to citizenry during public meetings, has refused to let individuals speak openly during public comment, referred to audience members as “You People,” and when I personally thanked him for allowing our citizen group the opportunity to present concerns at a committee meeting was told very blatantly by Supervisor Wagner, “Don’t thank me. I don’t want you here.”

Since when does this type of professionalism, or lack thereof, demonstrate leadership qualities?  It is my opinion the only reason Supervisor Clendenning was removed as Chairperson of the Judicial and Legislative Committee was due to his support of citizen participation and moving the Wood County Board in a direction that is more receptive of citizen concerns.

I believe this is a blatant abuse of power by Chairman Pliml who is using his Chairmanship to make committee appointments that suit his own needs and appointing individuals into positions of power that bow to his every whim.  It is a direct attempt to undermine the citizens of this community.   I am completely disgusted with Chairman Pliml’s behavior, his constant disregard for citizen concerns, and his self centered focus on his personal agenda.

If you are as concerned I am regarding Chairman Pliml’s recent actions, please be in contact with him personally, as well as all Wood County Board members, to share your disgust and disapproval of his behavior.  Also feel free to attend the next County Board Meeting on May 17th at 9:30am and direct your comments to Supervisor Pliml personally during the public comment section.

Criste Greening,

Wisconsin Rapids