Is it Favoritism... Cronyism... Nepotism...?

To the Editor:
Favoritism: The favoring of one person or group over others with equal claims.
Cronyism: The practice of favoring one’s close friends, especially in political appointments.
Nepotism: Patronage bestowed or favoritism shown on the basis of family relationship, as in business and politics.
Do you ever wonder why dealing with Dodge County government is such a miserable experience? The three words in the title of this Letter to the Editor are a major contributor to this. Certain individuals and industries don’t want their county to change. Why? Because they’re benefitting from the status quo.
Elected officials (county and township level), as well as county committees and boards, end up having majorities of individuals who enforce the status quo.
The most glaring example of this status quo deals with land rights. Or should we say, lack of land rights. The Dodge County Comprehensive Plan lists the following: 1. Increasing population. 2. Increasing demand for “homes on acreages” outside city limits. There are acreages of non-tillable land in the ag district that can support multiple homes being built on them. Why is the Dodge County government blocking this development? Hint: It goes against the status quo.
How do we fix this? Investigate who is running for, or is nominated for ANY level of service in Dodge County government. What are their qualifications? Who do they represent — Dodge County citizens in general, or a few influential people (including themselves), or industries who wish for things not to change?
Jay Highum
Frustrated Dodge County Landowner