Sheboygan letters on Evergreen Park as model for civic progress & July 4 freedom of speech

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19-07-2025

Here are this week's letters to the editor of the Sheboygan Press. See our letters policy below for details about how to share your views.
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The Sheboygan Way: Evergreen Park and a model for civic progress
In a time when our national dialogue feels more divided than ever, something remarkable just unfolded right here in Sheboygan.
Over the past year, the Sheboygan County Cycling Coalition proposed thoughtful improvements to the trail system in Evergreen Park. What followed was not instant consensus — but constructive civic engagement. Early community feedback expressed significant concern about the plan's impact on a cherished public space. To their immense credit, the Coalition didn't dig in their heels. Instead, they opened their ears.
Through months of public forums and one-on-one conversations, the group not only explained the purpose behind the project — they listened. Really listened. They addressed concerns, refined the plan and re-earned the community's trust.
The results speak for themselves. At the City Council meeting, public testimony overwhelmingly supported the revised plan. Council members and residents alike praised not just the improvements to the park, but the process that got us there.
In Evergreen Park, we didn't just improve a trail system, we demonstrated a pathway for progress — rooted in bold ideas, radical openness and shared values. Let the Sheboygan Way be a model for Wisconsin and beyond.
Congratulations to the Sheboygan County Cycling Coalition, the many engaged residents, city staff and the Common Council. You showed us what's possible when we meet disagreement with humility and hope.
Let's do more of that.
Kurt Kober
Sheboygan
July 4: The most appropriate time to demonstrate freedom of speech
The Sheboygan County Democratic Party's decision to display signs like 'No Kings' and 'The Big Beautiful Bill is Bad' is not anti-American; rather, it embodies the very essence of what it means to be American. Trying to suppress freedom of speech, as your letter ('July 4 parade 'not the time and place for protesting,'' July 12 edition) suggests, now that's a truly anti-American attitude.
The phrase 'No Kings' is a powerful reminder of the principles upon which this nation was founded. The U.S. was born out of a rejection of monarchy and tyranny, and the idea that no one person should hold absolute power is central to our democratic values. Being offended by such a message only confirms its truth; the GOP and Trump administration's unchecked powers, like imposing tariffs without consulting Congress, will continue to make goods more expensive, hurting all Wisconsinites.
Moreover, expressing opposition to policies or leaders is not unpatriotic or inappropriate; it is a demonstration of active citizenship and caring for those impacted — like the thousands of your fellow Wisconsinites stripped of Medicaid thanks to the GOP's bill. Voicing dissent and advocating for change is a right protected by the Constitution.
The Fourth of July, a celebration of our independence and freedom, is the most appropriate time to exercise our freedom of speech.
You don't have to agree with the messages, but to suggest restricting freedoms on the very day they're to be celebrated? Shame.
Anton Shircel
Sheboygan
Our letters policy
Letters to the editor are published in the order in which they are received and letter-writers are limited to having one letter published per month. Letters can be emailed to [e-mail] and Editor Brandon Reid at [e-mail]. Letters must meet specific guidelines, including being no more than 250 words and be from local authors or on topics of local interest. All submissions must include the name of the person who wrote the letter, their city of residence and a contact phone number. Letters are edited as needed for style, grammar, length, fairness, accuracy and libel.
This article originally appeared on Sheboygan Press: Sheboygan letters on Evergreen Park civility, July 4 parade speech
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