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Letter to the Editor | To the Washington County Board and County Executive | By Jay Stillman

March 18, 2026 – Washington Co., Wi – To the Washington County Board and County Executive,  I understand that the “Charlie Kirk Way” proposal is a controversial topic, and I wanted to share my perspective and background.
Letter to the Editor
I grew up in inner-city Milwaukee and worked my way to owning a home in Hartford, where I now live with my wife and three children. I hold a mix of both liberal and conservative views, and while I did not vote for Trump, that does not prevent me from respecting the work that Charlie Kirk has done.
What happened to him is tragic and should never happen to anyone, regardless of their beliefs. Encouraging discourse and open conversation is important, and no one should face harm for doing so.
That said, I believe naming a road after him may ultimately bring more division and negative attention to our community. Over time, the name could become more associated with controversy and reaction rather than unity.
Instead, I think there are more meaningful and constructive ways to honor him. For example, a monument, plaque, or an idea I really like, a park bench dedicated to encouraging conversation and reflection could better represent the values of dialogue and community that many people believe Charlie stood for.
Additionally, the rollout of this proposal has felt disorganized. It may be worth reconsidering this approach in favor of something that resonates more broadly with voters, while also prioritizing investments that directly benefit everyday residents of Washington County on a day to day basis.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Jay Stillman
Hartford, Wi

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