[Northwoods Tom]

This is interesting.

Because I have had a chance to ponder this (it’s a common question in any election) my response might surprise you.

The way you present it, I believe you should only vote for the candidate(s) that represent the beliefs you have for this wonderful organization. You have done that. You don’t cast votes for the remaining two just because you have them to use. My personal feeling period.

It seems to me that the answer you are really looking for is the next two candidates with the most to offer. I’ll address this in this way:

1. I’m disappointed in the thought or lack of thought that was presented by some of the candidates in their response to the serious questions. Others presented ideas that I can believe in even if I might not totally agree. Especially if it benefits the members.

2. Candidates and members have voiced concern over the need for others (myself included) to prove themselves before they are given a chance. Is this the fear of the unknown or a change in the status quo they fear? It’s only a two year position, not a life sentence. Do you think it’s time for change and new ideas? If I’m not representing the members in a positive way, I Will Be Voted Out Next Election!

3. I am very impressed with the candidates in Southern Wisconsin yet the direction of the board with it’s heavy presence there concerns me. This is the “Wisconsin Geocaching Association”, not the Southern Wisconsin Geocaching Association. I personally would never consider myself to be an authority on Eau Claire’s current status on a myriad of issues that can and will effect our organization, and I grew up in Eau Claire and have a sister living on Roosevelt Avenue in that house! If you want a voice for the north woods as well as a presence I can offer you a 100+ days or more in North Central Wisconsin with a larger chunk in far Northeast Wisconsin. I live, eat, work and play in both areas. I visit Eau Claire Mr. Zuma (Ralph Edwards)!

4. I did a search on this site using the words “Baby Boomer”. The only mention I found was my own in the “Changes” question for the candidates. Sure it might be discussed elsewhere in some other format, using other terms, can’t be totally sure. But this also concerns me. Where is the discussion on this issue. This is a growing demographic group that has lots of time and is looking to this activity and others for one of those “what can it offer me or what can I offer it” opportunity. I’m 55 and I’m one of those not yet retired boomers.

I’m looking and and I’m offering!

In conclusion, I apologize to you Mr. Edwards for calling you out in this post. Yet I feel as though you took an unwarranted shot at me in yours. Lets move on. Sincerely, Tom Hokkanen

[Northwoods Tom]

@cheezehead wrote:

Frank’s Red hot sauce and butter.

Haven’t tried that one, probably have to put it on the off Island shopping list.

Thanks, Tom

[Northwoods Tom]

I’d be interested in your chicken wing “sauce” recipe, especially if it’s hot and spicy!

[Northwoods Tom]

Watching the weather that went through the other day, do we need a snowcat to get there now?

Congratulations!

[Northwoods Tom]

Cool choice for number 200! That cache is on my list for one of my significant mileposts. It’s just a matter of getting it to fall in place at the right time. I’m not that far ahead of you in total and I’m sure you will pass me before you know it.

Welcome! And keep an eye open for those “Kid Friendly” caches! Some are so great it makes me feel like a kid again!

[Northwoods Tom]

Now that looks like fun! Do you balloon? (Is that the correct term?)

Just remember, never lick any cold metal object. Even if you’re triple dog dared…

[Northwoods Tom]

Nifty Fifty (GC1187E)

Located in Lake Winnebgago. Possibly more then you care to try but it sure looks fascinating. Reading the logs alone are an adventure.

[Northwoods Tom]

I was born in and live in Wisconsin, THE PACKERS!

And I don’t care what all you Packer fans say, I still love the style of play Brett Farve brought to the game! (May you keep out of trouble in retirement.)

With the new Raji dance craze going on you have to love it. I just hope Rodgers develops a more exciting touchdown celebration for the big game.

[Northwoods Tom]

@zuma wrote:

The biggest evolution in the way that the WGA functions is our move towards empowered committees.

First, do you agree that our gradual move towards well functioning empowered committees is a good idea, or would you prefer a move back towards central control by just the 9 board members?

And second, what contributions did you make in the last year by participating on our committees?

And third, whether you are successful or not in winning election this time around, do you plan on being a part of any of our empowered committees in the coming year?

First: “Empowered” committees do and can work very well! The question here as pointed out by one of the other candidates is are they truly empowered? This comment concerns me and I think the entire WGA membership would like to know more.

Second: Being a WGA member for only a short while, I have not made any steps in this direction. I still feel as though I’m a real outsider here, I need to earn more acceptance by the membership.

Third: I definitely like the idea of getting myself involved in some of these committees, I have been poking around and inquiring.

[Northwoods Tom]

Being a new member of the WGA and not having been to the meetings yet, I can only offer two ideas (suggestions).

1. Being a member of two different REA’s (rural electric co-ops), attendance is not a priority for a lot of people even though they are members of their REA Co-op via the fact that’s where they get their electricity from. To get the needed attendance, they run the meetings in the evening and give out attendance prizes as well as door prizes.

2. Being a past and present member of various boards both as board member and community member, I find it unfortunate that boards will run some meetings during a less than ideal time ie. during the work day. If you want the members to attend you have to make it more convenient when possible.

[Northwoods Tom]

I’d save my money and wait for the version that says:

Green Bay Packers
Super Bowl XLV Champions

By that time the price on this one should drop significantly!

[Northwoods Tom]

Northern Wisconsin!

What I am finding out and learning about the WGA, is that the individuals involved and doing all this work are doing a wonderful job.

As a new member in both communities (Geocaching and the WGA) the thing that sticks out the most to me is Northern Wisconsin. I spend over a 100 days each year at my cottage in the Chequamegon, and my permanent residence is an Island in Northeast Wisconsin. I don’t perceive the same support, activity, and involvement of geocachers up here as there is in Southern Wisconsin.

I want to know why! Get them in, get them back, get them involved. I have many ideas on how to do this and would like to lead this charge as a board member.

[Northwoods Tom]

@Mister Greenthumb wrote:

Answers to this question will probably weigh the heaviest for our votes.

Sorry to hear this but my answer would be no for the camp out. The picnic would be one I would attend.

Reason? I don’t camp out anymore. I could see driving down for the meetings, but I don’t “do” sleeping in tents anymore. Last years events were in Kenosha and Adams if I’m not mistaken which is a good haul from Washington Island, yet I would feel obligated to make at least one if not the meetings of both.

[Northwoods Tom]

Not black and white, but a shade of gray.

High numbers low numbers, I look further into where they have been and what they have sought. Check their logs, what does it tell, do they share an interesting story or share some experience when it’s more than a park and grab? Would I make an out of the way trip somewhere they have been to score that find? You can learn a lot about an individual from reading a couple dozen logs.

I do tend to favor experiences in their life they share. If you look at all the candidates, there is a wide range of different backgrounds and life experiences. Occupations, interests and things they do besides geocaching. Reading and posting on the websites has helped me get to know members even though it’s not been in person. Some I think I might feel at home spending a day fishing with or going out to dinner in addition to being an excellent board member.

Both are different and similar yet important into the overall evaluation of a candidate. Views, ideas, strengths, dedication, seep out in all areas.

[Northwoods Tom]

@Team Deejay wrote:

I’m not a big fan of those topo maps. They are great if you are in a large, wilderness area or national park, but when you get into the real world, the detail provided is less than helpful.

So true! What I like though is when you get into that wilderness, especially outside of geocaching, they bring you to some really neat places you didn’t know about. (That was how discovered and placed two of my last three caches, in my “No Name Lake Series” for un-named lakes in Northern Wisconsin)

I was hoping for the topo micro card so I could switch back and forth.

[Author]

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