The column below reflects the views of the author, and these opinions are neither endorsed nor supported by WisOpinion.com. When spring comes things change in Thiensville, even during the age of the virus. Having been inside for over a month

While deaths and positive tests for COVID-19 have risen, we’ve sunken deeper into our political camps. So far, the data supports that we should have acted earlier, both nationally and locally, to put guidelines and resources in place to assist residents during this time.

Wisconsin needs to start taking prudent steps toward ending this shutdown and re-starting our state; lives and livelihoods depend on it.

There’s is one chance to open up businesses safely and do so in such a way as to gain the trust of the citizens. Prematurely popping the top for the Tavern League before state leaders and professionals deem it appropriate would lead to more virus cases, deaths, and even more business closures.

Gov. Tony Evers’ “Badger Bounce Back” plan is so unattainable and so impossibly vague that the only bouncing many struggling businesses could reasonably expect is a “dead cat bounce” when this endless shutdown finally forces them to close for good.

There were some frustrating partisan squabbles along the way, but the relief that American workers need to help them through the coronavirus pandemic is finally arriving.

On April 6, the Wisconsin Supreme Court — its members meeting under emergency procedures intended to protect their own health — issued an order that had the practical effect of requiring Wisconsin voters who had not already received an absentee ballot to visit a polling place on April 7 and vote in person if they wished to cast a ballot in the spring election.

The dirty secret of the Republicans’ effort to suppress Democratic voters is that it has always prevented some Republicans from voting as well. Never was that more true than in this latest election.

Voter suppression, elections rigged by partisan gerrymandering of legislative and congressional districts, and other glaring signs of creeping fascism have become too conspicuous not to notice.

Jill Karofsky’s double-digit victory in the closely watched state Supreme Court race might signal an end to the era in which Wisconsin Republicans assume the public will always overlook their dirty tricks.

At the end of April each year, we get to celebrate two holidays that are focused on environmental conservation.

Donald Trump didn’t cause the coronavirus — but his dangerous, delayed, and inept response exacerbated the spread of the pandemic.

Develop a plan to protect the most vulnerable and put Wisconsin back on track to be healthy, not just physically, but also emotionally and financially.

Legislators can and should be able to offer constructive input regarding how Wisconsin responds to and recovers from COVID-19 and we stand ready to be part of the solution. We also know there are willing partners in the business and health care communities who want to be part of that conversation.

There will be plenty of time for electoral politics. Right now Wisconsin requires political acumen. The public has little appetite for a partisan skirmish, and public health will be jeopardized if such a skirmish escalates. Respectfully, get to work. Together.

Brookfield rally rejects both state and federal health experts, while likely spreading disease.

For all the obvious similarities between conservative populist mobilization a decade ago and what’s happening now, there are some key differences that should ease Democrats’ worries.

Literally thousands of state and local public bodies are having to implement new methods and embrace new technologies to allow their members and the public to attend meetings through their computers and phones.