Governmental Support for BPNN Continues – and It’s Vital

Bob Kasieta, Board President

President Kennedy once said, “If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich.” Never has the divide between rich and poor been larger. Never has the need been greater. And never has it been more essential for government to do what it alone can do – close the gap between need and private charitable efforts.

There is sometimes legitimate frustration with government. We begin another election cycle, where cynics will receive ample ammunition to disparage Democracy. Quoting another president, Barack Obama observed that “cynicism is the saddest form of wisdom.” But our government - federal, state, and local - is all of us. It protects us, builds and maintains roads, provides clean water, manages waste, and performs thousands of other functions requiring collective effort.

BPNN is blessed with government support. Dane County owns our building and leases it to us for a modest $20 per year. Dane County also recently purchased a truck for BPNN to permit expanded food recovery. The State of Wisconsin funded coolers and freezers. The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), a federal initiative, provides important food pantry inventory. We have also enjoyed financial support from the Cities of Verona and Fitchburg. We benefit from numerous other examples of federal, state, and local backing.

Many elected officials come to BPNN to witness what we do and to lend support. We’ve enjoyed visits from Governor Tony Evers many times, as well as Congressman Mark Pocan, State Representative Mike Bare, Dane County Executive Joe Parisi, Verona Mayor Luke Diaz, Fitchburg Mayor Julia Arata-Fratta, Town of Verona Chair Mark Geller, and many city council and town board members.

These fine, selfless public servants deserve credit and thanks. If you see them, please express appreciation for their commitment to BPNN. They exemplify what is best about government. They do what is necessary and right, not with fanfare, not seeking publicity, but for the simple reason that helping neighbors is a universal obligation of good people. We are grateful. One final presidential quote, this from Ronald Reagan, who captured the spirit of these public servants by observing, “There is no limit to what you can do if you don’t mind who gets the credit.”

Bob