Two state representatives try again to bring the Christmas spirit into the Capitol building.
25TH Assembly District Representative Paul Tittl of Manitowoc, along with 2nd Assembly District Representative Shae Sortwell of Gibson recently put up a Christmas tree inside the State Capitol in Madison despite Governor Evers saying one would not be put up this year.
Tittl tells us “We just said we think it’s a shame. There’s several hundred people that still work in this building and we thought, ‘Well, they should have a tree.'”
Tittl says that he left work around 5:00 PM yesterday (Monday) afternoon only to find out the tree and all its ornaments had been taken down and removed from the premises after a deadline to remove it had passed.
“We are very disappointed. It’s not hurting anything. There’s no plug-ins on it, there’s no water needed as it’s an artificial tree. So we’re going to put up another tree, apply for another permit, and say this is our First Amendment right to put up a tree,” Tittl stated earlier.
The second set-up occurred at 2:30 PM this afternoon.
The Governor says a big reason for his decision was to avoid large crowds gathering inside to view the tree during the pandemic. The local legislator emphasizes that this is by no means “looking to defy Governor Evers orders.”
Tittl remarks, “Christmas this COVID year has been tough on all of us, and this Christmas tree gives us a sign of hope, a little bit of hope for the future, and the hope that we have in Christ is why we celebrate Christmas.”
The tree is one that personally belongs to Tittl and he adds that multiple ornaments have come in from all over the country to show support for their cause.
