“Sunlight is the best antiseptic” — and yes, we stole the line
Why our new Document Library matters — and why FOIA isn’t enough in Superior, Wisconsin
Icy Sidewalks and Even Colder Politics
Let’s get real: Our forefathers weren’t pitching six‑figure salaries, lifetime tenures and sprawling bureaucracies so officials could luxuriate in comfortable power. They envisioned citizens who served, then went home to tend fields, mind the small businesses, live real lives — keeping government lean, fresh, and corrupt‑resistant.
As Thomas Jefferson wrote, “The policy of the American government is to leave their citizens free, neither restraining nor aiding them in their pursuits.”
And: “The legitimate powers of government extend to such acts only as are injurious to others.”
In other words: Serve the people. Don’t become the people’s overlords.
The Voters Have Spoken — And They’re Tired of the B.S.
In Superior, under Jim Paine’s leadership, city government spending has exploded and our taxes have steadily climbed.
Yet what did taxpayers get in exchange for those extra dollars?
– Not greater transparency.
– Not proactive disclosure.
– Instead: a computer‑file cabinet labeled “FOIA request” — meaning you have to ask, wait, maybe pay, hope, maybe never get what you want.
Let’s be clear: That’s not open government. It’s permission‑based information, which might as well be “Ask the City nicely to tell you what we’re up to.”
FOIA Doesn’t Cut It — Here’s Why
FOIA is the right of citizens to ask for documents. Great. But let’s be brutally honest:
It requires you to ask. You don’t get it automatically.
It allows delay, redaction, hoops, maybe none of the context you need.
Worst of all: In practice, some governments (yes, ours) use FOIA‑systems as speed‑bumps. “Wait here while we identify you. Are you serious? Why do you want it? Our cost‑estimate is…”
And meanwhile spending balloons. Accountability shrinks. The public watch‑dog? Snoozing.
As Jefferson warned: “The natural progress of things is for liberty to yield and government to gain ground.”
That’s what happens when transparency is reactive, not automatic.
The Document Library Solution — Because Enough Is Enough
At SoupNutz.net we’re not waiting for City Hall to wake up. We believe:
Taxpayers should have access to the documents they fund — without having to beg for them.
Documents should be posted publicly in a Document Library — searchable, downloadable, available to all.
FOIA should be a backup, not the frontline.
So here’s the deal: We’ve built the Document Library. We want your documents. Yes — yours. If you’ve got city contracts, meeting minutes, emails, spreadsheets — send them to sunlightinsuperior@mailfence.com
We’ll publish them. Because in a “serve‑then‑go‑home” style government, transparency is the rule, not the exception.
Government Does Not Exist for Itself
Remember: The government isn’t the endgame. It’s the tool. You the people are the endgame.
James Madison once wrote: “A popular Government, without popular information, or the means of acquiring it, is but a Prologue to a Farce or a Tragedy; or, perhaps, both.”
In Superior spending has exploded in the last 8 years under Paine and the “access to information” is now tucked behind Just FOIA requests — we’re teetering dangerously toward that farce.
We demand sunlight. The Document Library is the stick; you are the lever. City hall, the fulcrum that can’t hide.
Final Crossing Signal
This isn’t about politics‑as‑usual. It’s about reclaiming civic power. If you pay the taxes, you own the documents. If the City can spend it, you should see it.
Send your files. We’ll publish them. We’ll shine that light so hard the cockroaches of secrecy can’t hide.
Mic drop.
#FoldersOverPhotoshoots
#CityHallLeaksFasterThanWiFi
On October 24, 2024, Ian Cuypers filed a federal civil rights complaint alleging that Superior Police Department officers used excessive force during a traffic stop and later pursued unsupported criminal charges. The lawsuit seeks damages for physical injury, emotional trauma, and malicious prosecution.
In this February 9, 2026 Opinion and Order, the Western District of Wisconsin granted partial summary judgment to Ian Cuypers on his excessive force claim after a City of Superior officer tased him during a traffic stop. The court held that video evidence showed he was not actively resisting and allowed multiple claims, including malicious prosecution and punitive damages, to proceed to trial.
In March 2024, Superior Police Chief Paul Winterscheidt coordinated a meeting with a Superior Telegram reporter to discuss a Feb. 28 traffic stop where a Taser was used on Ian Cuypers.
In April 2024, Superior Police Chief Paul Winterscheidt sent a detailed email to a city councilor and resident defending a taser use during a traffic stop. The exchange highlights public concern, official justification, and transparency claims.
In spring 2024, Superior Police Chief Paul Winterscheidt exchanged emails with other agencies seeking an external expert to review a use-of-force incident. The correspondence reveals concerns about trial preparation, public scrutiny, and independent validation.
In April 2024, City of Superior officials and the police chief exchanged emails with a concerned resident regarding a traffic stop where a driver was tased. The correspondence details police use-of-force policies and offers further public discussion.
In May and June 2024, Superior Police Chief Paul Winterscheidt coordinated with regional law enforcement and training officials to secure an independent DAAT expert to review a use-of-force incident. The emails reflect transparency efforts, inter-agency communication, and preparation for potential courtroom testimony.
In March 2024, the City of Superior paid Fryberger Law Firm nearly $3,900 for legal services tied to the General Mills Dock HAP grant and the Lidgerwood Mundy TID 16 development project, detailing extensive work on development agreements and tax increment financing.
In March 2024, the City of Superior paid Stafford Rosenbaum LLP $236 for legal review of a construction completion report related to SWLP and MGP contamination near the wastewater treatment plant.
