From Emil (Mike) Rufener

Monticello

To the editor:

To all Monticello area residents and to all Green County area residents, we have a chance to purchase a building in Monticello, the former quilting store on the corner of Main and North Streets.

So, this notice is to see if people are interested in having a community center. This would be home to Monticello Legion, which is 100 years old this year, and to a much-needed senior center and to other community organizations.

This building would not go off the tax rolls, as there are four to five apartments upstairs. The rent would help with upkeep. A new roof was recently put on, and it has a 30-year life. The bathroom is up to code and the current owner spent $70,000 in updates. This building could help Monticello get new business to town.

I am a 59-year owner of a farm one mile from town. I was a carpenter, cheesemaker with my own factory and a real estate broker for 20 years. So as a business owner I see this property as a good deal. That is why I am willing to give $10,000 to start a fund so we could get grants and donations to pay for this building.

I would buy it myself if I was 20 years younger, but I will be 90 years old in March. So, I am writing this as I want us to become first-class citizens, as up until now we are treated as second class.