Ralph Heun, a 38-year resident of New Berlin, will be blogging about issues of concern to the New Berlin Citizens for Responsible Government, an organization that promotes fiscal responsibility among all units of government.
NBCRG would like to commend alderman Ament, Augustine, Harenda and Siedl for supporting the Calhoun Road design 1A. This is a design which will serve the city for the foreseeable future at a reasonable cost. We hope that the veto by Mayor Chiovatero will be overturned by the full Common Council at the September 11, 2007 meeting.
If version 1A is unsafe, then the Board of Public Works should be censured for failing to follow the instructions of the full Common Council to bring forth a satisfactory design for a 2 lane road.
I wish to ask the Mayor to bring the Calhoun Veto Override agenda item to the floor first ,as that is the reason that most people are here. You all are aware that regardless of when you vote on it , there will be a political price for failing to overide the veto. Remember that after public hearings and an election, aldermen whose districts are involved voted for the 2 lane version 1A.
It is time to stop the rhetoric and overturn the veto. We must have co-operation on the problems facing the city. The Budget, MMSD 20/20 plan, The attempt by companies and individuals to permit smaller lot sizes on the west side of town. and bike trails are but a few of the problems.
The City of New Berlin has projected road rebuilding into the future that exceed $45,000,000. It appears that most of these jobs will be paid for by New Berlin residents because most do not qualify for Federal, State or County appropriations. In addition the The Alternate Transportation Committee has ear marked Side paths sidewalks and bike trails which will cost more than $20,000,000.
One alderman who was defeated last year called for a large city tax boost. One of the current alderman has called for a 10% city tax boost and will not return calls to reporters who wanted to verify the comments.
There is $450,000 in Concrete pipe laying on the East Frontage Road off Calhoun. This is solving the storm water problem that JP Walker and Mayor Chiavatero said is not being addressed in the 2 lane Calhoun road design. Gentlemen it is time to stop the spin and half truths that you are so good at.
To say that the 4 lane Calhoun road does not affect taxes is very untrue
Ralph Heun
