New Berlin Citizens for Responsible Government

The editor of New Berlin Now removed the following portions of a letter that was published today in the paper. Ron Koessler the writer, asked that the full letter be published and this is done as public service  under the First Amendment

Pubic Forum
In a letter to the Public Forum on January 10,2008. Alderman William (Bill) Moore District 6, reminded city residents that we have a representative form of governmant, where  for the benefit of the community, our elected officials have the responsibility to make policy decisions for the benefit of the community, rather than offer referendums on numerous issues.

Removed by Censor
Bill Moore supported a referendum to exceed the State spending limits in the City budget in December 2007, 

In addition Bill Moore, when he was a School Board member, supported a referendum to fund an increase in the Annual School Board operating budget.

It seems that the selective use of referendums is appropiate when it supports Bill Moore's agenda, but not when in opposition.

Removed by Censor
It is a coincidence that the election for aldermen in New Berlin is April 1, April Fools Day.

Ron Koessler 

Letters from Residents are an important part of paper., By Vern Bentley

#2
Public Forum:

I would like to reminisce with those of you who remember when New Berlin had a newspaper named the New Berlin Citizen. A former editor wrote in one of his columns that newspapers spend huge amounts of money to hire dedicated reporters, who keep up with local news.

But it seems residents rush to read the letters and comments of their neighbors. Where have all the letters gone? What happened to people who just want to express their opinions?

In two of the recent letters I wrote, I included several pages of written documentation, and also audio tapes to verify my information, only at the request of the editor.

It's been suggested that I set up a blog, I do not have a computer, and am trying to enlighten my friends and neighbors, who still choose to read a newspaper.

I wonder just how many recipients of Muskego-New Berlin NOW, our city's only newspaper, would like to see more letters from their neighbors. 

Vern Bentley 

I periodically check the site www.newberlin.org to see if any thing has changed in regard to NBCRG.

Tonite Ken Harenda, 4th District Alderman called and told me to look again. To my great surprise and pleasure, I discovered the Mayor Jack Chiavatero has restored our group to the official list of New Berlin Civic Groups and this  posting is to publically thank him for doing that.

Thank you Mayor,

Ralph Heun, President, NBCRG 

 January 7, 2008

Mayor Chiavatero and members for the Common Council

  I would like to advise you that NBCRG has voted to ask the Common Council to completely scrap implementing the work of the Alternate Transportation plan of this city, because it is not addressing issues of different methods of Transportation, but has has turned into a a major expansion of recreational trails that will serve a very small percentage of residents of ther City of New Berlin.

  The estimated costs of $250,000 per mile which will drive the total cost of the projected 70 plus miles, will  be about $24,000,000. The city is facing huge outlays to improve major roads in the near future. It is irresponsible to continue to throw property tax money into bike trails.

  An good example right now is S 124th street. None of the affected home owners want sidepaths or sidewalks on the west side of the road. On the other side of the street are the Cities of Greenfield and Hales Corners, those cities are not planning on sidepaths or sidewalks.

The idea of sidewalks on 124th, is being pushed by Alderman Moore, who seems to care little for what the residents think.

As you are aware there are questions as to who will maintain the system,

Who will plow the snow?

If the landowner must clear the sidewalks or sidepaths, will the city reimburse the landowner for the time and energy to do the clearing?

Will the City will be responsible for  property damages that trail users do to the private property that the trails will cross?

Will the landowners be responsible for personal liability and huge damage awards given to persons claiming injuries caused by landowners?

The reality of Mass Transit for the City of New Berlin  is also a bad dream that the Mayor and Planning Commission support. The Common Council must defeat the plan, to keep New Berlin residents from being forced to pay for Streetcars or Light Rail in Milwaukee and to keep tax dollars being funneled from roads to mass transit.

Thank you

Ralph Heun, President, New Berlin Citizens for Responsible Government