Fighting Words: Town Of Waukesha Recall A Primer On The Politics Of Water

As I've written here before, there are two Waukeshas that border each other: the more -populous City and more rural Town.

Both have water concerns and their current internal and mutual struggles indicate how dicey the issues can get.

It's well-known that the City is proposing to move off its deep wells to a Lake Michigan supply.

And in the short-term, sink five shallow wells in the Town through eminent domain aimed at a water-rich piece of land called the Lathers property.

That has the Town upset, and citizens have initiated recall elections against two Town supervisors for allegedly not fighting the shallow well plan.

Thus, the opponents say, lining up more with the City than the Town.

If that's not contentious enough for you, consider this:

The City's Lake Michigan diversion plan application, without input from the Town, will expand the City's water supply system into parts of the Town - - which could encourage building, traffic, taxpayer-paid service demands and loss of open space in the Town.

Annexations could follow, turning some Town residents into City residents, which some Town residents tell me they fear.

Some Town residents believe that being added to the City's water supply area will eventually, one way or another, force them onto City water, at greater per-gallon costs - - so while you would think the Town would like the Lake Michigan plan because it would decrease the need for the Lathers wells, it doesn't necessarily work out that way.

And no one has asked Town residents for their opinion of the Lake Michigan plan - - a matter I have raised on my blog that adds to the political weakness of the application..

The bottom line: When it comes to water, you better include everyone in the decision-making.

Transparency should be the constant.

And if a Town is involved, double these admonitions, because no where are water rights more sacrosanct and defended than in the relatively rural, conservation-minded Wisconsin towns.

Note that the Town of Waukesha recall effort has turned to the Internet, as this was the July 4th message:

Save Our Town of Waukesha, LLC Greetings! HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY! We wish you and your family a happy 4th of July! We value our independence and celebrate the rights our forefathers put in place for us on this day and everyday. As you celebrate remember an important day is just around the corner, vote a week from Tuesday, July 13th. If you have any questions about the election or the issues we would be happy to help, go to the following link: www.saveourtown.info and send an email or call through the 'Contact Us' page. Get involved, talk to your neighbors and friends, make a difference!

Sincerely, Save Our Town Constituent Committee www.saveourtown.info