Does The Wisconsin Legislature Think About Water When It Meddles In Local Transit Issues? No.

The Walker-compliant, state-power luvin' Wisconin legislature continues to undo and overrule local control - - this time preparing to wipe out regional transit commissions working to coordinate transit connections.

As gas prices are rising? What were you thinking (sic), State Rep. Robin Vos, (R-Burlington)?

Add this unnecessary assertion of Madison central committee action on behalf of the road-builders to the Walker crowd's plans or 'achievements' - - crushing of local governments' collective bargaining procedures, blocking local management of wind turbine sitings, ending residency for some or all Milwaukee public workers, enabling greater school revenue shifts to private school parents, and more.

Are legislators aware that meaningful regional cooperation on transportation is a requirement laid down by Milwaukee should it agree to sell water to Waukesha - - but the legislature's action ending them altogether will make transit cooperation more unlikely, as there is already opposition in Waukesha County to joining in regional transit relationships that included Milwaukee.

What will the legislature do next - - order Milwaukee to sell water to Waukesha (the Great Lakes Compact, not withstanding)?

Let me point out this section of Milwaukee Common Council resolution #080457 about some possible water sale conditions - - emphasis added:

In addition, for purposes of Common Council review, the community which has applied for water service from the City of Milwaukee shall submit a written report to the aforementioned communication file indicating that the community has adopted and implemented:

D-1. A comprehensive plan pursuant to s. 66.1001, Wis. Stats., and, if the plan has not been completed, indicate the status of the community’s compliance with each of the 9 requirements which comprise s. 66.1001 (2), Wis. Stats.

D-2. A comprehensive housing plan and can demonstrate that such plan has resulted in the creation of affordable housing opportunities that have resulted in racial, age and income diversification, with data on the percentage of population in assisted and affordable housing that is age 30 or less, above age 30 and below 65, and age 65 and above.

D-3. A comprehensive public transportation plan and can demonstrate that such plan has resulted in the expansion and improvement of public transportation links between persons living in the City of Milwaukee and job opportunities in the community which has applied for water service. Such plan may include, but is not limited to, participation and inclusion in the Southeast Wisconsin Regional Transportation Authority or an equivalent entity