Conservatively Speaking

More concerns raised about roundabouts

Mary Lazich — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 13:38:00 GMT

A respectful audience turned out Thursday night at a state Department of Transportation (DOT) information session at Muskego City Hall about roundabouts. The proposed $6.5 million reconstruction of the Interstate 43/Racine Avenue interchange includes reconstruction of Racine Avenue from College Avenue to Julius Heil Drive, ramp reconstruction, a new deck for the Racine Avenue bridge over I-43 and two roundabouts to be constructed for the on-and off-ramps of the freeway. Work will begin during late April or early May 2009 and projected to be completed during November 2009.

Thursday night’s crowd in Muskego may not have been as large as the one that attended a recent DOT information session in New Berlin, but residents once again expressed concerns about roundabouts planned for their community. Following a discussion by Mark Lenters of Ourston Roundabout Engineering, citizens posed questions.

One resident asked specifically about speed limits.  Mark Lenters responded that there would not be posted speed limit signs at or inside the roundabouts.  Instead, signs for the roads leading to the roundabouts will govern the speed limit. Lenters said the geometry of the roundabouts slows people down, and that the average speed for roundabouts is 15-20 miles per hour.

When the citizen asking the speed limit questions reacted, stating a concern about increased accidents, Lenters responded that roundabouts are not perfect, but they are safer. The citizen submitted that just as much emission of greenhouse gasses will occur at roundabouts as at controlled intersections. Lenters answered that though it would seem that way, studies show otherwise. Lenters concluded his answer saying that roundabouts are worth any delay in traffic if they save lives.

There were also questions raised about snowplows, tractor-trailers, combines and their ability to negotiate the circle.  Mark Lenters said roundabouts are designed that tractor-trailers driving the inside lane may drive over the lines and toward the median of the roundabout. Residents that use the area planned for roundabouts daily are also concerned about the construction schedule and the effect on homeowners and businesses in the surrounding area.

I asked Mark Lenters whether the proposed Muskego roundabouts would be like the questionable design of the roundabout at 1-43 and Moorland Road in New Berlin in that motorists will be confronting a roundabout with access coming off an expressway, and theater, restaurant, or other commercial traffic in close proximity. Lenters said no, and I told him that while the proposed Muskego roundabouts are not likely to be as problematic as the one in New Berlin, the feedback I have received on this issue from constituents is overwhelmingly negative.

I also asked about legal issues raised by the disabled and their concerns about roundabouts and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Lenters was aware and conceded that visually impaired have obvious difficulties and that signals must be placed at roundabouts, not all of them, but where requests have been made by blind residents living near, and impacted by, such roundabouts.

Prior to Thursday night’s information session, I spoke with a state transportation official in neighboring Illinois. I was informed Illinois removed their traffic circles in the 1940’s and are cautionary with roundabouts because of design concerns. During our conversation, the Illinois official explained that roundabouts increase safety; however, they are very sensitive to small changes in design. He explained that roundabouts must be properly designed and that design knowledge and expertise about small changes is in very few hands. He said the information is not in books, and not available to learn, one has to learn about designing roundabouts from someone that knows the knowledge.  He mentioned proper design depends on not having stoplights nearby.   He said that stoplights create platoons of traffic and that roundabouts work best with an even flow of traffic. He mentioned Barry Crown of the United Kingdom. Crown is considered the world’s best authority on roundabouts. I asked Mark Lenters whether he had ever heard of Crown. Lenters smiled and said, “He’s my mentor.” The Ourston Roundabout Engineering website says, “Lenters began collaboration in 1999 with Barry Crown of England, the best roundabout designer in the world, and in 2002 with Leif Ourston, the most experienced roundabout designer in the United States.”

Lenters spoke about a roundabout disaster in Clearwater Beach, Florida. Lenters’ mentor, Barry Crown wrote about it in a response to the Wall Street Journal during January 2002. Buried in Crown’s article is this line:

“The lesson to be learnt is not that roundabouts are bad for the US, but that design faults lead to failure while good design produces roundabouts that are safer than any other type of at-grade intersection in the United States.”

Brown says, “Design faults lead to failure.” Precisely, I continue to have serious concerns about the design at the Moorland Road roundabout in New Berlin.  Some roundabouts are not ready for prime time and the state should slow down the pace of its construction plans so that designs can be improved, particularly at locations similar to Moorland and I-43. Maybe it would not be a bad idea to consult with Mr. Crown about Moorland and I-43 and any other planned roundabouts that are near commercial development and have stoplights nearby.  Single lane roundabouts seem to function much better than dual lane roundabouts.

The state DOT has offered to work with me about signage and I appreciate that; however the DOT position is clear. Though staff are friendly and responsive, their standard answers seem to be that roundabouts are safer, studies prove it, more education is needed, they will take time, motorists have to be patient, and in time they will grow to accept and appreciate roundabouts. Thus far, the DOT’s efforts to reassure have not been very persuasive.

Congratulations: Greendale, you’re in glorious full bloom!

Mary Lazich — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 21:40:06 GMT

During June, I blogged that one of the great communities that I represent in Senate District 28, Greendale, was participating in this year’s America In Bloom competition. America In Bloom is a national campaign and contest devoted to promoting beautification and community involvement through the use of trees, plants, flowers, and other environmental enhancements. I am happy and proud to report that Greendale is the America in Bloom winner in the 10,001-15,000 population category!

Village of Greendale President John Hermes and Greendale Park and Recreation Director Jackie Schweitzer travelled last week to Columbus, Ohio to attend the National America in Bloom Symposium and got the exciting news about Greendale’s impressive victory.

During the 7^th Annual Competition held this past summer, Greendale went up against communities of comparable size across the United States. Judging was conducted in eight categories: floral displays, environmental awareness, landscaped areas, tidiness, urban forestry, heritage preservation, turf and groundcover areas, and community involvement.

Greendale residents cleaned up neighborhoods, planted flowers at schools, held garlic mustard pulls, and raised funds to place trees at schools. The hard work and community-wide commitment paid off.

Greendale received the National Criteria Award in the Urban Forestry category, a competition involving all participating 30 communities in all population categories. The Urban Forestry award is given after communities are judged on municipal policies, bylaws, and regulation plans; distribution of trees, variety, suitability; new plantings, main street programs, new survey developments; preservation of heritage trees, woodlots, and re-planting procedures; and proper maintenance practices. Within Greendale’s population competition, the village received special recognition for their heritage preservation and was selected as the community of the year.

Greendale compiled outstanding scores. To achieve the 5-Bloom Award, a community must receive a score in each category of at least 90 points out of a maximum 125. Here is how Greendale scored in the various categories:

Tidiness (112); Environmental Effort (112); Community Involvement (119-isn't that awesome!!); Heritage Preservation (118); Urban Forestry (118); Landscaped Areas (116); Floral Displays (112) and Turf & Groundcover Areas (109).

That is truly amazing! Greendale scored 5 for 5 in 5-Bloom awards!

Greendale America In Bloom co-chair Mary Helen Block says a community celebration is in the works, to be held either sometime soon, or the village may wait until spring blooms next year.

I congratulate the entire Village of Greendale for your award-winning efforts and bringing wonderful civic pride to your community. It is an honor to represent Greendale in Senate District 28!

Here is more information from GreendaleNOW.

Information session Thursday about roundabouts

Mary Lazich — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 16:48:00 GMT

I will be one of the moderators at a Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) public information session on the proposed $6.5 million reconstruction of the Interstate 43/Racine Avenue interchange. The session will be held Thursday, October 9, 2008 at Muskego City Hall, Muskego Room, W182 S8200 Racine Avenue from 6 to 9 p.m. A formal presentation about the project will be given by the DOT at 7 p.m.

The project includes reconstruction of Racine Avenue from College Avenue to Julius Heil Drive, ramp reconstruction, a new deck for the Racine Avenue bridge over I-43 and two roundabouts to be constructed for the on-and off-ramps of the freeway. Work will begin during April 2009 and is projected to be completed during November 2009.

Recently, I spoke with DOT Project Development Chief John Oimoen about my concerns with roundabouts including about markings, lane size, diametric configuration, and the overall ability of drivers to maneuver safely. Oimoen told me a lot of time was spent by the DOT addressing the design of the Moorland Road roundabout in New Berlin. The DOT had difficulty with the roundabout because of construction going on at the same time at I-94 and Moorland.

Oimoen insisted that the ability of semi trailers to negotiate the roundabout was taken into consideration in the design process and that the roundabout is equipped to handle traffic volume for the next 25-30 years. He said quite a bit of sophistication goes into a roundabout’s design, followed by a critical review done by an independent peer group.

I repeated the suggestion I made to the DOT’s Southeast Region Director DeWayne Johnson that the DOT should bring together special study groups of designers, engineers, and importantly motorists to determine the best model for roundabouts. I have asked the DOT to conduct simulations with a cross-section of Wisconsin drivers and cross-section of vehicles before proceeding further with roundabouts.

When the DOT holds its information session Thursday in Muskego, I told Oimoen that I wanted the format to be an open microphone meeting that would allow concerned citizens to directly voice their questions, comments, and concerns. Oimoen refused, saying the meeting would turn into a debate. I then suggested that citizens in attendance be allowed to submit written questions because the session should not be a one-way communication where the DOT simply states what it intends to do. Oimoen thought the suggestion was a fair and good idea and agreed to written questions from the audience. Oimoen and I will serve as the moderators for the meeting.

WHAT: Wisconsin DOT information session about reconstruction of the Interstate 43/Racine Avenue interchange

WHERE: Muskego City Hall, Muskego Room, W182 S8200 Racine Avenue, Muskego

WHEN: October 9, 2008 from 6 to 9 p.m. DOT presentation 7 p.m.

Previously, I blogged that the DOT should take a slower approach toward its philosophy to blanket the state with roundabouts.

Congratulations to the New Berlin Lioness Club on their 50th anniversary!

Mary Lazich — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 17:02:00 GMT

I am proud to be a member of the New Berlin Lioness Club. It was a very special and heartwarming celebration of the Club's 50th Anniversary Sunday evening. A nostalgic display of items over the last 50 years was an amazing walk through history at Klemmer's Banquet Center. The photographic appearance of the Lion's Corn Roast stand of yesteryear was a sight for a lot of smiles. The New Berlin Lioness Club conducts fundraisers at the Lion's Wisconsin State Fair Corn Roast, at Fourth of July activities, and a special champagne breakfast every April. Money raised at these special events goes to numerous worthy causes.

I had the honor of presenting a state citation to the New Berlin Lioness Club at a ceremony Sunday, October 5, 2008. The citation reads:

WHEREAS, The New Berlin Lioness Club, chartered as the New Berlin Lionettes July 8, 1958, and as the New Berlin Lioness Club September 30, 1977, celebrates fifty years of service; and

WHEREAS, New Berlin Lioness Club members through volunteerism, dedication, and commitment maintain ongoing support for club projects that secure funds to enhance others lives; and

WHEREAS, New Berlin Lioness Club members maintain a history of outstanding service at the Club’s noteworthy projects of Champagne Breakfast, Fourth of July, Wisconsin State Fair, and numerous other projects; and

WHEREAS, The New Berlin Lioness Club has secured and donated significant monetary sums to numerous Lion projects and community projects including, Lions Camp at Rosholt Wisconsin, Leader Dog, Hearing Fund, Sight Conservation, Youth Exchange, Blind Outdoor Leisure Development, Campaign SightFirst II, the Eye Bank, Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Badger Association of the Blind, Wisconsin Council of the Blind, Wisconsin Braille, City of New Berlin Police, Fire, Library, Park and Recreation, Fourth of July Commission, New Berlin Veterans Memorial, New Berlin Historical Society, New Berlin Scholarship Fund, New Berlin Senior Taxi, Waukesha Women’s Center, Waukesha County Mental Health Association, Cancer Society, American Diabetes Association, Red Cross, The Association for the Rights of Citizens with handicaps, Interfaith, Special Olympics, and numerous other projects and programs; and,

WHEREAS, New Berlin Lioness Club members, past and present, share a bond and camaraderie induced by service and friendship; now

THEREFORE, the members of the Wisconsin State Senate, on the motion of Senator Mary Lazich, congratulate The New Berlin Lioness Club on their fiftieth anniversary. The Wisconsin State Senate further thanks and commends The New Berlin Lioness Club for fifty years of outstanding dedication and service to New Berlin and to the State of Wisconsin.

Wisconsin taxpayers lose in Ho-Chunk settlement

Mary Lazich — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 12:30:00 GMT

Wisconsin’s dispute with the Ho-Chunk Nation might be over after a four year battle, and Wisconsin taxpayers got the short end of the stick in the gambling compact settlement.

The Ho-Chunk stopped making payments to the state in 2004 after signing a compact with Governor Doyle in 2003. The tribe argued that because a 2004 state Supreme Court ruling invalidated a similar compact agreement with the Forest County Potawatomi, it owed the state nothing.

Since 2004, Ho-Chunk halted payments with the exception of a one-time $30-million payment during 2006 it claimed demonstrated good faith bargaining. Here are the details of the recent settlement that should have taxpayers quizzically shaking their heads wondering, is that all there is?

The state contended the Ho-Chunk owed $72 million. Ho-Chunk has agreed to pay $60 million. That is a $12 million jolt to Wisconsin taxpayers.

Terms of the old compact had the Ho-Chunk paying the state a six percent tax of its take. Under the new compact, the Ho-Chunk will make payments of five percent if net earnings are below $350 million and 5.5 percent if earnings exceed $350 million. The reduced percentage means a loss of millions of dollars to the state. By contrast, the Potawatomi pay 6.5 percent of winnings.

The new compact also allows the Ho-Chunk to make reductions in their annual payments to the state:

Beginning May 1, 2010, the tribe can deduct payments made to counties totaling $1,000 for every acre of land owned by the U.S. government in trust for the tribe located within each county’s jurisdiction in July, 2003. The LFB informs me that during July 2003 the Ho-Chunk had approximately 2,300 acres of trust land that could result in a reduction in their annual state payment of $2.3 million.
During a 10-year period from May 1, 2009 to May 1, 2019, the tribe could deduct the amounts it paid for public works projects that benefit both the tribe and the state. Deductions would be limited to no more than $1.0 million in any one year and the total deductions for the period could not exceed $5.0 million. That means there could be an average annual deduction of $500,000.
The tribe can also deduct any additional amounts paid by the tribe for projects that the state and the tribe agree provide a substantial public benefit in areas of economic development, infrastructure, health, safety, or welfare. These deductions would begin May 1, 2019, would be limited to a total of $4 million, with annual deductions limited to a maximum of $1 million.

The casinos are arguably some of the most lucrative, profitable businesses in Wisconsin, yet their payments to the state are questionable. I asked the non-partisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau (LFB) to prepare a memo that provides information that compares the imposition of the state corporate income and franchise tax, general sales tax, and local property taxes on private businesses to tribal casino operations in Wisconsin.

The LFB writes a “tax rate of 7.9 percent is applied to Wisconsin net taxable income to determine gross tax. The annual payment negotiated with the Ho-Chunk Nation is five percent of net win (5.5 percent if net win is greater than $350 million). Since net win generally does not include deductions used in determining net income, the net-win amount is likely larger than would be the case if the Ho-Chunk Nation casino was subject to the state corporate income and franchise tax. In addition, corporate income and franchise taxes can be offset by state tax credits. However, the corporate income and franchise tax rate is 7.9 percent which is higher than the 5.0 percent or 5.5 percent rate applied to net win.”

On the matter of the sales tax, the LFB writes, Due to restrictions in federal law, the state sales tax is not imposed on purchases or leases of otherwise taxable items by the tribes for use in the casinos. In addition tribal gaming proceeds generally are not subject to the sales tax. Sales of lodging, food and beverages, and admissions to the entertainment events at the casino are taxable if the purchaser is not a member of the tribe that is operating the casino, but exempt if the purchaser is a tribal member.”

Finally, on property taxes, the LFB writes, “Casinos owned by Native Americans are exempt from the property tax.”

To re-cap, Wisconsin businesses pay a higher tax rate than the rate Ho-Chunk and other tribes pay the state from their earnings. The tribes do not pay sales taxes or property taxes.

At first blush, the amount of the payments being made to the state through negotiated compacts may sound sizeable. However, there are significant societal costs due to gambling.

Serious problem gamblers lose or quit their jobs, steal money to support their gambling habit, think about and actually plan suicide, and some even make suicide attempts. Children of problem gamblers develop behavior and adjustment problems suffering from depression, anxiety, and cynicism.

The Wisconsin Council on Problem Gambling Helpline Executive Director Rose Gruber says the average debt of callers to her hotline during 2007 was $43,000, up from $37,000 during 2006. Wisconsin has over 332,000 serious problem gamblers reported during 2007, up from 265,000 the previous year.

A Wisconsin Policy Research Institute study in 1996 reported the average serious problem gambler imposed costs close to $10,000 upon Wisconsin each year with a total annual social cost impact of over $307 million. The same study reports the average serious problem casino gambler imposed costs of over $10,000 upon Wisconsin each year with a total annual social cost impact of over $138 million.

The Ho-Chunk’s deal with the state can be renegotiated after 25 years. Meanwhile, for the next two and half decades, the Ho-Chunk can offer Las Vegas-style games at its casinos in Baraboo, Black River Falls, Nekoosa and Tomah. It operates a bingo parlor in Madison and a new casino is scheduled to open in Wittenburg in October.

Governor Doyle negotiated a deal that brings in less money at a smaller percentage to the state and allows huge expansion of gambling in the state.

New law requires carbon monoxide detectors

Mary Lazich — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 13:18:37 GMT

Carbon monoxide poisoning is one of the leading causes of accidental death in America.

A new Wisconsin law went into effect October 1, 2008 that requires carbon monoxide detectors be installed in most new residential construction units as of that date. The units include tourist cabins, bed and breakfast establishments, and any public building used for sleeping or lodging, such as hotels, motels, condominiums, apartment buildings, dormitories, fraternities, sororities, convents, seminaries, community-based residential facilities, and home shelters. Hospitals and nursing homes are exempt.

The law requires that the detectors be installed in existing residential buildings of the types mentioned above by April 1, 2010.

Carbon monoxide is without odor or color, making it difficult to realize when it has become a problem. Low levels of carbon monoxide poisoning can be confused with flu symptoms, food poisoning or other illnesses. If untreated, the symptoms can lead to long term health problems. Symptoms of low levels of carbon monoxide poisoning include shortness of breath, mild nausea, and mild headaches. Moderate levels of exposure can be fatal if symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, and light-headedness persist. High levels can cause death in a matter of minutes.

To help those suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning, get them outdoors immediately, or open all doors and windows. Get them to a hospital or emergency room as quickly as possible.

I voted in favor of Senate Bill 289 that was approved by the Legislature and signed into law. Here is a Legislative Council memo about Senate Bill 289 and details about the enacted law.

Audit finds state can’t collect damages for Social Security mess

Mary Lazich — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 20:43:00 GMT

Between December 2006 and January 2008, state government suffered three breaches of privacy when Social Security numbers were exposed to the public.

During January 2008, I blogged, “A third breach of privacy in just over a year also occurred this month with a portion of 5,000 taxpayers in northeastern Wisconsin having their Social Security numbers exposed in a state mailing. A folding error enabled some of the recipients' Social Security numbers to be seen in the windows of envelopes containing federal 1099-G tax forms.”

I remain unable to fathom a situation that it is necessary to publish the Social Security number of any recipient of a state service. The third breach of privacy that occurred earlier this year led to a review prepared by the state’s highly-regarded Legislative Audit Bureau (LAB).

Since April 2008, state law has directed the LAB to establish a toll-free hotline to take reports of fraud, waste, and mismanagement in state government and to investigate reports received through the hotline. The LAB started its investigation of the January 2008 breach of privacy in response to complaints that the state Department of Administration (DOA) had not used proper oversight of contract staff provided by Spherion for print and mail services. Complaints raised questions about workplace safety, a hostile work environment, and false billing hours. DOA reported that Spherion staff failed to notice the folding error that led to up to 5,000 tax forms mailed with Social Security numbers visible through envelope windows.

One of the LAB’s findings is unfortunate. The LAB discovered that the state’s contract with Spherion did not include any provisions to collect damages for instances like the breach of privacy.

The LAB writes, “The contract had no specific liquidated damage provisions, and DOA did not elect to pursue breach of contract damages from Spherion to pay the cost of addressing the security breach, including the cost of credit monitoring for affected taxpayers. DOA noted that it was not appropriate to require Spherion to pay for credit monitoring because it believes Spherion’s overall performance has been satisfactory and the number of documents affected represented a small percentage of the total number processed.”

As for preventing future blunders, the LAB writes, “DOA indicated that it has developed standard contract terms and conditions related to imposing liquidated damages and requiring contractors to pay the costs of security breaches for which they are responsible. It plans to encourage state agencies to incorporate these provisions into future contracts, where appropriate.”

The state’s contract with Spherion expires June 30, 2009, and DOA has begun a process to solicit bids during October or November of this year. The LAB calculates as much as $616,500 could be saved in the five-year period from fiscal year 2009-2010 through fiscal year 2013-2014 if state staff filled all print and mail positions currently filled by contract staff.

The LAB recommends that if DOA continues to contract for some or all print and mail staff in the future, billing procedures should be formalized, contractors should be prohibited from billing for time new staff are trained, and contracts should include standard provisions for damages if private information is disclosed.

The LAB did not substantiate any complaints about workplace safety, a hostile work environment, and fraudulent time recording by contract staff.

Here is the complete LAB report.

I commend the LAB for another outstanding review on behalf of Wisconsin taxpayers.

It’s that time: Watch out for deer

Mary Lazich — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 12:02:00 GMT

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) is issuing the following warning to motorists: Be extremely cautious the next several weeks. Here’s why:

“Deer will be abundant and their movement unpredictable along Wisconsin roadways in coming weeks.”

The risk for car-deer crashes increases this time of year. During fall, deer on the prowl to mate are active and while on the move often find their way in the path of vehicles. October is a bad month for deer collisions and so is November. The most commonly struck objects in Wisconsin crashes are, in this order, another vehicle, a fixed object, and deer.

As a motorcycle enthusiast, I especially want to emphasize this finding: Motorcycles were involved in 10 of the 14 fatal deer-vehicle crashes in Wisconsin during 2007.

Here is a press release from the DOT including advice about how to prevent car-deer crashes.

More want to vote early

Mary Lazich — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 15:31:00 GMT

I blogged during May about the trend of voting via the Post Office. As one election official put it, “There is no line at your mailbox.” Just how popular is the absentee ballot? The Associated press reports that nationwide, about a third of the electorate is expected to vote before Election Day, November 4, 2008.

The numbers show an increasing percentage of voters want to take advantage of the absentee ballot because they are travelling, they are elderly and have difficulty getting to the polls, the convenience of considering their choices in the comfortable confines of their home, or simply because they can. Many states, including Wisconsin, allow anyone to vote absentee, no questions asked.

During 2000, 16 percent of voters in the United States cast their ballots early. The number increased to 22 percent in 2004.

Statewide in Wisconsin, according the Government Accountability Board’s Kyle Richmond quoted by the Associated Press, about 365,000 people used absentee ballots or cast early votes at clerk’s offices in 2004, about 12 percent of the voting age population in the state. The number is expected to grow this year to 15 percent.

Voters who request an absentee ballot should start getting them in the mail the week of October 6, 2008. Here are details on obtaining an absentee ballot in Wisconsin.

Here is an Associated Press story on the popularity of Post Office voting.

Agreement needed to expand Wisconsin’s booming cranberry industry

Mary Lazich — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 22:05:00 GMT

Cranberries are big business in Wisconsin. Wisconsin Rapids now boasts having the largest cranberry producing plant in the world.

Our cranberry business could be even bigger if the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and cranberry growers can come to an agreement on expediting the permitting process to transform as many as 5,000 acres into cranberry bogs. An economic study prepared this year by University of Wisconsin economists has concluded that if Wisconsin’s cranberry industry were to add 5,000 new acres, the state would gain 1,115 new jobs and see an annual income increase of $75 million.

The CEO’s of Ocean Spray Cranberries and Cliffstar Corporation, two large and significant buyers of Wisconsin cranberries, have been discussing speeding up the process with Governor Doyle and the DNR so that cranberry expansion can take place in Wisconsin. Failure to come up with an agreement could send the cranberry companies to seek land in Canada, taking all the jobs and income that go along with the expanded fruit production.

A greater global demand for cranberries has necessitated the call for more bogs. The United States is exporting 30% of its crop to places like the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, China, and South Korea.

Wisconsin is an ideal place to grow and harvest cranberries and expand production. The state understands the business and already has plants in operation. Canada has plenty of land to convert into bogs, but lacks Wisconsin’s knowledge of the industry and processing plants.

Cultivating cranberries is time-consuming. The time it takes from beginning work on the land to the actual harvest is usually about three years. Add on the two-year permitting process in Wisconsin and one can understand the concerns of cranberry companies who can’t wait that long to satisfy global demand.

What is the hang-up? Some portions of the land that would be included in the Wisconsin expansion contain wetlands. Environmental groups are worried the wetlands will be destroyed. The CEO’s of Ocean Spray and Cliffstar insist they will replace any wetlands converted into cranberry bogs.

There is not a state in the entire country that produces more cranberries than Wisconsin. The Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association reports the cranberry is the state’s number one fruit in both value and acreage, providing an annual $350 million boost to the state economy and 7,200 jobs in Wisconsin. The Association also says in order to meet the rising worldwide demand for cranberries, an additional 110 million pounds, or 5,000 acres of berries must be produced in the next 5-10 years.

Wisconsin has a golden opportunity to expand one of our most successful industries, create jobs, and benefit the state economy. The Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune reports there is progress in talks between the state and cranberry executives. I urge the involved parties to come to a mutual agreement soon that will be in the best interests of all, especially Wisconsin’s lucrative cranberry industry.

This summer, I blogged that the Wisconsin blueberry is a superfood. The Wisconsin cranberry is also a superfood with many health benefits.

Mayor Tom Barrett’s sudden concern about a Great Lakes issue

Mary Lazich — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 21:28:21 GMT

What is going on inside Milwaukee City Hall? It seems Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett has suddenly become worried about the fact that Chicago is discharging large amounts of sewer overflow into Lake Michigan.

Last week, Mayor Barrett wrote a letter to U.S. Congressman Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) expressing his concerns about, “the amount of the overflows reported by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago which were estimated at 99 billion gallons” during a strong storm this month. Barrett continues:

“So, in this one September storm alone, Chicago released five times more combined sewage than Milwaukee has released in 14 years. Additionally, Chicago is perhaps the only community that can have overflows that go both east and west into different watersheds (Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River) at the same time. Chicago has dozens of combined sewer overflows every year into the Mississippi basin – the source of drinking water for millions of people. Chicago is also the only city on the Great Lakes that does not disinfect its wastewater.”

I commend Mayor Barrett for writing the letter; however, I have two questions for Mayor Barrett:

1) Where have you been?

Chicago’s dumping of vast amounts of sewage into Lake Michigan should come as no surprise. Historically, Chicago has more or less been able to do whatever it wants about Lake Michigan, regardless of the circumstances or consequences.

Take, for instance, Chicago’s diversion of water from the Great Lakes.

The Illinois-Michigan Canal was opened to shipping traffic in 1848, the same year Wisconsin entered the Union. Every day, 64.6 million gallons of water was diverted from Lake Michigan at Chicago through the Chicago and Illinois Rivers to the Mississippi River.

The Windy City’s sewage poured into the Chicago River and then into Lake Michigan, Chicago’s drinking water source. As a result, in 1885, over 10 percent of Chicago’s population, 90,000 people died from cholera.

Since then, the amount of water in the Chicago diversion has grown substantially, even beyond the limit imposed by a 1967 U.S. Supreme Court ruling. The Chicago diversion was not only in direct defiance of the high court, but is, today, the largest diversion out of the Great Lakes Basin. The other Great Lakes states voiced concern, leading to a battle in federal court.

Illinois agreed to reduce the outtake of water from Lake Michigan to the amount set by previous court decisions. The other states agreed not to take legal action for previous Illinois violations. What a sweet deal Illinois received. At a time when Wisconsin communities are desperate for water, today, millions of northeast Illinois residents that live outside the Great Lakes Basin have access to Lake Michigan water because of the Chicago diversion.

With that history in mind, I am not surprised at Chicago’s recent dumping of sewage into Lake Michigan.

2) If this so concerns you, Mayor Barrett, why didn’t you raise these issues during the time you so vigorously lobbied for approval of the Great Lakes Compact?

I thought, listening to officials like Mayor Barrett that the Compact was going to resolve these issues, protect our resource, and prohibit the kind of harmful action Chicago took. Throughout the entire process, I never heard Mayor Barrett voice any objections about the questionable Chicago sweet diversion deal or the city’s dumping of sewage into Lake Michigan.

During the lengthy deliberations about the Great Lakes Compact, I made it clear that despite my reservations, I supported an effective document that was good for the Great Lakes, the state of Wisconsin, and would preserve our greatest natural resource.

Time and time again, I heard Compact proponents make the case that the Compact would address the water needs of New Berlin. The conventional wisdom was that the Compact needed to be approved quickly, and if it was, New Berlin’s water woes would be taken care of. Making those arguments were city of Milwaukee officials from Mayor Tom Barrett on down. They claimed the city of Milwaukee would no longer have issues with New Berlin getting water if Wisconsin would simply okay the Compact. City of Milwaukee officials even threatened to withhold the sale of water to New Berlin until the Compact was approved by the Legislature.

What happened? Wisconsin approved the Compact, but for the city of Milwaukee, on this critical public health issue, it remained business as usual, as it imposed a hefty price tag for a community in desperate need of water. For the city of Milwaukee, it was never about the Compact. It was and remains a question of money and control over a suburb to the west.

It appears Tom Barrett, who argued long and hard that the Compact needed to be approved as quickly as possible, and even used precious water as a negotiating chip, believes Congress needs to be aware of a serious problem in the Great Lakes Basin. Maybe Mayor Barrett should have thought about that before his rush to judgment.

Congratulations Muskego carp shooters!

Mary Lazich — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 20:05:17 GMT

Congratulations to the Little Muskego Lake Association (LMLA) on having a very successful carp shoot on September 20, 2008. Approximately 100 fish were removed from Little Muskego Lake. When the carp shoots from the spring are factored in, a total of approximately 630 carp were removed from Little Muskego Lake during 2008. Carp shoots provide great environmental benefits, including making the water clearer and improving the populations of other fish.

Ridding our waters of carp is critical. During the early 1900’s, biologists discovered carp were filling waterways to the point of crowding out other more prized game fish. Carp are known as bottom feeders. They literally suck up mud and spit it out before selecting their food from the water. The carp cause sediment to stir up resulting in poor water conditions and feeding problems for desirable fish.

Carp eggs stick like heavy-duty industrial strength glue so it can get quite messy. Carp shooters are a special breed of people, willing to get down and dirty to help the environment.

The carp shoot was truly a team effort. Organizers made perfect plans. Crews removed floating weeds on the lake. Police patrolled in two shifts. The event went off without complaints or problems as all riparians gave their full cooperation and support. Videographers captured the carp shoot for broadcast on Madison’s Fox Channel affiliate in October.

Little Muskego Lake got a big boost in quality thanks to everyone who played a part in this successful event. Congratulations carp shooters for your contribution to our environment and quality of life!

Slowing down on roundabouts

Mary Lazich — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 17:33:32 GMT

The state of Wisconsin seems to be on a roundabout binge. The philosophy of the state Department of Transportation (DOT) is that whenever major intersection improvements on state roads or four-way stops are planned, the installation of roundabouts must be considered. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported on August 24, 2008 that statewide, there are 58 roundabouts open on state and local roads, seven to 10 more are scheduled to open by the end of the construction season, and 140 or more are in various planning stages.

Before the state proceeds with its plan to blanket roadways with roundabouts, it should slow down and I have made that request to the DOT. I have also asked the DOT to rethink the roundabout at Racine Avenue and I-43 in Muskego because of concerns with the roundabout at I-43 and Moorland Road in New Berlin.

The design at the New Berlin roundabout left much to be desired with poor signage and lane markings. There have been a number of accidents at the roundabout, not to mention a high level of anxiety and frustration. There are also complaints about the roundabout on Drexel Avenue in Franklin near Highway 100 and the new Shoppes at Wyndham Village.

Some of my constituents that have corresponded with me about roundabouts have been receptive to the roundabout concept. They agree with the DOT that roundabouts improve safety and reduce crashes. The DOT contends, “Roundabouts move traffic safely through an intersection because of slower speeds, fewer conflict points, and decision-making. Studies by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety show that roundabouts provide a 90% reduction in fatal crashes, 76% reduction in injury crashes, 30-40% reduction in pedestrian crashes, and a 10% reduction in bicycle crashes.”

However, constituents I have heard from angrily oppose roundabouts. I am very concerned about the danger posed by roundabouts resulting in accidents. There are other concerns including poor signage and lane markings that I have already indicated. What about semi-trailer trucks? The configuration of roundabouts makes it extremely difficult for semi-trailers, long trucks, campers, and cars with boats to successfully negotiate the turns.

Proponents at the DOT suggest frustrated motorists, in time, and with more education will learn to accept roundabouts. How does DOT adequately train the masses, the vast number of motorists on our roadways? Most of them will never get their hands on a DOT brochure or see a roundabout video on the DOT website.

That is why I suggest the state put the brakes on roundabouts until the kinks can be worked out. The idea is to improve all aspects of roundabouts: design, safety, ease of use. The DOT should bring together special study groups of designers, engineers, and importantly motorists to determine the best model for roundabouts. I have asked the DOT to conduct simulations with a cross-section of Wisconsin drivers and cross-section of vehicles before proceeding further with roundabouts.

Until then, the state should put away the plans to build more and more because the current roundabout design at I-43 and Moorland Road is not ready for prime

Major Election Day problems ahead

Mary Lazich — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 20:30:00 GMT

On February 4, 2008, I agreed with pessimistic forecast that there would be major problems with our elections this year. My blog quoted Dr. Robert A. Pastor, director of the Center for Democracy and Election Management at American University in Washington, DC:

“Voters are likely to face hassles with registration lists and voting machines. Poll workers will remain under-trained and overworked. Election management remains under the thumb of partisan officials, and voter identification is likely to remain problematic. 2008 is unlikely to be an improvement over 2006.”

You can read my entire blog here.

Seven months later, the Washington Post concurs, reporting that, “election officials across the country are bracing for long lines, equipment failures and confusion over polling procedures that could cost thousands the chance to cast a ballot.”

The tragedy is that Wisconsin does not require photo ID’s to vote. Governor Doyle and state Senate Democrats killed any chance of a photo ID requirement being in place for the critical November elections when the governor vetoed photo ID legislation three times and Senate Democrats refused to allow a vote on a photo ID constitutional amendment. A common sense photo ID requirement would not be an obstacle to voting or hamper the process. Such a law would be a great step in cleaning up an election system in disrepair.

Photo ID opponents in Wisconsin, albeit a minority, got their wish. Even so, it appears there are going to be many problems on Election Day, here and across the country.

Clarifying the Move Over Law

Mary Lazich — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 19:22:00 GMT

On January 24, 2007, I blogged about Wisconsin’s new Move Over Law:

“Wisconsin has a Move Over Law that requires drivers to move over or slow down for emergency and maintenance vehicles. The law says that a motorist must ‘move the motor vehicle into a lane that is not the lane nearest the parked or standing vehicle or machinery and continue traveling in that lane until safely clear of the vehicle or machinery.’ It also requires that a motorist ‘slow the motor vehicle, maintaining a safe speed for traffic conditions, and operate the motor vehicle at a reduced speed until completely past the vehicle or machinery.’”

Despite the law being in effect for almost 20 months, it seems many Wisconsin motorists are unaware of the details. The state Department of Transportation informs me that there has been compliance by motorists with emergency vehicles. However, many motorists are not slowing down for maintenance vehicles as required under the Move Over Law.

So, please, move over for emergency and maintenance vehicles. It’s the law.

The Obama tax shift

Mary Lazich — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 13:35:00 GMT

Barack Obama’s policies on taxes are difficult to determine. They keep changing all the time. Thankfully, the Wall Street Journal has been keeping track.

First there was what the Journal calls ObamaTax 1.0. Obama would end the Bush tax cuts, raise the cap on wages that come under the payroll tax, place the top marginal rate at 39.8 percent, and increase rates on capital gains and dividends.

This summer came ObamaTax 2.0. Obama changed his position by lowering the top rate on capital gains.

Now with John McCain and election ads pummeling Obama as a tax-raiser, Obama has revised his tax strategy again. Under ObamaTax 3.0, if the economy is still sputtering at the beginning of 2009, President Obama might, the operative word being might, forego all of his earlier proposals calling for big increases.

There is plenty of uncertainty when it comes to Barack Obama’s intentions on taxes. The only certainty appears to be that taxes will go up, and go up a lot.

Here is the Wall Street Journal article.

Meanwhile, the Washington Post reports John McCain is delivering a simple, easy to understand message on taxes.

The government knows how much you’re driving

Mary Lazich — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 02:27:44 GMT

This isn’t exactly a news bulletin.

The Federal Highway Administration (FHA) reports, “Since last November, Americans have driven 53.2 billion miles less than they did over the same period a year earlier – topping the 1970s' total decline of 49.3 billion miles. Americans drove 4.7 percent less, or 12.2 billion miles fewer, in June 2008 than June 2007. The decline is most evident in rural travel, which has fallen by 4 percent – compared to the 1.2 percent decline in urban miles traveled – since the trend began last November.”

Here is the news release from the FHA.

The reasons for the decline are obvious and indisputable: high gasoline prices and a sluggish economy. But how does the federal government know the decline between November 2007 and June 2008 is 53.2 billion miles? How does the federal government arrive at the figure?

The answer is a matter of modern technology and mathematics. States have installed special sensors on our roadways that can determine the amount and size of cars. The data is sent to the feds every month and they do the math.

Read about it in Slate.

State help for job seekers

Mary Lazich — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 23:12:39 GMT

The state of Wisconsin has an online job center to assist the unemployed find work. The website operated by the state Department of Workforce Development features county-by-county job listings, job fair postings, and assistance for creating quality resumes. For employers, the website has a search feature to help them find applicants qualified for their open positions.

You can visit the website here.

Reminder: Today is deadline to apply for flood assistance

Mary Lazich — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 14:24:38 GMT

If you want to apply to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for assistance for damages from June flooding, the deadline is today, September 15.

You can apply online here or call FEMA's toll free line at (800) 621-FEMA.

Deer hunting begins Saturday

Mary Lazich — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 20:20:00 GMT

As hard as it is to believe, deer hunting season in Wisconsin begins this weekend. Here are the season dates:

Bow - Sept. 13 - Nov. 20, 2008 and Dec. 1, 2008 - Jan. 4, 2009
Gun - Nov. 22 - Nov. 30, 2008
Muzzleloader - Dec. 1 - Dec. 10, 2008
Youth Deer Hunt - Oct. 11 & 12, 2008
Statewide Antlerless Hunt - Dec. 11 - Dec. 14, 2008

Department of Natural Resources (DNR) officials say as many as 1.7 million whitetail deer are currently roaming the Badger State, approximately the same figure as last year. Our severe winter may have claimed the lives of some deer in north central Wisconsin, but overall, the DNR says the state has more deer than the targeted population goals.

I wholeheartedly support our hunters and outdoor enthusiasts for not only promoting one of the state’s rich historical traditions but their involvement in critical wildlife management. Even Wisconsinites not hunting benefit from the tax revenue generated from hunters that purchase guns, ammunition and outdoor equipment.

Hunting is an integral element of American culture. Families by the millions engage in this recreational activity. Hunters have long demonstrated social responsibility through their continued support of wildlife management and conservation policies. Their activity has led directly to the funding of programs that have resulted in aiding and restoring the populations of ducks, turkeys, antelope, elk and deer.

Hunting has fed the hungry through thousands of pounds of donated game meat to programs for the poor.

There are fewer accidents involving crashes with wildlife because of hunters.

Hunting serves to teach responsible gun ownership. Rural residents are more apt to be hunters and violent crime rates are much lower in rural areas.

The benefits of hunting are many, and for that, Wisconsin owes a big thank you to all of our hunters.

Here’s to a very safe and successful 2008 deer hunting season!