(Author's note: Sorry for shifting "across borders". Some things just demand comment...)Having just digested the
Journal/Sentinel Editorial of Sept. 28’th, I was struck by the writer’s statement
“It's time for taxpayers to demand better.”I agree wholeheartedly, but not with the direction or tone of the JS editorial of September 28’th! And while I would be the first to encourage regional cooperation for economies and efficiencies, “be careful what you ask for”.
There are many contentious issues between the City and Town of Brookfield. The latest erupted over the City’s dismissal of future talks with the Town over shared fire services.
”He said - she said” is the mantra for the City Mayor’s public posturing in this case, and his decision demands public examination…
First, the
City is looking at (2) new stations , possibly on Calhoun Rd., at
a total cost of $5,000,000. This after “trying “ to work something out with neighboring communities. Don’t be misled - The “trying” consisted of “working” with the City of Pewaukee for (2) years, and then walking away because Pewaukee decided against staffing with full-timers. Imagine, (2) years to discover this deal-killing fact with Pewaukee!
Now to the Town and City of Brookfield - Before going further, imagine a birds-eye view of the entire Brookfield area. Put a pin on the City’s existing stations and now put one at the corner of Janacek and Bluemound to represent the Town’s location. Unlike the City’s aging, outmoded Fire Stations (again, per the article referred to earlier), the Town’s is a relatively new, modern facility. Wouldn’t common sense dictate the Town’s location be an asset for shared coverage of the City’s western/southwestern area? NO!!
Mr. Marquardt, Mayor Speaker, and the Task Force’s latest proposal have moved on from discussion with the Town to (2) new stations of their own. What discussion?!? Mayor Speaker attended 1 out of 5 meetings between the Town and City. He alludes to the
City having made offers but the Town has rightfully challenged the City to produce a single document reflecting a formal offer. From the same Sept. 26’th article
“ However, Dean Marquardt, city director of administration, said city officials not only sat down to discuss the idea of sharing services, but also drew up figures on cost-savings for the town.” Mr. Marquardt; produce these documents now! Let the public in on these cost-savings for those of us in the Town. If your proposal shows savings are available w/o compromise of service to the Town, let our Town officials now be accountable to make a good, common-sense decision. If, on the other hand, there are no formal figures or correspondence to support your statement as well as this from the same article,
“"I think it was a fantastic opportunity for both communities," Marquardt said. "Both communities were going to benefit, and the town taxpayers were going to save a significant portion of money." maybe it’s time you were held accountable at a higher level. Spending the City’s money on new stations without full due-diligence and being somewhat disingenuous through the press to make your case is never good policy.
The Town of Brookfield, like the City, has excellent paramedic, EMT, fire and police services. Ask those of us who have used these services. Response times - great! Professionalism - top notch! And this quality has not suffered despite having had more then our share of turnover at the Town Chief’s position. And the Town does this in a responsible, cost-efficient manner.
The September 28’th JS editorial states
“If town officials insist on hanging on to their fiefdom, the city should do what it can to pursue a full-fledged annexation of the remaining town land.”Nice…Really nice…With any luck at all we Town minions will be allowed to “see the light and errors” of our free-spending ways. And then we too can help pay for the $5,000,000 cost of the new fire stations which will be built by then…
“It's time for taxpayers to demand better.”
