In Wisconsin, redistricting has been first and foremost initiated at the local level. This is consistent with our State constitution as amended in 1924 to declare Wisconsin a Home Rule State, reducing the role of the legislature in establishing the governing institutions of particular municipalities, and giving cities and villages increased authority to determine their own affairs.
Local governments take Home Rule seriously. That is why they work so hard in the redistricting process to incorporate census changes and to build upon communities of interest. Having served on Dane County’s Complete Census Count Committee, I can attest to the effort that went in to counting every individual so the most accurate information was available for redistricting efforts.
I want to be clear that the outrage I feel about the Republican redistricting effort being rushed through the legislature is not that they are trying to protect their own, the outrage is that it fundamentally changes the process from a bottom up to a top down effort. It takes what should be local decisions out of the hands of local representatives.
Representatives from local communities throughout Wisconsin testified in Madison at the one public hearing held on this topic that this will put a financial burden on the backs of local taxpayers and cause more voter confusion. The rush to get this changed reflects a total disrespect for the time and money already invested at the local level this year and has cost the state more than $500,000 – even though we’re broke. Lawsuits are sure to follow, with more money wasted.
Municipalities draw political boundaries to reflect neighborhood associations, municipal boundaries and other geographic features to have balanced representation and encourage voting. Districts with minority populations are formed to encourage minority representation and rural districts are maintained to give those areas a voice. It is only after local boundaries are drawn that the state aligns legislative districts to follow local boundaries.
Dane County, like other municipalities throughout the state, spent significant time and effort following the established process for defining these local boundaries. District 24 has been changed to better reflect the community of interest along Monona Drive. The new District 24 will include communities on both sides of Monona Drive. The area adjacent to Rimrock Road previously in the District will now be part of the district that includes Rimrock Road. That just makes sense from a community perspective. To see the new County Districts maps for Dane County, go to the Dane County website at: http://countyofdane.com/board/redistricting.aspx.
At the state level, the Republican proposal disregards Dane County’s efforts; it ignores communities of interests already defined at the local level, splits rural and urban districts, and disregards minority and other census changes. Worst of all, it takes away the ability of local governments to identify their communities of interest. In their proposed plan, Monona is no longer in District 48, but a newly defined District 47 – ranging from Monona to Verona Road, rural Fitchburg and all of McFarland.
I understand that desperate times call for desperate actions – but I hope the public sees what is happening and takes a step back and asks where does it end? How do we put integrity back into politics? How can we bring Wisconsin back to focus on what makes us strong – what has made this state a great state to live, raise a family, educate our children and have a high quality of life on a modest income?
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Saturday, November 27, 2010
County Budget balances taxes and programs
The week before Thanksgiving, the Dane County Board passed the 2011 budget with wide agreement on the tough choices that had to be made to fit government programs with taxpayer's ability to pay for them. All but 4 supervisors voted for the budget, which cut spending in some areas, maintained funding in other areas and increased funding for key investments. See the following for details:
Human Services: The board was able to maintain funding for key human services programs that support those with developmental disabilities, mental health, senior services and other support programs such as Joining Forces with Families - a critical program that works with families and is especially helpful to our school district which relies on these programs to help support kids in crisis. We also included funding for mental health services which should provide a lower cost option to sending clients to the very expensive Mendota Mental Health facility. Lastly, the Board approved replacing the Coroner witih a Medical Examiner, which should save money by being able to conduct autopsies in-house instead of paying for those to be conducted by outside providers and may be able to do autopsies for adjacent counties, bringing money into the county coffers.
Public Safety:
The county included $18 million in borrowing for the long-debated radio interoperability system. With more than 75% of the municipalities agreeing to share the operation and maintenance costs for this system, the county is moving forward to invest in the infrastructure and build the system that will allow police, fire, EMS and public works departments to all speak to each other during an emergency response. Construction will begin next year and the entire system will be in place by 2013.
The board also began implementing recommendations from the Sheriff's staffing study, which assessed the staffing levels within the Sheriff's Department. While the study showed significant over-staffing in some areas, it also identified areas where shifts in staffing were needed. Instead of implementing all of the recommendations at one time, which might have lead to significant disruptions in the department as well as significant lay-offs, the County Board was very careful to implement key recomendations by shifting some positions and cutting others in a way that resulted in no lay-offs but better use of our deputies. No cuts to rural patrol were made, although several community deputy positions were eliminated.
Economic Development:
The Board approved funding for several support staff for the Foreclosure Task Force, which helps homeowners avoid foreclosure and better understand options if they cannot, as well as staff support for the county economic development committee, which coordinates economic development for more than 60 communities within the county. This helps us compete on a regional basis for luring businesses to our area, such as the Spectrum Brands subsidiary which recently moved to De Forest instead of northern Illinois, bringing with it 50 jobs to the area.
Environmental Protection/Land Conservation:
Several programs were funded in this budget, including $830,000 for completion of the Lower Yahara River Bike Trail to McFarland, which will connect Lake Farm Park and the Capital City Bike Trail system to McFarland on a separate bridge with a wider base than the railroad trestle bridge. In addition, funds were set aside for use on demonstration projects in rural areas where homeowners living adjacent to water will need to comply with new state shoreland zoning laws. The budget also included a new position to help the county work with farmers and the Madison Metropolitan Sewage District to help reduce phosphorus levels upstream and avoid the costs for MMSD to reduce their phosphorus levels, since they discharge below the Yahara chain of lakes.
The board approved funding for the Lakes Legacy and Land Conservation programs to continue preserving key lands in Dane County that will help minimize flooding and expand on some of our critical open spaces. County staff are working with landowners and the state to maximize the use of shared funds and low land prices. For the past 2 years, land conservation funding has been frozen and very few projects have moved forward due to the economic downturn. The Board agreed to increase the funding, but continue to review each land purchase on a case-by-case basis to ensure it's the most appropriate and cost-effective use of those monies. The board also approved a new program called the Partners for Recreation and Conservation (PARC) fund, to be used to cost-share with local governments and non-profit organizations for recreational projects.
Transportation/Roads:
The county continues to fund road improvements including Monona Drive and other roads and bridges that are in need of expansion and repair.
Taxes:
So what does this mean to the average homeowner's taxes? The property tax levy increase based on this budget is 2.9%, meaning that the county portion of the property tax on the average home valued at $241,000 will increase by $29.47 to approximately $655. That $655 is what it costs to fund all county operations, including human service programs, the county jail, the county sheriff's office, parks, lake management and weed cutting, road construction, the county courthouse, and many other valued programs that the citizens of Dane County rely upon.
Human Services: The board was able to maintain funding for key human services programs that support those with developmental disabilities, mental health, senior services and other support programs such as Joining Forces with Families - a critical program that works with families and is especially helpful to our school district which relies on these programs to help support kids in crisis. We also included funding for mental health services which should provide a lower cost option to sending clients to the very expensive Mendota Mental Health facility. Lastly, the Board approved replacing the Coroner witih a Medical Examiner, which should save money by being able to conduct autopsies in-house instead of paying for those to be conducted by outside providers and may be able to do autopsies for adjacent counties, bringing money into the county coffers.
Public Safety:
The county included $18 million in borrowing for the long-debated radio interoperability system. With more than 75% of the municipalities agreeing to share the operation and maintenance costs for this system, the county is moving forward to invest in the infrastructure and build the system that will allow police, fire, EMS and public works departments to all speak to each other during an emergency response. Construction will begin next year and the entire system will be in place by 2013.
The board also began implementing recommendations from the Sheriff's staffing study, which assessed the staffing levels within the Sheriff's Department. While the study showed significant over-staffing in some areas, it also identified areas where shifts in staffing were needed. Instead of implementing all of the recommendations at one time, which might have lead to significant disruptions in the department as well as significant lay-offs, the County Board was very careful to implement key recomendations by shifting some positions and cutting others in a way that resulted in no lay-offs but better use of our deputies. No cuts to rural patrol were made, although several community deputy positions were eliminated.
Economic Development:
The Board approved funding for several support staff for the Foreclosure Task Force, which helps homeowners avoid foreclosure and better understand options if they cannot, as well as staff support for the county economic development committee, which coordinates economic development for more than 60 communities within the county. This helps us compete on a regional basis for luring businesses to our area, such as the Spectrum Brands subsidiary which recently moved to De Forest instead of northern Illinois, bringing with it 50 jobs to the area.
Environmental Protection/Land Conservation:
Several programs were funded in this budget, including $830,000 for completion of the Lower Yahara River Bike Trail to McFarland, which will connect Lake Farm Park and the Capital City Bike Trail system to McFarland on a separate bridge with a wider base than the railroad trestle bridge. In addition, funds were set aside for use on demonstration projects in rural areas where homeowners living adjacent to water will need to comply with new state shoreland zoning laws. The budget also included a new position to help the county work with farmers and the Madison Metropolitan Sewage District to help reduce phosphorus levels upstream and avoid the costs for MMSD to reduce their phosphorus levels, since they discharge below the Yahara chain of lakes.
The board approved funding for the Lakes Legacy and Land Conservation programs to continue preserving key lands in Dane County that will help minimize flooding and expand on some of our critical open spaces. County staff are working with landowners and the state to maximize the use of shared funds and low land prices. For the past 2 years, land conservation funding has been frozen and very few projects have moved forward due to the economic downturn. The Board agreed to increase the funding, but continue to review each land purchase on a case-by-case basis to ensure it's the most appropriate and cost-effective use of those monies. The board also approved a new program called the Partners for Recreation and Conservation (PARC) fund, to be used to cost-share with local governments and non-profit organizations for recreational projects.
Transportation/Roads:
The county continues to fund road improvements including Monona Drive and other roads and bridges that are in need of expansion and repair.
Taxes:
So what does this mean to the average homeowner's taxes? The property tax levy increase based on this budget is 2.9%, meaning that the county portion of the property tax on the average home valued at $241,000 will increase by $29.47 to approximately $655. That $655 is what it costs to fund all county operations, including human service programs, the county jail, the county sheriff's office, parks, lake management and weed cutting, road construction, the county courthouse, and many other valued programs that the citizens of Dane County rely upon.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
I'm excited to return to the County Board and continue working hard for District 24. At the first Board meeting of the new session, I was elected to the leadership position of Second Vice-Chair, following Scott McDonell as Chair and John Hendrick as Vice Chair. I was also re-appointed to the Public Works and Transportation Committee, the Environmental Council and the Green Energy/Green Jobs Subcommittee.
Although I was also appointed to serve on the Lakes and Watershed Commission, an objection was raised to that appointment. The law that established the Commission states that Supervisors appointed to the Commission must represent a District that is either entirely inside the City of Madison, or entirely outside the City of Madison. District 24 includes all of the City of Monona plus 1 ward in the Town of Madison and the City of Madison. I'm optimistic that Senator Miller and Representative Parisi will be able to modify that law so that I may serve on the Commission in the future.
There's been some talk about a referendum asking voters if they want to increase sales tax by 1/2 of 1 percent to pay for commuter rail. I oppose that suggestion because it causes confusion with the upcoming RTA referendum which will outline a specific proposal for regional transit and an appropriate sales tax increase of up to 1/2 of 1 percent to pay for that system. We need enhanced bus transit in Monona and many other communities served by the RTA and the voters in those communities will have an opportunity to vote for their transit future.
As the summer winds down, the budget season quickly approaches and I will continue to post information about the budget. We will be looking at a lower cost interoperable radio system upgrade, recommendations from the Sheriff Staffing Report and other opportunities to keep our budget in check. Many of us have placed a high priority at increasing our reserve fund which was depleted when the economic downturn was at its worst.
As always, feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns about the county or any issue before the County Board.
Although I was also appointed to serve on the Lakes and Watershed Commission, an objection was raised to that appointment. The law that established the Commission states that Supervisors appointed to the Commission must represent a District that is either entirely inside the City of Madison, or entirely outside the City of Madison. District 24 includes all of the City of Monona plus 1 ward in the Town of Madison and the City of Madison. I'm optimistic that Senator Miller and Representative Parisi will be able to modify that law so that I may serve on the Commission in the future.
There's been some talk about a referendum asking voters if they want to increase sales tax by 1/2 of 1 percent to pay for commuter rail. I oppose that suggestion because it causes confusion with the upcoming RTA referendum which will outline a specific proposal for regional transit and an appropriate sales tax increase of up to 1/2 of 1 percent to pay for that system. We need enhanced bus transit in Monona and many other communities served by the RTA and the voters in those communities will have an opportunity to vote for their transit future.
As the summer winds down, the budget season quickly approaches and I will continue to post information about the budget. We will be looking at a lower cost interoperable radio system upgrade, recommendations from the Sheriff Staffing Report and other opportunities to keep our budget in check. Many of us have placed a high priority at increasing our reserve fund which was depleted when the economic downturn was at its worst.
As always, feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns about the county or any issue before the County Board.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
2010 Endorsements
Please Vote on April 6th!
I'm humbled by the many groups and individuals who have endorsed me as District 24 County Board Supervisor. I believe these endorsements reflect the work, transparency and accountability I bring to this position. I look forward to representing District 24 for another 2 years with the confidence of the voters of District 24.
Here's what some of my supporters say:
State Senator Mark Miller (former District 24 County Board Supervisor):
"Robin is a stong advocate for District 24. Her common sense approach combined with her knowledge of the issues makes her a great supervisor!"
Monona Mayor Robb Kahl:
"Supervisor Robin Schmidt keeps us informed on county issues and works hard to represent the needs of District 24."
Bob Miller (former Monona Alder):
"Robin stands up for District 24 when it comes to our lakes - she makes sure efforts to minimize flooding continue and works hard to improve water quality. We need Robin's continued work on our behalf."
Principal Ann Schroeder (Maywood and Winnequah Schools):
"Robin listened to our concerns and maintained funding for the Joining Forces for Families program that partners with our schools to support families in crisis."
Sheriff Dave Mahoney:
"Robin's support of critical public safety programs including full funding for the 911 center means we can continue to keep Dane County a safe place for all citizens."
Wisconsin State Journal:
"Robin Schmidt's background as a hydrologist helps her represent this district along Lake Monona well. During her first term on the board she pressed for better lake management to ease flooding. She also sees regional cooperation on transportation as key to providing Monona with better bus service."
And the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce says:
"(She) possess[es] strong skills and would understand business-related issues"
Other elected officials that endorse me include:
Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz
Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk
Dane County District Attorney Brian Blanchard
State Representative Joe Parisi
Other groups that have endorsed me include:
Sierra Club (with a 91% voting approval record)
AFSCME-People
South Central Federation of Labor
Dane County Democrats
Madison Firefighters Local 311
Fair Wisconsin
Building and Trades Council of South Central Wisconsin
I thank the many, many individuals in District 24 who trust in me to represent them on the Dane County Board and vote for my re-election on April 6th!
I'm humbled by the many groups and individuals who have endorsed me as District 24 County Board Supervisor. I believe these endorsements reflect the work, transparency and accountability I bring to this position. I look forward to representing District 24 for another 2 years with the confidence of the voters of District 24.
Here's what some of my supporters say:
State Senator Mark Miller (former District 24 County Board Supervisor):
"Robin is a stong advocate for District 24. Her common sense approach combined with her knowledge of the issues makes her a great supervisor!"
Monona Mayor Robb Kahl:
"Supervisor Robin Schmidt keeps us informed on county issues and works hard to represent the needs of District 24."
Bob Miller (former Monona Alder):
"Robin stands up for District 24 when it comes to our lakes - she makes sure efforts to minimize flooding continue and works hard to improve water quality. We need Robin's continued work on our behalf."
Principal Ann Schroeder (Maywood and Winnequah Schools):
"Robin listened to our concerns and maintained funding for the Joining Forces for Families program that partners with our schools to support families in crisis."
Sheriff Dave Mahoney:
"Robin's support of critical public safety programs including full funding for the 911 center means we can continue to keep Dane County a safe place for all citizens."
Wisconsin State Journal:
"Robin Schmidt's background as a hydrologist helps her represent this district along Lake Monona well. During her first term on the board she pressed for better lake management to ease flooding. She also sees regional cooperation on transportation as key to providing Monona with better bus service."
And the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce says:
"(She) possess[es] strong skills and would understand business-related issues"
Other elected officials that endorse me include:
Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz
Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk
Dane County District Attorney Brian Blanchard
State Representative Joe Parisi
Other groups that have endorsed me include:
Sierra Club (with a 91% voting approval record)
AFSCME-People
South Central Federation of Labor
Dane County Democrats
Madison Firefighters Local 311
Fair Wisconsin
Building and Trades Council of South Central Wisconsin
I thank the many, many individuals in District 24 who trust in me to represent them on the Dane County Board and vote for my re-election on April 6th!
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Wisconsin State Journal Questionnaire
The Wisconsin State Journal sent candidates for the County Board a series of questions and asked for our responses (limited to 100 words per question). Below are those questions and my responses to them. For some of the questions, it was very difficult to limit the response to 100 words, so if you want further explanation, please don't hesitate to contact me!
Why should voters elect you to the Dane County Board?
My experience with government and businesses and my education as a professional hydrologist help me find solutions to district problems including lake management and flooding. I am informed on issues, effective in my position and accessible to my constituents. My ability to learn quickly and work with others helped me achieve leadersip positions on the Metropolitan Planning Organization, Public Works/Transportation Committee and Green Energy/Green Jobs subcommittee. Through newsletters and articles, I helped make county government more transparent. My constituents know me, my family and my values, and know I work hard representing their interests on the County Board.
Why shouldn't voters elect your opponent?
Voters should elect the candidate they believe most effectively represents their interests and values, best understands the district's needs, and has a record of community involvement. Because District 24 represents all of Monona and a part of Madison, my history of living in both communities gives me a better understanding of the District's needs (my opponent lives in Madison). While many issues affect both communities, such as ensuring adequate public safety and human services programs, Monona has significant needs for enhanced bus service and is impacted by flooding - both issues for which I have a proven record and experience.
What is the single most important issue for your District? How would you address it?
Meeting the County's and District's diverse needs while maintaining fiscal restraints is the main issue constituents raise when I go to their doors. They want improved lake quality and minimized flooding. School administrators and police asked me to maintain critical public safety programs and human services safety nets that help them and the community. And everyone wants expanded bus service that supports local businesses and workers. We can meet the county's needs in a fiscally responsible way with greater use of IT, establishing the RTA, eliminating unnecessary positions, increasing tax collections, improving energy efficiency and minimizing spending on capitol projects.
How would you describe your political views on a scale of 1 - 6 with 1 being very liberal and 6 being very conservative (no decimals please)?
I consider myself a moderate 3 on the above scale. I support family values, providing for those in need, ensuring public safety and protecting our natural resources while balancing the budget in a fiscally responsible manner. Regardless of political views, my constituents want collaboration, cooperation and communication with all members of the Board because we all have contributions and expertise that will result in better decisions for the county. I believe in government transparancy, which is why I write articles for local paper and homeowners association newsletters, update my blog and send out a newsletter highlighting issues of concern.
In the wake of a national recession, Dane County is projecting to end 2009 with its reserve fund in deficit. As a result, the County has increased property taxes 7.9% while cutting salaries and funding for human services agencies. What steps should the county take to regain its financial footing?
The county needs to pursue a multi-step approach to long term fiscal health: maximizing private/public partnerships where possible; minimizing operational costs to the extent possible; enhancing property tax collection efforts; scrutinizing capital projects; lobbying our state leaders to support necessary local programs; pursuing state and federal grants including stimulus funding; working with our POS agencies to find administrative savings and continue to scrutinize each line in the budget. We need to increase the general fund so that the county can regain its high bond rating, continue to freeze or eliminate low-priority positions, and generate new revenue wherever possible.
Did the Dane County Board make the right decision in authorizing the creation of the Regional Transit Authority? Why or why not?
My constituents consistently tell me they want expanded bus service to allow them to travel to MATC, downtown and other parts of the greater Madison area. The creation of the RTA will enable expanded bus service that has not previously been possible when each municipality negotiates its own service individually. While the statute authorizing the RTA may not be perfect, the time is right for building an enhanced bus transit system for the metropolitan area. Establishing the RTA allows a specific proposal to be developed and put on a referendum for the voters to decide the future of integrated transit.
In the last 2 years, the Dane County Conservation Fund has been funded at its highest level ($7.5 million) and it's lowest level ($1 million?) since voters in 1999 agreed the county should spend $30 million on parks and open space purchases over 10 years. How much should Dane County add to the Conservation Fund in future years (please give a specific annual amount)? Why?
$30 million/10 years equates to $3 million/year - slightly less than the last 2 year average. The public continues to support the Conservation Fund and I believe they would support $20 million over the next 10 years, assuming the economic downturn reverses. The public recognizes that during economic downturns, lower land values can result in opportunities for land purchases that may not have previously been affordable. A temporary moratorium on capital spending with exceptions considered on a case by case basis will limit purchases in these difficult times yet enable us to take advantage of unique opportunities.
Dane County plans to build a $30 million interoperable radio system with an annual maintenance cost of $1.6 million. Should Dane County be responsible for paying the entire annual upkeep? If not, how much should cities, villages, towns and other users contribute?
The costs for operating and maintaining the system should be usage and number of radios and controlled at the local level. If the county pays 100% operation and maintenance my district loses in 2 ways - they no longer have a voice in system operation nor do they have control over cost. We would be subsidizing larger municipalities' use of the system. That's why I support the County levy paying $30 + million for building the system and half of the operation and maintenance fee for 2013 and then each community joining the system pays their costs for using the system.
Following the 2o10 census, the County Board will have the option of redistricting and changing its size. How many members should the County Board have?
The issue is whether Supervisors serve part-time as "local" representatives, or become full-time politicians representing larger geographic areas. I represent approximately 12,000 constituents and can respond to inquiries in a timely manner as well as serve on 6 committees - about the maximum for a part-time position. Most Supervisors have full-time jobs in addition to serving on the Board. While some minimal reduction may be warranted, significantly decreasing the size of the board means the board more mimics the legislature with full-time members. I believe my constituents are better represented by a local community member than a full-time politician.
Why should voters elect you to the Dane County Board?
My experience with government and businesses and my education as a professional hydrologist help me find solutions to district problems including lake management and flooding. I am informed on issues, effective in my position and accessible to my constituents. My ability to learn quickly and work with others helped me achieve leadersip positions on the Metropolitan Planning Organization, Public Works/Transportation Committee and Green Energy/Green Jobs subcommittee. Through newsletters and articles, I helped make county government more transparent. My constituents know me, my family and my values, and know I work hard representing their interests on the County Board.
Why shouldn't voters elect your opponent?
Voters should elect the candidate they believe most effectively represents their interests and values, best understands the district's needs, and has a record of community involvement. Because District 24 represents all of Monona and a part of Madison, my history of living in both communities gives me a better understanding of the District's needs (my opponent lives in Madison). While many issues affect both communities, such as ensuring adequate public safety and human services programs, Monona has significant needs for enhanced bus service and is impacted by flooding - both issues for which I have a proven record and experience.
What is the single most important issue for your District? How would you address it?
Meeting the County's and District's diverse needs while maintaining fiscal restraints is the main issue constituents raise when I go to their doors. They want improved lake quality and minimized flooding. School administrators and police asked me to maintain critical public safety programs and human services safety nets that help them and the community. And everyone wants expanded bus service that supports local businesses and workers. We can meet the county's needs in a fiscally responsible way with greater use of IT, establishing the RTA, eliminating unnecessary positions, increasing tax collections, improving energy efficiency and minimizing spending on capitol projects.
How would you describe your political views on a scale of 1 - 6 with 1 being very liberal and 6 being very conservative (no decimals please)?
I consider myself a moderate 3 on the above scale. I support family values, providing for those in need, ensuring public safety and protecting our natural resources while balancing the budget in a fiscally responsible manner. Regardless of political views, my constituents want collaboration, cooperation and communication with all members of the Board because we all have contributions and expertise that will result in better decisions for the county. I believe in government transparancy, which is why I write articles for local paper and homeowners association newsletters, update my blog and send out a newsletter highlighting issues of concern.
In the wake of a national recession, Dane County is projecting to end 2009 with its reserve fund in deficit. As a result, the County has increased property taxes 7.9% while cutting salaries and funding for human services agencies. What steps should the county take to regain its financial footing?
The county needs to pursue a multi-step approach to long term fiscal health: maximizing private/public partnerships where possible; minimizing operational costs to the extent possible; enhancing property tax collection efforts; scrutinizing capital projects; lobbying our state leaders to support necessary local programs; pursuing state and federal grants including stimulus funding; working with our POS agencies to find administrative savings and continue to scrutinize each line in the budget. We need to increase the general fund so that the county can regain its high bond rating, continue to freeze or eliminate low-priority positions, and generate new revenue wherever possible.
Did the Dane County Board make the right decision in authorizing the creation of the Regional Transit Authority? Why or why not?
My constituents consistently tell me they want expanded bus service to allow them to travel to MATC, downtown and other parts of the greater Madison area. The creation of the RTA will enable expanded bus service that has not previously been possible when each municipality negotiates its own service individually. While the statute authorizing the RTA may not be perfect, the time is right for building an enhanced bus transit system for the metropolitan area. Establishing the RTA allows a specific proposal to be developed and put on a referendum for the voters to decide the future of integrated transit.
In the last 2 years, the Dane County Conservation Fund has been funded at its highest level ($7.5 million) and it's lowest level ($1 million?) since voters in 1999 agreed the county should spend $30 million on parks and open space purchases over 10 years. How much should Dane County add to the Conservation Fund in future years (please give a specific annual amount)? Why?
$30 million/10 years equates to $3 million/year - slightly less than the last 2 year average. The public continues to support the Conservation Fund and I believe they would support $20 million over the next 10 years, assuming the economic downturn reverses. The public recognizes that during economic downturns, lower land values can result in opportunities for land purchases that may not have previously been affordable. A temporary moratorium on capital spending with exceptions considered on a case by case basis will limit purchases in these difficult times yet enable us to take advantage of unique opportunities.
Dane County plans to build a $30 million interoperable radio system with an annual maintenance cost of $1.6 million. Should Dane County be responsible for paying the entire annual upkeep? If not, how much should cities, villages, towns and other users contribute?
The costs for operating and maintaining the system should be usage and number of radios and controlled at the local level. If the county pays 100% operation and maintenance my district loses in 2 ways - they no longer have a voice in system operation nor do they have control over cost. We would be subsidizing larger municipalities' use of the system. That's why I support the County levy paying $30 + million for building the system and half of the operation and maintenance fee for 2013 and then each community joining the system pays their costs for using the system.
Following the 2o10 census, the County Board will have the option of redistricting and changing its size. How many members should the County Board have?
The issue is whether Supervisors serve part-time as "local" representatives, or become full-time politicians representing larger geographic areas. I represent approximately 12,000 constituents and can respond to inquiries in a timely manner as well as serve on 6 committees - about the maximum for a part-time position. Most Supervisors have full-time jobs in addition to serving on the Board. While some minimal reduction may be warranted, significantly decreasing the size of the board means the board more mimics the legislature with full-time members. I believe my constituents are better represented by a local community member than a full-time politician.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Shoreland Zoning, Erosion Control and Stormwater Management
A few people have called me concerned about a flyer that was sent out by an organization that contained much false information relating to a staff report on Shoreland and Riparian Management, prepared by county staff as a grant requirement for DNR. Instead of trying to attack those who use such tactics to alarm people or try to make them afraid of government, I am copying the text of a letter I composed with several other supervisors outlining the truth. Here is the text of the letter, to which 20 other Supervisors signed addressed to Melissa Mallott, Chair of the Dane County Lakes and Watershed Commission:
"This letter is in response to the misinformation that was sent to Dane County citizens by the lobbyist for the South Central Wisconsin Realtors Association under the guise of the Wisconsin Homeowners Alliance about the draft Shoreland and Riparian Management Report prepared by county staff. We are disheartened such misinformation now has to be corrected so the citizens of Dane County can know the truth that there are no regulations or ordinances currently pending before the Dane County Board related to shoreland and riparian management.
We recognize the county will need to review current ordinances to ensure compliance with state regulations, specifically, Ch. NR 115, Wis. Admin. Code, which has now been revised and will take effect March 2010. Counties have a two-year window in which to bring their ordinances into compliance with state rules. As you review these ordinances over the next two years, we want to ensure that staff have the following direction in making those revisions:
While staff estimates the full impact of the possible policy options discussed in the report would only impact approximately seven properties per year, we should nevertheless continue to engage a broad spectrum of the public, including business, real estate and environmental interests, in any subsequent revisions to our current county shoreland ordinance.
Thank you for your efforts at protecting our valuable water resources in Dane County."
Robin Schmidt, Supervisor, District 24
"This letter is in response to the misinformation that was sent to Dane County citizens by the lobbyist for the South Central Wisconsin Realtors Association under the guise of the Wisconsin Homeowners Alliance about the draft Shoreland and Riparian Management Report prepared by county staff. We are disheartened such misinformation now has to be corrected so the citizens of Dane County can know the truth that there are no regulations or ordinances currently pending before the Dane County Board related to shoreland and riparian management.
We recognize the county will need to review current ordinances to ensure compliance with state regulations, specifically, Ch. NR 115, Wis. Admin. Code, which has now been revised and will take effect March 2010. Counties have a two-year window in which to bring their ordinances into compliance with state rules. As you review these ordinances over the next two years, we want to ensure that staff have the following direction in making those revisions:
- Any revisions should only apply to construction projects, not repair and maintenance of existing homes, driveways and patios.
- Any revisions will not take away basic property rights of riparian owners.
- Revisions should reduce the need for variance appeals from lot area and width requirements.
- Any mitigation required to comply with ch. NR 115 will not lower property values.
- NR 115 and county shoreland zoning do not apply in cities and villages. Minimum standards for erosion control and stormwater management apply in cities and villages under Ch. 14 of County Ordinances. No changes to the erosion control and stormwater management ordinance will be proposed unless they have quantifiable benefits for our lakes and streams and are developed in collaboration with cities and villages.
- No future changes will require anyone to change their house color or otherwise alter the appearance of their home unless required by state law.
While staff estimates the full impact of the possible policy options discussed in the report would only impact approximately seven properties per year, we should nevertheless continue to engage a broad spectrum of the public, including business, real estate and environmental interests, in any subsequent revisions to our current county shoreland ordinance.
Thank you for your efforts at protecting our valuable water resources in Dane County."
Robin Schmidt, Supervisor, District 24
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Land Conservation Purchases
Some believe that the county should not be making land conservation purchases during these difficult economic times, and even support a moratorium against all new land purchases. Moratoriums remove the responsibilties of elected officials to make informed decisions on issues that come before them. My constituents and all Dane County residents deserve to have their elected officials make informed decisions by obtaining the facts, assessing costs and benefits, processing the strenghts and weaknesses, and ultimately be accountable to their constituents by voting for or against individual proposals.
Consider the following facts: while the 2009 Dane County budget included funds for land conservation purchases, the County Board approved only 2 important land purchases from these funds that presented unique opportunities for the county - the Anderson Farm which had been previously negotiated and agreed upon (and which came with a foundation for future maintenance costs), and the Christensen property, (in which the county can recoup costs by re-selling a portion of the property including a house). Total costs of these purchases were less than $1 million. And while the conservation funds were frozen, the decision was made to move forward with the planning to expand the trestle bridge over upper Mud Lake, which will increase boating safety and potentially help reduce flooding on LakeMonona.
The Board is also showing restraint for land purchase proposals that include cost-sharing from the State and Federal Government, recognizing that although the county's proportion of costs are minimized, it does not automatically make them a "good deal" for the county. A case in point being the recent re-referral of a Cross Plains property at a price that many felt was unreasonably high.
Rather than a moratorium, the County Board should continue to make tough decisions regarding land purchases approving only those that make economic and environmental sense during these difficult times and have a high payback for our future. Think of what the U.S. would look like if they didn't make the Louisianna Purchase during those difficult times, or where Madison would host great events like Rythm and Boom if not for Warner Park, which was purchased during the great depression.
Consider the following facts: while the 2009 Dane County budget included funds for land conservation purchases, the County Board approved only 2 important land purchases from these funds that presented unique opportunities for the county - the Anderson Farm which had been previously negotiated and agreed upon (and which came with a foundation for future maintenance costs), and the Christensen property, (in which the county can recoup costs by re-selling a portion of the property including a house). Total costs of these purchases were less than $1 million. And while the conservation funds were frozen, the decision was made to move forward with the planning to expand the trestle bridge over upper Mud Lake, which will increase boating safety and potentially help reduce flooding on LakeMonona.
The Board is also showing restraint for land purchase proposals that include cost-sharing from the State and Federal Government, recognizing that although the county's proportion of costs are minimized, it does not automatically make them a "good deal" for the county. A case in point being the recent re-referral of a Cross Plains property at a price that many felt was unreasonably high.
Rather than a moratorium, the County Board should continue to make tough decisions regarding land purchases approving only those that make economic and environmental sense during these difficult times and have a high payback for our future. Think of what the U.S. would look like if they didn't make the Louisianna Purchase during those difficult times, or where Madison would host great events like Rythm and Boom if not for Warner Park, which was purchased during the great depression.
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