Waukesha County’s Citizens Spoke … and Won

By Tom Schellinger, Waukesha County Supervisor, District 20

Wanaki Golf Course lives … thanks to untold numbers of Waukesha County residents who stood up and demanded their elected representatives listen to them.

The Waukesha County Board overwhelmingly approved two budget amendments Nov. 12 to keep Wanaki operating until at least November 2020. Ideally a long-term solution can be found, possibly sale or lease of the golf course to a private operator.

The moves fended off a shortsighted plan by the County Executive and his administration to close Wanaki, a gem of our county park system for nearly half a century. The proposal was accompanied by misinformation about the related decision-making process, and sprung as a fait accompli on an unsuspecting public.

Until Waukesha County’s citizens spoke out, that is.

More than 400 attended a public hearing. A grassroots organization, Save Wanaki, formed. An online petition gathered more than 6,000 signatures. Countless individuals contacted county supervisors directly.

People made abundantly clear that broad public support exists to keep Wanaki open. The board voted accordingly. The system worked.

I hope citizens’ interest in Waukesha County government perseveres. Counties in Wisconsin are sometimes called the “hidden” layer of government. Yet, county officials wield control over large programs and budgets involving public health, land use, veterans, the elderly and disabled, courts and law enforcement.

Some final thoughts on the Wanaki debate, and its related issues:

THANKS

Thank you to the people who became alive and engaged in the county budget process, and voiced their views on the Wanaki issue. Without their feedback, the budget would not have been changed … and Wanaki would be lost forever.

This holds true for those who spoke in support of maintaining transit route 906, which connects Mukwonago, Big Bend and New Berlin to the city of Milwaukee. Also, thank you to my fellow supervisors for listening to the public and amending the budget.

NOTICE

In cases of both the golf course and bus route, timing of public notices became an issue. What is a reasonable time frame to alert citizens of plans to close a golf course, or stop a bus route, or change any other service that affects them?

Should Waukesha County even operate golf courses, a hockey arena or an exposition center? Is this the county’s role?

What role(s) or services are important to citizens?

FEEDBACK

All County Board seats are up for election this spring. Gathering nomination signatures and campaigning are ideal opportunities for supervisors to hear citizens’ thoughts on what’s important to them.

If your County Board representative – or another candidate seeking the seat – comes to your door, engage them. Tell them what’s on your mind. If you aren’t sure exactly which public services they hope to oversee, ask them. They should have answers.

Serving the residents of Waukesha County is an honor and a privilege. Citizens should expect high standards and full accountability from their elected officials.

My pledge since first being elected to public office in 2000 has been to control spending and taxation, defend individual rights, and prevent government encroachment and regulation in citizens’ lives. Above all, it’s been to learn constituents’ interests and concerns, and advocate for them tirelessly.

The Wanaki Golf Course debate illustrates what happens when citizens are educated, engaged and vocal in public debate. I hope it continues.

(Tom Schellinger has represented District 20, covering parts of Brookfield and New Berlin, on the Waukesha County Board since 2006. He serves on its Land Use, Parks and Environment Committee, and the Public Works Committee).