We hope you are enjoying the Wisconsin summer. We have been busy trying to advance our legislative projects. What has become obvious is that the action/inaction speaks more than ever of the need for citizens to regain control of the process. Article V convention would be a good start at the federal level, but needs to be organized at the state level.

12 September 2017 will begin our Open Meeting schedule with Rep. Joe Sanfelippo speaking about the current DOT problems and issues and the reform package he and numerous others have developed to correct them.  The DOT has poorly managed our roadways with few positive results, yet current funding for new operations is open-ended.  The time has come to correct this huge agency to function better.  

The reforms include the following: 

    - Provide DOT with multiple options for project delivery such as Design-Build which increases competition and transparency and will lead to projects being completed in shorter periods of time and for less money.
     -Extend the use of these added project delivery methods to counties, towns, cities and technical colleges (at their request).
     -Direct the creation of a Technical Review Committee to review contract proposals.
     -Create a scoring process that places emphasis on transparency and low project cost along with an incentive program to utilize Wisconsin-based contractors.
     -Create reporting requirements for the department so the legislature can measure the effectiveness of these reforms.
     -Limits the amount of engineering work the department can do with in-house staff to 20% to help hold down unnecessary positions.
     -Require DOT to devise a new funding formula for regions that is based on need rather than baseline funding (issue raised in audit).


This presentation will have a question & answer period.  This is a most worthwhile subject and garners support in a very slow legislative year.  Bring others to know and understand your highways tax dollars at work, or not at work.
     Hales Corners Village Hall             Tuesday September 12, 2017      6:00PM to 7:30PM

     5635 S. New Berlin Road

​     Hales Corners, WI   53130

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ALSO…
Jay Weber returns to an Open Meeting on 19 October at Root River Center, 6:00 to 7:30.  This is mostly an Ask Me Anything session on topical news, individuals, policies, and politics as he monitors them and often we are unable to do.  Plan on joining us for a great night discussion.