After years of contentious personal and political squabbling, the western side of Dane County has finally completed Highway 12 Expansion. The Wisconsin State Journal story quotes several of our current politicians and their own words continue to demonstrate that their central values are not about the rights of property holders and the expansion of our economy.
Under the terms of a 1999 agreement, forged by Falk with then-Gov. Tommy Thompson, the state provided $250,000 so that towns could develop smart growth plans that outline how and where development should occur. … "I think the towns have worked hard at it," Falk said of the smart growth plan process. "My goal was to try and ameliorate the potential development."The Dane County Democratic Party is primarily concerned about maintaining and expanding their power over all land use in the county. Their words and actions continue to demonstrate that they view themselves first and foremost as stewards of the land and not as representatives of the landowners.
Brett Hulsey, a member of the Dane County Board and Midwest representative for the Sierra Club, favored a two-lane improvement plan but calls the planning done prior to the construction "a real model for other transportation projects." He questions, however, whether it will be strong enough to contain the pressure for growth. "New highway building is the number one cause of sprawl development," Hulsey said. "This project did not warrant four lanes."
