HOLD TIGHT, Senator Schultz! YOU are becoming a “Profile in Courage”!
HOLD TIGHT, Senator Schultz! YOU are becoming a “Profile in Courage”!
I am NOT able to understand the rejection of a COMPROMISE process in making our WI state law. COMPROMISE is key to the development of healthy & functional public policy! I want to alert readers to the update by Lee Berqquist in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, “Sticking points keep mining bill in limbo: Lawmakers meet but still can't agree on three key factors” clarifies the value of the continuing COMPROMISE process. Please read, consider and comment.
I have read through the numerous comments on my WE THE PEOPLE blog post yesterday
“WE THE PEOPLE of WI need to express our GRATITUDE to SEN. SCHULTZ!” with special interest.
I have read with appreciation the CIVILITY of some of the writers. At the same time, it is disconcerting to read comments which reflect and complement the lack of civility in our American and Wisconsin political culture today.
I suggest to ALL of my WE THE PEOPLE blog readers that YOU consider the Washington Post’s incisive editorial today “The GOP can no longer afford its Rush Limbaugh problem.” I agree. What about CIVILITY in communications?
I dare to HOPE that readers will review their comments before posting. ALERT: Once YOU write a comment, you have opportunity to re-read and edit before you post online. Try it for the sake of a healthy, functional dialog/discussion. Please. Thanks!!
I am NOT able to understand the rejection of a COMPROMISE process in making our WI state law. Will YOU explain to me, please? COMPROMISE is key to the development of healthy & functional public policy!
The update by Lee Bergquist in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, “Sticking points keep mining bill in limbo: Lawmakers meet but still can't agree on three key factors” clarifies the value of the continuing COMPROMISE process.
Lee summarizes the situation, “The battle in Wisconsin over new mining regulations has faltered in three key areas: • The amount of time the Department of Natural Resources should have to decide to issue a mining permit. • Whether a state administrative hearing, known as a contested case, should be part of the permit process. • Whether changes in the law would amount to a weakening of environmental standards.”
I appreciate the encouraging report in the article that after the meeting yesterday (Fri., 3/2) of key legislators, representatives of Gov. Walker and DNR, “Rep. Robin Vos (R-Rochester) said legislators still didn't have an agreement but were ‘continuing to make progress toward finding one.’” Isn’t that the genius of the COMPROMISE process?!
TRUTH BE TOLD: Sen. Dale Schultz (R-Richland Center) is the KEY to requiring COMPROMISE! I myself consider COMPROMISE healthy – do YOU? IF NOT, WHY NOT?
Lee writes, “Schultz, a moderate Republican, sides with Democrats and environmentalists and said he believes a mining reform bill that passed the Assembly in January weakens environmental regulations, doesn't give the DNR enough time to review a mine permit and limits public participation by cutting out the contested case.”
Lee provides readers with a review of the arguments of supporters of the Assembly bill with valuable information.
I reviewed the arguments. I was grateful to Lee for proceeding to analyze the key issues which divide supporters of the Assembly bill and those who want COMPROMISE. I urge you to read that informative report which adds perspective to the process. The CENTRAL ISSUES identified by Lee are: Environmental standards. Timelines for permitting. Contested case hearings.
I do NOT understand the opposition to the usual and customary process in WI law vis-à-vis the new mining bill. Lee reviews for us, “Wisconsin uses a contested case hearing at the end of the DNR's environmental review process, but before a final decision is made. It's like a judicial proceeding: An administrative law judge hears testimony and people are put under oath.” WHY remove this step in the process which involves WE THE PEOPLE of WI?
I hope those of YOU who support COMPROMISE are communicating with Sen. Schultz to express YOUR gratitude and support. You can use this link for contact information, Senator Dale Schultz.
I know there are those who OPPOSE COMPROMISE and do NOT expect YOU to support Sen. Schultz. I do, however, believe that there needs to be healthy civility in communications, including comments. What do YOU think?
Watching for the completion of a reasonable, functional and healthy COMPROMISE leading to action on the new WI mining bill. Time will tell…
Here we go…
Mr. E.
John Eyster lives in the Edgerton area. He is an adjunct professor of political science at UW-Waukesha and an advocate for democracy/civics education in Wisconsin high schools. John is a community blogger and is not a part of The Gazette staff. His opinion is not necessarily that of the The Gazette staff or management.
