Eight Calumet County residents spoke in firm opposition to a new county garage in these difficult economic times and expressed a complete disregard from many supervisors with several expressing they are "the supervisors" and in not so many words expressed they are smarter than their consituants. Not one taxpayer was present to speak in favor of the new garage resolution.

One supervisor said he was tired of the issue being brought up over and over again, but had no problem bringing it up the previous month when opposing supervisors were absent after the issue was put to bed a few months earlier. Some also expressed that it's only 18 cents per $1,000 value, but we are planning pay raises, a possible radio system, and who knows how many more "small projects" as they would like us to believe.

To top this off, most county residents do not know that County Administrator Shambeau and Highway Commisioner Ottery are not county residents. One lives in Washington County and the other in Fond du Lac County. Both use county vehicles to commute. They are telling us taxpayers how to spend our money. Taxpayers do not know that the administrator was given $10,000 for moving expenses with his first contract and still has not moved. He supposedly has trouble selling his house with a small "for sale by owner" sign.Lets get it listed and sold so he can pay the taxes he wants to push on us.

At last week's meeting I requested that the administrator and commissioner not persist in pursuing a new garage project or resign. If they persist and do not resign, the board should fire them. Apparently they have not had the fortitude to proceed. If they do not act, then the taxpayers would have to act. I believe taxpayer action to start petitions and possible recalls need to occur. Many supervisors think they have the power and are "wiser" than their constituants. We need everyone's support of a meeting at the Potter Village Hall on Monday, August 30th at 7 p.m., to hear your ideas. We need to lay out plans to save the current garage, which is solid in appearance and structure, and show tht resolution 2010-23 should be an option.

Lets also give some thought to having a county executive over an administrator position as many counties are doing at a considerable salary savings. I think $20,000-$30,000 a year could go a long way to avoid paying for the real garage needs and not the wants of a few.Please get involved. Real numbers will tell the story. On an $8+million issue, all voices need to be heard. This is not a supervisor decision, but a ballot box decision. If that does not happen, we can use the ballot box to show them we are smarter than they think. Check how your supervisor voted and give them a call. Hope to see a crowd August 30 in Potter.

Gary L Lemke

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