Joel,
I write this memo on behalf of myself, as I was amazed, disappointed and troubled by your message to Joni Graves on Thursday, October 5, 2006, which was correctly shared by all Plan Commission members and the Town Board members.
After the C4C meeting at the Shed Wednesday, November 8 you stated very explicatively to me not to harass the Town Commission members, Town Board, or the Kraemer Company as it being non professional or productive. As promised we would not take that position.
Your message to Joni Graves came as a low blow to the residents of the Township of Spring Green and myself personally at a level I have never witnessed. You indicate that the "objectors" are dim-witted nobodies that do not know what they are doing, exaggerating idiots and without capable knowledge of were to invest their money to build a home for their families.
For your information, some of these “objectors” are 5 and 6-generation families who have been here over 100 years. They were the settlers that formed this village and township. Maybe you missed that part of the lives of the people and history of Spring Green.
Approval of this application destroys 100 years of this family heritage. How long have you lived in Spring Green and what is your contribution to this heritage?
As our elected Supervisor and knowledgeable professional, I thank you for your esteem input to the community concerns and to the quality of life of this Township.
Also, thank you for attending our BBQ fund raising outing on October 1. It was a great outing. Sorry to say, I do not see your name on any of the petitions, fund raising checks or cash receipts. We hope you enjoyed the day, food, beverages and music. We the concerned homeowners paid for it for the enjoyment of the community you serve.
You question where were the “objectors” during the development of the Plan. Do you have any personal knowledge of who or the numbers of residents who did get involved or is that your professional assumption? Were the residents invited or solicited to participate in the development of the Plan?
The Plan states the development was cooperation between the Town officials, the residents and an expensive consultant. Were you part of the team as a Spring Green resident?
At the election polls on November 7th, the people working the polls were short handed. Did the Town request volunteers from the public to make the system easier for those who worked the 14-15 hours shift? Not that I know.
You want to approve the Kraemer Company application, is that due to the statement you made Wednesday, that you have a lot of investments and connections in Plain? What is your relationship with the Kraemer Company? Investor or ---? Maybe your input should be made illegal.
You state the Town of Spring Green can trade 54 acres of farmland for 30 acres of a lake, correctly --- a pond. What are you thinking? The property will be under the ownership of the Hausner Trust not the Town of Spring Green. It will be private property and have no benefit to the Township now or thirty years from now.
You state you want help from the residents, as “they are capable of advanced environmental politics” but your memo content does not give me the warm and fuzzes to be part of the team you need. As you suggest, we need to pass the test of "entry level environmental politics" first. Good luck on finding help when you can belittle those you seek to participate.
Yes, we will have candidates to fill needed positions in the Township offices. Maybe, even some in Sauk County. Is your position open in April?
You owe the Township residents an apology for your inappropriate derogatory comments.
Again, this is my letter and does not represent the views of the other residents of the Spring Green Township.
Mike Birr
E6060 State Road 60
Spring Green, WI 53588
Phone: 608-588-7844