Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker’s Lack of Leadership on KRM Proposal Bewildering

Much has been talked about this past week about the proposed Kenosha Racine and Milwaukee (KRM) commuter rail line proposal and how to fund it. I am just bewildered but not surprised by the lack of leadership Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker has shown when it comes to funding this proposal. He is of course opposed to any tax increase that would fund this project even though it might offer property tax relief by removing the Milwaukee County Transit System from the property tax levy by raising the sales tax. Amazingly enough people like Walker are always moaning that property taxes are too high and when an opportunity arises to lower the property tax burden, he balks. I have yet to see anything out of the County Executives Office regarding any substantive proposal to fund KRM; other then the usual rhetoric about not raising taxes. Is Scott Walker missing the economic impact that KRM will have on Milwaukee County? I am sure he sees it. Is he so scared to raise any taxes that he doesn’t see the return on investment? Any true leader would step-up and weigh the benefits of a small sales tax increase with the economic impact on south east Wisconsin with the implantation of KRM.

Jon M. Roberts Consultant for Racine County Strategic Economic Development Plan stated;

For KRM the national perspective is critical. You’ve got a truly rare
combination of commuter rail accessibility, a prime lakefront, excellent land
availability and redevelopment potential — in a dense economic corridor
connected to Chicago, and increasing TOD and urban desirability. It’s a golden
opportunity.”

A good case example of this golden opportunity is the City of Kenosha. The City of Kenosha has seen a steady increase in population, over $175 Million in five developments that are within one mile of the current Metra commuter line, has seen a substantial rise in real estate values is blessed with a low unemployment rate and in 2005 saw a record $211 million in tourist dollars. It is possible that one day Kenosha could become the 3rd largest city in Wisconsin surpassing Green Bay.

“Proximity of the lake, Metra station, and downtown amenities
are a powerful draw.” Zohrab Khaligan, City of Kenosha Community
Development Specialist.

No let’s look at the City of Milwaukee. The Continued growth of downtown would be magnified with the KRM rail commuter line. The City of Milwaukee has world class museums, Summer fest and other ethnic festivals are just a short walk or quick bus ride from the downtown train station, a superb performing arts community and professional sports facilities. All of which would see a substantial increase in tourism. The KRM rail line should be tied in with bus transit. After all, we would need a strong bussing system to connect people from the downtown train station to all of these venues.

KRM would help the unemployed and the underemployed get to good jobs that are located outside the City of Milwaukee. These individual, who might lack transportation of their own would be able to get to those jobs that are in Racine, Kenosha or in Northern Illinois. Here again, Bus transit is tied to KRM Commuter rail. This would also relieve traffic congestion. We would need a strong bussing system to get those in the central city to the train station.

Despite the fact of the huge economic impact that KRM will mean to Milwaukee County and the opportunity of property tax relief to Milwaukee County home owners, the lack of leadership on the part of County Executive Walker on this vital issue could mean the demise of the City of Milwaukee and Milwaukee County.