This came to me from a 2nd district resident. It’s a response Owen made to a resident – not the one who sent it to me, by the way.
In my elected capacity I can only influence whether we are considered for a train stop IF rail service is initiated on tracks that run through our City. I can try to placate a constituency that is is largely opposed to this initiative by voting against a station as if that will stop the train, but that pretends that the Brookfield Common Council can change the outcome. The Feds have provided stimulus dollars to Wisconsin, the state has accepted money and a great sum has already been spent. The Republican gubernatorial candidates, if elected, pledge to stop the train and repay the 100+ million likely spent by the time they would enter office. However, there is no guarantee that they will be successful if elected.
Our 2035 Comprehensive Plan and past planning (since the early 1990′s) has anticipated some level of passenger train service utilizing the station in the Village area. Since the Council knew about the High Speed Rail initiative at the time the 2035 Plan was drafted, that document states that a stop should be pursued but only if the cost is paid for by other sources.
If elections can change the current course of action, there is no issue. However, I am not clear on whether most Brookfield residents would oppose a station if high speed rail is initiated despite strenuous and fairly universal objections. In an issue full of “if’s”, if high speed rail is coming, a train will either “speed” by (at 79 mph to start) or stop in our community. Most people want to focus on killing the train, but that isn’t something local elected officials can do. Every community between Milwaukee and Madison can say no to a stop, but that doesn’t eliminate the project.
Ultimately, I believe the course of action the Council has taken to date is prudent. That is, wait and see if a station will be fully funded and preserve as many options as possible for our residents. Council action is anticipated on September 21st. The potential action would be in the form of a resolution that would tell WisDOT that we are either interested in a stop if the train comes, or “no thank you”.
I would be interested to know, if a station could be built without taxpayer assistance (no effect on Brookfield taxes), are you still against a stop in the City of Brookfield?
Thanks, Rick
Rick Owen
Alderman, 2nd District
17700 Lisa Lane
Brookfield, WI 53045
262-790-9888
rco3@tds.net
Brookfield’s gettin’ a train stop. I feel it in my bones.
