The names on the CRG letterhead got together and
issued this press release in support of the Waukesha Taxpayer League's effort to reduce the Waukesha County Board's members to eleven:
CRG Network: Supports Waukesha Taxpayer League Downsizing Petition
3/16/2006
Seeks to Correct Misleading Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Article
CRG Network supports the efforts of the Waukesha Taxpayers League to place a referendum on the ballot to reduce the size of the Waukesha County Board. A recent Milwaukee Journal Sentinel article created the impression that CRG was against the effort.
CRG Network Executive Administrator Chris Kliesmet commented, “CRG has worked successfully with the Waukesha Taxpayers League (WTL) in the past and has a well-established history of supporting citizen causes. This one is no different. The article conveniently omits the strong statements made confirming our support for the effort, the rights of citizens to reform their government, and the importance of groups like WTL to anchor and advance the debate. To suggest our advice to remain vigilant, in order to avoid the abuses we experienced in Milwaukee County, translates into opposition is not only misleading but absurd. We fully support and are proud of WTL efforts to return control of government to the people.”
For additional information contact Chris Kliesmet at 414-429-9501.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel article in question had the following from CRG:
Chris Kliesmet, executive administrator for the Milwaukee-based group, said he fears that cutting the board would open the door to transforming Waukesha County's part-time supervisors into full-time politicians.
"Downsizing is a good thing; however, you have to be careful," Kliesmet said. "You don't want to create a professional class of politicians. That is the root of the problem."
Orville Seymer, another leader of group, said activists trying to make county government more efficient and less costly should instead work to trim the $9,121-a-year salary paid to supervisors.
Seymer said a smaller board would force supervisors to spend more time campaigning and less time serving their constituents.
"You're consolidating power - you've got to be a little bit cautious about that," he said. "A dictatorship is the most efficient form of government there is, and I don't think anybody is advocating that."
