Resolving Estabrook Dam Issue Requires Leadership
"The lack of leadership from the county executive and his inability to work with local officials in a constructive manner has caused needless confusion about the future of the Estabrook Dam and a lack of action."
Estabrook Dam
MILWAUKEE – Senator Chris Larson, a candidate for Milwaukee County executive in the April 5 election, called for stronger leadership in dealing with the controversial Estabrook Dam.
Larson issued the following statement:
“As a passionate environmentalist on the Milwaukee County Board and in the State Senate, I have not shied away from the tough decisions and votes necessary to protect our lands and waters. That is why the Sierra Club has endorsed my campaign for county executive.
“The lack of leadership from the county executive and his inability to work with local officials in a constructive manner has caused needless confusion about the future of the Estabrook Dam and a lack of action. Abele has had five years to deliver a solution and has failed to do so.
“Should this deadlock continue once I am elected county executive, I will provide the missing leadership to resolve the issue before the end of 2016. The current county executive has provided no leadership in forging a consensus on what to do with the dam, he has shown little interest addressing this issue.
“Chris Abele is spending nearly as much money to attack me with false and misleading TV ads and mailers as it would cost to deal with the dam.
“When I was on the county board from 2008 – 2010, the science and public opinion were in favor of repairing the dam. Since that time, it’s clear that public attitudes may have shifted and that new science has emerged.
“Once elected, my office will hold a public hearing with county residents and water experts to develop a strong plan based on sound science and community input. Working with experts, fellow elected leaders, and the community, I will end this prolonged saga by the end of the year.
“More importantly, our parks need to be protected. Voters should not forget that it was Chris Abele who put them at risk by seeking irresponsible new land sale authority from Republicans in Madison. If elected, I will protect our parks from future sale and set a plan in place to ensure every family has access to a quality park.
Larson for Milwaukee County
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.
Recent Press Releases by State Sen. Chris Larson
All due respect Senator, but you in your own press release have giving a solid enough plan for how you will resolve this matter. A lot has also changed since you were on the County Board. If I am correct, the main reason why action is not being taken on this currently is because the Exec is waiting on action from the County Board. Unless you are endorsing a top down approach where you will force a vote out of the supervisors, I believe Able has been doing his job and now it is the responsibility of the supervisors to sit down and vote on the next step so Able can sign a plan into action.
You have my full support as a senator, but as County Exec I cannot stand by you. Your policies are almost all based on “pay back” and you’re buried deep into the pockets of the Milwaukee teachers union who is only out to remove Able because he followed the law with the new OSPP initiate. Please use your voice and authority in the senate, there you and our party can better counter some of the policies put in place by Walker. In the senate is where you can make the most change.