Sen. Craig Circulates Legislation Giving Local Governments Final Say in Roundabouts
"This is simple legislation that I know many people across our state will support because they want and deserve a voice in how their roads are constructed."
Madison, Wis. – Today, Senator David Craig (R-Town of Vernon) circulated for co-sponsorship legislation that would require a proposed roundabout to be approved by the governing body of the municipality in which it would be located. Sen. Craig explained:
“Requiring the governing body of a municipality to approve the construction of a proposed roundabout is a commonsense measure because it is these local units of government that truly know their areas best. They know local traffic flows, the concerns of the people, business needs, and the types of traffic far better than Department of Transportation (DOT) bureaucrats in Madison. If a roundabout is truly in the best interest of an area, the DOT should make that case to the local governing body and let them make the final decision. This is simple legislation that I know many people across our state will support because they want and deserve a voice in how their roads are constructed.”
Senator Craig represents the 28th Senate District which is comprised of portions of Waukesha, Walworth, Racine, and Milwaukee Counties.
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.
Mentioned in This Press Release
Recent Press Releases by State Sen. David Craig
Statement on Extension of “Shelter-in-place” to May 26th
Apr 16th, 2020 by State Sen. David CraigSen. Craig: “Evers and Palm have gone too far! The Senate must reject Palm now!”
Senator Craig Statement on Governor Evers’ Shelter-in-place Order
Mar 23rd, 2020 by State Sen. David CraigMadison, WI — Today, State Senator David Craig (R-Town of Vernon) released the following statement relating to Governor Tony Evers’ Shelter-in-Place Order: “A decision of such magnitude like a ‘shelter-in-place’ order, regardless of what the government calls it, should only be established through the surety and specificity of an act of the legislature because of its extreme effects on Wisconsin families and businesses. Such action could stem the tide of confusion and anxiety being experienced by employers and employees all across the state. “Further, Governor Evers needs to articulate the specific information he received which caused contradiction between his Friday statement ‘I believe that we’ll be able to avoid [a shelter-in-place order]’ and today’s statement that he will make such an order effective tomorrow. “Additionally, last week I requested the Governor and Attorney General provide details as to how the government’s actions abide by the constitutional strict scrutiny that is required. Their continued silence on these issues is unacceptable given the precipitously negative impacts on civil rights and the economy. “Because of the Governor’s extreme step, I believe the legislature should consider the following protections for Wisconsin citizens: Require legislative approval of any statewide “shelter-in-place” order for reasons of pandemic or infectious disease Require legislative passive review of any “Emergency Declaration” after 30 days, with affirmative approval needed for a state of emergency lasting longer than 60 days Require a written report detailing the satisfaction of strict scrutiny concerns be given to the legislature prior to a ban of gatherings of 50 or fewer is to be in effect Require an immediate report to the legislature of arrests for mass gathering violations “The constitution was not designed to be disregarded in a time of crisis, in fact, it was specifically designed to be most valuable and applicable during times of crisis when liberties are most at risk.”
Sen. Craig Responds to Gov. Evers’ State of the State Address
Jan 22nd, 2020 by State Sen. David Craig“Republican legislative majorities will continue to take a commonsense approach and govern responsibly by limiting government overreach while supporting a free-market economy, which is the very recipe that has led to one of the most prosperous decades in state history.”
It’s to bad Craig doesn’t understand thaty
Headline recommnedation, “Craig’s legislation allows for locals to take responsibility for traffic fatalities and increased insurance rates.”
I’d be interested to see the statistics (facts) about roundabouts and their efficacy in reducing accidents and traffic jams. Personally, I hate them. But if there is good reason to incorporate them into a road/highway system, then I, along with many others who dread them, will adapt. If they are proven to be effective in managing traffic and reducing accidents, I’m not sure why that case couldn’t be made to individual municipalities, so they could make the decision based on their familiarity with local needs.
AARP has a succinct, clear fact sheet on roundabouts at: http://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/info-2014/livability-factsheet-modern-roundabouts.html
Also, from https://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/provencountermeasures/fhwa_sa_12_005.cfm
“By converting from a two-way stop control mechanism to a roundabout, a location can experience an 82 percent reduction in severe (injury/fatal) crashes and a 44 percent reduction in overall crashes.
By converting from a signalized intersection to a roundabout, a location can experience a 78 percent reduction in severe (injury/fatal) crashes and a 48 percent reduction in overall crashes.”
Most people fear roundabouts because they are not familiar with them; they do take some getting used to. But think about it, would you rather get T-boned (90 degree angle) by someone running a red light at 40 mph or get hit at an angle by someone who, by the design of the roundabout, is going at a much slower speed?
Rep. Craig’s proposed legislation is based on fear rather than fact. Funny how when someone fears something, they use the word “bureaucrats” but when they agree, they call them “experts.”
Sen Craig : How about returning to local governments the same control over locating cell phone towers ? The state took that away without so much as a wimper from the locals. I can deal with the roundabouts,not the ugly towers in residential neighborhoods. ( AKA Greendale / St. Stephens location )
Another look http://www.iihs.org/iihs/topics/t/roundabouts/qanda
Or: http://bfy.tw/9vpz