Muskego Petition Drive Hopes to Reach Goal Soon

Lorie Oliver, spokesperson for Muskego for Ethical Government, has been a busy lady.

With phones ringing and the challenge of putting signature collectors where those who want to sign a petition to halt the purchase process of land along Janesville Road on Little Muskego Lake, Oliver said she's been putting in long hours.

Unless Muskegoans have been living under a rock, it's no news that the drive has been centered on preventing a final sale of the Dilworth and Cherek properties for $3.55 million by the city. The Common Council voted 4-3 in favor of the purchase Tuesday night.

The split vote was indicative as well of the residents who came to speak that night. While a vocal majority against the vote was noted, residents who spoke in favor of the project were equally as passionate. They felt the group's fears over taxes was unfounded, and that it represented a great opportunity for the city to capitalize on its greatest asset, the lake.

The trick for the opposition has now been to put homeowners who want to sign together with signature collectors. The group has resisted the idea of setting up in front of a public place, fearing negative reaction. However, Oliver said there will be someone manning a table with a sheet that residents can sign on Saturday, Jan. 28, in front of the old Spitzner's Floral on Janesville (S76 W17822) from 9am to about 6pm.

She also offered an information line for people who may not be able to make it, but who would like to sign. The phone number for that is 262-679-2540.

Organizers would not say how many signatures they have currently, but are confident that they would be able to turn in enough signatures very soon.