Opposition to Muskego's Lake Park: Facts Don't Support It

The purchase of property on Little Muskego Lake by the city was made because it will have positive long-term benefits for Muskego.  It took courage by those aldermen who voted for it as well as for those who spoke up in favor of it at this past Tuesday’s Common Council meeting.

The opposition claims their voice was not heard during this process.  There were public comment sessions at about five council meetings, including Tuesday’s.  It has been contentious and emotions have run high on both sides.  Personally, I let my anger get the best of me after Monday’s meeting and I was wrong to let that happen. 

As for the purchase of this property and the park that will eventually be built there, it will only result in a positive effect on Muskego and its future.  Right now not a whole of people come into Muskego because we do not have an attractive downtown nor does the city have the overall attractions that normally draw people into a city like ours; except one: Little Muskego Lake. 

The city is in great financial shape and can afford this purchase.  Taxes in Muskego have not been raised in several years and current taxes proposed in the 2012 budget show no raise to our tax levy.  In addition, Muskego’s debt is well below its legal debt capacity of 5% of equalized value.  This responsible fiscal policy has led to Moody's Investor Services assigning an Aa2 rating to Muskego for Outstanding Obligation Debt.

The rebuilding of Janesville Road, our city’s main street, has begun and it will transform the look and feel of Muskego.  Little Muskego Lake lies in the heart of our city and its main artery, Janesville Road, runs past it.  This park will be the next step in creating a new downtown for Muskego and a logical place for residents and visitors to converge and enjoy our greatest natural resource.

It is my opinion that the foundation of the opposition to this land purchase is based on not wanting people from outside Muskego to visit our city.  “Not on my lake” appears to be the opposition’s mantra and it has clouded common sense. 

Many of those who are opposing this purchase were also against the Wal-Mart in Muskego.   They stated that it would be bad for our city and would lead to higher crime.  They were plain wrong on those assumptions and are wrong on this current issue because the facts do not support their opposition to a new park on Little Muskego Lake.  We all need to rise above the bad blood this issue has caused and do what’s best for Muskego.

Matt Johnson