Will A Muskego Referendum Happen? Dilworth Atty Doesn't Think So

A noncommittal response by legal counsel for the city has left just enough room for doubt on 'what happens next' as a petition for direct legislation has been filed with the city clerks office on Monday, with more than 3,400 signatures filling their pages.

In addition Gerald Boisits, attorney for Michael Dilworth, who owns property that is part of the land the Common Council narrowly voted to offer to purchase on Tuesday, Jan. 24, said he didn't see where the petition had any merit.

"I feel the group lacks legal standing to halt the process, and I'd have to be convinced that there is a basis in law for it to succeed," Boisits said.

Boisits also answered critics who leveled accusations that his involvement on the Parks and Recreation board presented a conflict of interest.

"Tell me how there would be a conflict of interest as the matter comes before the board and it's now city land? I have not taken part in any discussion or vote that came before the board previously, and I have no more influence than anyone else on the matter," Boisits said.

When asked what a referendum, should it appear on the April ballot, could do to the agreement, he said that it would ultimately be up to Dilworth.  He declined to say that the purchase agreement would be null if the matter went to a referendum and deferred to Dilworth to answer. Inquiries to Dilworth have not been answered yet.

After the signatures have been verified, the Muskego clerk's office will turn the matter over to their attorney for review, and a previous statement by Mayor Kathy Chiaverotti indicated that prior to that, no clear decision will be made.