White House---The White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs is hosting a teleconference to discuss efforts to address our infrastructure, including roads, highways, bridges, airports, seaports, and inland waterways. The invitation I received expresses specific concern over the state of our nation's highways and bridges in particular. I am guessing a lot of government officials from across the country, including many from our own city and county, received this same invitation. I am going to participate in this call, to help ensure that our County can be one of those with the inside track on any highway or bridge repair funding opportunities that might become available.
One thing that is absent from the invitation, and which I agree should be absent, is any mention of rail-based passenger transportation. In a few especially big and crowded cities like New York and Chicago, there can be a place for passenger-rail (be it light rail, trolley, "street-car", commuter rail, etc...). In most cities the cost of passenger rail outweighs the benefits. Rail-based passenger transportation is expensive, inflexible, and inconvenient. Kenosha's trolley is heavily under-utilized. In Milwaukee, I plan to ride the new trolley or "street-car" at some point in the near future, but expect to be underwhelmed.
In talking with other County Board Supervisors, the level of communication from the Trump White House is a significant increase, as previous administrations have traditionally not communicated with local governments very much. Since governments can generally work more effectively when they communicate and coordinate with each other, this increased level of communication from the White House is very welcome.
I expect that the White House would want to set the timetable for publicly communicating any formal plans they are proposing or implementing, and would respect that. Consequently, I may not be able share much of the details that are discussed on the call.
Wisconsin Legislature---In early April I will be going to the State Capital in Madison for a full-day event, as part of the County Ambassador Program. The day will be spent working with our State Legislators, including Assembly Representative Rick Gundrum. The specific focus for this event will be on Human Services programs. As the current vice-chair of our Human Services Committee, this is a great opportunity for me to connect with key state officials to ensure that our County receives the support we need.
Wisconsin Counties Association---I will be attending a half-day program by the Wisconsin Counties Association ("WCA") regarding current state legislative efforts. The WCA lobbies on behalf of all counties in Wisconsin for legislation that will benefit our counties. I look forward to learning more about their current priorities, which are driven by input they receive from all 72 Wisconsin Counties.
