Paris Town Board recall election candidate questionnaires

Voters in Paris will be able to vote in a recall of the Town Board election on Nov. 22.

Incumbent Chairman Virgil Gentz is being challenged by Joseph Kolnik.

Incumbent Supervisor Ron Kammerzelt is being challenged by Paul Terry.

Incumbent Supervisor Ken Monson is being challenged by Robert Fliess.

westofthei.com sent identical questionnaires to each candidate via email.

Here are their answers in unedited (except for spelling, typos etc.) form by race and alphabetical:

Town chairman — Gentz vs. Kolnik

Virgil Gentz

Age: 73

Occupation: Retired School Teacher. Chairman, Town of Paris

Education: Graduated Central High School. Racine Kenosha Teachers College Two Year Teaching Certificate. University of Wisconsin Parkside Bachelors Degree. Carthage College post Bachelors credits.

Previous elected or appointed governmental experience: 1. Town of Paris — a. Elected supervisor in 1979. b. Appointed Town Chairman in 2000. c. Elected Town Chairman in 2001 to present. d. Candidate for 66th Assembly District 2000.

Other community service experience: 1. Town of Paris — a. Past Member of Fire Department, b. Past Rescue Squad Driver. 2. Kenosha County — a. Board member Workforce Development Committee, b. Member Traffic Safety Commission, c. Former Chairman Public Welfare Board, d. Former Board member Human Services Board, e. Former Board member United Way. 3. State of Wisconsin — a. Member Wisconsin Utility Tax Association, b. Former Unit Chair Wisconsin Towns Association. 4. Community — a. Recipient of Central High School Wall of Success in 2004, b. Past President of St. John’s Parish Council, c. Past Executive Board Member Southern Lakes United Educators, d. Past President Kenosha County Education Association.

Is your residence within one of the two most recently designated growth areas for Somers or Kenosha? No.

Joseph Kolnik

Age: 59

Occupation: Farmer and Truck Driver.

Education: Paris Schools.

Previous elected or appointed governmental experience: None.

Other community service experience: Initiated injunction that halted the April 7, 2016 IGA. Without the injunction, Paris would owe Somers a fee of $1.25 million. Spearheaded a Recall Election and defeated all challenges to such effort. Regular participant in Toys for Tots and contributor to various veteran causes.

Is your residence within one of the two most recently designated growth areas for Somers or Kenosha? On May 13, 2014, the Paris Town Board placed ~40 acres of my land in the Kenosha growth area. In the most recent agreement, the Board added the rest of my farm into the Kenosha growth area.

1.) Why are you more qualified than your opponent?

Gentz — Leadership, experience, and highly qualified to perform the day to day operations of the Town of Paris. a. Negotiated agreement with Waste Management in 1982 bringing in millions of dollars in revenue and free landfill usage for town residents. b. Bought property and built building for Town offices, fire and rescue. Purchased all fire and rescue equipment and staffing at no cost to town residents. c. Used revenues to pay all budget expenses each year for Paris residents. d. Used revenues to pay 75% of county tax owed by Paris residents. e. Negotiated two agreements with WE Energies for two power plants in Paris which generate revenues each year. f. Negotiated an agreement with Readi Mix plant in Paris for usage fees. This generates revenues for the Town. g. Support Paris Consolidated Grade School by loaning them operating money, at no interest, until the school receives its tax money from the state. h. Maintain safe town roads at no cost to taxpayers. i. Continue to work with Wisconsin Towns Association to provide information and support for town government. j. Negotiated a boundary agreement with the Village of Bristol to maintain the Paris boundaries that are contiguous. k. Working with the Plan Commission on a Land Division Ordinance which is consistent with the Town’s long-term plans, with Wisconsin’s “smart growth” law, with applicable Kenosha County ordinances and with sound planning principles. l. Negotiated agreement with Village of Somers, City of Kenosha, Kenosha Water Utility and Town of Paris for development along the I-94 corridor, establish boundaries for the Town of Paris for 50 years, generate revenues from this development for the Town and continue to keep the balance of development and land preservation for residents and future residents. m. Worked tirelessly for all residents.

Kolnik — I didn’t seek out a political life prior to the actions of the current board. I may not be the best person in Paris for the job but I’m better than Mr. Gentz who signed the IGA on April 7th, 2016.  One of the many problems with this board is making huge decisions with the absolute minimum notice required by law.

2.) What is your position on the new IGA as outlined so far? Does it need revisions? If so, specify.

Gentz — The City of Kenosha has a growth area of approximately 2,400 acres. In return, Paris boundaries are permanently set with the City for 50 years. Those parcels located in this growth area may request annexation at any time. Any parcels that do not annex will remain in Paris for 50 years. The Village of Somers has a growth area of over 800 acres. Paris boundaries are permanently set with the Village of Somers for 50 years. The parcels located in the growth area may request annexation at any time. Any parcels that do not annex will remain in Paris for 50 years. Paris will share 50/50 revenue with the Village of Somers for any growth in this area. Paris will receive $1 million from land located at the northeast corner of 142 and I-94 which is in the Village of Somers. Paris will provide a revolving loan not to exceed $5 million to the Village of Somers with interest to meet or exceed Paris investments. This agreement provides protection for Paris residents that do not want to develop or annex in either growth area for 50 years. It protects Paris’ boundaries for 50 years. It generates revenues for areas that develop in the growth area. It brings an additional $1 million in revenue from the Village of Somers and it provides sewer and water for those areas that will develop.

Kolnik — I am not supportive of the new IGA.  Logically, the IGA gives land to Somers that will be controlled by 6 political appointees (3 from Paris and 3 from Somers). In order to develop any of that land, 5 of the 6 appointees will have to agree (a “super majority” as described in paragraph IV i of the original IGA). Common sense dictates that Somers will vote against developing land on the west side of the interstate where they have to share the profits with Paris in favor of developing the east of I-94 in which they’ll receive 100% of the real estate taxes. Somers has two decades worth of undeveloped land from Hwy 142 to Hwy KR that will be fully developed before anything on the west side of the interstate is developed. Economically, I’m against lending Somers a dime. If I wanted to invest in a Kenosha County municipality, I wouldn’t put 25% of my nest egg in Somers which carries the lowest bond rating of all county municipalities. Paris should diversify their investments outside of Kenosha county. Strategically, I don’t see the logic in securing a border agreement. There’s a logical strip along the interstate east of MB that has the potential of being developed. A border agreement prevents such opportunities from developing organically. If a border agreement is desired, Kenosha is the only municipality that needs to be included. Nobody is voluntarily annexing to Somers.

3.) Outside of the issues related to the IGA, what other issues need to be addressed within the the Paris town government and how would you approach them?

Gentz — a. Continue to work with the Plan Commission on Land Division Ordinance in accordance with the Adopted Land Use Plan. b. Finalize the agreements with the City, Village of Somers, Kenosha Water Utility and Town of Paris. c. Continue to manage the Town reserves in a fiscally responsible manner that will provide all needed services for the Town of Paris and maintain reserves for present and future town residents. d. Continue to work with Waste Management on all issues related to the landfill. e. Continue to work with County and State government officials to monitor legislation for Towns in the future. f. Continue as a board member on the Workforce Development Committee, Traffic Safety Commission for Kenosha County, Wisconsin Towns Association and Wisconsin Utility Tax Association. g. Continue to be a responsible Town Chairman that works ethically and diligently for all residents of the Town of Paris.

Kolnik — The Paris Town Board has bad judgment, here are two highlights: Only getting one bid for the $8 million expansion of the Paris Safety building.  We don’t have a paramedic on staff at the Paris Fire and Rescue Office. Paramedics can resuscitate and support patients with significant problems such as heart attacks. There should be a regular newsletter to residents and improved navigation of the website.

Town supervisor — Kammerzelt vs. Terry

Ronald Kammerzelt

Age: 66

Occupation: Retired Pleasant Prairie Utility Superintendent

Education: Tremper High School, Gateway Technical School, University of Wisconsin Madison.

Previous elected or appointed governmental experience: Pleasant Prairie Utility Superintendent, Paris Planning Commission.

Other community service experience: Church Moderator, Wisconsin Towns Association Kenosha County Chairman.

Is your residence within one of the two most recently designated growth areas for Somers or Kenosha? No.

Paul Terry

Age: 54

Occupation:  Laborer and driver for Kenosha County Highways dept.

Education:   Westosha High School.

Other community service experience:  Ran for Paris Town Supervisor in 2011 and am running for the same position again.  I’m also involved in 4H and the family farm.

Is your residence within one of the two most recently designated growth areas for Somers or Kenosha?  I am not within either of the designated areas but I find it odd that Mr. Kammerzelt is just as close to the Interstate as Bob Fliess and Joe Kolnik.  Yet Mr. Kammerzelt excluded himself from both growth areas designated for Kenosha and Somers.  If Mr. Kammerzelt is doing what’s best for Paris, why is his land excluded from both the Kenosha and the Somers growth area? (See supplied map here.)

1.) Why are you more qualified than your opponent?

Kammerzelt —  As a Municipal Department Head I was in charge of Water and Wastewater construction crews maintenance crews and administration personal. Reviewed development plans, involved in forming construction plans, responsible for all water and wastewater operations. Long time member of Paris Planning commission. Former Fireman. Years of Farming experience. Developer – Businessmen. I know the issues and I tell the truth.

Terry — I am more qualified because I have a desire to serve this community not dictate to it.

2.) What is your position on the new IGA as outlined so far? Does it need revisions? If so, specify.

Kammerzelt — The new IGA is a compromise that will now move development forward, secure our boundaries and provide future revenue. The IGA will be developed to protect the Town of Paris. It can be revised if all parties agree.

Terry — Misleading words and the unknowns cause me to lose trust in the transparency of this town board. We have very little details on the new IGA and what is there is vague. For instance, a) the Memorandum of Understanding promises “revenue sharing” with Somers but the prior IGA used the same wording to describe a profit sharing agreement (net of expenses). b) the Memorandum of Understanding is entered into under Wisconsin State Statutes 66.0301 and/or 66.0307(4M). The revenue sharing is under 66.0301 which has a limit of 10 years and there isn’t sufficient incentive for Somers to renew the agreement after 10 years.  http://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/66/III/0301/6/b http://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/66/III/0307/3/f

3.) Outside of the issues related to the IGA, what other issues need to be addressed within the the Paris town government and how would you approach them?

Kammerzelt — The Town is working on Fire and Rescue issues. Response times, Staffing, Costs. The Board will soon be negotiating Waste Managements Contract Amendment, Working on a new comprehensive land plan. And much much more.

Terry — The Paris Town Board has demonstrated a lack of transparency that causes me concern. No other communities are making such important decisions without studying the issues and working with the citizens to vet their concerns. My opponent moved up the date of implementation by 15 days so that such agreement was effective only 8 days after signing. There is no purpose for these actions other than to suppress discussion. My approach is to slow these changes down so that residents can get informed and involved. We need to address the danger of abandoned homes in the community and offer a free coffee morning or event now and then for seniors at the Paris Safety Building.

Town supervisor — Monson vs. Fliess

Bob Fliess

Age: 49

Occupation: Farmer and fleet mechanic for City of Kenosha.

Education: Central High School 1985.

Previous elected or appointed governmental experience: None.

Other community service experience: Collected signatures to stop the Town Board from giving land and money to the Village of Somers.

Is your residence within one of the two most recently designated growth areas for Somers or Kenosha? Like Mr. Kolnik, my land was placed in the Kenosha growth area.

Kenneth Monson

Age: 57

Occupation: HVAC Service Technician.

Education: 5 year EST Sheet Metal Service Apprenticeship.

Previous Experience: Appointed to the Paris Plan Commission, Appointed to the Town Board in 2000, Elected Town Board 2001-Present.

Other Community Service: Committee to establish a Fire & Rescue Dept. in the Town of Paris, Charter Member of the Paris Fire Dept., Paris Recycling Committee, Several Community Service Projects for the Paris Consolidated Grade School.

Is your residence within one of the two most recently designated growth areas for Somers or Kenosha? My residence is not in either of the growth areas.

1.) Why are you more qualified than your opponent?

Fliess — Character matters. By signing an IGA that transfers 2,500+ acres of land and 1/2 town reserves a mere 21 days after announcing the agreement publicly, my opponent has proven himself unfit to govern this town.

Monson —  EXPERIENCE — For over the last 30 years, I have either worked directly on or have been involved with virtually every aspect of the operation of the Town of Paris. Fire Dept. Knowledge — I am a charter member of the Paris Fire Dept. and served as the Dept’s first Captain. I was one of the first members to complete Fire Fighter 1 classes.  I am the current board member acting as liaison to the Fire Dept.  Plan Commission Knowledge — I was appointed and served approximately 10 years on the town’s first Plan Commission after the town zoning authority was given to Kenosha County.  I also helped create the town’s first land plan, and served as liaison to the Plan Commission for several years. Town Board  experience — I have negotiated contracts, created yearly budgets, and reviewed and scrutinized expenses of the town. I have an excellent rapport with local government officials, the County Highway Dept.  Supervisors, Landfill Site Manager, and town business leaders and residents.

2.) What is your position on the new IGA as outlined so far? Does it need revisions? If so, specify.

Fliess — 1) Investing 25% of the portfolio in a single municipality does not provide appropriate diversification.  2) The loan is a revolver so there is a possibility Paris wouldn’t earn any interest and we couldn’t invest the money elsewhere as it would be required to be available to Somers. 3) The new IGA doesn’t change the prior proposal to lend money to Somers at below market rates (charge AAA rates on BBB risk).

Monson — There may be small revisions needed to complete the new IGA, but I believe it is a good document as is. The new IGA reflects the change in size of the Somer’s growth area. A direct payment to the village is no longer needed with the inclusion of the City of Kenosha, which is a positive for Paris. Unfortunately, the town will end up losing more land with the city involved. I’m not happy about that, but the fifty year period before the land transfers helps me to accept this. In my opinion, the five million dollar loan cannot be tied to infrastructure, as some suggest, because development may take some time, whereas the Village of Somer’s need for accessible funds is more immediate. For those who say Somers will develop their side first, development will be dictated by the people doing the building, and if someone views a Paris parcel as more advantageous to their project, Somers will work with them to make that happen. Also, there is a designated area on the Somer’s side that the Town of Paris will receive $1,000,000.00 in revenue sharing.

3.) Outside of the issues related to the IGA, what other issues need to be addressed within the the Paris town government and how would you approach them?

Fliess — I’d like to see less favortism and more consistency in terms of how residents are treated. When collecting signatures for the recall, I heard grievance after grievance about unfairness. I hope to address those concerns by treating others how I’d like to be treated.  I’d like to see the town accounts for the budget broken down by line item. It would also be good to hold an open house event a few times a year for the board to welcome newcomers who have moved here.

Monson — One of the most important issues for me is to get our Interim Residential Land Division policy and guidelines in place.  Then, we need to complete our sub-division control ordnance.  These issues are very complicated and need to be done properly.  We have several land owners waiting for these documents to be completed, and they’re getting frustrated.  We need to approach these by keeping the process moving forward in order to reach a satisfactory conclusion. We also need to continue working with Waste Management to increase revenues from the landfill operations. Priority must also be given to completing the process with the City and Somers to secure the Town’s borders.  This will be accomplished by continuing to work together to get the necessary documents to the state for approval.

6 Shares

94 Comments

  1. Nothing New in Paris – are you brainwashed?

    The money they are spending on lawyers is OUR money as residents of Paris! It doesn;t matter how it was raised. Wow, the arrogance.

    FACT: The DNR said Somers had no water rights.
    http://www.kenoshanews.com/news/dnr_somers_cant_use_lake_water_489177806.php

    United Paris – they wanted to give $1.25m and 2,500 acres of land to Somers – FACT!

    You are scraping the barrel!

  2. Northwestern Mike says:

    Just some thoughts and Nothing New in Paris,

    “By Mr. Kolnik and Mr. Taylor bringing suit, along with Kenosha, against the town, the Town was FORCED to”

    “All funded by Paris dollars to fight it’s own residents.”

    I took the liberty of rearranging your quotes.

    By Mr. Kolnik and Mr. Taylor bringing suit, along with Kenosha, against the town, the Town was FORCED to use Paris dollars to defend the Town against the lawsuit.

    “30 years and that is what they came up with.”

    Move along something better was proposed.

  3. Northwestern Mike says:

    Nothing new in Paris,

    “This Board is actually fighting for it’s life. When I see Virgil Gentz backing out of Don Taylors driveway, I know they are very nervous.”

    I just talked to Virgil and this is a BALD-FACED LIE.

    You have stooped to a new low.

  4. Northwestern Mike says:

    Nothing new in Paris,

    Virgil did not talk to Don Taylor.

  5. Northwestern Mike says:

    Just Some Thoughts,

    It must be disheartening that none of your heroes are mentioned in this story.

    http://www.kenoshanews.com/news/paris_somers_take_steps_toward_new_pact_490313180.php

    or this story

    http://westofthei.com.customers.tigertech.net/2016/10/11/paris-somers-kenosha-come-to-agreement-on-i-94-development-border-and-extension-of-watersewer-service/59498

    But these residents were mentioned.

    “I far prefer this concept to the old IGA,” said Scott Kirschner, who owns property in the designated Kenosha growth area. He pointed out that his taxes will not increase drastically — unless he annexes — and he will be able to choose when to annex, such as when a sale to a developer is viable.

    Tom Mueller, another property owner inside one of the growth areas, said “Our (Paris) Town Board did a wonderful thing. This is how it should have been done from the beginning. I think this will work out for everyone.”

  6. Northwestern Mike says:

    The Bear and Goldilocks,

    “they wanted to give $1.25m and 2,500 acres of land to Somers – FACT!”

    The magic word is “wanted” as in past tense.

    Get over it. There is a new deal which from the above comments from Paris residents they like it.

  7. Nothing new in Paris says:

    Mike, Actual fact. Not a lie. He may not have talked to him as it was during the day and Don was probably working. But I 100% saw Virgils truck backing out of the driveway.

  8. Nothing new in Paris says:

    The Bear….: I am not sure what you are referring to???? I think you may have misunderstood something I wrote. I agree. The Board was spending our money. Because of their mistake.

  9. Looks like the Town Board and supporters are getting very emotional and now resorting to some very negative campaigning. One has gone to the challengers’ Facebook page and said he hopes people from Paris go to Somers and the door hits them on the way out.

    Who knows what Virgil wanted but there have been reports of the Town Board visiting people with challenger posters to ask them about it… The big scandal isn’t little things like that, it is that the Town Board have spent so much money on lawyers and tried to pass a land deal with no water rights! That isn’t a sign of experience.

  10. So I’m confused – someone earlier pointed out this link showing that Ron Kemmerseltz actually signed the IGA that doesn’t include his land.

    https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4d55yLCDwFrVTNSSHlBQ0dUQzdsbV9qN29Uc2dqdUxhWkU4/view

    So he excluded his land from his own deal? The one with no water rights? Why are we supposed to move on and recognize that he almost committed half the town money to a deal with no water rights? Thanks.

  11. Northwestern Mike says:

    The Bear and Goldilocks,

    “Looks like the Town Board and supporters are getting very emotional and now resorting to some very negative campaigning. One has gone to the challengers’ Facebook page and said he hopes people from Paris go to Somers and the door hits them on the way out.”

    Are they using their real name like you guys are? What makes you think they are town board supporters?

    I tried to post on your Facebook page and you have blocked me.

    “Who knows what Virgil wanted but there have been reports of the Town Board visiting people with challenger posters to ask them about it”

    I have visited people with challenger posters and have had some very frank conversations with them.

    I cannot believe what the challengers are telling residents. I have converted several to the incumbents and so have the town board members. Residents really appreciate the whole story.

    I do not sense panic from the town board. I have not yet encountered any challenger supporters. I think you have it reversed.

  12. Northwestern Mike says:

    The Bear and Goldilocks,

    Hey Bear, better have Goldilocks explain it to you. This is the link for the MOU with water rights. Kenosha Water Utility signed it.

    Weren’t you paying attention? Ron’s land was never included in the deal. See above comments.

  13. Northwestern Mike says:

    Nothing new in Paris,

    Are you seeing things? Time for a checkup.

  14. Northwestern Mike says:

    From Facebook/threeforparis,

    Rick Grabot the fact is that other municipalities pay far less for lawyers. Randall 15k pa Silverlake $20k pa and Salem $37k pa for example compared to over $84k pa for three months and $270k of public money for next year.

    Are any of these other municipalities involved with a boundary agreement?

    I would comment on the Facebook page, but I have been blocked.

  15. Northwestern Mike says:

    Nothing new in Paris,

    So you are a woman writer.

  16. Less Affected Resident says:

    If Somers is so desperate for money, why don’t we negotiate for 100% of the revenue?

    The loan should be earmarked for development west of I-94 or we should negotiate for more revenue.

  17. Less Affected Resident says:

    I would like to see Joe and/or Bob elected so the twlight zone residents have some representation on the board. The original deal had us kicked out of Paris and we were going to have to pay the village of Somers tax. That was not in the best interest of the twilight zone residents. Hence, why the majority of the twilight zone residents signed the petition for a referendum.

    We need representation.

  18. Respond we must says:

    The Town Board ran unopposed for several years. All those years of trust was destroyed earlier this year when the Town Board made several LARGE decisions that were not VETTED by the residents.

    In response, the residents tried to raise their concerns which were ignored again and again.

    This is the result when politicians ignore their constituency.

  19. Pay to Play says:

    Is “Proven leadership” giving Somers acres and acres of land and a $5 million loan?

    Village of Somers VERBALLY supports current board:
    “it is absolutely vital that Paris residents vote to re-elect the proven leadership of Virgil Gentz, Ron Kammerzelt and Ken Monson on Nov. 22.”

    http://www.kenoshanews.com/opinion/paris_town_board_deserves_support_490641975.php

    On the other hand, Paris residents have recalled the Town Board for these actions. Who do you trust? The Village of Somers or your neighbors?

  20. Set the Record Straight says:

    Both sides are claiming the moral high ground.

    Only one side backed up their answers to the questionnaire with links (see the blue hyperlinks).

    Also, please note posts that can back up their comments with links to facts.

  21. Less Affected Resident says:

    I wouldn’t be surprised if Virgil stopped by Don’s house. He stopped by my house. He’s trying just 9 months too late.

    Apparently he has the time, just didn’t have the time 9 months earlier to tell me personally that he wants to force me to go to Somers and raise my tax bill. The first original IGA didn’t even have Paris paying 75% of our county taxes according to a letter from Kenosha I received. That was added some time after the vague letter and prior to the public hearing. How was that not on the board’s interests to make a deal that wasn’t so financially burdensome to the twilight zone residents? We are Paris residents too.

    To Mike’s next remark that the board held office hours during voting a few days before the public hearing and passage of the Old IGA. When I went to vote, I didn’t even know I was affected so personally because everyone in Paris got the same vague letter about a deal that the Board worked on months prior. I am well educated and can read why wasn’t more details included. We have to personally seek out what is going on. That is just ridiculous.

  22. May the Truth continue to prevail says:

    On November 30, 2016 at 1:30pm, we hope that, AGAIN, the Plaintiffs and Intervenors will be proven right.
    https://wcca.wicourts.gov/caseDetails.do;jsessionid=C17D9CD7DDAA307CAF411A674FE19F92.render6?caseNo=2016CV000480&countyNo=30&cacheId=8F88EB33DE866562329F782CC120324D&recordCount=7&offset=0

    May the honorable Phillip A. Koss put this Board in it’s place just like the state did previously:
    http://westofthei.com.customers.tigertech.net/2016/10/14/state-orders-paris-to-hold-recall-election-for-town-board/59528

  23. Less Affected Resident says:

    To the comments that the board followed all protocol and no vote was needed.

    The original IGA was passed under a statue not intended to be used for a large boundary agreement with revenue sharing. This was part of the lawsuit. The statute used only allows for a 10 year agreement. Who does a boundary agreement for 10 years only? Someone who is trying to avoid involvement of Kenosha and the Twilight residents.

    With the new agreement, they are using the proper statutes as they were intended to be used. That is why now we can have a 50 year agreement.

  24. COMPARE AND CONTRAST says:

    “Sipsma said the bike plan (putting signage on bike routes) took about 3 years of committee work, with input from the city of Kenosha, every village and town in the county and members of the local biking community.”

    http://www.kenoshanews.com/news/countys_bike_plan_gets_a_push_from_grant_489647069.php

    In Comparison
    * The Paris Town Board allocated $10 million to Somers, gave away 2,572.6 acres of land and transferred 120 residents into Somers in 30 days.
    *The Paris Town Board doesn’t want the involvement of it’s own residents.

  25. Those in power basically do what they please says:

    Americans have lost faith in the Constitution’s power to restrain the wrecking of their way of life.

    http://www.claremont.org/crb/basicpage/after-the-republic/

    We are seeing this on a local level – hopefully we have the power to undo their errors.

  26. Nothing new in Paris says:

    Don’t get too excited Mike. All Scott said was it was better than the first. Pretty much anything was better than the first IGA. And, in case you didn’t know, Scott was out collecting names for the referendum and the RECALL.

  27. Less Affected Resident says:

     “The IGA will be developed to protect the Town of Paris. It can be revised if all parties agree” quoted from Ron above.

    I wonder what revisions if any Ron wants to make. Force all in the revenue sharing area go to Somers now instead of waiting 50 years. It saves Paris money and Somers gets to collect taxes from those residents. Who on the Boards is going to disagree with that? Donny and Kolnik are in the Kenosha zone so they don’t have to worry about their lawsuit. Based on the original IGA, I wouldn’t put it past him.

    Without change, history will repeat itself.

  28. Less Affected Resident says:

    The Current Board has just been too slow on important matters. Why do I think this?

    1. Uline is already in my backyard
    2. I’ve been paying $200 more in property insurance for the last 2 years because the fire department is rated so badly. How do I know this? I called my insurance agent 2 years ago when the jump happened and he said because the Paris Fire Department rating dropped. The Board is finally trying to fix the department’s rating now.
    3. Is anyone else sick of hearing the gun shot noise coming from Hwy E? Their solution is probably to spend 20k like they did with the drag strip with no actual change.

  29. Northwestern Mike says:

    Stcaked comments coming from Northwestern Mike.

  30. Northwestern Mike says:

    A little background is need. “Set the Record Straight” posted some bullets points regarding the Recall Election on Westofthei.com. Instead of responding on Westofthei.com to the bullet points the opposition replied on their Facebook page. They also edited the bullet points. The ones on their Facebook page do not match those on Westofthei.com.

    Yours truly has been denied permission to respond on the oppositions’ Facebook page for past comment in opposition to Nirvana.

    So was I to give up an opportunity to poke holes in the challengers’ narrative? NO way! So for me the only logical thing to do was retype all their answers (CTRL C did not work) and repost them to Westofthei.com.

    Mike you are NUTS. I know. Retirees do strange things. I don’t want to rake leaves.

    So let the fun begin.

  31. Northwestern Mike says:

    Fact checking the opposition fact checks of the post from “Set the Record Straight”

    Fact checking the town board members’ message against people signing the recall petition;

    Board member messages are underlined. Opposition reply follows. My reply follows.

  32. Northwestern Mike says:

    1) “Lower taxes”; absolutely false. Paris has no town tax and pays 75% of county taxes from revenues earned by the town.

    The board are pretending they don’t understand this refers to our aim to keep a low tax or no tax environment in the future. If the landfill revenues dry-up, spending half the town’s reserves on a deal with no water rights (as they tried) would put the community on the fast track to financial difficulties.

    MIKE: The board has been doing the No Town Tax and paying 100% of the County tax for years and is now paying 75% of the County tax. They originated it. They even have a plan called the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

    https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4d55yLCDwFrVTNSSHlBQ0dUQzdsbV9qN29Uc2dqdUxhWkU4/view

    which proposes earning future revenue in the growth area in case the landfill revenue decreases to maintain that pledge. Water rights were agreed upon in the MOU.

  33. Northwestern Mike says:

    Board member messages are underlined did not work.

  34. Northwestern Mike says:

    1) “Lower taxes”; absolutely false. Paris has no town tax and pays 75% of county taxes from revenues earned by the town.

    CHALLENGERS: The board are pretending they don’t understand this refers to our aim to keep a low tax or no tax environment in the future. If the landfill revenues dry-up, spending half the town’s reserves on a deal with no water rights (as they tried) would put the community on the fast track to financial difficulties.

    MIKE: The board has been doing the No Town Tax and paying 100% of the County tax for years and is now paying 75% of the County tax. They originated it. They even have a plan called the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

    https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4d55yLCDwFrVTNSSHlBQ0dUQzdsbV9qN29Uc2dqdUxhWkU4/view

    which proposes earning future revenue in the growth area in case the landfill revenue decreases to maintain that pledge. Water rights were agreed upon in the MOU.

  35. Northwestern Mike says:

    2) “A united Paris”; absolutely false. Paris is and will remain united.

    CHALLENGERS: Paris would not be united if thousands of acres were moved to Somers, would it? We also want a community united in spirit, Many residents feel left out and that they are not consulted.

    MIKE: By your definition Paris is divided now because land has already been annexed to Kenosha with the Uline deal. The MOU gives choice when to annex back to the property owners. There is not the wailing and gnashing of the teeth on the MOU and there was on the first IGA. The same notice was given and no community wide meeting were necessary.

    Something must have been made right.

  36. Northwestern Mike says:

    3) “The board gave residents 20 days’ notice and millions of dollars to Somers”; absolutely false.

    CHALLENGERS: The first IGA that the board pushed would have given $1.25m to Somers. How can they pretend this was the case?

    MIKE: The MOU has resolved this. Discuss the MOU not past history.

  37. Northwestern Mike says:

    4) “The DNR ruled that Somers had no water rights”; absolutely false. That was the contention of the City (and part of the lawsuit which the City was going to lose.) *** Part edited out.

    CHALLENGERS: The DNR ruled that Somers had no water rights at the time. See Kenosha News source here:

    http://www.kenoshanews.com/news/dnr_somers_cant_use_lake_water_489177806.php

    MIKE: An excerpt from the above story:

    PACT calls for city water

    In 2005, Kenosha and Somers entered into a cooperative plan under which the Kenosha Water Utility provides wholesale water service to Somers. In June 2007, the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission approved a regional water quality management plan for the Kenosha area. Under the regional plan, the Greater Kenosha Sanitary Sewer Service Area was mapped to include portions of the area that is now the village of Somers.

    According to court documents, Somers, as a wholesale customer, received water from the Kenosha Water Utility, which provided water outside the basin prior to Dec. 8, 2008. The 2010 Diversion Approval issued to Somers was required as a result, attorneys claim.

    Even if the DNR erroneously approved a diversion limit for Somers, attorneys claim it should now be prohibited from revoking that approval “based on an improper collateral attack six years after the original approval was granted.” They claim the city of Kenosha had the opportunity to raise objections to the 2010 Diversion Approval within 30 days of its approval.

    “It did not file within that time period and it is now barred from raising an attack on such a decision,” court documents related to the issue read. “Now six years later, after all of its legal rights to object have expired, the city of Kenosha demanded that DNR provide relief that it could not legally obtain.”

    This is why Paris filled a lawsuit. This was all resolved with the MOU

  38. Northwestern Mike says:

    5) “Thousands of Paris residents’ money was spent in legal bills”; absolutely false. The money was revenues earned by the town. Legal fees were used to defend the lawsuit started by the challengers (and was settled out of court). *** Part edited out

    CHALLENGERS: Just because the Paris money didn’t come from taxes doesn’t mean it doesn’t belong to the residents. How can you justify spending several times the amount other communities spend on legal fees on defending a deal without water rights?

    MIKE: The money from Waste Management belongs to the town. Years ago I suggested at an Annual Meeting to give the money back to all the residents using a Village rule giving back surplus income taxes. The surplus is not from income taxes and therefore could not be given back. Whose money it is, is a nonissue.

    The town is spending several times the amount of other communities because Paris is negotiating a boundary agreement with two other communities. Lawyers are not free.

  39. Northwestern Mike says:

    6) “Paris doesn’t need to pay to give away land to another community”; absolutely false. No money was given away. (No land was given away. There is land that will be given to the City in exchange for sewer, water and a boundary agreement). *** Part that was edited

    CHALLENGERS: It wasn’t given away – because residents stopped the board’s first, flawed, agreement with Somers with an injunction – by just hours until the deadline. You are still advocating millions in loans to Somers. Paris shouldn’t be the ‘Bank of Somers’.

    MIKE: You changed the bullet point. No land or money was given away. Land was exchanged for sewer, water and a boundary agreement. In the MOU, money will be loaned to Somers in exchange for revenue sharing.

  40. Northwestern Mike says:

    7) “The challengers didn’t receive notice of the time, place and date of the scheduled debate”; absolutely false. Notice was sent and they did not reply or show up. (Notice was sent by email to each one and they chose not to respond one way or another). *** Part was edited.

    CHALLENGERS: This is a pretty amazing case of selective quoting. In a public letter, we say, “Recently one board member advertised a “debate” – advertised before agreement with us on the time, date, location – and even moderator. The moderator chosen was a former official from … Somers.” Just like the IGA, the board tell people what to do and don’t ask.

    MIKE: Paris Supervisor proposed debate with recall candidates July 27, 2016

    http://westofthei.com.customers.tigertech.net/2016/07/27/paris-supervisor-proposes-debate-with-recall-candidates/58435

    Paris town Supervisor Ron Kammerzelt, at Tuesday’s regular monthly Town Board meeting, proposed having a debate with one or even all of the candidates who are seeking to recall the board.

    “I would personally like to talk with one of you or all of you at any time,” Kammerzelt said during citizens comments, stepping out from the table where board members sit. “I think some information needs to get out there.” He added that he has talked to Paris School District administrator Roger Gahart about using the school for the event.

    So on July 27, 2016 Ron Kammerzelt proposed a debate and nothing from the challengers.

    From Kenosha News
    Sunday November 13, 2016

    DARTS —
    “To Joe Kolnik, Bob Fliess and Paul Terry, who a gathered enough signatures to force a recall election in the town of Paris but then refused to participate in a debate with members of the town board. Challengers generally try to debate as often as possible. Usually its the incumbents who try to duck out.”

  41. Northwestern Mike says:

    8) “Inform and Listen”; absolutely false. This board has diligently informed and listened to all residents of this Town, not just those in the growth area.

    CHALLENGERS: The hundreds of residents who found out they were being moved to Somers just days before the deadline would respectfully disagree.

    MIKE: Here are stories about the Somers-Paris IGA in Kenosha News

    Somers, Paris join forces for I-94 development – March 23, 2016

    http://www.kenoshanews.com/news/somers_paris_join_forces_for_i94_development_487172650.php

    Cautious reaction to huge I-94 land development deal – March 24, 2016

    http://www.kenoshanews.com/news/cautious_reaction_to_huge_i94_land_development_deal_487187241.php

    City upset with I-94 land deal – March 24, 2016

    http://kenoshanews.com/news/city_upset_with_i94_land_deal_487188857.php

    Paris to host meeting about development plan – April 1, 2016

    http://www.kenoshanews.com/news/paris_to_host_meetings_about_development_plan_487295892.php

  42. Northwestern Mike says:

    9) “Get the Plan Right”. Two challengers have large parcels of land in the growth area and stand to make significant profit upon the further economic development of the I-94 corridor. The current Town Board has no personal gain and thus operates with only the Town’s best interests. Who do you want representing you?

    CHALLENGERS: A majority of the people signing the petition to recall the board actually lived outside of the land growth area. They disagree with you on not consulting residents and putting a low tax/no tax environment at risk.

    MIKE: And many of those signing the recall petition are now going to vote for the incumbents.

    I want someone who worked on the MOU not someone who won’t even acknowledge it to represent me.

    “Falsehoods are not a way to win an election.”

  43. With the recall election coming Tuesday, further comments on this post — and other related posts — are closed as of Sunday, 7:48 p.m.

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