Letters to the Editor published in the Sept. 13, 2023 issue of the Tomahawk Leader.
Speed limit on Tannery Rd.
There is a petition being circulated concerning the speed limit on Tannery Rd. in the Town of Bradley Lincoln County.
The road is designated as a town road not a county trunk. People want the speed limit reduced to 45 mph from 55 mph. They also want to increase the no passing zones due to the many blind spots and lack of shoulder on this major thruway.
The issue is the high rate of speed vehicles travel and the danger to people walking, riding bikes, pulling out of driveways and simply going to their mailboxes. The mix of bikes, ATV/UTV’s, cars and heavy trucks is a dangerous mix at 55mph.
Some people are saying that posting a lower speed limit won’t stop people who speed from speeding. We are not appealing to law breakers, we will let the sheriff and state patrol to deal with those individuals. We are trying to appeal to law abiding citizen’s who care about people not getting hurt or worse due to high speeds of travel on a road being used as a drag strip.
The increase in traffic using Tannery Rd. to go into the town of Tomahawk is a natural response to increased population. However using the road unsafely should never be considered a natural condition of use.
This problem can be so easily solved by simply lowering the speed limit and increasing the no passing zones.
Robin L. Islo
Tomahawk
Radio interview for Adolescent Recovery and Wellness Center rebuttal
Sept. 1, 2023, GLITC CEO, Bryan Bainbridge was interviewed by Shereen Siewert on WPR radio, regarding the Adolescent Recovery and Wellness Center (ages 13-17) proposed site (158 acres in Cassian Township).
Rebuttal Editorial to that radio interview:
Security? Bryan stated no guards nor fencing but will be monitored 24/7; The residents are there via voluntary basis: Can residents leave on their own? Who brings residents to the facility? Who removes them? Concerns about outside factors, friends/family unfortunately may not have the best of intentions.
Fees to be paid? Bryan said eventually work with Indian Health Services; stated “Figure out the financial end after treatment.” How will the facility support itself? GLITC received a grant for $15 million to build already.
Remain on tax roll? Bryan said “Yes, at this point, will be taxable, but eventually, would be put into trust.” What does that mean for the Wisconsin taxpayers?
Infrastructure Upgrade(s)? Bryan stated, “No, not necessarily, as there are roads there.” Stated there would be benefits to the partnership by better internet connectivity and making sure the power is sufficient; Bryan brought up the word “partnership” but does not state who will pay for these infrastructure upgrades.
Reason(s) for the opposition – Bryan stated “Racism, hate and fear are the reasons for the opposition.” We do not want this facility near our homes and families; does not mean we are racist; it means we want our homes and families to be safe. Bryan stated, “Rep. Tiffany was fearmongering to his base,” as Tiffany is opposed to this facilities’ location too. GLITC does not give answers how this partnership works? How the facility benefits Cassian Township? This could help lessen some opposition.
Native Urban Youth will receive priority, but they will provide help for whomever needs it. Where will the Native Urban Youth be coming from?
Aftercare/Day/Wrap Around Services will be provided, to continue the support for teens and their families. Adding traffic and safety concerns to homeowners.
Employee Issues? GLITC thinking 50 employees, Bryan stated, “Actively seeking to develop housing for employees.” “Could fit housing on property.” Bryan stated, “Wanted certain attributes of the land, as they wanted to utilize and maintain the integrity of the land.” How does employee housing help maintain the integrity of the land? How do employees living on the land not increase the traffic concerns and other infrastructure concerns? GLITC seeking more land in Cassian Township?
Next Steps – Need to submit the Conditional Use Permit; Bryan believes there is no legal reason for the board to oppose. Bryan wants to remove politics to make it just about the facts.
The fact is homeowners/taxpayers of Cassian Township do not want this facility in our residential area. How can we discuss a “partnership” with so many unanswered questions/concerns that directly affect our homes? Find this interview on www.WPR.org, under archives.
Chris Turnbull
Concerned Citizen of Cassian Township