Opinions

“A city has to be responsible to its residents to provide affordable housing.” — Esther Sanchez

The city of Shawano Housing Authority (HA) provides adequate and affordable housing and a suitable safe environment free from discrimination.

To be eligible for housing, the family’s gross annual income may not exceed the applicable income limit, which is established and revised annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Every fiscal year, the housing authority must reserve a minimum of 75 percent of its rental assistance for families whose incomes do not exceed 30 percent of the area median income. The remainder must have gross annual incomes that fall within the very low income limit.

The housing authority consists of six properties:

• Elizabeth Manor was built in 1981. It contains 31 one-bedroom apartments and one two-bedroom apartment.

“Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.” — William James

Last week I wrote about how the city responded to the aftermath of the storm. This week I would like to comment on how citizens handled the devastation that occurred at their own homes as well as the homes of their friends, neighbors and families.

I heard so many wonderful stories about people helping one another during and after the storm. I learned of a gentleman who rushed over to a 90+-year-old neighbor who lived alone. He knew she could not get down to her basement so he went over to assist her and stay with her until the storm was over.

Three young boys went around the neighborhood in the Andrews Street area offering to clean up yards. When asked how much they were charging, they replied “No charge; we’re just trying to help people.”

To the editor:

The city of Shawano, along with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, is now in the design state for the reconstruction of Airport Drive (state Highway 47/55) from state Highway 29 to East Green Bay Street.

Living and working in the local area, I see the Airport Drive and County Road B intersection becoming increasingly dangerous.

The intersection, I believe, needs serious control consideration.

Increasing traffic volume, minimal sight distance to the north and more truck traffic to adjacent industrial parks make the through and turning movements from County Road B challenging. Recently, a fatal crash occurred at the intersection.

Consider Shawano’s first roundabout there. Roundabouts have proved to smoothly control traffic and, most importantly, reduce serious injury and fatal crashes.

To the editor:

When Gov. Thompson was promoting a mine at the headwaters of the Wolf River, the Menominee leadership was vehemently opposed.

In his letter to the editor (Aug. 31), Menominee Chairman Craig Corn writes, “We’ve seen Gov. Walker show admirable grit and tenacity in promoting mining legislation.”

I guess it depends on who’s backyard the mine is located.

It’s an insult to all who worked so hard to prevent the Crandon Mine, and especially to Walt Bresette, from Red Cliff, whose spirit must surely be tormented by this statement.

Len Pubanz

Shawano

“Storms make oaks take deeper root.” — George Herbert

It is always a good thing when we can say “the storm has passed.” However, the recovery and cleanup will continue into the future.

First and foremost, on behalf of the city of Shawano, I would like to extend our heartfelt sympathy to the Menominee Nation, the family and friends and all who mourn the death of Marlo King. All of the destruction that occurred in Shawano and surrounding areas pale in comparison to the loss of a life.

The reports coming in from the various departments show the devastation the storm caused. Some of the numbers are quite staggering. I cannot say enough about how proud we can all be with the efforts made by the crews.

To the editor:

With one signature, Gov. Scott Walker can create thousands of Wisconsin jobs and generate over $35 million annually in new state revenue. He can help build a brighter future for one of the state’s poorest tribes, promote free-market competition and increase consumer choice.

Gov. Walker has the power to approve the Menominee Tribe’s proposed Kenosha casino, which has already been approved by the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs. On behalf of our 8,700 tribal members and everyone who wants more jobs and economic opportunity in our state, I ask the governor to use his pen to partner with Menominee. Our casino fits perfectly with his goal of creating 250,000 jobs and demonstrates that – to borrow his phrase – Wisconsin is open for business.

As we call on Gov. Walker to do what’s best for Wisconsin, the Forest County Potawatomi are calling on him with a different, anti-Wisconsin message.

To the editor:

I am writing in regard to Anello’s petting zoo.

Just because some dumb kid can’t read, she has caused all this trouble for Rita.

I’ve watched this zoo grow from a few chickens, rabbits, geese and goats to include a camel, zebras, llamas, kangaroos, parrots, etc.

I think the zoo is an asset to Shawano. The cages and yards are well kept, and the animals are healthy. Rita purchased these animals and maintains them at her expense for our enjoyment.

It’s not costing the city a penny, and I think the zoning laws should be changed in favor of keeping the zoo as it is.

Call the mayor of planning commission with your opinion. Better yet, let’s show up at Anello’s on Sept. 4 at 6 p.m. when the commission will tour the zoo.

Karen Lynch

Shawano

“Your aspirations are your possibilities.” — Dr. Samuel Johnson

The Shawano Medical Center reuse task force met this week. Members who recently toured the facility were impressed with the overall condition of the building. They were surprised to learn it is larger in square footage than the local Walmart.

The main entrance, which includes the atrium, waiting area, offices and public restrooms, was built in 2007. The Riverside Clinic, also built in 2007, consists of 30 exam rooms and 14 offices. It is separated from the rest of the building by a corridor.

Also on the first floor are three operating rooms and 17 preparation rooms, the Riverside Café and dining room, a laboratory, the emergency area with triage, 14 exam rooms, two trauma rooms, 10 offices and an ambulance garage. Housekeeping, medical records, physicians’ lounge, radiology with 11 exam rooms, three offices, the boiler room and maintenance shop are also on the first floor.

To the editor:

The article “New position signals shakeup at SCEPI” in the Aug. 9 edition of The Shawano Leader inferred that the development of a new position will guide the SCEPI organization in the future. I am hopeful that with the addition of the new chief economic development position, SCEPI will capitalize on the opportunity to diversify its board to include more women, younger people and minorities.

I know the members of the board have the education, experience and credentials to be productive. The concern, however, is that the SCEPI board does not have a well-rounded perspective regarding the representation of the community as a whole. Of the 15 board members listed in the 2012 Annual Report/2013 Plan of Work, there was one female, very few members under the age of 40 and no minority representation. And if this area wants to increase in 1,000 new jobs by 2017, diverse perspectives will be pertinent to success.

“Be happy, and a reason will come along.” — Robert Brault

On Monday evening, the Shawano Medical Center reuse task force went on a tour of the facility. Drawings of the various heating/cooling systems and the dates of building additions were distributed to the members. Committee members were able to get a good sense of the size and condition of the entire structure.

Carol Ryczek, SMC community relations manager, said, “Most folks on the tour did not have a sense of how big the building is, but did after the tour. The tour will be a valuable part of the decision making process for this committee, and I look forward to hearing their comments at Monday night’s meeting.”

She added, “Kudos to SMC’s facilities manager, Tony Jagla, for (literally) opening so many doors.”

Task force chairperson Jeanne Cronce commented, “The building is in remarkable shape for how old it is and how many building additions were added.”