As an LWV/ABC Wisconsin Member,
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Scott Walker and Mary Burke will participate in two debates. The debates, sponsored by the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association, will be held Oct. 10 in the La Crosse- Eau Claire area and Oct. 17 in the Milwaukee area. Details about the host stations and debate particulars will be announced in the near future.
Walker will not participate in other debates, said campaign spokeswoman Alleigh Marré.
First elected LWV/ABC President in 1963, Eleanor Bussey continued her vibrant leadership until two years before her death at age 97. For most of those 50 years she served on the League Board, volunteering to be an officer of the organization a number of times. She was recruited to join the League by her mother-in-law who helped found the Minnesota LWV in 1920. In 2012, in recognition of her 50 years of LWV leadership, Eleanor was honored with a citation from the Wisconsin State Senate.
Eleanor was a strong voice for a well organized League. For many years she took responsibility for lining up the speakers and locations for the monthly Unit meetings. Her special interests were soil, forest, and water issues and international affairs. She would also make sure that the LWV observed and publicized United Nations Day on October 24.
She was always an enthusiastic promoter of League studies and public education events, and was proud that the LWV/ABC took leadership on key community issues. Devoted to the League process of studying issues in depth and then arriving at membership consensus on policy positions, she recalled in a 2012 interview that “Our meetings are like a graduate class in political science and we have an awfully good time”.
Eleanor was also a proud defender of the League’s nonpartisan policy, but once local, state or national League positions were arrived at, she was a fearless advocate for those policies. She fondly related the story of when, in her first year in Ashland, she encountered the Ashland County Board Chair at a community picnic. He welcomed her to Ashland County, but advised against her participation in the LWV of Ashland & Bayfield Counties because “you know, they are all a bunch of communists”. She sweetly responded to him that she was currently the president of the LWV/ABC. She knew that in liberal times the LWV might seem too conservative, while in conservative times its positions might seem too liberal.
Most of all, Eleanor loved the League because of the people she met. Eleanor joined the League as a young mother of four in 1962, when she and her husband Jim first moved to Ashland. She looked forward to League meetings she said, because the women were “intelligent and thoughtful” and they talked about community and national and world issues, as well as ideas about homemaking and child rearing. “I made my best friends in the League” she said, and she ardently recruited new people to the League every year.
Click here to listen.
If you missed the debates last week, you can listen to the broadcast:
A candidate forum for Wisconsin's 25th Senate and 74th Assembly districts. Democratic Primary candidates answer reporters' questions at the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center in Ashland. Originally broadcast on July 23rd, 2014 on 91.3 FM (Superior) and 90.9 FM (Ashland).
“The Senate debate will begin at 6 p.m. and the Assembly debate will begin at 7 p.m. from the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center. Both debates, presented by WPR, the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center and Northland College, will be carried live on WPR’s Ideas Network stations, 91.3 Superior, 90.9 Ashland and 90.3 Park Falls. A rebroadcast of the debates is scheduled for Monday, August 11 beginning at 7 p.m.
The Senate and Assembly seats are open with the pending retirement of Senator Bob Jauch of Poplar and State Representative Janet Bewley of Ashland, who is running for Jauch’s seat. Also running in the Democratic primary Senate race are Park Falls Mayor Tom Ratzlaff and Poplar businessman Gary Kauther.
The winner of the August 12 primary election will face Republican Dane Deutsch of Rice Lake in the November 4 general election.
Two Democratic candidates are running for Bewley’s seat in the 74th Assembly District, which includes Bayfield, Ashland, Iron and part of Sawyer Counties. They are Beth Meyers of Bayfield and Graham Garfield of Mason. Jamey Francis of Hurley is the lone Republican in that race.
Northland College President Mike Miller will moderate both debates. The panel of reporters includes former Ashland Daily Press Editor Claire Duquette, Ashland Daily Press reporter Rick Olivo and WPR reporter Mike Simonson. No questions will be taken from the audience. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. and seating at the debates is available on a first-come, first-served basis”
Another Pie and Politics with lots of great pies, inspiring speakers, and this year, a fun recycled fashion show!
Thanks to Dee Johnson and Gail Syverud for organizing the pies! And to all of you pie bakers and providers!
And to Janel Ryan for staffing the membership table!
And of course thanks to all the organizers, speakers, contributors and sponsors of the event.
Image of the site courtesy of the Midwest Hazardous Substance Research Center at Michigan State University.
LWV Community Advocates Kim Bro, Betty Harnsich and Shari Eggleson attended an update on Superfund cleanup in Ashland on Monday 6/16/2014. Following is their report.
Ashland’s lakeshore in the vicinity of the old sewage treatment plant, marina, and Kreher Park was contaminated 100 years ago by coal gasification operations conducted by NSP’s predecessor (NSP assumed its liabilities). The oily, tar-like contaminants seeped into the upland soils and groundwater, and contaminated sediments found their way into Chequamegon Bay. After years of studies and negotiations, NSP has finally commenced the clean-up of the land portion of the contamination this summer, in accordance with plans approved by DNR and EPA.
NSP has built a fence around the site and is sealing off the area with a steel barrier wall along the lakeshore and a clay barrier trench around the other three sides of the site. There is quite a lot of noise right now and some odor from digging the trench. NSP has installed eight continuous air monitoring stations around the perimeter of the site both at the lake level and at the upper level to make sure levels of contaminants in the air in the vicinity do not exceed safe levels. They also have a person who regularly walks around the fence line with an air monitoring unit. There is more infrastructure to be installed: a concrete pad to hold the contaminated soil and a giant tent-like building that will cover the "thermal desorption unit." This unit will heat the contaminated soil so hot that the contaminants will burn completely to carbon dioxide and water. This Phase I is expected to be completed in January, 2015, at a cost of $28-40 million.
Later this summer, NSP plans to start a pilot project authorized by the EPA “Record of Decision” to attempt to show that the contaminated sediments in the bay can be safely and effectively removed using a wet dredging process rather than the more expensive dry dredging process already approved by EPA. That project is scheduled to be completed in October. An agreement for implementation of this Phase II of the project (contaminated sediment remediation) must still be negotiated.
There also is an issue about what happens to the wastewater generated at the site, from dewatering activities and from the groundwater extraction (pump & treat) systems. There will be a treatment plant on the property, but it has not yet been determined what will happen to the treated water. It could be discharged to the Ashland Wastewater Treatment Plant, or it could be discharged directly to Lake Superior. Continued monitoring of this issue could be needed.
Betty Harnisch and Kim Bro have been representing the LWV/ABC on the Citizens Advisory Council established some time ago to advise the agencies working on the project and act as community liaisons.
The 18th Pie and Politics will be held at Big Top Chautauqua in Bayfield on Wednesday, July 23rd. The Alliance for Sustainability has asked local citizens to speak about creating thriving communities.
Concessions and exhibits open at 5:30 p.m. Key note speeches will start at 7:00 p.m. Following the program, participants will eat delicious pie and engage in lively discussion.
The League of Women Voters/Ashland and Bayfield Counties will again organize the pie social. This is a big task and we will need your help. We will need volunteers to donate pies. Volunteers are also needed to plate and serve the pies.
If you are willing to donate pies, please contact Dee Johnson.
If you are willing to serve the pies, please contact Gail Syverud.
Thank you so much for helping to make this community gathering a successful event.
This is the response to our letter of May 15.
Thank you for providing comments on the draft construction permit for the Enbridge Energy pipeline terminal in Superior, WI.
The Department has made its decision regarding this construction permit. The Department issued the permit in accordance with the Wisconsin Statutes, chapters NR 400 – 499 and NR 150, Wisconsin Administrative Code on June 12, 2014.
Electronic copies of the final approval cover letter, the Department’s findings of fact, the final permit, our responses to comment, the original application, original review, comments that were received but not directly incorporated into the responses to comments document, and other information regarding the permit review can be found on the DNR website.
http://dnr.wi.gov/cias/am/amexternal/AM_PermitTrackingSearch.aspx
In the field “permit no.” enter 13-DCF-129 and click on the “search” button to do a search for this permit number.
This will open a new window: Click on the upper tab “Permits and Permit Applications”
This will open a window showing all of the permits. Scroll down and select 13-DCF-129. This will open a window with all of the permit documents associated with that permit number. It may be necessary to scroll through the list to locate your files of interest.
Regards, Neal E. Baudhuin
Northern Region Air Management Supervisor
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
107 Sutliff Avenue, Rhinelander, WI 54501
715/365-8958; Fax: 715/365-8932
neal.baudhuin@wisconsin.gov
General WDNR Information: 1-888-936-7463
Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/WIDNR
We are committed to service excellence.
We also sent this same letter to Ashland Daily Press and other county newspapers in Northern Wisconsin.
May 15, 2014
Mr. Don C. Faith
Department of Natural Resources
Bureau of Air Management
P.O. Box 7921
Madison, Wisconsin 53707
RE: Enbridge Energy Permit Application No. 13-DCF-129
Dear Mr. Faith:
I am writing on behalf of the League of Women Voters of Ashland and Bayfield Counties to urge you to deny Enbridge Energy’s application for a permit to construct huge new oil storage tanks in Superior and increase the capacity of its pipeline no. 61 to accommodate increased oil shipments from Alberta, on the grounds that this project could lead to more oil spills, water pollution, increased demand for tar sands oil, and more climate change pollution.
While the air emissions from the vented tanks in Superior are not insignificant, the broader repercussions of the proposed pipeline expansion are of much greater concern. Line 61 cuts through Wisconsin from Superior to Illinois, putting many waterways at risk, including the Wisconsin River and Lake Superior, a resource particularly cherished by residents of this area, including native peoples. Enbridge pipelines have ruptured, leaked and spilled oil into waterways here and elsewhere. One catastrophic spill of a million gallons of tar sands crude into the Kalazamazoo River in 2010 is still not cleaned up four years later, despite remedial efforts costing more than $1 billion. Another rupture two years later, in the Line 61 corridor, resulted in a geyser of crude oil near Grand Marsh, Wisconsin. U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray Lahood stated, “…accidents, like the one in Wisconsin, are absolutely unacceptable.” PHMSA issued an order requiring an extensive review of repairs and corrective actions before allowing the pipeline to reopen. These are the only two of many examples of why, given the present risk to Wisconsin’s natural resources, Enbridge should not be allowed to expand the flow of tar sands crude to and through the state.
As troublesome as the risk to the state’s waterways undeniably is, an even more disturbing repercussion of the proposed pipeline is its potentially disastrous contribution to climate change. It is commonly understood that producing and burning tar sands oil emit particularly high levels of carbon, emissions which are, or should be, of grave concern. Both the very recent report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the Third U.S. National Climate Assessment, issued on May 6, confirm that “climate change is affecting Americans in every region of the U.S. and key sectors of the national economy.” The latter report states that “observations unequivocally show that climate is changing and that the warming . . . is primarily due to human induced emissions of heat-trapping gases . . . [which] come mainly from burning coal, oil and gas.” The report’s findings with respect to the consequences are dire:
Certain types of extreme weather events with links to climate change have become more frequent and/or intense, including prolonged periods of heat, heavy downpours, and in some regions, floods and droughts. In addition, warming is causing sea level to rise and glaciers and Arctic sea ice to melt, and oceans are becoming more acidic as they absorb carbon dioxide. These and other aspects of climate change are disrupting people's lives and damaging some sectors of our economy.
We are already seeing the effects of climate change in Wisconsin. The drought and heat wave in 2012, followed by relentless rain and flooding last year give us a glimpse of what climate change could cost Wisconsin in the future, from our farms to our forests to our cold-water fisheries. More tar sands oil is the last thing our climate needs.
In the words of the National Climate Assessment, these recent findings “underscore the need for urgent action to combat the threats from climate change, protect American citizens and communities today, and build a healthy, sustainable future for our children and grandchildren.” Given the significance of the potential consequences of granting this permit, we ask that the Department undertake a thorough environmental analysis before proceeding further.
Sincerely,
Madelaine Herder
President, LWV of Ashland Bayfield Counties
Below is the recommendation of the LWV WI Water Position Committee to the LWV WI Board preparatory to presentation and voting at the LWV WI Annual Meeting May 31, 2014
Our thanks go out to the LWV/ABC members and board who worked to formulate amendments to the LWV WI Water Position. This issue is of special concern to LWV/ABC because of the threat the proposed taconite mine in the Penokee Hills presents to the waters of Lake Superior and the surrounding region. The changes presented by LWV/ABC addressed mining discharge, local water quality testing, monitoring the transportation of polluting materials, respect for tribal sovereignty, and prevention of aquatic invasive species.
DATE: January 9, 2014
TO: LWV WI Board
From: Elizabeth Wheeler, chair, LWV WI Water Position Committee
Subject: Recommendation from Water Position Committee
The Water Position Committee recommends that the LWV WI Board recommend to the May 31, 2014 Annual Meeting:
(a) adoption of the revised state Water Position (see attached) and
(b) authorization of a Water Education Campaign for 2014-15.
Adoption of revised position: The current LWV WI Water Position is showing its age, and it needed to be rewritten in modern language. During one of the Water Position committee’s teleconference calls, there was agreement that League should advocate for the strongest possible water protection and restoration positions as possible. Water is necessary for life. As we learned while studying energy and global climate change a few years ago, League must look beyond current inadequate public policy and make a clear statement of our intent to deal with the planet’s limited natural resources consistent with League’s values – an informed citizenry participating in public policy that ensures equity for this and future generations.
Authorization of Water Education Campaign: Many local Leagues and even the State Legislative Committee are wondering how the new Lake Michigan LWV Great Lakes Eco-System positions fit into all of League Positions. In addition, the Legislative Committee has not updated Impact on Issues to reflect the recent repeated attacks by the State Legislature on air and water laws. There is a need for presentation of updated Water materials to League members as a refresher of new and existing positions, how they have recently been used and provide a series of educational articles and programs to refresh LWV member understanding of emerging issues. This will provide for an update of Impact on Issues and set the stage for vigorous advocacy.
The Water Position Committee proposes a Water Education Campaign in order to: (a) increase member understanding of how to use League positions and (b) educate members on emerging issues. We believe these objectives can be achieved by preparing study materials, informative articles and videotaped General Meeting programs for local Leagues. A statewide committee would prepare three programs: Great Lakes (Dane County LWV the lead), Fracking (sand mining, oil and gas hydro fracking and Role of Local Governments (possibly in cooperation with Midwest Environmental Advocates) and Groundwater Withdrawals (Elizabeth Wheeler the lead) with possibly a fourth program on Phosphorus (Elizabeth Wheeler and Caryl Terrell the leads). We are confident we can recruit Water Committee members and other Leaguers to write articles for this education campaign.
Submitted on behalf of the Members of the Water Position Committee:
Chair, Elizabeth Wheeler, Dane County League
Karen Isenbrands Brown, Northwoods League
Caryl Terrell, Dane County League
Margy Davey, Winnebago League
Jan Scalpone, Winnebago League
Barbara Gifford, Stevens Point League
Karen Jansen, Appleton League
Don Dahlstrom, Greater Green Bay League
Patricia Finder-Stone, Greater Green Bay League
Helga Guequierre, Great Lakes League
Pat Chung, Milwaukee League
Julie Arneth, Greater Green Bay League
The Proposed Water Position follows:
1-09-2014 final LWV WI Water Position - Proposed to LWV WI May 2014 Convention
Maintaining access to clean water which supports life and a healthy environment is a public trust, a fundamental human right, and is the shared responsibility of all who live or do business in Wisconsin. Managing water as a natural resource is essential to maintaining our quality of life, as well as to ensuring its availability to support the mix of natural flora and fauna which is unique to our state. Decisions about water use and management must be made with consideration for public safety and the impact those decisions will have on all current and future generations of stakeholders.
Water quality and quantity standards need to be addressed in terms of whole basin management and the hydrologic cycle. That is, management not just of the water itself, but of the land and watersheds which drain to wetlands, aquifer, meteoric groundwater, river, lake or other body of water, whether it is naturally occurring or constructed, and wherever it is located. Water management is therefore accomplished as management of all parts of an integrated system within basin boundaries and of any water which may move into or out of that system.
We hold a vision of life where prudent management of water resources leads to sustainable use, where consumption does not exceed the environment’s ability to replenish and to protect itself, and where its quality and quantity is such that all native aquatic species thrive. All current and future generations of stakeholders in Wisconsin shall enjoy the benefits of equal access to natural sources of clean, fresh water.
We support:
Reaffirming the Great Lakes Compact (Wis Stat 281.344-346), which strictly limits unnatural diversions of water from within the Great Lakes Basin. The Great Lakes Compact provides guidelines for mandatory standards of water conservation and efficient water management within the Great Lakes Basin. We support extending these mandatory standards to all waters of the State to prevent ground and surface water depletion.
Water conservation programs that:
Ongoing testing and monitoring for water quality and quantity on state and local levels.
State, local and citizen legal authority to enforce water management standards.
Protecting water quality and quantity through wastewater and stormwater standards and management for both point and non-point sources.
2. Work to eliminate all emergency discharges or spills of untreated sewage or waste into the environment that threaten public health and the environment by potentially contaminating sources of clean water for humans, wildlife habitat and fisheries.
3. Provide natural areas where runoff from impermeable surfaces and extreme precipitation events can soak into the soil instead of being released directly into bodies of water or directly into wetlands:
4. Protect and enhance the biological integrity of wetlands and other naturally-occurring hydrologic resources that provide water quality, flood protection and habitat benefits.
Sufficient funding for state and federal agencies to monitor water quality and quantity through regular testing, and have a legally defined mandate to act in upholding water standards.
The League of Women Voters of Ashland and Bayfield Counties is a nonpartisan political organization whose main objective is to promote political responsibility through the informed and active participation of all citizens in government at all levels, especially locally. Making Democracy Work!
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