The U.S. Conference of Mayors is meeting in Oklahoma City, and Racine Mayor John Dickert says the mayors are “fighting tooth and nail” for regional transit. “So the fact that we missed another opportunity makes me nervous, because if all these other mayors around the country are fighting for the opportunity for regional transportation, then I hope we’re not missing the boat on something.”
Dickert’s referring to the Kenosha-Racine-Milwaukee regional transit authority, which the legislature failed to approve. “We lost a substantial amount of development when KRM was killed again this year, to the tune of about $800,000 in tax base,” said Dickert. He said not only KRM, but regional transit is essential. “We need the high speed rail, commuter rail and the bus system expansion,” he said. “All those things create a strong infrastructure, and that’s what we need if we’re going to grow Racine, and if we’re going to grow southeastern Wisconsin.” The nation’s mayors meet through Sunday.