Politics & Government
Opposing Groups Face Off Along Janesville Road
Depending on which side you were on regarding recalls, you had an opportunity to honk your horn and wave, or honk your horn and sign to recall the mayor and possibly an alderman.
With the political season was truly in full swing on Saturday, and you didn't have to drive far to come face to face with government issues, on either side of the road (literally).
A planned was held near the Tess Corners Fire Department on Janesville Road in downtown Muskego by the citizens political action committee (PAC) called Muskego for Ethical Government (MEG). The group was there from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to allow residents to sign a recall petition against Mayor Kathy Chiaverotti, and (if you lived in their districts) 4th District Alderman Keith Werner and 6th District Alderman Neome Schaumberg.
Spokesperson Lorie Oliver said they were pleased at the response so far and nearing the end of the day on Saturday, she felt they were "getting very close on the signatures needed for Alderman Werner." She said the response from Schaumberg's district, which lies on the southern end of Muskego, was lighter.
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The group will need to gather about 350 signatures in the 4th District, and 430 in the 6th District. Chiaverotti's recall will require about 3,000 signatures to trigger a recall election.
About three blocks east, a handful of residents held their own signs stating "Recalls Cost Money." Marguerite Ingold, one of the protestors against the recall, said, "We are getting more "thumbs up" than you can imagine. It's been very rewarding out here. We are not quite as organized as the other side and unfortunately many people who agree with us are afraid to 'come out.'"
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"'No more recalls' is the best slogan ever, and I think the other side is being hurt because we are not taking it lying down like last time," she said.
Oliver said she respected the right of the counter protestors, but did take issue with Stand Up Muskego, an opposing PAC, who called police to report that cars were being parked illegally in order to sign the petition.
No warnings or citations were issued, as police told members of the opposing group, led by spokesperson Rob Lucas, that MEG was not doing anything illegal.
"I don't know why it has to be this way," Oliver said. "Why can't we agree to disagree? I hope this can stay civil, because everyone has a right to their opinion."
MEG will be available on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. as well to collect signatures. If that's not your stance, it's likely their opponents will also be on hand to gather your support.
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