Editor's note: For the next four weeks, Brookfield-Elm Grove NOW will ask each of the mayoral candidates to answer a question from one of our readers about an issue facing the city. To submit a question for the candidates, visit BrookfieldNOW.com.
If an I-94 interchange is added at Calhoun Road, the traffic situation in the city will only be exacerbated. I would like to know how each candidate stands on the construction of the interchange on Calhoun. Please give a firm response - either "Yes, I support the interchange," or "No, I do not support an interchange at Calhoun." No vague answers, please.
- Curt Klade
David Marcello: I do not favor the addition of an I-94 interchange at this time. The significant work involved in resolving zoning, regional and local traffic issues, as well as local cost sharing has not been done. The shortage of public discussion and input also is a reason not to proceed at this time.
There is a need to examine many of the issues I've cited to lay the groundwork for a community-based decision. The current mayor's lack of clear communications with residents regarding the issues beyond the decision breeds mistrust and further supports my call for new leadership at City Hall.
Steve Ponto: Last month, Brookfield's Common Council unanimously adopted the 2035 Comprehensive Plan. That plan calls for a study of the feasibility and impact of an additional I-94 interchange between Moorland Road and Barker Road.
The study itself will be done over a period of years, with any resulting changes likely to be at least a decade off. The plan noted that a range of alternatives should be considered, including a "no-build" alternative.
We should pursue the study process in good faith, without preconceptions. We should consider as well the possibility of making improvements to the existing interchanges.
Thomas Schellinger: No, for these reasons:
• I believe the current off-ramps at Highway 100, South Moreland Road and Barker Road meet the need of moving traffic to/from Brookfield in a timely manner.
• The current road improvements to Greenfield, Calhoun and Bluemound move traffic in a safe and convenient flow 95 percent of the time.
• With the state budget in a deficit and the state transportation funds depleted, cost-sharing between state and local communities would greatly shift the majority of the cost burden to Brookfield and New Berlin.
• The neighborhoods to the north and south of the proposed ramp would be unfairly penalized.
Jeff Speaker: The interchange would be at least eight to 10 years away. No, I do not support the interchange at this time, but I do support the gathering of information so that an informed decision can be made by the elected officials.
We will need to look at the city needs and safety of our roads, and to do this more information is definitely needed.
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