Redlich, V. (2008, April 9). Funding the butterfly park, Washburn County Register, p. 4.

Funding the butterfly park

by Vern Redlich

Don’t you just love the news concerning the butterfly park located in Shell Lake on the former railroad right of way? This part was first OK’d by the city parks committee, chaired by Sally Peterson, without a public hearing. The city council did also approve.

One month later, Mayor Zeug, to his credit, proposed relocating the butterfly park to a more serene area. The young lady in charge blew up, asking for a signed contract that the location would not change. She also said no property taxpayer funds would ever be used to improve the park. The city council did not agree to Mayor Zeug’s suggestion.

Last month the council approved city crew time to prepare the grounds for planting. I see the young lady was back for more funding from the parks committee for butterfly habitat. Next will be fencing to rid the site of crime scene tape.
As a property taxpayer, I am requesting a singed contract holding the lady to her word. Better yet, put the whole question before the city in a referendum vote, the next citywide election is in September.

I’m guessing that my backyard has more monarch butterflies than the city site. My location is quiet, out of traffic, no auto pollutants to harm butterfly or larva. All this at no property taxpayer expense.

In my opinion the city council had better get their heads out of the sand and take a look at city infrastructure. The better streets aren’t getting seal coated and the bad streets are soon impassible.