STEVENS POINT, WI (WSAU) — There’s more than just the partisan primaries on the ballot for Stevens Point voters next Tuesday.
Mayor Mike Wiza continued his informational campaign regarding the city’s transportation funding referendum this week, reminding residents of the weight that the question carries both in the short and long-term. “It’s not just roads,” says Wiza. “It’s related to transportation, that’s the word that’s in the referendum (question.) We’re not talking about just cars and trucks on the roads.”
Because of the use of the word “transportation” in the question, Wiza says any municipal project that pertains to transportation that eclipses the $1 million mark would require approval from the voters. That includes any sort of city-owned or run transportation infrastructure such as the city bus station, municipal airport, or even a new rail spur for the business park.
“Talk about our airport, we’re redoing a runway right now. That’s clearly more than $1 million. If we have to do the other one next year, that’s a transportation project. Our busses, [the cost] of a bus isn’t quite $1 million, but they’re getting there. So if you buy multiple busses in one purchase order, that’ll get you there,” said Wiza.
Wiza and other city officials have also spent a good deal of time in the last few weeks battling misinformation regarding the vote that’s been circulating on social media. The city has produced several question-and-answer videos and other materials which are available on the city’s website and other outlets like YouTube.
Wiza notes that no matter how the August 9th vote swings, this won’t be the end of the discussion in the city. Should the vote pass, then the city would have to figure out how to most effectively plan votes for all qualifying projects. If the issue fails, the city still has to deal with the root cause of the referendum, which is how to redesign Business 51. “It’s really challenging. I encourage people, if you have questions, ask. We want to provide you with the best information we can so you can make the best decision for you.”
Other topics Wiza discussed with WSAU’s Mike Leischner include:
Start of video: planning for the updated city comprehensive plan
7:20- Stevens Point named one of the top 10 college cities in America
12:10- Transportation referendum information
17:00- Mike and Mike dream of winning the Mega Millions jackpot (Spoiler alert- they didn’t)
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