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Yahoo
19-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Sheboygan letters on Evergreen Park as model for civic progress & July 4 freedom of speech
Here are this week's letters to the editor of the Sheboygan Press. See our letters policy below for details about how to share your views. Read more in Opinion: Click here to view the latest Opinion headlines The Sheboygan Way: Evergreen Park and a model for civic progress In a time when our national dialogue feels more divided than ever, something remarkable just unfolded right here in Sheboygan. Over the past year, the Sheboygan County Cycling Coalition proposed thoughtful improvements to the trail system in Evergreen Park. What followed was not instant consensus — but constructive civic engagement. Early community feedback expressed significant concern about the plan's impact on a cherished public space. To their immense credit, the Coalition didn't dig in their heels. Instead, they opened their ears. Through months of public forums and one-on-one conversations, the group not only explained the purpose behind the project — they listened. Really listened. They addressed concerns, refined the plan and re-earned the community's trust. The results speak for themselves. At the City Council meeting, public testimony overwhelmingly supported the revised plan. Council members and residents alike praised not just the improvements to the park, but the process that got us there. In Evergreen Park, we didn't just improve a trail system, we demonstrated a pathway for progress — rooted in bold ideas, radical openness and shared values. Let the Sheboygan Way be a model for Wisconsin and beyond. Congratulations to the Sheboygan County Cycling Coalition, the many engaged residents, city staff and the Common Council. You showed us what's possible when we meet disagreement with humility and hope. Let's do more of that. Kurt Kober Sheboygan July 4: The most appropriate time to demonstrate freedom of speech The Sheboygan County Democratic Party's decision to display signs like 'No Kings' and 'The Big Beautiful Bill is Bad' is not anti-American; rather, it embodies the very essence of what it means to be American. Trying to suppress freedom of speech, as your letter ('July 4 parade 'not the time and place for protesting,'' July 12 edition) suggests, now that's a truly anti-American attitude. The phrase 'No Kings' is a powerful reminder of the principles upon which this nation was founded. The U.S. was born out of a rejection of monarchy and tyranny, and the idea that no one person should hold absolute power is central to our democratic values. Being offended by such a message only confirms its truth; the GOP and Trump administration's unchecked powers, like imposing tariffs without consulting Congress, will continue to make goods more expensive, hurting all Wisconsinites. Moreover, expressing opposition to policies or leaders is not unpatriotic or inappropriate; it is a demonstration of active citizenship and caring for those impacted — like the thousands of your fellow Wisconsinites stripped of Medicaid thanks to the GOP's bill. Voicing dissent and advocating for change is a right protected by the Constitution. The Fourth of July, a celebration of our independence and freedom, is the most appropriate time to exercise our freedom of speech. You don't have to agree with the messages, but to suggest restricting freedoms on the very day they're to be celebrated? Shame. Anton Shircel Sheboygan Our letters policy Letters to the editor are published in the order in which they are received and letter-writers are limited to having one letter published per month. Letters can be emailed to news@ and Editor Brandon Reid at breid@ Letters must meet specific guidelines, including being no more than 250 words and be from local authors or on topics of local interest. All submissions must include the name of the person who wrote the letter, their city of residence and a contact phone number. Letters are edited as needed for style, grammar, length, fairness, accuracy and libel. This article originally appeared on Sheboygan Press: Sheboygan letters on Evergreen Park civility, July 4 parade speech Solve the daily Crossword
CTV News
18-06-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Writing could be on the wall for Orillia to generate revenue
The official grand opening of the Orillia Recreation Centre is Friday, Aug., 19, 2022 (PHOTO SUBMITTED BY CITY OF ORILLIA) Naming rights to buildings are common throughout Simcoe County and now Orillia is asking its residents for the 'OK' to name several of its city owned properties. Before moving forward with the initiative, the city is turning to its residents for feedback. 'I think anything that generates revenue for a town of city is a great idea especially if it doesn't cost us citizens anything,' said one resident. City staff say there are several locations that could sponsored by local businesses including Orillia Recreation Centre, the opera house, rotary place, the library and even the city's waterfront center could be re-named for the right price. Don McIsaac, mayor of Orillia said the city is looking at all its options. 'We're just looking to see what's possible I mean this is just an idea it could work out there are impediments to it that don't make sense,' said McIsaac. 'But we think it makes sense so we're just trying to figure out what's possible.' City staff have created an online survey where residents can voice their thoughts. The city is also asking people what they think about using some city owned locations as a possible location for some smaller businesses. 'We have places where they can put up coffee shops and they can do a commercial lease, we have places where they can take naming rights on a building they can take naming rights on a dressing room, arena's,' said McIsaac. 'it's unlimited really in terms of the amount of space we have that can take a name.' Other residents say if the initiative can save them money, then to go ahead with the idea. 'It can help the property taxes I think it's a good promotional idea and you know it will bring people out to support those companies and support the town, said Orillia resident Steve Alison. Residents and business owners in Orillia can have their say on the idea by taking part in the online survey through the city's website until July 7th. There are a total of seven buildings the city is considering re-naming for the right price. The proposal will go back to council sometime this summer.
BBC News
29-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Section of Kings Road in Newbury permanently closes to vehicles
A section of road has permanently closed to motorists following a public consultation. West Berkshire Council said only cyclists and pedestrians would now be able to access the section of Kings Road in Newbury between Gordon Road (east) and Windsor authority said concrete barriers would be put up after the peak traffic period earlier, with more permanent changes to road layouts and signage to follow "in the coming weeks".It said the impact of the changes would be monitored. The decision prompted dozens of people to comment when it was announced on social media. Some described it as "barmy" and "flawed", while others said it would reduce noise for residents living on the stretch of road. 'Improvements' West Berkshire Council said: "We understand that changes like this take time to get used to. "We'll be monitoring the area throughout the summer to see how traffic adjusts and to make sure everything is working as it should. "Thank you for your patience and support as we make these improvements."The council said new road signs and markings would be installed along both ends of Kings Road and the surrounding area, to direct traffic towards Hectors Way via the roundabout at Hambridge were some road closures on Wednesday evening to allow the road markings to be added. You can follow BBC Berkshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
BBC News
24-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Medway Council surveys children and young people
The views of children and young people living in Medway, Kent, are being sought in a bid to find out what it is like growing up in the Council has opened its latest child friendly survey, which runs until 27 October and is open to anyone aged up to authority said it will use the feedback to help shape its decisions in the first survey, which ran in 2021, received 3,000 responses. The council hopes to reach a higher number in the latest survey, with details on how to take part on its website.
RNZ News
13-05-2025
- Business
- RNZ News
Tauranga ratepayers fight ‘wicked' 12% rates rise
Mark Kenyon-Slade says Tauranga rates keep going up "relentlessly". Photo: LDR / Alisha Evans Ratepayers are urging Tauranga City Council to "rein in spending" and focus on the basics to curb a "wicked" 12 percent rates rise. The council christened its new chambers on Devonport Rd on Tuesday with a meeting to hear public feedback on its Annual Plan for 2025/26. The plan, which proposed an overall rates rise of 12 percent, received 968 written submissions and 96 people asked to speak to the council directly. Submitters asked for rates to be reduced, more community facilities in Pāpāmoa, and gave feedback about Local Waters Done Well. Mark Kenyon-Slade said there was "great frustration and annoyance" because rates kept going up "relentlessly". "There's a feeling out there that council is addicted to spending. "Council needs to rein in spending. Spending other people's money is extremely easy. "It is a responsibility of us all around this room to take this more seriously." Kenyon-Slade questioned why the rates increase was 12 percent when inflation was less than 3 percent. "It's wicked, it's absolutely wicked." Ōtūmoetai resident Neil Pollett said the council's rates increase should be capped at the rate of inflation. "Ratepayers are not a bottomless pit of money that TCC can keep mining to fund its future pet projects. "A lot of residents feel unhappy with the direction of our council and feel utterly powerless in their ability to influence it." Jan Gyenge wanted no residential rates rise. Photo: LDR / Alisha Evans Jan Gyenge said the residential rates increase was not sustainable. "There should be no residential rates increase in the 2025/26 annual plan." Gyenge said $40 million in savings needed to be found so residential rates wouldn't need to be increased. "Ratepayers need to be respected." Removing that increase would make a positive step towards building people's trust and confidence in the council, she said. Mayor Mahe Drysdale said the council had found $29m in savings to bring the rates rise to 12 percent. "We are on track to hopefully find another $10 million of savings, and unfortunately that only gets us to a 10 percent average rate rise." To avoid a rates rise, the council would need to find $80m in savings, Drysdale said. Pāpāmoa resident Ron Melville said council needed to get the basics right. Photo: LDR / Alisha Evans Ron Melville of Pāpāmoa said the council should spend 50 percent of its budget on core services, 30 percent on parks, reserves and public space and 0 percent on "overpriced city centre developments". "We are not here to bankroll a downtown utopia while our own footpaths crumble and our parks go unmowed. "This is not about being anti-progress, it's about getting the basics right." Construction has started on parts of the council's $306m new civic precinct, Te Manawataki o Te Papa . Nathan York, chief executive of Pāpāmoa East-based development company Bluehaven Group, said about 30 percent of Tauranga's population lived in the eastern corridor. He wanted the council to invest in facilities for Pāpāmoa. "We're particularly keen to see an aquatic facility that meets a regional and national standard." Pāpāmoa Rugby Club chairperson Nick Jones and committee member Leah Sutton. Photo: LDR / Alisha Evans Pāpāmoa Rugby Club chairman Nick Jones said Gordon Spratt Reserve, where the club was based, was over capacity and used by many sporting codes. He asked the council for land at 4 Stevenson Drive, in Golden Sands, to be zoned active reserve so fields could be built and the club could relocate there. This would enhance recreation facilities for the growing Pāpāmoa community, he said. It would be an ideal a permanent home for the rugby club, Jones said. "Our proposal supports the social, cultural, and sporting fabric of Pāpāmoa." Submitters also spoke about Local Water Done Well. There was an even split between people who were in favour of the council joining with other councils to deliver three-waters services, and those who believed the council had good water infrastructure and didn't need to partner with others. The Annual Plan and Local Water Done Well hearings would continue on Thursday. The council would deliberate on the Annual Plan on 26 May. LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
