Madison is wasting money on unnecessary projects

Madison is once more crying poverty. Remember the recent 'save the city,' $22 million referendum that increased property taxes, again? A few questions come to mind: Did Madison really need the bus rapid transit system? No. Did Madison really need a public market? No. Does Madison really need to remake the Monona Terrace waterfront while the lake is mostly unswimmable? No. Does Madison really need to reconfigure Regent Street before fixing those streets and roads desperately in need of major repairs? No. Where exactly do Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway's priorities lie? It seems she places her legacy and appetite for a third term far above the needs of Madison residents. The surge in property taxes, the uncontrolled sprawl that threatens the very character of the city and the disregard for the long-time, middle-class population are troubling. That the city is growing is obvious and inevitable. But at what cost? High rises created a gorge along the Gorham Street and University Avenue transition curve. That's a prime example of cynical, maximum profit building. Those and similar developments are casting long and disturbing shadows. Madison has changed, but not for the better. One last question: Do we need another Rhodes-Conway term? No. Peter Crane, MadisonGet opinion pieces, letters and editorials sent directly to your inbox weekly!