Clean Water Group: Dana Duncan Gives Unique Access for Concerns, Scott Krug Ignored Outcry

Protect Wood County and Its Neighbors released a statement regarding Wisconsin's 72nd Assembly district race.

The Dana Duncan (D-Port Edwards) campaign released the following statement in response: "I am pleased that Protect Wood County (PWC) has recognized me as the candidate best poised to deal with the dangers posed by high capacity wells and CAFOs. Before becoming a candidate, I did not grasp the dangers facing the Town of Saratoga and Wisconsin from high capacity wells and CAFOs.  After looking at the issues, I took a clear stand without any equivocation. It was the right thing to do then and is the right thing to do now, regardless of political ramifications. This endorsement by PWC shows that they are frustrated by Scott Krug's efforts to protect the interest of big money donors to the detriment of the people of his district. They recognize commitment versus political expedience.  They see determination to act versus delay and apprehension.  I look forward to go to Madison to work on these problems and to provide real leadership for the 72nd District."

From Protect Wood County and Its Neighbors:

Dear friends and concerned citizens,

Election day on Tuesday, November 4th, is fast approaching. The Assembly race for District 72 and the Governor’s race are of utmost importance as the "Winners" will have a direct impact on the future of Wisconsin’s natural resources and environmental protection. The purpose of this email is not to direct you how to vote, but to briefly present some of the key environmental issues and candidate positions.

There are many among us who have misgivings about continuing to work with our current representatives.  The question has been posed, "Is it better to have a mediocre representative from the party in power or a strong representative from the opposing camp?" Ultimately, that decision is going to be left to the voters.

How you choose to vote is your choice.  What is ultimately important is that you vote.

As with the Gubernatorial email, comments provided below are from local residents who have been actively involved in our battle from the beginning and frequently communicate with our representatives. Comments have been edited to reflect environmental topics only and not those on education or the economy.

Representative Krug - Rep. Krug has been our elected official throughout the duration of our battle against the Wysocki group and their proposal to site a dairy CAFO in our backyards. Rep. Krug initially was determined that a “Win / Win” situation could be reached between the dueling parties, ignoring the outcry from his citizenry. Although continuing to sit solidly on the fence regarding the proposed CAFO, Rep. Krug created a Groundwater Advisory Committee in August 2013 in response to community outrage over Motion 375 sneaking into the budget bill.   The citizen committee never addressed Motion 375 because Senate Bill 302 was introduced and dominated the discussion by Krug’s lead.  Krug attempted to bring interested parties to the table to reach an acceptable compromise regarding water usage in the Central Sands.   The Groundwater Advisory group did not address the CAFO concerns. 
The following is an overview of citizen input regarding representation of our concerns over the past 2 years:
•Proposed CAFO announced in June 2012 - community research completed and given to Rep. Krug in September 2012.  Rep Krug did not stand with his constituents publicly until Aug. 21st of 2014 - two full years after the initial announcement.

•Rep. Krug takes sole credit for the defeat of Senate Bill 302 and indeed he played a part in the victory.  However, in actuality SB 302 was so bad it was defeated by a tremendous amount of statewide citizen opposition and activism preventing it from ever reaching the Senate or Assembly floor. 

•League of Conservation Voters Award - Voting for conservation bills 57% of the time and with a lifetime record of 38%, Krug ranked highest among Assembly Republicans.  Democrats like Katrina Shankland were typically at 100%.

•Rep. Krug formed the Groundwater Advisory Committee after significant pressure from environmental groups and touts the success of the group's accomplishments. However, numerous participants feel very differently regarding the accomplishments noting:

◦meetings were casual/informal and lacked focus - Follow-through from the previous meeting decisions hardly happened 

◦group had questionable objectives

◦creation of draft legislation was completed by Rep. Krug without the group’s input or knowledge - group actively spoke with Rep. Krug to NOT introduce this legislation due to its unacceptable content.

◦Rep. Krug had an ineffective communication style and often cancelled/rescheduled meetings.  The last meeting was held on May 23, 2014. However, Rep. Krug did try to get the group to meet in June and August - no one was available.

•Rep. Krug attended CAFO update meetings hosted by citizen groups but has also backed out of pre-scheduled appearances on multiple occasions.  Most recently, the following venues:

◦August Groundwater Summit (Almond)

◦Living Better/Longer Health Forum on Oct. 2 (Wisc. Rapids)

◦Ho Chunk candidate forum on Oct. 9 (Black River Falls)

◦League of Women Voters Forum on Oct. 20 (Wisc. Rapids)

◦Waushara County Debate on Oct. 22 (Wautoma)

•When asked on Wisconsin Public Radio about the vicious attack mailer being delivered to constituents, Rep. Krug admitted he was aware of the flyers and supported their distribution.

•Additionally, Rep. Krug takes credit for bringing tourism to Rome.  In actuality, both the State Trap Shooters and new Sand Valley Golf Course sought out the Rome location independent of any local representation.

•Rep. Krug voted for the 2013 AB 1/ SB 1 Gogebic Taconite Bill that removed many environmental safeguards from mining regulations.

Dana Duncan (D-Port Edwards) - Candidate Duncan is an attorney and local resident in the Central Wisconsin area.  Mr. Duncan officially announced his candidacy in January of 2014 to challenge Rep. Krug for the 72nd Assembly District seat.  Mr. Duncan has been an outspoken candidate on environmental issues. Provided below are comments and testimonials supplied by local residents who have communicated with candidate Duncan and asked difficult questions pertaining to our concerns.

•Citizens met with Candidate Duncan to share concerns on the proposed CAFO and water issues associated with the facility in late 2013. Citizen research was shared at that time.  Mr. Duncan studied the information and completed his own investigation leading to his announcement against the proposed Golden Sands Dairy proposed for Saratoga on June 12th, 2014.  Candidate Duncan continues to utilize citizen groups for insight and information regarding the proposed CAFO.

•Candidate Duncan believes the Department of Natural Resources should be an elected position not appointed by the Governor and will work to initiate this change to eliminate party politics from the DNR.

•Candidate Duncan has publicly called for a moratorium on high capacity well expansion until a further evaluation is done by the DNR assessing cumulative impact

•There are concerns that Candidate Duncan will have little clout with veteran lawmakers due to being a freshman in the Assembly.  When hearing this concern, Mr. Duncan outlined how he plans to form a freshman caucus so the new hires to the Assembly have more clout working together than standing alone independently. This idea was stated publicly at a meeting with members of the Protect Wood County group on July 21, 2014.

•An Attorney background provides knowledge of law and organizational ability not available to our current incumbent.

•Candidate Duncan ran his campaign with little monetary assistance from his political party.  After being the target of numerous mud-slinging ads from his opponent, Mr. Duncan’s campaign team continued to take the high road, including rejection of a mailer designed to strike back at his opponent even though he was encouraged to circulate it.

•Early on, Candidate Duncan chose two members of the Protect Wood County group, Bill Leichtnam and Bruce Dimick, to be on his Advisory Committee.  This has given our group unique access to the Candidate.

As with all political campaign seasons, deciphering fact from party propaganda is at times very difficult.  Do not believe every radio commercial you hear or every slam ad that hits your mailbox.  Comments provided here are from individuals who have been front and center in the fight to protect and preserve our townships and who are deeply concerned with current trends in our state government.  Unfortunately, our environmental battle has become very political.

Please honor their hard work by voting on November 4th.

Sincerely
Protect Wood County
Core Leader Group

Clean Water Group Hits Scott Walker from Central Wisconsin

The DNR appointments of Cathy Stepp and Matt Moroney shocked Wisconsin clean-water advocates, "The DNR is no longer a strong advocate one way or another on environmental issues," (Agri-View) said Moroney as Scott Walker’s anti-environmental commitments stand out

Protect Wood County and Its Neighbors in central Wisconsin has been advocating for clean water and making allies from across Wisconsin for two years.

This morning, Protect Wood County hit Scott Walker on the environment and praised Mary Burke.

From Kewaunee County and the Green Bay and Fox River watersheds to Iron County to southeastern Wisconsin, the alarm has been sounded about the dangers of toxic runoff and CAFOs (Concentrated Agricultural Feeding Operations).

"We have 3.4 million head of cattle in Wisconsin. That’s equivalent to 60 million people, the combined populations of both Tokyo and Mexico City, the two most populous cities on earth. In that light, we should not be surprised about what happened in Brown County and Kewaunee County. We have only seen the tip of the iceberg. Of all the issues that I have dealt with, or should have dealt with, in my career, I have lost more sleep over this issue than any other," said Gordon Stevenson, DNR runoff chief from 2001-2011.

The solution from Scott Walker is more liquid manure production and more runoff, with no plan for treatment—a brazen pro-pollution stance that has rendered parts of Wisconsin's fresh water at third-world status as measured by the fact the folks in Kewaunee County will not wash out a child's cut with water from the faucet and over one-third of water wells in Kewaunee County are so poisoned the water is unsafe to drink.

Even a pro-CAFO central Wisconsin state legislator, Scott Krug, was forced into releasing a statement 74 days before Election Day feigning opposition to a giant proposed Wysocki CAFO centered in the Town of Saratoga in Wood County.

Krug and Scott Walker aren't fooling many.

"The closing of area beaches, increase in the dead zone in Green Bay and two lakes in Rome recently added to the DNR's impaired list are indicative of an administration turning a blind eye when it comes to protecting our natural resources," writes Sue Savage in the Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune.

From Protect Wood County and Its Neighbors:

Dear friends and concerned citizens,

As we all face election day next Tuesday, November 4th, we encourage everyone reading this to exercise their right to vote. Our communities here in the Central Sands will be greatly impacted by many of the races at the state level, particularly the Assembly race for District 72 and the Governor’s race.  The purpose of this email is not to tell the reader how to vote, but to briefly present some of the key environmental issues and candidate positions as we understand them.

How you choose to vote is your choice.  What is ultimately important is that you vote.

Governor Walker - Regardless of where one stands in their support of our state Governor, we cannot quietly ignore the evidence that indicates he does not actively protect the environment of Wisconsin.  In fact, many will say he is doing just the opposite. 

From the appointment of Cathy Stepp, who has limited experience as Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources, to the appointment of Matt Moroney as Deputy Secretary who openly stated, "The DNR is no longer a strong advocate one way or another on environmental issues," (Agri-View)the facts speak for themselves where Governor Walker’s priorities are in regard to protecting our environment.

• Policies enacted by Governor Walker have systematically emasculated the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, stripping them of their enforcement powers to protect the environment.
• 2011 ACT 10, also known as the Budget Repair Bill, is known mainly as the bill that attacked collective bargaining.  What many do not know is that a provision was included within the bill that allows for the sale of public lands to individuals and companies.  This means your favorite hunting lands may require a monetary fee to access in the future or be closed to your hunting enjoyment all together.  The DNR has already listed public lands for sale.
• In March 2012 Governor Walker streamlined the CAFO permitting process making it easier for large scale dairies to receive required permits without public input.
• 2013 Governor Walker spent time in China in negotiations with the Shanghai Dairy, eventually partnering with them for goods and services. Shortly after he attempted to lift the ban on foreign country limits of WI land ownership.
• 2013 Governor Walker attempts to lift ban on the sale of WI land to foreign countries. The attempt was blocked, but again quietly resurfaced in January of 2014.
• December 2013 Governor Walker signs state budget that includes Motion 375, taking away citizen rights to challenge the DNR regarding cumulative impacts of high capacity wells. 
• Recent report released Oct 6, 2014 - Governor Walker worst in history for the environment.
• Neither Governor Walker nor Lieutenant Governor Kleefisch (to our knowledge) have responded directly to citizen concerns regarding the proposed dairy in Saratoga or concerns expressed by Rome residents.
• 2013 AB 1/SB 1 was signed into law by Governor Walker on 03/11/13.  This bill, written by Gogebic Taconite, significantly watered down Wisconsin’s mining laws. It was later disclosed that Gogebic Taconite channeled $700K to the Walker campaign through the Wisconsin Club for Growth.

Candidate Burke - Mary Burke is the candidate running against Governor Walker.  New to the election campaign, Ms. Burke has indicated her concern regarding environmental topics.  The following is a compilation of issues presented to Ms. Burke and her response on the campaign trail.

• March of 2014 launched the Rural Leaders Initiative to her campaign to gain insight into issues that are affecting WI rural citizens by identifying community leaders and important issues.  She then created a plan to invest in rural communities.
• Ms. Burke believes there needs to be a change to the current system of appointing the Department of Natural Resources department heads.
• Environmental issues are of great concern for Mary Burke.  Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, August 10, 2014, is quoted as stating, ”If implemented, her (Burke's) approach would help guarantee clean air, water, access to the natural environment.”  Additionally, in a discussion regarding frac sand issues, Ms. Burke shares her concerns on balancing environmental issues with business opportunities.  (37 Min. mark in debate video).
• When concerns were shared and individuals invited to tour our area, Senator John Lehman (Mary Burke’s Lt. Gov. candidate) visited Rome and Saratoga to see and hear our unique situation first-hand.
• Mary Burke states she will work with anyone to get the job done. Lake Delton - Mary Burke.  "I'll put an end to the politics-first approach of the last three years," she said. "I'll sit down and work with anyone — Democrat, Republican or Independent. It wasn't so long ago that that was the Wisconsin way. Finding common ground, negotiating in good faith, and putting the people of this state first.” Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, June 6, 2014.

Remember to vote on Tuesday, November 4th and encourage others to do the same!

Scott Krug Admits His Ruse Last Night in Adams County

Scott Krug 2010 Campaign Promise: 'Two terms and I'm out, I'm for real'

Scott Krug was not supposed to even be at two debates this week before the pro-water environmentalists and other voters in Adams and Wood counties.

"I'm for real," two terms and I'm out, declared Scott Krug in a campaign plank in 2010.

But the lies of Scott Krug extend deep into the most important issues facing central Wisconsin, the environment, specifically the devastation liquid cow manure and high capacity wells are inflicting on this tourism and recreational destination.

The damage already done to the waters comes as a proposed massive concentrated agricultural feeding operation (CAFO) is being fought by the sponsors of the debate that was held Monday and Tuesday.

No one can trust Scott Krug is the prevailing sentiment among anti-CAFO residents, a truism I repeated here, when I included Krug in a list of "cynical, corrupt politicians" who are providing political cover for polluters.

Krug said he was going to sue be for libel for my pointing out his con game, then backed down. Coward.

Scott Krug confirmed it Tuesday night at a forum in Adams county.

One observer reports: When Scott Krug was directly asked last night by Dana Duncan (D-Port Edwards), "when was the last time that your Water Advisory Board met" at a forum on health in Adams County, Krug replied: "We stopped meeting around the same time that many of the members started campaigning for you."

Krug's informal Water Advisory Board, cited by Krug as an example of his leading, was a ruse all along, and Krug admitted it.

Wisconsin Assembly District 72 Debate Monday Night Is Citizens Leading

Wisconsin's 72nd Assembly District

State Rep. Scott Krug's (R-Nekoosa) race against disability rights atty Dana Duncan (D-Port Edwards) displays community action that used to define Wisconsin before special interests like the Koch brothers and mining interests began running the Republican Party.

A Monday night, Oct. 6 debate is the most anticipated political event this isolated part of the state has seen in years.

This following analysis is blunt, unlike the people of the 72nd assembly district who epitomize the friendly, open culture of Wisconsin.

Scott Krug is a policy lightweight, lacks an ethical center and doesn't belong in public office.

Krug will say anything to get elected and has, most notably promising in 2010 to serve two terms ("I'm for real") and not accept "one cent" of per diem money because he is so serious about spending Wisconsin taxpayers' money. Krug pocketed over $10,000 per diem money anyway to no shame when asked about his unusual promise.

Krug broke both promises with no explanation exceeding that of a first grader evading a teacher's concern about anti-social behavior. (Bice, Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel)

The political landscape has changed in this district the last two years (gerrymandered though it is) and Krug cannot avoid Monday night's debate sponsored by two citizens' groups, Protect Wood County and Its Neighbors and Rome and Saratoga Friendly (Facebook) without committing political suicide.

This is a testament to the work of citizens deciding the nature of their community where they work, live and seemingly more frequently than most enjoy the company of their grandchildren.

Former Republican-voting citizens in the district now openly display Burke-Lehman signs in their front yards solely because of the clean water-CAFO-tourism-local control issues.

Against this, Scott Krug infamously told a constituent and public forum attendee to "quit your bitching" in 2012 as a Big Ag defiler of the environment (and Krug ally) spoke at the Wisconsin Performing Arts Center.

Citizen action for clean water, tourism and recreation—against the proposed massive Wysocki concentrated agricultural feeding operation (CAFO) and the vectoring of liquid cow manure into waterways and aquifers of the central sands—has forced prospective policymakers to seek an electoral mandate as Krug has raised well over $Six figures (a staggering amount for this district) steered his way from the Wisconsin GOP kings and special interests to fight off his own constituents.

Krug displays in his Wisconsin Bluebook biography that he is a 2012 recipient of the Dairy Business Association (CAFOs' mega lobby and industry drum beater.)

Seventy-four days before Election Day 2014, Scott Krug suddenly announced he is against the siting of the CAFO. (VanEgeren, The Capital Times)

Krug's ally, Scott Walker, well, enough is known about Walker to not elaborate except to note this morning's dailies report Walker still refuses to give a straight answer this late in the campaign and commit to serving a full term should voters reelect him. (Stein, Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel) (Nichols, The Capital Times)

Dana Duncan

Dana Duncan is the anti-Krug, the anti-Walker.

Earnest, wonkish and brilliant, Duncan is independent, engages voters to the extent that Krug runs from them, and when Duncan commits to events, interviews or forums there is an absolute assurance Duncan will fulfill his commitment, contra Krug.

Duncan has been against the proposed CAFO since it was dropped on the Town of Saratoga in the summer of 2012; Krug pretended he was studying the issue until called out, melting under the political heat.

Duncan speaks in detail about the proposed CAFO, clean water, the environment, tourism and recreation, against Krug's poorly formulated clichés.

Scott Walker, this lifetime politician living on the taxpayers' dole condemns any political citizen in Walker's disfavor benefiting from any aspect of the commonwealth and despite campaigning to lead the most "transparent" administration in Wisconsin history is the most closed-off, still refusing to hold a townhall style listening session.

Krug, though a policy lightweight, praises Scott Walker with adoration and is a member of the corporate bill mill, ALEC, the American Legislative Exchange Council.

Dana Duncan was not the choice of the Democratic Party's controversial chair, Mike Tate.

Duncan didn't care. He's not running for the Party. Ducan's running for the community.

One hopes coverage of debate is heavy.

A certainty is Wisconsin will be hearing more of the concerns of the people of central Wisconsin who have found allies across the state.

Citizen Ystad Makes Appeal to Save 'Dream' Golf Resort in Central Wisconsin

Increasing opposition to proposed
massive CAFO in Adams
and Wood counties in central
Wisconsin. Threat to Dream Golf Resort
Photo by Mary Captain-Braund

'I have no patience for the bureaucrats playing dumb on the sidelines while our recreational community is threatened by this proposed CAFO'

Melanie Lawder has another excellent piece on the economic boom Mike Keiser's proposed golf resort would deliver onto the area in central Wisconsin known as the Golden Sands. (Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune)

Lawder and the Tribune are writing up a series on the proposed resort in the town of Rome in northern Adams County.

The latest piece focuses on the jobs and economic benefits as reflected in a similar success story by Keiser at the world-famous Bandon Dunes golf resort in the state of Oregon to which Keiser's Sand Valley Golf Resort is often compared.

Keiser's Sand Valley resort is under construction on a 1,400-acre site in Rome on the bottom of an ancient glacial lake, and his course architects are designing a five-course resort that would conform to the golden sands geology of the region also known as the Wisconsin Central Plains.

A reader doesn't have to read Golf Digest for a description of the 'Dream' resort that has everyone from golf fanatics to casual retirees breathing heavy. The economic potential is enormous, and the innovation is roundly applauded.

See for example, Teddy Greenstein's piece in the Chicago Tribune, and Gary D’Amato's piece in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel: "Everyone is extremely supportive. It's like a lovefest," said Keiser, referring to the reception his project is receiving in central Wisconsin.

Keiser isn't kidding.

The region already features lakes, streams, restaurants and is a tourism and recreational destination.

The potential from a resort - self-consciously conforming to existing geology and so laden with sand the sand courses would present little strain on water aquifers - is expected to attract golfing tourists and pros from around the world after the first course opens in 2017.

Can't miss, right?

There's a threat to this project, and this problem is not just throwing cold water on Keiser's (and not just his) dream.

This obstacle is no game. It is throwing toxic and disgusting liquid brown cow manure on this party and residents and retirees living in the Adams, Wood and the surrounding counties wish this were a distasteful metaphor.

Runoff

The problem is a massive, proposed Concentrated Agricultural Feeding Operation (CAFO) owned by the Wysocki Family of Companies, an outfit that is already sucking up massive quantities of groundwater and sending back toxic-filled liquid cow waste, just a few miles from the site of Sand Valley.

The incongruity and danger to Keiser's resort is not lost on residents.

Here is another communication from Don Ystad who owns a home on Lake Camelot in Rome where he likes to entertain his grandkids and relax when he is not fighting Wysocki, and protecting the water and land for his community.

Policymakers would do well to listen to this man:
---
Governor Walker, Mary Burke, representatives, agency people, and the hundreds blind copied here,

You're probably tired of hearing from me. 

Especially when I point out the elephant in the room when articles appear about the great recreational area here in Rome and Saratoga and the expected growth from developments like Mike Keiser's Sand Valley Golf Resort. 

Wow! 475 full time jobs and 125 part time jobs, plus all kinds of supporting businesses popping up to support the recreation and tourism it provides.

If it's anything like Bandon Dunes, the benefits will be felt throughout the state as golfers come to Sand Valley, then visit other premier courses in Green lake and Kohler, among others, not to mention our very own Arrowhead courses.

What will they think as they are driven through the stench of the Wysocki's planned dairy CAFO along Highway 13 between the Wisconsin Rapids airport and the new course in Rome?

Residents of Nekoosa complain about the stench from the Wysocki's current dairy CAFO, 11 miles away from them in Armenia.

With Sand valley within 4 miles of the planned dairy CAFO in Saratoga, what will the odors be like?  And, if as experts predict, our water quality and lake levels suffer from the planned CAFO, what effect will the diminished recreational area have on those who pass through Rome on their way to this premier golf resort?

As administration heads, agency heads, state representatives and voters, do you stick your head in the sand (no pun intended) and ignore the fact that there can be a tremendous boost to recreation and tourism here in an area already tailored to recreation and tourism? 

The approximately $20 million spent by area residents and visitors could easily double once this development is in full swing. 

Every one of you knows the proposed CAFO is incompatible with the current Rome/Saratoga recreational environment, and standing on the sidelines and allowing this to happen is just plain wrong, whether you are a voter, or an employee of this state. As some of our representatives speak out about the incompatibility of the proposed CAFO, the message needs to ring clear in Madison. For those of you blind copied here, you can send that message by replying to those addressed here, or just wait until November when you place your vote.

I am a concerned resident of Rome, WI, and I vote.

I appreciate Mike Keiser's foresight in picking this unusual, natural sand barren to build his course, while returning it to it's original beauty.  My vote this year is all about protecting our recreational area and promoting our positive growth. I have no patience for the bureaucrats playing dumb on the sidelines while our recreational community is threatened by this proposed CAFO.

Don Ystad
Rome, WI



Proposed Nightmare CAFO

 Dream Golf Resort