The contamination at this proposed well site on Madison’s far southeast side has been known for a long, long time. Staff is portrayed as astute, even heroic, in “their” (latter day) decision to nix the well at this contaminated site. Nothing could be further from the truth. It was the brave stand made by a few very, very diligent, civic-minded and hardworking citizens on the Madison Water Utility Board that ultimately nixed this site. Staff couldn’t overcome their objections and the rift between staff and the board was about to become public. Staff was at least politically astute enough to head off that PR disaster.

But MWU staff has made it clear that there will be repercussions for commissioners who went against them. So get ready. The drumbeat against one of the most thoughtful commissioners has already started.

This will be a continuation in Mayor Pave’s campaign to rid all city commissions of thoughtful dissent. Their replacements? Zombies only need apply.

Why is this well site so important? It is all about keeping Mayor Pave’s Growth Machine humming. Without this well, his continued sprawl/march into the countryside is imperiled. Maybe he & his gluttonous ilk should have thought of that before they allowed polluters to pollute in the name of The Father, The Growth, and The Holy Profit.