A Silenced Resident Speaks Out

Revised July 22, 2024

Editors note: Long-time Resident Greg Larson, who has volunteered and advocated for many issues over the years, attempted to speak at the July 9 park commission meeting. What followed caused him to react with the following letter to the commission members. See below. View an excerpt of the minutes of that meeting Here

Commissioners,

It was disappointing that at last night’s [July 9] Park Board meeting city officials refused to answer a couple of basic, and often asked, questions regarding the buckthorn problem. The response to my questions from both the administrator and the parks [director] was rude and condescending, but frankly, something I’ve learned to expect from both elected officials and city staff.

If not at public meetings, then what forum is available for residents to publicly question Shorewood officials and staff? Council members have told me that questions from the public will only be answered if put in writing, so here goes:

– Does the city have a long term plan for control of buckthorn?

– If not, does the Park Director or Administrator have recommendations and ideas on long term control?

It was appalling, but again, not surprising, that neither the administrator nor park director knew the amount of the park budget. And, you should not accept that park costs and contracts are withheld from your view.

It’s hard to not conclude that most city officials and staff regard the parks and open spaces as unimportant even though it’s one of the primary reasons that residents have chosen to live here. Below, from the Comprehensive Plan, are some responses to a resident survey:

The most common interview response related to Shorewood’s natural amenities. Specifically, the lakes, trees, and open space were referenced as highly desirable environmental features of the community.
Interviewees were highly complementary of Shorewood’s parks and highlighted such facilities as a positive aspect of the City.
Somewhat related to the City’s environmental features, large residential lots (which commonly include significant vegetation) were often highlighted as a positive aspect of the City which contributes greatly to its desirable atmosphere.