The Wisconsin State Journal’s latest editorial on Inclusionary Zoning points out how comical the Wisconsin State Journal’s editorials are. I’ll respond directly to the editorial on my other blog devoted to IZ.
Here’s the email I sent to them last Friday:
From: brenda konkel [mailto:brendakonkel@yahoo.com]
Sent: Friday, July 07, 2006 10:39 AM
To: Scott Milfred
Subject: iz editorial?
i presume there is one coming . . . interested in talking BEFORE you
write it, instead of AFTER?
b
His (partial) response:
B,
One of my writers already wrote our IZ editorial a day or two ago. And
I think you know what our position is. We think this is unnecesary and
not working. WE have said so repeatedly in the past. And I believe you
and I did have coffee to discuss this issue, which was fun. But we
don't agree on the merits of IZ.
I cut out the part where he gives Progressive Dane advice then asks me if I’m running for mayor.
Now, here are my two questions.
1. They wrote the editorial about the changes to Inclusionary Zoning before they even knew what the changes were. The draft came out Thursday at 5:00 and the plan commission made changes after that and the new draft isn’t out. And there are still changes to be made. Given that, how can they claim “no amount of repair will fix it.”?
2. How can the editorial page write a fair editorial if they are basing it partially on “coffee” on December 14, 2005 at 2:30? Apparently, once they make up thier mind, there is no changing it.
Finally, I will respond more fully, but I just can’t resist pointing out that the repairs to the ordinance are mostly necessary due to compromises the last time around. Zach Brandon insisted on the crazy equity model and the point system (check out what he’s trying to sell now!). Those were his two contributions to the current broken ordinance and the two major changes that need to be made . . . well, that, and the marketing loophole for those few who acted in bad faith (Hawk’s Meadows, Blackhawk Lofts, Hilldale Row, Pine Hill Farms, and don’t get me started on Monroe Commons!).
