Roundabouts could bring 'consequences'

GREEN BAY - Just like the midday traffic on Military Avenue, the roundabout debate continues. It will come to a head Tuesday night, with a third and what many hope is a final vote on the matter.

"What we are demonstrating is we are a community that can't make a decision," said Tim Nixon, president of the Board of Directors for the Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce.

Nixon said the chamber wants to see six roundabouts. But more importantly, he said members want something done to Military. That's why the Chamber is backing a compromise to put at least two roundabouts in.

"We believe that since there's not enough votes for zero and there's not enough votes for six, that we need to come out in favor of a compromise," Nixon said.

But opponents are threatening to take political action if roundabouts go through.

"If these roundabouts aren't eliminated, there's gonna be political consequences, maybe even some recalls," said Ald. Guy Zima.

"People have contacted me about running against alderpersons right now," added Ald. John Vander Leest. He also said if the plan gets approved, he will push for a referendum to stop the funding.

"I'm going to fight this. I think we need to stand firm that there should be no roundabouts," Vander Leest said.

In order to force a referendum or hold a recall election, opponents would have to gather signatures: 3,540 for a referendum; 8,850 for a city-wide recall, like the mayor; and several hundred for a single council seat.

A special election would cost the city anywhere from up to $3,000 for a single council seat, up to $35,000 for a city wide election.

"It's bully politics, bully tactics," said city council president Chris Wery. He told FOX 11 he is not intimidated by talk of a potential recall.

"It's being driven by elected officials. That's disturbing, disgusting and shameful in my opinion," Wery said.

Nixon says in this circumstance, a recall goes too far. "We cannot every time there's a political disagreement throw out a hydrogen bomb," he said.

Opponents have also warned about the possibility of a federal lawsuit being filed to stop the roundabouts. A lawyer from Michigan was in town two weeks ago and he warned the city about that possibility because he says roundabouts violate the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The Green Bay City Council meets Tuesday night at 7:00 pm at City Hall.