Lake Herman Sanitary District Inspires Giles to Public Service

Who says the Lake Herman Sanitary District can't make a difference? From the Madison Daily Leader profile of Lake County Commission candidate Chris Giles [2008.05.22, p. 1]:

MDL: Are there any specific issues or concerns that motivated you to run for county commission? Please explain.

Giles: I began to think about running for county commission a few months ago when I became interested an concerned with actions being taken by the Lake Herman Sanitary District. That process caused me to think about using my past experience as Lake County State's Attorney to serve as a county commissioner.

Mr. Giles must be referring to the January 30, 2008, meeting of the Lake Herman Sanitary District, of which I am a board member. At that meeting, we conducted a very open and well-attended public discussion of a proposal for annexing adjoining land into the district. We held that public meeting so landowners like Mr. Giles would have the opportunity to voice their opinions well before the annexation process reached the county commission or final hearing before our board. Mr. Giles attended and, as a landowner in the proposed annexation, spoke in opposition to the annexation. The Lake Herman Sanitary District took heed of Mr. Giles's input as well as that of several of his neighbors and killed the proposal.

So not only did we respect the will of the people, but we evidently inspired Mr. Giles to become more involved in county politics. You're very welcome, Lake County. I'm glad we could help.

(Heads up, though, to Brant Lake residents: do Mr. Giles's "concerns" about Lake Herman Sanitary District actions suggest he will use a seat on the county commission to block the efforts of any sanitary district to expand? Hmm....)