Journal Sentinel editorial about Supervisor pay referendum pretty much nails it

Today's editorial in the Journal Sentinel pretty much sums up where I'm coming from.

An early draft of the bill obtained by the Journal Sentinel would create a binding referendum asking voters whether they support the idea of cutting the pay of supervisors from $50,000 to $15,000 and essentially eliminating most of the board's staff. That would effectively turn the supervisory posts into part-time positions.

Given that Milwaukee County is completely incorporated – municipalities cover the entire county – and that some services the county used to handle have been taken over by the state, making supervisors part time strikes us an appropriate change. – jsonline

The hysteria about this from certain people is quite surprising to be honest. I heard on the radio that it will be "the end of local government as we know it".  Even if you buy the notion that 18 elected officials are the only form of "local government" in Milwaukee County, having them work for less pay doesn't change the number of Supervisors, the policies they implement or the voters who elect them.

I get the "reason" many of those affected – and their supporters – are trying to make this out to be the worst thing in the history of Milwaukee SCOTT WALKER ABELE TAKEOVER$@!#! I just don't think the argument is very solid to put it mildly.

And here's the thing: If a majority of people in Milwaukee County disagree with me, then nothing will happen and I'll happily accept the outcome and admit I was wrong. But the fact is (and I think most of the Supervisors know it) that this referendum probably will pass.

I'm willing to bet by a considerable margin of 15-20%.