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Hi friends and neighbors

As you know there has been much conversation and debate regarding the wastewater project to the Village of Peninsula. Through serving on the Wastewater Advisory Committee and the Planning Commission, I have spent countless hours, attending meetings, visiting wastewater plants, listening to public officials and doing what I can to educate myself on the latest technologies in an attempt to make an educated decision regarding what might be the best course for our Village. The Council appointed a Core team to find solutions and make recommendations for a plan moving forward, which they did. These recommendations were voted on and the project moved forward through Council.

So now that we are getting closer to starting the project it is not surprising that questions have come forward. So what is the best course for our Village? Well, I believe that is a matter of opinion, one we are all entitled to, but it should be based on fact. I encourage everyone to attend council meetings, talk to your elected officials, talk to members of the core team and learn the facts about this project.

Peninsula is a unique community and we are blessed to live in a place with passionate people that care about each other`s welfare. This project is expensive and for some could create a financial hardship. One of the advantages of having a centralized system rather than upgrades to individual septic systems that no longer meet today`s standards, is that the cost could be spread out over a long period of time at a rate, which for me would be more affordable then paying for it out of pocket. For some I think it would be a better option. I firmly believe it is a necessary initiative for the public health of our community. The wastewater district is densely populated and the footprint of these small lots make it difficult to have a well or cistern and a septic tank with the proper clearance between them. There are some that think this initiative will adversely effect the residents while helping the businesses. I respectfully disagree. We are ONE Village. The businesses enhance the quality of life for the residents as they provide culture, commerce, and employment. Peninsula has always had a business community that has not only served the local residents but the visitors to the Village as well.

I have hope that our elected officials who serve on the Village Council and the Mayor can find a way to work together and move this forward and find every avenue possible for funding, including finding help if necessary for those that would be adversely affected financially. We can do this. History shows us that the Village has recognized wastewater as an issue and has worked towards a solution since 1930. Wouldn`t it be great to finally get it done, for all of us.

Thanks for your time…

Karen James Walters