To the Editor:

It is disturbing that we see the concern of the people of New Hope over the continued expansion of high-capacity wells in the town and the Central Sands watershed that may severely effect water quality and quantity. And then we are reminded of the failure of the Republican-dominated Legislature to address these growing worries that have dried up Long Lake and threaten the existence of other central Wisconsin lakes, streams, rivers and wetlands.

You would think that with the publicity over the years in regard to the Little Plover River, we would be working to protect our water. However, in recent months we see concerns over the Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) inability to regulate high-capacity wells as they have become more concentrated in central Wisconsin, than in any place else in the state.

No one wants to see these wells disappear. We know their importance in agriculture, but not to regulate in some capacity is irresponsible and short-sighted.

Make no mistake, the DNR lacks the ability to regulate and restrict these wells due to the leadership and majority of Republican control at the state level.

For this reason alone, we need to change the balance of the legislature to become more representative of the people, instead of only protecting big business, and elect and keep in office Sen. Julie Lassa, Rep. Katrina Shankland, Assembly District 72nd challenger Dave Gorski and 70th Assembly District challenger Mark Holbrook.

Jan Way

Town of Hull