Like a multinational corporation outsourcing jobs to low-wage countries, Terrence Wall ("Up Against T. Wall," 10/3/08) has made millions by trolling suburban waters for more pliable public officials than those in Madison. He bristles when local officials ask pointed questions and champion community values - in other words, do their jobs - before handing over subsidies to his projects.
He's found easier fish to fry in places like my dear Middleton, where most officials eagerly jump onboard his every scheme. This self-professed "Reagan conservative" has a one-sided view of government. As long as it's on his side, it's just fine.
Wall says government should "provide basic services and get out of the way." Basic services, apparently, consist of forking over tens of millions in subsidies for his projects. Just don't go trying to protect the health and well-being of low-income people. No, that could get in the way of his next grand, government-subsidized high-rise.
Bob Allen, Middleton
The conflict between Progressive Dane and Terrence Wall, a self-described Ronald Reagan conservative, was inevitable. Progressive Dane believes in things like open government and a government that serves everyone, not just the well-connected.
And, just to clarify, the Reagan policies weren't really about limited responsible government - just look at the growth of federal government spending and the four-fold increase in the national debt during his presidency. Rather, Reagan presided over a grand hand-over of public assets (public lands, mineral resources, and contracts) to private speculators, which has proceeded apace under Bushes 1 and 2.
Indeed, the recent history of federal and state Republican administrations boils down to a successful raid on public assets. So don't be fooled when Mr. Wall says "basic services." What he really means is a government that serves his interest.
Lukas Diaz, chair, Progressive Dane Elections Committee
T. Wall a visionary? I think not! Visionaries know that "nature," not money, sustains and supports life. Ruled, obviously, by his own greed and ego, T. Wall bought acres of wild grasslands and farmland on the east side's outer city limits, hideously named Manufacturers Drive, along Hanson Road. All the wild grasslands were mowed down. And Wall put up cutesy little signs naming what he "envisioned" for each space of land: warehouse, flex space, office, condos, etc.
Now, what used to be wild grasslands has been transformed into a very sterile, unhealthy environment. Ugly concrete buildings with golf-turf lawn, flanked by huge concrete and asphalt lots, suffocate the soil below and assist in creating ozone layers and global warming.
T. Wall, you were quoted as saying: "When I see a need that's unfulfilled, I want to see it fixed." Prove it! For years the east-side Kmart has stood empty. Why don't you buy that and redevelop it? Open your eyes, open your heart and deep pocketbook and start participating the Reagan economic trickle-down theory you believe in.
Kathy Stern