From Sue Drum: Bike Trail Support

Hi everyone,

I am writing to you because I assume you are in favor of bike trails in Vilas County and the current attempt by Vilas towns to link trails throughout the entire county creating one, long, beautiful, bike ride. Debbie Heller, A Vilas County Board Supervisor, has been acting as Vilas County Bicycle Trail Coordinator for the past three years, providing information, inspiration and guidance to town bike trail committees. Charles Rayala, Vilas County Board Chairman, removed Debbie Heller, March16, as Bike Trail Coordinator, which leaves the position vacant.

Debbie Heller told me in a letter that Rayala does not feel ANY county or state dollars should be used for bike trails. In fact, he told Debbie, that he felt grants should not exist for bike trails in any form. Bike Trails, Rayala told Debbie, should be self supporting and form their own fund raising mechanism. Rayala has stated his anti-bike views at open meetings and to the media (see "Vilas County News Review, April 6, page 7A).

The Bicycle Trail Coordinator position is on the agenda to be discussed at the Legislative and Judicial Committee meeting April 13th at 9:00 a.m. at the Vilas County Courthouse in Eagle River. If you support bike trails in Vilas County please come to the meeting. This issue is also likely to be discussed at the full County Board meeting on April 19 at 9:00 a.m. in the County board conference room, lower level of the court house. If you can not attend, please contact the County Clerk's office (715) 479-3600, and your County Board Supervisor to let them know your comments and concerns on this matter.

This is not so much about saving Debbie's position as it is to oppose Charles Rayala who, I believe, is abusing his power as V.C. Chairman. After 63% of V.C. voters rejected ATV trails on county land in the Feb. 2004 election/referendum, Rayala told fellow board members to ignore the masses opposed to ATVs. His defiance against the referendum and the resulting resolution #25, prohibiting ATV's on county owned land, is now being played out as a vindictive, dishonest attack on bike trails.

Please come to both meetings to show that you will not tolerate Rayala's behavior. Six bike trails, now in the works, need your help.

Sue Drum
(715) 686-2655
drumsa@centurytel.net