WTA Position on Home Rule

Amend the Constitution to give towns regulatory home rule,
but preserve the pure democracy of the town meeting

Wisconsin's town governments are virtually the last refuge of pure democracy in America (or, indeed, the world). Towns have become more sophisticated and strategic in their approach to running their business operations, but they have remained true to Wisconsin's uniquely populist heritage. Most town leaders see this grassroots approach to governance as much more than a historical curiosity. Town leaders trust the fundamental capacity of every-day people to govern themselves. That's why towns still hold real Town Meetings. This is a stark contrast to the bigger and more bureaucratic systems used (of necessity) by other types of governments. Many town officials are also well aware of the role new and emerging telecommunication technologies can play in revitalizing democracy.

Except in cases where annexation pressures virtually compel towns to consider incorporating as a village, town leaders want to continue to operate as towns. But the inflexibility of the Wisconsin Constitution limits their ability to always respond effectively to the changing needs of their constituents. Since 1924, our state constitution has given cities and villages "home rule" powers that allow them to try management and service innovations. This was not part of the state's original constitutional framework for cities and villages, it was added to allow them to provide better services, Towns, the form of government closest to the people, do not enjoy home rule powers and, as a result, they are limited to the specific powers enumerated in the statutes. WTA asks: Why should the 1.5 million Wisconsin residents who live in towns be denied the same home-rule powers as their neighbors living in cities and villages?

Constitutional Amendment: The Wisconsin Constitution should be amended to give towns administrative and regulatory home rule.

Retain Grass Roots Democracy: The pure democracy of the town meeting should be retained.

WTA Position on Annexation
WTA Position on Transportation
WTA Position on State Aid Payments
WTA Position on Land Use
WTA Policy Goals