We strongly object to the annexation of our property in the Village of Rochester into the Norway-Dover Drainage District. Our residential lot of 0.53 acres is approximately 700 feet from the Wind Lake drainage canal near its end where it joins the Fox River. Notice we didn't say flow, because at this time of year it is always stagnant and quite pungent.

At the request of only one landowner and a very inadequate four-page engineering study, a plan has been put in motion to annex an additional 3,109 properties to the already 1,868 properties in the original drainage district. A three-member appointed commission is recommending a five-year spending plan of $1.4 million. We, along with many others, have no representation on this commission that is using an obscure statutory right to annex and levy a drainage tax. The process was done with little or no public notice to those affected, including the chair of the Town of Norway.

The repair and silt removal from these canals might be the right thing to do and could benefit many of the landowners facing annexation; however, a more comprehensive study is needed. The main canal was dug through high ground to the Fox River to drain lowland so it could be farmed in the early 1900s.

The NDDD is too susceptible to special interests and influence.

Dissolve it entirely. Norway Township and others should form their own storm water districts, which would allow them to handle many people's storm water problems. At informational meetings, it is clear the NDDD has little interest in solving issues of individual small-acreage (platted lots) property owners.

Much of the problem around Wind Lake is being caused by drainage from Muskego in Waukesha County. Some say as high as 70 percent of the drainage canal water is pass-through from the north.We fear this $1.4 million cleanout is a Band-Aid being proposed by board of three appointees who don't have enough information to make a good decision.

Using a runoff coefficient multiplier and the minimum assessment rate are methods of taxing small parcels at a much, much higher rate (almost double the rate of agricultural land). The minimum assessment for any parcel pushes costs to a group that will derive little, if any, benefit from the proposed expenditure. This reinforces the premise that the board is biased to special interests. They just want someone else to pay.

Once annexed into the NDDD, future assessments will be made, and we will have to pay for defense from lawsuits also. What do you think the residents of Wheatland think about a proposal that accelerates the flow of water to the Fox River?

Don't annex these properties. Dissolve the NDDD, form a township-by-township stormwater subcommittee of elected officials that would make assessments on all township properties equally.

That is why we have elected officials, to represent all interests fairly. This would allow the voters to have overall oversight and exercise the checks and balances in our governing system.

Roland and Debra Witte are

19-year residents of Waterford.