Citizens urge half‑cent transit sales tax and better accessible service during county board public comment

Two members of the public used the county board’s public comment period to raise separate but related concerns about public transportation and access. Raymond Cameron said he supports a proposal discussed by the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission for a sales tax dedicated to transit. Cameron told the board such a half‑cent sales tax “would generate . . . millions of dollars” and urged the county to consider it to improve countywide transit access to jobs. Julie Arnold, who identified herself as having an invisible disability, described a July 4 trolley route change that she said was announced the morning of the event and left disabled riders unable to reach the Simmons Island lighthouse and fireworks. Arnold said she and her husband were told the trolley could not go onto Simmons Island and that “the closest we can bring you to the fireworks is Marina Gardens,” forcing a long walk and a difficult recovery for her after the event. Neither public comment led to an immediate board action that evening; a board staff member indicated Arnold could present a proposed Kenosha flag design at the next board meeting and the public comment period was closed.