My powers of persuasion aren’t as effective as I hoped.Even though I advocated keeping the Rock County Law Enforcement Center where it is, commissioners will probably vote Friday to build new instead. They have talked to many constituents and even thought about putting it to a vote. That probably won’t matter, because whatever happens, the commissioners will have about half their constituents angry. Richard Bakken took a couple of polls during his social rounds this weekend: he figured it was an even split among the about 45 or so people he talked to.I don’t blame commissioners for their intentions in a way. It will probably be cheaper to build new, and the people who have to spend their working hours in the LEC will have a better environment.… But they would have had a better environment with a remodeled place, too. I still think there was a way or a different plan that could have kept the existing building an LEC — and as modern and efficient an LEC as possible in the old building.It’s probably too late to do that, but it’s not too late to try to help fill it.If people have great ideas to fill it, let commissioners know because they have already given many ideas a chance.The building is so beautiful, such a perfect little castle that someone will find a way to preserve it.The county doesn’t want a bed and breakfast next to its courthouse, and it will cost about $250,000 to remodel just the first floor. Maybe someone can find a huge grant for the Rock County Historical Society to move its museum there and make it handicap accessible. Maybe Commissioner Ron Boyenga’s idea of storage is all that it will ever amount to.If you’re unhappy about the board’s plans — whatever you do, don’t call Jane Wildung to complain. She appears to be the last hold-out in favor of keeping the LEC where it is.
