Open Letter from SOPHIA

An Open Letter to Mayor Jack Chiovatero, Members of the New Berlin Plan Commission and Common Council Members

June 4, 2010

Like you, we know that the controversy related to the proposed City Center development is not about parking spaces or green spaces. It is about people living in fear – fear of poor people, fear of minorities, fear of each other. It is about the way we make public decisions. And it is about the kind of community New Berlin chooses to be.

We do not want New Berlin to be an elitist community that imports its servants, then sends them away every night. We don’t want to have only one kind of people in our communities. We want New Berlin to be an open, welcoming community that provides opportunity for all people! We believe that those who work and provide valuable services to our community deserve a chance to live here

We are even more concerned about the tone of the current debate. We do not believe that most New Berlin residents are closed minded and unwelcoming. We do not believe that those who resort to vandalism, threats and name-calling speak for the majority. We believe that New Berlin is a community that believes in due process and in a civil search for the common good. We cannot turn over control of our communities to people who play on others’ fears and prejudices.

As people of faith, we abhor the willingness of some to embrace blatant racism in their cause. We need our leadership to refuse to be intimidated or respond to threats. We need for you to stand up for what is right and to model to the rest of us the values of democracy and the common good.

We call you to continue your initial support of the MSP development at New Berlin’s City Center. Do not mistake the shrill voice of intolerance for the will of the people. We encourage you and stand behind you as you make decisions for a vibrant, welcoming community.


Rev. Amy Becker, Co-chair, SOPHIA Religious Leaders Caucus, New Berlin Resident
Rev. Ralph Schultz, Co-chair, SOPHIA Religious Leaders Caucus
Don Johnson, Chair, SOPHIA Workforce Housing Task Force
Betty Groenewold, SOPHIA President
Joel Gaughan, SOPHIA Vice-President, New Berlin Resident