By Larry Sandler of the Journal Sentinel
Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker said Friday he is now opposed to the proposed $283.5 million KRM Commuter Link rail line.
Walker, a Republican candidate for governor, has long opposed other forms of rail transit. He has spoken out against plans for a high-speed rail route between Milwaukee and Madison and for a modern streetcar line in downtown Milwaukee, as well as previous proposals for light rail or guided electric buses in Milwaukee.
Until now, however, Walker has not been a vocal opponent of the commuter train line that would connect downtown Milwaukee to Kenosha, Racine and the southern suburbs. KRM backers thought they had won his support by planning to fund the line with a rental car tax of up to $18 a car, instead of their preferred tool of a new regional sales tax. Walker has steadfastly opposed any new local sales taxes, as have some Racine County leaders.