NEENAH, WI (WTAQ) – A newly expanded interchange in the Fox Valley could be named after the former state senator who was instrumental in getting the project to happen.
At a celebration of former State Senator Mike Ellis’s life Tuesday, Governor Scott Walker announced his hope of naming the US441/US10 interchange after the late senator. “Mike Ellis was a larger-than-life personality who loved Wisconsin and passionately served the people for more than 45 years. Today, as we gather in Neenah to celebrate Mike’s life, I am announcing that I will include in our budget, or will sign a bill drafted by the Legislature, naming the brand new I-41/U.S. 10/WIS 441 Interchange in his honor—whichever comes first. It would be a fitting tribute for a man who contributed so much to his community and his state.” Ellis died last month at his home in Neenah, shortly after the ribbon was cut for the project that he worked hard on. State Senator Roger Roth says the fact that Ellis was key in making the project happen, and given how he performed his duties as a Senator, has led him to decide to author the bill during the next session. “There are certain elected officials who transcend politics and transcend political parties, and Mike Ellis was one of those. I look forward to making it the first bill that I introduce.” Roth said before he decided to move forward with the idea, he wanted to hear from the family. “His wife was supportive and that was what I needed to hear first.” Ellis served in the Wisconsin Assembly from 1971 to 1982, then the State Senate from 1983 to 2015. Ellis was also the president of the State Senate from 2011 until his retirement in 2015. Outagamie County Executive Tom Nelson came up with the idea for the naming rights last month after Ellis passed away. He offered it as a suggestion to Governor Walker, saying something like this is overdue, and officially wrote a letter to the Governor this month. Nelson says it is not too often that someone can get both parties to work together, but with this project, Senator Ellis did. “This, in so many ways speaks to Senator Ellis’s service,” Nelson said. “Yes, he was Republican, but he worked really hard working across the aisle on meaningful constructive legislation.” Nelson says the idea should not end up as another political battle. “We are at a time in politics in this state in this county where we need an excuse for everyone to come together, and I think this is great testimony, and a great memorial in his name.” Both Roth and Nelson feel there is no reason why this just not be supported by both parties. “If we can’t come together for something like this, then what can we?”, said Nelson. Senator Roth, who now has the seat that Ellis held, says the idea is fitting and the timing is right. “He had been fighting this for well over two decades, and to have this project now finishing this year. because of his efforts, it will be done under time and under budget.” “I think it is absolutely appropriate that we take the interchange and name it in his honor.” Walker ordered the flags to fly at half-staff in his honor Tuesday.