All this vacation time, has me behind on so many blog topics, I’m not sure where to begin, but here’s your Monday morning round up . . . extra long and with diverse topics after a 4 day weekend.
SOLOMON ON THE EDGEWATER
Brian Solomon blogs his thoughts on the Edgewater. Asks some good questions and makes some good points.
SMALL CITIES SEIZE LANDLORD’S DRUG HOUSES?
This doesn’t happen all that often that a landlord has their property seized by a larger city for being a drug nuisance, but having the tool there as a threat has helped in some cases. In other cases, tenants have been illegally evicted as a result. I think if cities use it to get landlords to clean up their properties and do it with respect for the tenants rights, it can be ok. Landlords just need to make sure they don’t get bullied into evicting tenants without real evidence. Extending this right to smaller cities will be ok, if used appropriately.
PRIVACY BE DAMNED
Don’t like it, don’t like it at all. But the door has been opened and I don’t think we can close it at this point. I hardly go to State St. any more . . . but, I do notice the video cameras in way too many bars. And not just at the entries and around the cash registers. I think it is an invasion of our privacy rights. Next time you’re out and about, look around . . . see how many cameras you can spot.
COUNTY BOARD ATTENDANCE IMPROVED
Yikes, I didn’t recall seeing the article about how bad it was. Glad it has improved. I often thought it was odd how many absences they have on a regular basis, but sometimes their meetings are only an hour long or less.
THIS IS ONE OF THE ODDER THINGS I’VE SEEN
We spent alot of time trying to fix the lobbying laws, which resulted in actually making them weaker instead of stronger. Now, they are trying to enact even tougher lobbying laws for one committee. How odd. I think if they do this, they should do it for all committees, commissions and boards. I’m really curious about the reasons behind why this law is needed. I’ve heard two different theories . . . but I’m guessing there is a third.
MORE SCHUMACHER ABSENCES PLANNED
So, Schumacher has more absences from the city planned . . .
Feb 4 – Feb 15, 2010 Las Vegas, NV
Apr 7 – Apr 19, 2010 Mayagueez, Puerto Rico
I wonder how many more committee meetings he’ll be missing during that time? That’s almost 25% of the first part of the year. I guess he’s looking to continue the trend. Must be working hard for the Wisconsin League of Municipalities!
MORE MAYOR DAVE ATTACKS
I just gotta laugh at this. What makes the Mayor respond to a letter from one person to the newspaper? And what makes him call the writer of said letter names? Here the mayor categorized this person as an “activist” and calls him an “inflexible ideologue” and says he “couldn’t accomplish anything in the real political world.” I guess he doesn’t confine his attacks to his blog. And seriously, this is not very mayoral. What gives? And, um, if you’re going to go after people, are activists the ones you want to be attacking . . . he just can’t stop poking at hornets’ nests . . .
WHAT WISCONSIN CITY RANKED 12TH OF 10 METRO AREAS FOR DOING BUSINESS IN THE NATION?
I’m sure it couldn’t be Madison. We’re an awful place to do business. Other good news that simply couldn’t be true here.
NEW SCHOOL BOARD BLOG
Lucy Mathiak jumps into the fray. Welcome Lucy! And thanks!
LETS HEAR IT FOR “CREATIVE RESILIENCE”
I’m particularly proud of United-For-Funding and looking forward to what comes next!
I HATE IT WHEN THAT HAPPENS
“That” being stupid government policies getting in the way of common sense solutions. Someone should have just sat in the chair.
LARGE ITEM GARBAGE COLLECTION
Starting today, they only pick it up every other week, on the day your trash is picked up, opposite week as the recycling. Details in your Recyclopedia or here. Of course, they won’t collect large items when busy with snow and ice operations, during weeks with holidays and during peak leaf season. Ahem, you know tho, if they had enough staff to do this year round without interruption, they’d have more people to help with snow plowing operations as well. If you don’t want to wait, you can bring large items to the self-help drop off sites at 1501 W. Badger Rd or 4602 Sycamore Av. Open winter hours M-F form 7:30 a.m. until 3 p.m.
MAYBE THIS IS WHAT THE CITY USED TO PLOW THE SNOW
No wonder it took so long . . .
IN THE WTF CATEGORY
I’d say its unacceptable. I’m not even an animal rights person, but yuck.
And this doesn’t exactly inspire confidence. Notice all the former Madison/Dane County folks involved here.
OOPS
Glaring error in the first paragraph:
A temporary bus stop on West Washington Avenue created when the Badger Bus Depot was razed would be made permanent with City Council approval next week.
It is being introduced on Tuesday, but then it goes to Ped Bike Motor Vehicle Commission before going back to the council.
A SIGN OF THE TIMES
So, can you picture a formerly middle class mother of two living on no income with only foodstamps to survive. Or could you imagine this? I suppose it’s better than sleeping outside in this weather.
