Wednesday 9/16/20 Round Up
News round up and commentary, Dane County be a good landlord, Green Party side of the story and more.
Monday, 9/14/20 Daily Round Up
DNR news on drinking water and PFAS, music as economic recovery and the local government news rundown.
What you need to know about the CDC Eviction Moratorium
Good news, all properties covered, not just federally financed properties. Bad news, you have to take action to be protected and there are some limits.
Eviction Ban Updates from Legal Action of Wisconsin
FAQs and a video on the Eviction ban that was declared by the Governor on March 27th and goes through May 26th, unless extended.
Follow the (Coronavirus) money rolling in to Dane County
$95M is coming to the County, $24.4M for our bus system, $1.1M in CDBG funds, Small Businesses (including nonprofits) to get forgivable Payroll Protection loans, we've been declared a federal disaster area and more on the way? Who decides where that money will go?
Virtual Rally Today at Noon
Yes, a virtual rally! It's on Zoom at noon today and they are rallying to postpone the election.
Governor’s Orders: Landlord Entry and Evictions Prohibited
The governor issued orders today halting eviction actions (except to protect victims of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking) until May 26th. But you still will be responsible for paying your rent.
Governor Evers limits gatherings to 10 people
Elections still on - local elections must continue. Expect more closures and cancellations . . . and community services to be cut.
What does a Wisconsin, Dane County or Madison “State of Emergency” do?
I have found few people who can tell me anything except what most think of - calling up the National Guard and FEMA money from the federal government. What else?
Homeless Bills Stalled in Legislature til January
Here is the update from the Wisconsin Coalition Against Homelessness. This is an initiative both the city and county have given a couple thousands of dollars a year to.
Tenant Resource Center Now Only Serving Dane County
Due to a HUD funding cut, Tenant Resource Center is now only serving Dane County. Here's their press release and ways you can help
Thursday Round Up – 9/24/19
News, gardening events, looking for hosts for international students, fair housing training, Tenant Resource Center volunteers needed, etc.
Anti-Protest Bill in Wisconsin Legislature
I'm a little late on this one . . . public hearing is today . . . started at 11am, may still be in session?
Madison’s Youth Climate Strike, Friday
Thanks to Carrie Sherpelz for passing along this information and the photo!
Rally for Common Sense Gun Laws Wednesday
A message from Representative Chris Taylor.
Tenant Resource Center Welcomes Robin Sereno and an Apology!
Nearly a year after I was forced out of my 27 year career with the Tenant Resource Center (23 years as Executive Director), they have hired a new Executive Director! And, I got an apology.
Tenant Resource Center Gains New Board of Directors in Historic Election
This press release was sent out at 6am this morning, but I don't think one single reporter called. I don't know what to make of that. I guess its not sexy enough, not like when someone gets fired.
Round Up (4/20/19)
Another round of things in my e-email inbox you might be interested in. Mostly City and Community Announcements
Most Dangerous Thing about Marijuana in Wisconsin?
Thank you to Representative Melissa Sargent for continuing to lead the way . . .
Donate to help Asylum-Seeker Edin Omar Ponce Valazquez
This is from Voces de la Frontera - 3 days left to donate to help get Edin released from ICE detention.
Homeless Funding in Evers Budget
I went through the plan to see what Governor Evers saying he'd fully fund the recommendation of the Interagency Council on Homelessness really means. Here's what I found. This is no longer a report, its an actual action plan!
Evers Rocks the Budget!
Curious how he pays for everything. Here's Governor Evers Budget address.
So, the Republicans are now Champions for Homeless People?
So, devil is in the details, where do I find the details? Will there be drug testing for anyone who gets this money? Or work requirements?
More Governor Evers Appointments
The Governor is going to chair the Interagency Council on Homelessness himself! Awesome.
Wisconsin Primary Election Day – August 9th
In what seems like is happening almost monthly in WI, another election day is upon us. Tuesday August 9th is the partisan primary...
TDA Economic Benefit Claims Are Not To Be Interpreted Literally
In the midst of their "Just Fix It" Campaign, the Transportation Development Association of Wisconsin is touting a fresh report they commissioned from UW-Whitewater...
An Overview of Bus Rapid Transit by Al Matano
I organized an informational meeting on the on the future of transit in Dane County prior to the August meeting of the Dane County...
Cracking the Conservative Transportation Frame
With a promised audit of WISDOT in the works, now is a good time to reflect on how conservatives on Wisconsin’s joint audit committee...
So Far State Officials Can’t Prove Roads Grow Economy
If you have been reading my recent posts at Forward Lookout, you are aware that I have been sending out a series of open...
GOP Bickers Over Zoo Interchange, Ped, Bike Funding Still in Flux
While Wisconsin’s mainstream media degenerate into covering the dispute between Assembly and Senate Republicans over whether the Zoo interchange should be delayed, I checked...
Transportation Budget up for Vote on Friday…
Late Update: Most transportation issues have been pushed off until next week. JFC ended up passing a motion with reduced cuts to the Stewardship...
State Transportation Up at 2pm Today
UPDATE: JFC will not be taking up Transportation Today according to the latest memo. JFC will meet at 2:30pm today to take up issues listed...
$25 State Bike Fee Possible
A followup question from Rep. Nygren to the DOT about raising fees on bicyclists has been answered in a recent Legislative Fiscal Bureau Paper...
The Mitch Henck Maneuver
Mitch Henck has been a voice in Madison for quite some time. I do not know Mitch Henck personally, but have listened to...
JFC Co-Chairs Plan to Drop a Highway Bomb on Future Generations
...we can’t expect one generation to pick up the load for all these projects at the same time... Unfortunately, these projects are all coming to fruition at the same time... it’s up to us to figure out what are we going to do to continue...
Walker Proposes Rollback of Complete Streets
Governor Walker's budget address on February third is getting a lot of press for the $1.3 billion of borrowing for transportation, but there is...
An Open Letter To Chris Mertes – The Sequel
A few years back, Sun Prairie Star Editor Chris Mertes wrote such a ridiculous editorial that I wrote him an open letter.
Mertes has outdone...
Wisconsin Road Lovers Stuck in 1990
The Local Government Institute of Wisconsin has a new report out ( Filling Potholes: A New Look at Funding Local Transportation in Wisconsin ) that makes the case for funding Wisconsin Transportation. The problem is that the report they cite to highlight how much highway construction benefits the economy is from 1990.
Stop Wasteful Highway Expansions, No New Transportation Taxes, Fix Local Roads First
Concerned Residents of Cities, Towns Traveling to Capitol to Tell Gov. Walker:
Stop Wasteful Highway Expansions, No New Transportation Taxes, Fix Local Roads First
FOR IMMEDIATE...
Dear Media: Please Research the Declining Returns on Highway Investments
Every couple of weeks, we hear about a $680 million shortfall in the transportation fund. The unspoken premise being that the projects that are creating...
Transpo Fund Amendment Will Not Deliver!
So the proponents of Wisconsin state referendum question #1, a constitutional amendment to protect the transportation fund, put out a video to convince the...
Scott Walker Slaps Down Blaska
In case you have not heard, Scott Walker's campaign manager, Michael Grebe, is suing the Madison School District. Well, Grebe could not sue the...
The Value Of Cindy Archer
If you have not heard by now, one of Scott Walkers closest allies, Cynthia Archer, was recently promoted to a civil service job where...
Something To Think About
On October 28th 2013, Democrat Mary Burke launched her campaign to be the next Governor of the great state of Wisconsin.
When...
Every Brat Has Its Thorns
"Not paying fairly, not giving a job because you are only looking at how to make a profit, that goes against God." Pope Francis
Madison's...
Scott Walker Prepares to Crush Wisconsin’s Economy With Layers of Fresh Pavement
If you read the news today, you may know about a so-called "$700 million transportation shortfall" that Scott Walker talked about at an economic...
Make The Magic
One of my favorite charities - Camp Kesem - UW Madison, is having their annual fundraiser - Make the Magic.
Make the...
Jim Villa — $178,000/Yr + Cadillac Bennies!
The UW system created a new job- Vice President of University Relations at the University of Wisconsin System.
Many immensely qualified people applied for...
Iced In (by Mary Jo Walters)
Make some calls, get updated, ask, when will Marijuana be legal in Wisconsin?
School Bells Ring, Are You Listening? (by Mary Jo Walters)
WHERE IS the OUTRAGE?
Smokin’ Hot – by Mary Jo Walters
This is now a blog post in a comment block, thanks Tori!
Let’s GoGo!!!!!
Please help spread the word, it is just as important as donating at this point!
Reporters! Ask the Question! (Updated Twice)
Sigh . . . lovely stories about no one being turned away from shelter . . . but no mention of the following:
Camp Quixote and Quixote Village
Olympia Washington . . . perhaps the smallest city by the numbers, but clearly a larger metropolitan area. 50,000 population, roughly.
Whoville and Eugene SLEEPS
Also in Eugene, is something that will look more familiar to Madison . . .
Thankful.
Given the new perspective I have gotten working on the ground with homeless persons in the last few years, I don't even know where to begin with the list of things I am grateful for - because just the smallest things we all take for granted - like being able to change out of wet socks when I step in a puddle and then warm up - have all taken on new meaning. And with the recent Race to Equity report, I've relearned what a privilege it is to be white in this community. So I can't really make that list, but here is one good example of what I am thankful for, for so many reasons.
Friends of the State Street Family “Outreach”
Hands down, my favorite group in town! Check out the unbelievable work they do!
TRC Silent Auction Tonight!
Brink Lounge, 701 East Washington Ave., 5 - 7 pm . . . check out all the goodies and thank the donors!
Privatization Pirates!
Watching Captain Phillips recently, my wife turned to me and said "I've found someone who has a harder job than I do". I...
United Sportsmen
There is a scandal brewing in Wisconsin that not only typifies exactly who the Wisconsin Republican party is but what is wrong with Wisconsin...
ACK!
Sorry - light blogging week - busy with work. SB179 is currently kicking my ass. Nothing but work - tons of blogging...
Radical Changes to Tenant Landlord law near complete
Tuesday night the Wisconsin Senate passed SB 179, the third piece of legislation in two years to drastically alter tenant landlord law. This law removes over 20 Madison ordinances and changes over 20 statewide laws, resulting in over 75 law changes since 2011 Wisconsin Act 108. Here is a summary of some of the areas of the law that will be impacted:
Q&A on the Federal Government Shut Down
By the Public Interest Law Section of the Wisconsin Bar . . . helpful and cute.
Tony Galli – updated
We brought the recent story of WKOW, and their employee Tony Galli, making the Bradley Foundation's day and attacking a local elementary art teacher....
Tony Galli
UGGG.
We all know that Scott Walker is in trouble. His poll numbers are tanking. His absolute love of cronyism at...
Volunteers Needed!
For several things I'm involved in, check it out!
WTF is Wrong With Our Media
You have all heard something about the United Sportsmen deal lately. Some quick background, it was written into law recently by Scott Suder,...
Education Forum – Sept. 5
Wisconsin State Senators Kathleen Vinehout, D-Alma, and Dale Schultz, R-Richland Center, are among the handful of presenters who will participate in “How Many Kids...
Vicki Mckenna’s Peer Group
I recently wrote an article about why I personally left the Catholic Church. What summed it all up to me, was a...
Singing for the 1st
Advertisements contain the only truths to be relied on in a newspaper. ~Thomas Jefferson, letter to Nathaniel Macon
One thing that is common place...
Why I Left The Catholic Church
They say a picture says 1000 words and this one most certainly does.
When the Bishop of my Catholic Church decides to...
Good Meeting Tweet, Brings Bad Journalism
Apparently in today's Wisconsin, random "tweets" are now what is classified as news!
We have one of the most extreme budgets in our...
Madison City Council Won’t Stand Up Against Citizen’s United?
Republican Party applauds them!!! What?! The Democrats on our City Council applauded by the Republicans?! I've been asked to explain and I can't. What happened, this should have been a slam dunk. Is it because the Council knows better than Mike McCabe and the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign? Or, they hate the Mayor? Or, they love the Chamber of Commerce and the Madison Area Builders Association?
SCTOD?
XTBKSOTYSLDHYSIT? Sometimes the alphabet soup drives me nuts, but if you live in S Madison or drive, walk or bike on John Nolen Drive or Broom or Blair or Wilson or the Bike Trail, you'll want to know what this is . . .
Wanna Tour a Frank Lloyd Wright House Tonight at 6:00?
It's free! And I bet you never even knew the house was there!!! And, the house will be impacted by the two new developments proposed for Webster St (hotel and apartments)
County’s “Buy Local” Ordinance Made More Effective
Wish the city would re-visit theirs and make it stronger!
Reality of the New Tenant Landlord Laws Sinking In
One painful interaction at a time.
Corporate Prom!
Do you have your prom dress ready? Your tuxedo and flowers for your girl? Have you lobbied your friends to vote for you for prom king and queen? You only have until tomorrow!
Real Life Heros – City Staff and Homeless Man
Wow, I'm so proud to know both people who came to the rescue and saved the life of a woman who was distraught over potentially being evicted by the CDA
Is Today The Day Democracy Dies?
And then they came for democracy . . . Sounds dramatic and traumatic, but today is going to be an ugly day at the capital, perhaps worse than Act 10. While many people are focused on school vouchers, at the exact same time, something that has a much more far reaching effect, on everything, every issue that legislators and even local governments vote on.
D-Day for Public Education
Today is the day that we have been discussing for weeks. Today is the day that the legislature starts discussing public school...
There Just Isn’t Enough Outrage for What Republicans are Doing to Our State
On Friday, when most people weren't paying attention . . . students were the latest victims. Why?
Assembly Votes Today To Destroy Tenant Rights
At 5am this morning, I found out about 9 amendments to AB183 that the Assembly will be voting on today at 1:00 or at some time after that. Guess I better quick figure out what these amendments do . . . .
Others Weigh in on Privatization of Schools.
It's not just me pointing out that the republicans, led by Scott Walker, want to privatize(and profit from) public education. Let's take...
TRC Board Rarely Speaks Out About Legislation
But not this time! AB183 Will Harm Both Tenants and Landlords - Tenant Resource Center Board of Directors Speaks Out in Opposition of Bill Being Voted on Tomorrow
Mayor and Council Say Madison Should have Local Control! Don’t ruin our communities!
They are better Republicans than the Republicans in the Assembly . . . could the City be headed to court to challenge Local Control and Uniformity? I wish. I really don't know, but the mayor raises a really, really good issue (read why I love this mayor even tho we don't always agree!). Best quote: Ald. Lauren Cnare "this is about more than being mean to renters, its about ruining neighborhoods"!
Anti-Democracy Full Speed Ahead!
Even if you don't care about the 50+ tenant landlord law changes in AB183 (22 tenants rights at the state level and 25 or more at the local level), you should care about the sham that the Assembly Republicans, Realtors Association and Madison Area Apartment Association are making out of our democracy. Bill passed in 15 days or less?
More About School Choice!
We recently brought you the story of how much money the public school privateers are willing to spend in order to profit off of...
More Complete list of Madison Ordianances in Jeopardy
This list still isn't complete, but its teh list of the Madison ordinances to protect tenants that are at risk due to LRB 1931 or now known as AB183. Hearing tomorrow at 10:00. Public_Notice_5-2-13_Housing_and_Real_Estate
10am Thursday, Hearing on Landlord Bill
Yeah, it doesn't even have a bill number yet!
Common Sense Housing Investment Act! (UPDATED)
Thank Congressman Mark Pocan for being the sixth Congressman to sign on as a co-sponsor.
Tenant’s Rights Attack – 33 more changes!
Late yesterday afternoon we learned of the newest attack on tenant rights. I gotta admit, when the Republicans attack tenants, they do it completely and thoroughly - and the particularly hate Madison, Fitchburg and Dane County tenants. Check out the long list of things they will be changing if successful.
New Tenants’ Rights Attack from the State
Looks like the are planning to rush this (New Attack on Tenants' Rights) through . . .
The (Public Schools) Profit Motive
We have brought you the story before that the current round of "education reform" is a myth, that its just a ruse to try...
Homeless Life Line Might Die?
Oh dear, you have no idea how vital the "Obama phones" are to people on the street, and Friday there will be a hearing to discontinue the program - please sign this petition.
Camp Kesem
Shameless Plug here! A charity that is very near and dear to me - Camp Kesem is having a fundraising...
April 2nd Election Day
Today is election day and its incredibly important that we show up in force today to VOTE!
I Highly recommend:
1. Ed Fallone...
Beloit College Alum Points Out Right Wing Pundits Ignorance!
Denver Post Editor and Beloit College Alum Curtis Hubbard pointed out the ignorance of a right wing pundit!
Then the fun began:
A Biased Letter
For those who do not know, the Janesville School Board has demanded that the teachers sign contracts without actually knowing what is in them. ...
We All Must Oppose The Expansion of School Vouchers
The Monona Grove Board of Education, building principals and district office administrators, and teachers (Monona Grove Education Association) join together to urge legislators to...
The Mockery of the Madison Media as a Meaningful Medium
The Madison School Board race has been interesting to say the least.
For those of you scoring at home, three candidates declared...
Primary Day!!
Tuesday February 19, 2013 is Wisconsin Primary Day! There are only a couple races on the ballot, but these races are very important!...
Michael Brickman!
The fact that the state of education has deteriorated since Scott Walker has been in power can be summed up in two words -...
Public Housing – Making it Harder to Obtain (Please email)
Yeah, the vacancy rate is about 2%, affordable housing is impossible to obtain and so lets make it harder to get into public housing - housing of last resort for many on fixed incomes.
Scott Walker’s Infrastructure Investment Fail
The Governor provides the perfect example of why we need to dig deeper and do our homework to justify more highway improvements. Today, the average net return on highway investment has dropped below the return of leaving the money in the private sector. That means digging deeper with our research than simply looking at the businesses or municipalities asking for an improvement
Will Scott Walker Choose Superhighway Socialism?
Scott Walker will be delivering his third State of the State address tonight at 7pm. Infrastructure is among the five priorities he has been...
Permit Occassionally Required!
As the Cartoonish Chief Erwin sends his minions all over the state to issue tickets for singing in the Capitol, (purportedly for gathering in...
MINE
Governor Walker promised us(among other things) that his administration would help create 250,000 jobs. After two years(of a four year term) the...
This blows . . .
Keeping track of city and county issues are hard enough. Schools are even harder, and now the state is making it hard too . . . just as they are going back into session and I am getting anxious about new landlords/tenant legislation and worrying it will turn my work world upside down again . . . they tell me this!
Wisconsin Democracy Campaign Needs Your Help!
This is an amazing organization that does amazing work . . . to keep all of us who don't have time informed of the role of money in our state politics. A watchdog with a bite! My only complaint is they don't do enough local work, and that is only because what they do is so incredible! Anyways, they got some bad news and need your help!
Rally! Rally! Rally!
As the legislature goes back into session, does Wisconsin have the energy left to rally? I'm sure the legislature has a fresh new...
Surveillance Cameras to protect the Privacy Rights of the Public?
New rules for the use of surveillance cameras by city departments.
Bed Bugs!
Just a new fact of life? Or is there something you can do? WARNING: Reading this may make you itch or creep you out!
City Lobbying Priorities for next State Legislative Session
For some very good reasons, I did not make it to the meeting yesterday where the alders gave their input into this agenda. But here it is . . . do you see anything missing?
Entitlements? Or Human Rights? Or Criminalization?
Yesterday was Human Rights Day and the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty issued a report card on the Human Right to Housing - we didn't do well.
Safe, decent, affordable housing is a basic human right, recognized globally and defined with specificity in international law. But while the U.S. was a leader in establishing and championing international human rights law and institutions over 60 years ago, and continues to speak out as a leader on the global stage, unfortunately here at home our words do not match our reality.
Cut Food Stamps?
Action Alert from the Wisconsin Council of Churches. This drives me nuts, this is the one benefit that people down on their luck can apply for and get and get quickly. Unlike medical care, disability, housing assistance, child care assistance, etc.
Be Careful Who Your “Friends” Are!
I recently attended the Educate to Elevate Conference in Madison, and I was very skeptical going in. While I left the conference just...
I’m Speechless
This is one of the hardest posts I ever had to write and to add insult to injury, I completed it and then lost a bunch of work. So I'm just now getting around to trying to post something about what happened last Tuesday. I still can't believe a government could just pick up and relocate a group of people to a remote location out of sight and out of mind and . . . oh, nevermind. The irony of this happening at Thanksgiving just gives me images of what we did to Native Americans early in our country's history . . . I thought we had learned from that, but I guess not.
Local Progressive Talk
We all know by now that Sly in the Morning and the local news team, on 1670 WTDY was ambushed and fired the day...
Worst. Column. EVER!
By now everyone knows that Scott Walker promised as part of his campaign, that he would "create" 250,000 jobs.
"get government out...
Yesterday was a Bad Day for Progress for the Homeless
Occupy got their eviction notice and the county board's Personnel and Finance Committee took the operating funds for the Homeless Day Center out of the budget. Always more work to be done and I knew the steps forward lately were just too good to be true. So, what's next for Occupy and the County Board?
It’s Time to Maximize the Return on State Highway Spending
With Wisconsin’s State Senate flipping back to Republican control, Scott Walker is now has a clear path to implement his agenda. Walker has stated...
Scott Walker’s Next Bomb?
Coming soon but conveniently after the conclusion of state elections, Scott Walker will announce his plan for state infrastructure spending. While his administration has been tight-lipped about what the plan contains, there are hints of the general direction it will take.
Where Should the Homeless Go?
Madison still wants to know! Coming soon to a neighborhood near you?
Occupy Needs . . .
Ok - people keep asking me what they can do for Occupy, and here's the list . . .
Vote Andy Jorgensen!
Due to redistricting, which was done unethically and in complete secrecy, and is now costing Wisconsin taxpayers close to $2,000,000 that could have been...
Desperate Times, Call for Desperate Measures!
Summer 2012, the Wisconsin republicans had the world by the balls. They had control over the State Assembly, the State Senate, the...
Occupy Update
Today is day four of being back at the 800 E Washington site and the police or other city departments have not been back to ask people to leave or inspect the camp.
Financing Voodoo for the Edgewater – $66 Million!
No big deal, don't pay attention. Won't effect us.
Double Feature Tonight At the Barrymore
Getting tired of the Wisconsin State Journal giving you a watered down version of the news and basically no coverage of the damage that...
Support Housing and Homelessness Resolutions at HHN Tonight!
So, the Health and Human Needs Committee of Dane County will be looking at several amendments tonight on housing and homelessness. I have no idea how people would know if you don't know a supervisor who gave them to you, but here they are!
New Rule – Voting
New Rule: When the Wisconsin Republican Party, prosecutes BS likes this:
n the town of Albion, new residents and young people who have...
The Craziness in District 46!
Wisconsin's District 46, has been very ably represented by Sun Prairie Democrat Gary Hebl. Since Representative Hebl has the market cornered on...
That Was Then, This is Now!
Madison Radio Hate sqwuacker Vicki Mckenna, appears to be trying to bring back the Monkees song from 1986. Which is actually a nice...
Elections Matter!
When Judge Colas ruled that parts of ACT 10 were Unconstitutional, the Governor was quick to personally attack Judge Colas but never once mentioned...
It’s NOT Working at The State Journal!
Recently, Capital Newspapers announce that they had cut 26 more jobs.
Which is surprising since you would think that their union busting and...
Chief Erwin Has To Go!
New Capitol Police Chief Dave Erwin has really put his stamp on the new job since taking over from Charles Tubbs. Unfortunately for the...
Some Endorsements for the Primary!
* Yuri Rashkin in the 44th District.
* Joe Wineke in the 80th!
In Wisconsin, we have to have people willing to step up...
Occu-Potluck at Occu-Camp!
The Occupiers are back! Well, they've been scattered all over, but they never went away . . .
Metcalfe’s Union Busting
This is frustrating, remember the cool project everyone loved on E. Washington and how great everyone thought Metcalfe's was, or next time you bite into a brat at Brafest . . . well think again.
S. Livingston Railroad Crossing to be Closed
Proposed order was released yesterday . . . here are the conclusions:
Maybe Republicans Will Come Round on Global Warming Now?
The record-setting heat we have been experiencing this week may actually help convince Republicans to change their stance on global warming. It is not...
No ID Necessary to Vote, But Necessary for Food Pantry?
I find it interesting that people are outraged that they would need an ID to vote and worried about people being disenfranchised, but find it completely necessary to have an ID in order to give people food to feed their families and so they don't go hungry.
What Happened to Brenda’s Blogging?
Seems a little sparse lately. Why?
Rainbow Bookstore is Doing a Play!
Yup - it's a fundraiser for your favorite bookstore! And a true community treasure that needs your support!
Obligatory Post
Yesterday sucked.
Last Minute Voting Info
Sent to neighborhood leaders to help with questions about today . . .
Sunlight on the “Mushroom Patch”
There just is no end to the crap our state is dishing out . . . Tuesday can't come soon enough.
Worst Reporting Ever?
Or . . ..
Rick Marolt: Why Scott Walker Should Be Recalled
Guest editorial . . .
Why Cottage Grove Desperately Needs a Library!
So the people in the village who so adamantly oppose the library, will not make a fool of themselves when they try and write...
Occupy Residents Have Something to Say to Soglin
Press Conference at 11:00 at Veteran's Park at the top of State St., behind the Veteran's Museum.
Intimidation of political signature-gatherers in Wauwatosa?
While attempting to collect signatures for my friend John Pokrandt's State Assembly campaign on the sidewalk outside of Jefferson Elementary School in Wauwatosa this...
Wisconsin State Journal a Division of the MacIver Institute
We all remember what happened last year, the teachers of the state, led by MTI, stormed the Capitol when ACT10 was introduced. Their...
Social Justice Center Turns 12 years old!
12 years . . . seems like only yesterday. Gives awards to Chuck & Connie Smalley and the TAA!
Blogger is BACK!!!!
Yippeeee!!! I think my 60 hour work weeks are over . . . kinda.
Tenant Resource Center Housing Law Seminars
Coming to an area near you!
Occupy: Should They Stay or Should they Go Now?
Police are telling them one thing, the court and the city attorney said another . . .
Whoa, What Just Happened?
Occupy.
Summons, Complaint, Motion for Temporary Restraining Order and Brief in Support filed, parties served (they deny it), hearing held, no order issued but an agreement reached that people can stay past noon on Monday (til 4:00), structures (hoophouses) can stay til Wedensday at noon no matter what and after a hearing on Monday at 4:00 they may be able to stay even longer!
Occupy Madison Events – The Final Countdown?
Party Saturday, clean up this weekend, rally and march Monday and . . . stay tuned.
Seeking Protest Videos, Photos, Etc for Archives
Honestly, I can't believe that this project is all coming together, but its really cool. Thanks to the many, many volunteers for the time and talents and materials!
Sunny Take Two
Recently WPRI hack and Herald - Independent Columnist Sunny Schubert wrote a column congratulating Gannett Newspaper for checking the Verify the Recall database,...
Merit Pay In Education -A Case Study
The Wausau Daily Herald recently penned an Op-Ed stating that under the last legislative session school reform "took a step forward"
The reforms establish...
Congratulations Connie Deer!
One of our stalwarts here in Dane County gets a Statewide Fair Housing Award. Well deserved! And more!
Our new County Board Supervisor...
Sunny Schubert – Have You No Shame?
"The State Department is infested with communists. I have here in my hand a list of 205—a list of names that were made known...
Crane and Wolf Hunt in Wisconsin
Ribeye in the sky? Should we be hunting endangered species? Speak up tonight.
Open Forum On Tenant’s Rights Tonight
Tonight, March 29, at 5:30 pm at the Fifth Quarter Studio (2nd Floor) in Union South. there will be an open forum on the past and future of tenants rights in Wisconsin.
Hariah H. Hutkowski Wants Your Money!
And he wants as much of your taxpayer money as he can get his hands on. If you live in Sun Prairie...
My Testimony
The Monona Grove School District recently held series of public hearings regarding proposed budget reductions in the district. As a district...
Ooops, Major Screw Up in Tenant/landlord Legislation
I've been frantically trying to figure this all out this weekend . . . what do the new laws really mean, what are the arguments that tenants and landlords should make while going to small claims court, but I didn't even think of this one since I'm focused on residential . . . check this out!
Miserable Monday and Beyond
So, sad blogging news.
The Legislature has really Destroyed me this week
I keep trying to pay attention and find out if the tenant laws are changing and I guess I'm going to be on pins and needles again all day . . . and all night . . . again . . .
Robin Vos’ Slumlord Bill May Pass today!
So, this is it, the bills destroying tenants rights, and tipping the scales in favor of unscrupulous landlords is headed for passage.
Cottage Grove Politics
April brings us another election and in Cottage Grove, WI it brings us almost full circle. In the April elections bring the Village...
Time is Running Out to Protect Wisconsin’s Comprehensive Planning Law
With the current legislative session set to close on March 15th there are only a few days left to ensure that Wisconsin's comprehensive planning...
Remembering . . . One Year Ago Today
Reposted from a year ago.
Monona Grove Budget Reductions!
Monona Grove School District will be holding three meetings regarding the $1.2 million dollars in reductions that we need to make for the next...
Green Party Looking for True Progressive Candidate to Challenge Walker
You can call it being a spoiler if you want, but so far, the choices to challenge Walker are uninspiring.
Need An Attorney, Ask the Court to Appoint One!
Usually, they only appoint attorneys in criminal cases or in guardian ad litem cases, but now, you can (and should in some cases) ask...
What a GREAT! Bill
Of course, it has no chance of passing.
Just had to point this out. SB511 actually does something good - so it wouldn't...
Wisconsin Uprising – The Art Show!
Recently, Steve Nass and his spokesman got wind that the UW School for workers was putting on an art show. They then...
Complain About Alternative Transportation on Leap Day!
With this being a leap-year, and the great day fast approaching, I hereby declare February 29th as "Complain about alternative transportation day."
So how about...
I’m horrified . . .how did this happen?
I don't know how I missed this, but there is so much going on . . . but this is horrendous . . .
Tenants’ Rights Rollercoaster
I'm sitting in the capital, waiting for them to NOT do something, and to hear what they say about their inaction. Absurd, I know.
Dane County Conservatives(should scare you)
Today is primary election day in Wisconsin, so please go vote. I recommend Heidi Wegleitner and Carl Chenoweth. Unfortunately...
Expect New Voting Procedures Today
Bring your ID . . . a photo ID.
Help with WORT Pledge Drive Coming Up
Phone shifts available for people to answer phones and take pledges! I'm sure they would appreciate the help!
Anti-Tenant Bill – Back to the Drawing Board
It was a "hot mess" as the kids say! So many issues with AB561/SB466 were raised during testimony yesterday, that they have to redraft the bill or make multiple amendments to clarify and fix unintended consequences.
Details of How Tenants Are Going to Get Screwed
So, we finally finished (as much as humanly possible) the analysis of the "modernization" of landlord-tenant law bill- this is the best we could do to explain the bill and issues in plain English.
One Year Stronger & Remembering
Here's my video from last year on this day and the video from the Wisconsin Day Rally on Saturday.
Wisconsin Tenants About to Get Screwed
There's just no other way to put it . . . see what fresh new hell the Republican landlords have in store . . . 2 hearings and one vote on Wednesday, even tho it just got a bill number and became public late Monday.
A Brief Update on Two New Anti-Tenant Laws
This week there were two new anti-tenant bills that have been circulating up at the capitol. This is a brief update on what I know so far . . . subject to more investigation and interpretation! These will affect not just Madison and Dane County - this one affects ALL Wisconsin tenants!!!
Week of Action to Celebrate the Wisconsin Uprising.
February 11th-19th, 2012 - One Year Longer, One Year Stronger! These folks will be my guest today on WORT A Public Affair
Is it working?
Recently, Monona Grove Elementary teacher Jeff Knudson was the "star" of an ad for Scott Walker. Mr. Knutson looked directly into the...
Why Teachers Need a Union –
Now that Act10 has been enacted making it next to impossible for teachers to bargain teachers are going to be left vulnerable. ...
Thinking you need a Union?
Well, learn how to do it yourself! As "management" I probably shouldn't be encouraging this . . . but it would...
Have Abacus Will Travel
I have written before of the the right wings veiled attempts to privatize public education. I have also pointed out that while they...
Rally Against Citizen’s United/Occupy the Courts Tonight!
We can't have a real democracy if we can't have fair campaigns with candidates that are not bought by the highest bidder.
Falk Announcing for Governor. Really? (Updated)
I've been listening to Rob rant for the last 20 minutes about what a bad choice this is . . . and of course, I'm not a Dem insider so I don't know what is going on but . . . this is bad for poor people
Tuesday (Everything but the Recall) Round Up
It will be short. Very short.
Recall Observations
Here is My Letter to The Editor regarding my observations from collecting signatures. Congratulations to everyone who collected signatures for...
The Ghost of Public Education Future
I wrote about this subject recently, but want to expand a little more, on the topic (especially in lieu of the ongoing Madison...
How Do you Make Vicki McKenna Laugh?
Wish death upon all who disagree with republican Governor Scott Walker!
Tom in Grafton was Super Caller of the Day! Nothing...
An Internal Contradiction in Thinking
There is an internal contradiction in thinking among Republicans who are anti-train and anti-transit while at the same time being anti-tax.
It is more costly...
Learn about Alternatives for Frautchi/Rowland Vision
The 100 block of State St could be sleek and modern and exclusive, or . . . it could honor our history . . . you can learn more about an alternative vision for the block and why it is important and how we can save the landfills and reduce our carbon footprint.
An Open Letter to Christopher Mertes
Christopher Mertes, managing editor and far right wing idealogue, of the Sun Prairie Star, recently wrote one of the most ridiculous editorials I...
The actual story – MGSD
Recently, the Keep scott walker in power campaign funded largely by out of state special interests, ran an ad where he used a...
Jill Stein, Green Party Candidate
If you missed her when she was here in Madison, here's about a half hour of her talking with Matt Rothschild and then some Questions and Answers with the audience.
Dane County Tenants Lose Rights Starting Today
Tenant Resource Center: Ready for Your Questions!
Wake up and Smell the Coffee!
Especially if your in Verona, WI! Local Verona small business Tuvalu Coffeehouse has come under some scrutiny(both positive and negative) for...
I’ve Had it! Have you?
So . . . will we rally to defend more of our rights the state is taking away? I sure hope so.
This is What Democracy Cooks Like
They're here!
Vicki McKenna Banned in Cottage Grove!!
Recently, the Cottage Grove village board passed a resolution calling for civil public discourse. Their resolution no. 2011-07, A...
Edgwater Financing Not Secured?
Hm. Looks like they might not really have the money for the financing secured.
WORT Turns 36 Today!
Happy Birthday WORT! Send them a little love! I wonder if they knew 36 years ago that WORT Community Radio would be such a success?
Help Build a Hoop House this Weekend
Gotta hand it to these Occupy folks . . . they are tenacious and creative. And still here!
Tenant Resource Center Further Reduces Services
Yeah, bad time to be a tenant in need! SB107 has reduced tenants' rights and will go into effect in a week or two, TRC is reducing services because federal, state and county funding reductions. Yeah, it all rolls down hill! Which makes us all the more thankful for the wonderful community who really helped us out during our fundraiser! The best since 2008! THANK YOU!!!!
Purge the Merge and other Village Business
The Village/Town of Cottage Grove merger talks merger talks have been put on hold. I have written before on the...
Hello McFly!
Recently Cottage Grove Village Trustee Micah Zielke went on a little rant about local participation in Government during his officer remarks.
"I would like...
Civil Public Discourse – Cottage Grove
Is a great idea to strive for, but personally, if I had to pick, I would prefer INFORMED public discourse.
Tonight, at...
I Know, Poverty Sucks
I don't ever really talk about these things, but I really do know how badly poverty sucks, and I was kind of lucky because it was rural poor, not city poor.
Awful Federal Housing News
It will be interesting to see how this impacts Madison, looks like we could be losing Section 8 vouchers and maybe some staff. There were also cuts to CDBG (8%) funding as well. Looks like they cut 100% of the funds for Economic Development Initiative, Brownfields Redevelopment, Energy Innovation Fund and Hope VI - which I believe the city was working on an application for Truax for (not sure which fiscal year. Wonder if the council took this into consideration in passing its budget - I didn't hear it mentioned.
Walker Administration Refuses to Open Capitol Basement
From Chris Taylor . . . no surprises, Walker doesn't want the homeless using the Capitol basement.
New Rule
With Apologies to Bill Maher, I thought I would steal his famous segment.
New Rule: You can't advocated...
The People’s Mic!
Tonight, finally, The Mic 92.1 FM, is making a commitment to local programming again. I actually pretty much boycotted the station...
Silent Auction Items for Tonight
Great holiday shopping opportunities, and you can help a great cause (Tenant Resource Center) at the same time!
Tenant Resource Center Fundraiser Tomorrow Night
Music, free food, silent auction, cash bar. 5 - 7:30 Brink Lounge (701 E Washington Ave.) We really need your support, donations of any size welcome, suggested donation $25 at the door (but give what you can within your means, we understand!) Tons of details below.
Hydrite Meeting Tonight!
Hydrite Chemical is a company that has a location in Cottage Grove that many people are not even aware exists. With the...
WYOU – Documenting the Wisconsin Uprising!
Don't you wish there was an archive of all the video and photos that were taken last spring during the Wisconsin Uprising? Well . . . there could be! There will be!
Restrict Conceal Carry = Landlord Discrimination Complaints?
The Apartment Association of South Central Wisconsin recently sent out an informational handout for landlords. I was going to pass it along as being useful, but I noted one glaring error.
SB107 Won’t Create Jobs, Just More Work
At the Tenant Resource Center today, we will be watching the State Assembly hearing today while trying to do our other work. We're just waiting for the hundredth shoe to drop, so we can start updating all our written materials
Still $XXX in Cuts to Human Services
It seemed like good news when County Executive Parisi announced he would "restore" $1.9M in funds, and more good news for some came from Health and Human Needs, but even if Personnel and Finance pass all the amendments, there are still XXX in cuts to Human Services.
SB107 – Landlords’ Rights Bill
It's likely to pass tomorrow (3rd Reading in the Assembly) and for those of you who lost track of all the evil that is...
More Bad News for the Poor
You're not surprised, right? Need legal services, you might get through the screening if your problem is bad enough.
I Can’t Tell You Why
The Monona Grove School District recently held held their annual meeting. Typically these are sparsely attended and uneventful. This...
Today’s Must Read
Comes from Dave Zweifel at the Cap Times, with a brilliant way to save money in WI.
This kind of vicious...
Recall Repercussions
The results were in this summer with the democrats flipping two seats in the Senate recalls. While the republicans lost two seats,...
How to Decide to Demolish a Landmark
George Austin kept saying that we had to think about what was going to go in place of the landmarked buildings or that is should "add value" if we demolished a landmark when talking about the project on the 100 State St block. That was still bugging me, I don't see that anywhere in the standards for demolishing a landmark. He also said that Landmarks Commission made a recommendation to the Plan Commission about a demolition, which also, clearly was not true. They issue a Certificate of Appropriateness and its appealed to the council (think Edgewater). For his comments see here. For the real standards and procedure, see below.
Don’t Take Your Guns To Town…
A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall...
First Casualty of New Policy
Not enough time to get liquor permit, event cancelled. Bummer, because Tenant Resource Center would have gotten part of the proceeds
Immigration as a Moral Issue – Day Two
Slowly catching up on everything, here is day two of this series - Leila Pine and Ramona Natera discuss immigration issues and the laws.
Immigration as a Moral Issue (Day One 9/18)
Leila Pine and the James Reeb Unitarian Universalist Church have embarked on a class to explore the issues. They asked me to video tape it and I felt the issue was important enough to do so. So, here's day one (September 18th). Later this week day two, and hopefully day three!
Simpson’s Soliloquy on Words of Reason
This weeks Herald Independent, the paper of record for the Monona Grove School District, had an interesting column from their latest Cottage Grove...
Schlicht!
I have said over and over that the new brand of "fiscal conservatives" mean that if they are for it, there is no amount...
WTF Part II – Imagine my surprise . . .
When I saw this at the MUNICIPAL building! Not the city-county building, but the one across the street.
Even in Dane County the Fiscal Conservatives are Breaking Us!
We have been chronicling how the fiscal conservatives are breaking the bank, now we see it "trickling down" to the Dane County Board....
Merge
The talks between the Town of Cottage Grove and the Village of Cottage Grove have been continually advancing (as has the cost to the...
The Myth of Education “Reform”
My LTE made the Cap Times website, in a slightly edited version. Here is the full letter(with links):
Now that school has resumed,...
Teacher Appreciation
From My email inbox:
If you love to cook/bake you may already know Penzeys, the wonderful Wisc-based spice and herb store. Their newest catalog...
Tenant’s Rights Rally Tonight at 5:00
All that is left is for the Assembly to pass SB107 which will prohibit Madison and Dane County from finding local solutions for local problems including removing laws on the books that prohibit a landlord from requiring 3 times the amount of income as rent, protecting people from being required to give their social security number, removing our protections that require a landlord to deny tenants for only housing related arrest and conviction records and limit that to two years, lets a landlord wait to ask you to renew your lease til 1/4 of the lease is over, limits security deposits to one month's rent, and requires check-in and check-out sheets and photos beofre the landlord takes money from your security deposit.
An Open Letter to National Conservative Groups from Wisconsin’s Liberal Bloggers
To: Chris Chocola, Club for Growth
The Honorable Jim DeMint, junior Senator from the Great State of South Carolina
It is with great disappointment that we...
Urban League’s Closed Meeting
Yeah, I wasn't allowed to go, because I'm a blogger. A few folks who have similar community media roles, but also are heavily involved in the community were asked to leave. Leaves me a little suspicious . . . and curious. I'm not buying it that you can't have this type of conversation with media present.
Now, you can have input.
We've named it, decided the major elements and where they will be implemented, put money into funding it, applied for grants, staff started planning it . . . now you can tinker around the edges and we'll call it a public process. Look, you're invited to the first meeting! Classic.
Baldwin -> Pocan -> Taylor . . . Roys -> ?
Let the games begin! The dominos are falling. I sure hope that this all works out . . .
Evil Returns . . .
September 13th . . . the Legislature goes back into session. There are two rallies planned for that evening. We're starting to hear what's on the agenda, here's a little taste of the treats they have in store for us!
Some Light Shed on Sunny’s Numbers
Recently The Herald-Independent columnist and writer for the right-wing "think tank" WPRI, recently "reported" on the state of the Monona Grove School District....
What Did You Do On Summer Vacation?
While I worked, we were able to get away for a family vacation in Hayward, WI. Monona Grove School District teacher Brent Schacht...
League of Women Voters Challenges Voter ID
I'm sure they could use your help! I was excited about this for about 2 seconds until I remembered that Prosser is still on the Supreme Court . . . but I think it is important they do this. Find out more and who it will impact.
No Wonder it is so Absurd . . .
The other day I blogged about how absurd running a non-profit can be these days . . . yesterday, I had this chart sitting on my desk and I think I stared at it for an hour, trying to figure out how it got so absurd. A death of a thousand cuts, I guess. Check out the real numbers behind the anecdotes about why nonprofits are struggling, at least for one non-profit I am intimately familiar with.
Thursday Morning Links
As the kids start school today there will be lots of "Scott Walker has saved our schools" misinformation running around the right wing airwaves....
Prosser Cleared?!?!?!
Cross Posted @bloggingblue, because, in lieu of the right wing attack on Justice Bradley and inexcusable defense of Justice Prosser, this story needs...
Paul Ryan Ignores Meeting Request from Jobless Constituents, Locks Them Out
Giving Forward Lookout a sneak peek at this piece, which is running in Socialist Worker tomorrow. We socialists are cool and like to share...
Not In the News Round Up
Well, I haven't really had time to read the news, so I'm presuming these are the types of things that don't get written about . . . see how I did . . .
John Nolen Drive Closed this Weekend
Hopefully, you have already heard about this . . .
Solidarity for Verizon strikers from Wisconsin
FYI: US Uncut-WI will meet again to plan more solidarity actions at 6pm on Friday, Aug. 19 at MATC Downtown.
When workers rights were under...
Work is Kicking My Butt
Sorry, I'll return to regular blogging by Wednesday, maybe even tomorrow . . . I've hired some temp people to help out and it...
Tenant Resource Center Rent Party Toninght
Join us tonight for our Rent Party, buy a raffle ticket, enjoy some live music (Electric Spanking), free food, cash bar and help us thank Megin McDonell for her more than 14 years of working at the Tenant Resource Center!
Which Side Are You On?
UPDATE: Josh Eidelson writes to respond to my riff on his piece. These are all good thoughts. Josh did a good job portraying the...
Rent Party and . . .
Megin McDonell is leaving the Tenant Resource Center Celebration! (Whoa! Big changes!)
Salvation Army Cuts Sunday Morning Community Meals
More service cuts, Tenant Resource Center, Community Action Coalition . . . and now, the Salvation Army
Which Recall Elections are Today? And Next Week?
Here's the list.
Meet Randy Hopper
While you have been able to get the latest news on Randy Hopper right here at this humble little blog, there are a...
Board of Estimates Recap
Why we do so many reclasses, a new Finance Director and Overture employee payouts for sick leave . . . with bk comments.
Another City Secret?
Ok, how the hell does this happen? Bids have already gone out for two-way Johnson and Gorham traffic study, a nearly $5M project! Staff have already interviewed the respondents
Step Right Up…..
Wisconsin, the original headquarters of Ringling Brothers circus, which has brought us such acts as Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show, Zip...
Misplaced Priorities
The Republicans are the party that says government doesn't work and then get elected and prove it.
P.J. O'ROURKE, Holidays in Hell
The Village Board in...
Overture Discussion at Council Last Night
This was my favorite part of the meeting, so I"m recapping it first. After all, its my birthday and I can do whatever I want, right? And I can't resist a few bk comments.
Kinda Dismal Overture Update
So, how are they doing on their commitments in the structural agreement?
Saving Privatized Ryan (brothers)
The Village of Cottage Grove is at it again. They seem to be working very hard to lower the quality of life for...
Another Trip to Europe with FANTASTIC results!!
Ok, I think this just shows really poor judgement and it looks terrible, but I'm glad it changed this elected official's mind.
ALEC and Wisconsin
So, Center for Media and Democracy has exposed ALEC and they need your help! Plus, here's some Wisconsin specific materials.
It is Thursday, So Here’s a Round Up
You know the routine . . .
Wednesday Morning Round Up
Here's the little I have for today.
City Redistricting
Info that would be good for tomorrow's hearing - how our maps are impacted by the Republican plan.
Tenant Resource Center Reduces Services in the Face of Dwindling Resources
This is the blog post/press release I've been dreading for about 2 years, we knew the day was coming . . .
Tuesday Morning Round Up
Relevant local news I can find, plus state and "not in the news" news . . .
More Capitol B.S. -Only Public Hearing on Redistricting Wednesday 10am
Short notice. check. Limited public input. check. Public likely to be ignored. check. Angry and pissed off Wisconsinite....
Weekend Round Up
Here's the news I have . . . city, county, schools, state and things that didn't quite make the news.
This is a BFD: Selkowe endorsed by Madison Teachers, Inc.
With a nod to the Vice President, this is more than a big deal: Vicky Selkowe earns one of the biggest endorsements of the campaign in the 48th Assembly District. Read on the for the release!
Random Thoughts….
I went to the District 48 candidate forum at Talula tonight. I arrived late and was only able to see the last half...
Collective Bargaining
Recently, former Monona City Administrator Dave Berner, a "guest editorial" regarding the evils of collective bargaining. While working on my response...
Of The Midnight “Revision” of Paul Revere
I had been meaning to let this go, but it has been on my mind as a microcosm of the political events of recent...
Wisconsin Professional Police Association Endorses Vicky
Recently the Wisconsin Professional Police Association Endorsed Vicky Selkowe
"In a crowded field of outstanding candidates, Vicky Selkowe's experience and expertise are second-to-none," said WPPA...
He who must not be named….
There is an incredible amount of fake outrage on the right regarding Anthony Weiner, from head nerd Reince Priebus on down. ...
Vicky Selkowe earns endorsement of entire Madison School Board in AD48 race
Remember, ForwardLookout is a multi-author blog, and we're not all supporting the same candidates. I'm supporting Vicky Selkowe, and I thought this was pretty impressive news: in very strong Democratic field, today she announced the endorsement of every elected member of the Madison School Board. Now, I'm biased, but more and more I'm hearing her described as 'front-runner'... read on for the announcement!
Think Globally but Pay Attention Locally…
The Village of Cottage Grove meeting this week was very telling of four members of the board. This item:
e. Ad Hoc...
Scott Walker was right….
Governor Scott Walker appears to have been correct when he said:
"We're Broke and Can't Negotiate."
Unfortunately the members of the legislature did...
Cottage Grove – Leadership Institute
It has been said that the people lead and the government follows. There have been many examples of this throughout history. Pressure...
Maybe I am divisive….
Showing a case of Sour Grapes, former appointed Cottage Grove Village President Mike Mikalsen, submitted a LTE to our local paper attacking me....
Will the Voter ID bill be in effect in every ward?
The Wisconsin Assembly passed the "Keep Democrats From Voting in Wisconsin" bill in a 60-35 vote (all republicans and inexplicably 2 democrats) voted...
To Merge or Not To Merge….
In the Village of Cottage Grove and the Town of Cottage Grove that really is not the question of the moment. The question...
The Plundering of Village(Cottage Grove)Government!
“Enlighten the people generally, and tyranny and oppressions of body and mind will vanish like evil spirits at the dawn of day.” – Thomas...
Paul Ryan Watch
A bunch of us started up a new blog today....
The Paul Ryan Watch
With everything that has happened in Madison at the...
Capitol (Legal) Updates – Court Cases Galore!
Here's an update from the City Attorney on some of the court cases going on about all the events at the capitol in February and March.
County Board Redistricting Meeting Tonight
They are a little more political than the city is on this . . . so its more important to have more input and...
Willy Street Eats
I thought this was too important not to pas on. Madison magazine recently posted a list of Willy Street restaurants that will be...
Show me what democracy looks like….
PLEASE!!! Here in cottage grove, we found out last night, that we have a royal family and no one is allowed in...
Andy Heidt Demands Walker Immediately Schedule Election
You know, people have the right to be represented!
The Governors “tools” and the President’s “stimulus”.
Governor Walker has been in office for just a few months and they have been an eventful few months. Before he even took...
Cottage Grove – Where Democracy is a dirty word!
We recently held elections in Cottage Grove where Mike Mikalsen, lost his appointed position of Village Board President. The new Village President,...
WORT Needs Help from Cooks!
For all of you who have that special recipe . . . this is your chance to be in a cookbook!
Are you kidding….follow up
I wanted to follow up to this post. Where some anti-education individuals from Cottage Grove complained that a note was sent...
Dane County Recount Report
Here is a report from Steve Brist in the City Attorney's office.
Vicky for assembly
I attended my first ever candidate announcement the other day when Vicky Selkowe declared her candidacy for the 48th assembly district, replacing Joe Parisi....
Renters in WI Struggling . . .
166,090 renters and 6,525 homeless people in Wisconsin are barely hanging on. How much more will this increase with Walker's assault on Wisconsin? Check out these numbers:
Whose House? Our House! Is M&I Listening?
On Friday, Take Back the Land held a rally and press conference about a house being foreclosed on by M&I Bank. Check out their proposal on how to match housing with people.
Parisi To Resign on Thursday!
From the Assembly! (Not County Executive!) There are already several people running for his seat and more jumping in.
Why the Choice for County Clerk Matters
I believe that the appointment of the next Dane County Clerk will have a significant impact on the future direction of our State, our...
Federal Housing Counseling Money Gone!
Once upon a time (about 7 years ago), the Tenant Resource Center got $60K for housing counseling from the federal government to run a statewide toll-free line. Then it went to $40K, then $25K, then $20K, then $0, then $20K and now back to $0. And now, no chance of getting any money, because the entire program has been zeroed out in the federal budget. Check out what will be lost!
Tea Party Rally (Counter Rally) on Saturday
It's amazing how many people forwarded this to me . . . they must be casting a very wide net to get people there. But I'm not sure it's the people they want there. How much will we outnumber them by this time?
Housing and the Federal Budget
Not so good news . . . of course.
Want a Free House?
Seriously. It's free.
Full Circle
One of my first posts on this site was in regards to a column written by Chris Rickert. In the column...
SEIU Heathcare WI want Ballots Impounded & Recounted
Revelation by Waukesha Republican Official with Known Credibility Issues is Questionable & Eerily Familiar to Previous GOP Efforts to Disenfranchise Voters, Re-Write History
Joanne Kloppenberg Officially Wins!
Press release from the campaign.
Cottage Grove/Monona Election results!
Thanks to the Herald-Independent!
The new Mayor of Monona and President of Cottage Grove:
Monona results:
Bob Miller has defeated Council President...
Open Records request findings…
I recently did an open records request from our Village Board and found a couple very interesting documents that I felt needed to be...
Election Day Advice! (Updated)
Go vote! Tell your friends to vote! Tell your family to vote! Tell your co-workers to vote! Take someone to vote with you when you go vote! Vote! Vote! Vote! (and here's who I would vote for . . .)
Won’t someone think of the children….
We recently had Budget listening Session in Cottage Grove, conducted by our State Representative Gary Hebl and Legislative Fiscal Bureau Head Bob...
The Great Cookie Caper!
I received this email from a local Village resident(thanks for putting me on the mailing list). While I am not surprised that one...
Weekend and Monday’s Capitol Events
Monday is the anniversary of when Dr. Martin Luther King got shot, so the unions are pulling out the stops and wanting to get everyone to the capitol in a Memphis to Madison rally. Here's the events they are promoting. And some others I think are of interest. And please, ask your favorite local candidate what kind of help they need this weekend, Monday and Tuesday as they struggle to get the word about about their candidacy with all these distractions.
Lies
The on thing that drives me the craziest about politics is the lies. Check out the lies about Kloppenberg.
Who’s House? Our House!
Join Take Back the Land-Madison, and community partners, for a series of actions to put pressure on M&I to take social responsibility, and show respect to renters and homeowners.
Dane County Republicans Gone Wild!
What more crazy shit could they do? I want someone to apologize for this. I love my facebook friends, check out this awful/crazy press release about Judge Sumi if you haven't already seen it, their behind the scenes explanation of what they really meant and some of the comments from my friends.
Spring 2011 Election Endorsements
The Spring 2011 sample Ballot is out and its time for my spring endorsements for the local election.
1. Wisconsin State Supreme...
Council Recap (Part I), Sans Zoning Code Rewrite
Well, I got done what I could, I was triple booked last night. This includes the discussion on the hijacking of the Madison Metro bus for the Republican Senators . . . so enjoy! Part II and III may appear later this week if I have time!
Representative Gary Hebl Listening Sessions
Representative Gary Hebl will be holding listening sessions in both Cottage Grove and Sun Prairie before next Tuesday's election!
For Immediate Release ...
Dane County Education Meeting
The community wide education meeting was very much a success. With a solid crowd and great speakers, the Sunday afternoon meeting...
Calendar!
We've been working on updating the community calendar we have, and you will start to see events there again. If you have events...
Teacher Pay – Part 2 – Solutions!
I have been accused of just complaining and offering up no solutions. Since I offered up we need to pay teachers what they...
Teacher Pay
I wrote a LTE regarding teacher pay last year, and in Lieu of The community wide education meeting, I thought I would bring...
PolitiFact
I was listening to WIBA-AM recently (Here and here)and the President-select of Cottage Grove was on Mitch Henck's show(I am not sure why...
Madison
Saw this video made by some guys from Oakland, CA and it rocked and needed to be shared!
Sundays Community Meeting
Hope to see everyone
Sunday, March 27, 3-4:30
Monona Grove High School Commons
4400 Monona Drive, Monona
How did we get here?
What do we anticipate with
the...
Republican Bully’s
H/T to Jay Bullock for catching this.
Last week UW-Madison's own professor of history, geography and environmental studies penned this op-ed in the NY...
Tenant Resource Center “Iron Chef” Cook-off Tonight!
5 - 7 Brink Lounge (701 E Washington Ave) . . .
Cottage Grove Village elections (redux)
I wrote about this in detail here, but i recently came across a letter I wrote to the village board prior to the 19...
Just for fun
A nice tribute to badger hoops and the desperation of the Bruskewitz campaign.
Are you kidding?
The members of the Dane County School Board Consortium and WAES (Wisconsin Alliance for Excellent Schools) have gotten together to sponsor a public meeting...
Kathleen Falk: Governor’s Budget Math Inaccurate, Incomplete
Walker's fuzzy math?
Court Cases for the Revolution
Here's the dates/times on two of them:
Carol Lobes: A Bill of Pariculars
Governor Scott Walker and Republican Co-Conspirators’ Blatant, Divisive Actions to Destroy Cooperation and Collective Bargaining in the State of Wisconsin
State Budget Information Forum
Tonight from 7:30 - 9:30.
Neighborhood Assoc.’s: Allied-Dunn’s Marsh/Dunn’s Marsh NA Seeks Help
Join them on the Square Saturday at 3pm.
Mark Pocan To Fitzgerald Brothers . . .
The State Legislature over the past few months has been transformed into a vindictive and malicious institution with severe repercussions.
March 16, 2010
HAND DELIVERED
Senate...
D. A. Complaint that was Filed on Open Meetings Violation
Here's a copy of the complaint. It names Jeff Fitzgerald, Scott Fitzgerald, Mike Ellis, Scott Suder and Doug LaFollette as defendants. And, it asks to find them in violation and make their action void.
Discrimination Complaint against Waukesha County!
Wow. Everyone is getting radical!
Its not about anger…its about hope.
Scott Walker recall
H/t to Harris Lemberg
I wonder if any other politician in history has been on both sides of a recall? At least...
Meeting to discuss Walkers’s $900M Cut to Schools
Scott Walker's path of destruction continues, with a huge cuts to schools and more . . . here's a meeting to try to find out more information about how it will affect the schools and what can be done about it.
Alders Seek Reimbursement for Inappropriate Use of Madison Metro Buses
By the Republican Senators . . .
Larry Palm, Shiva Bidar-Sielaff and Chris Schmidt will likely be joined by many others in asking...
Which MM is more popular? Mark Miller or Mike Mikalsen?
Tonight in the Village Of Cottage Grove, appointed village president Mike Mikalsen and Dane County Supervisor David Wiganowsky, are holding a...
Madison Schools Make Up Plan
Revolution or not, the kids still have to be in school a certain amount of time, so here's the plan to add a few minutes to the school day to make up for the days kids walked out and teachers didn't show up.
Christopher Richter: Why I’m Upset
Some thoughts about what is going on in Wisconsin.
How you can make a HUGE difference!
I saw it posted on a few different blogs, people asking the author (how can I make a difference?). h/t Jessica Ace...
Various Labor Panel Discussions
I don't have the video done from the event at the Orpheum yet, but here some more labor panel discussions.
You Can’t Shame The Shameless!
In the midst of the whole "budget repair" bill fiasco and Governor Walkers re-igniting of the progressive movement in America, the republicans in wisconsin...
Tomorrow Noon: Responding to the ENTIRE Walker Agenda
In the first mass rally organized to respond to the entire Walker agenda . . .
WE ARE WISCONSIN! RALLY
Saturday, March 5th ~ Noon to...
Can they really hold Senators in Contempt?
Here's a legal opinion saying why they can't . . .
Crazy 20 days: Wis Labor Protests
This is day 20 of my video taping the current events. The last 24 hours were clearly the craziest. Twice I was told I was risking arrest during the last two weeks, but nothing happened either time, and in the end, justice prevailed, for now . . . here's what happened in the last few hours.
Capitol Lockdown: New Rules for Today
Today's events of note I know of . . .
12:00 - Arts WI marches to the capitol from the Concourse
1:00 - Trial Resumes
5:00 - Funeral March from Bascom Hill
5:30 - Rally at State St. Side.
Now, the rules.
Apologies . . .
So, I haven't posted in several days. Have 16 days of video footage with some good stuff and no time to edit ....
I did it – did you?
I recently asked people to check with their local politicians, on how they feel about Governor Walkers "budget repair" bill. I sent...
Trumka- “It already has!”
I was recently given the opportunity to sit down with AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka. Mr. Trumka was very cordial and positive and had...
What the People of Wisconsin Want to Cut
I have brought up this poll before, but it is worth repeating as we brace for the Governor's Budget speech Tuesday at 4pm.
A November...
Cottage Grove – open for clients…
Santa Claus, the tooth fairy, and honest lobbyist, and an old drunk were walking along when they simultaneously spotted a hundred-dollar bill ...
Update from Madison Police?
Where are they getting their information from . . . the Assembly is voting today . . . around noon possibly. And, it...
WMC Message: Support Walker
Here's a flyer from today's Wisconsin Manufacturing and Commerce meeting at Monona Terrace COMMUNITY and Convention Center, which is closed to the public today....
ballot box solutions…..
Having spent lots and lots of time at the Capitol, many of the great speakers there keep mentioning recall. Not only of Scott...
More Sunny….
I addressed the fact that Sunny Schubert kept her affiliation with WPRI to herself here, and she addressed it here. Looking between...
Walker FAIL! 2 – 1
Building a Stronger Wisconsin Poll Finds Voters Overwhelmingly Think Walker has Gone Too Far in Proposals Related to Public Employees
Protests everywhere . . .
In several states and throughout Wisconsin.
Video from Day 5 and 6
And more coming!
Conservative Activists Launching Counteroffensive Against Teachers and State Senators.
Conservative activists have begun mounting recall efforts for at least 4 state senators: Mark Miller (Monona), Fred Risser (Madison), Jim Holperin (Eagle River), and Bob...
Rallies today, 10:30 and 4:30
I had heard noon - 3, but the South Central Federation of Labor says this:
URGENT: You are needed in Madison. The whole...
Maxwell John Love: On the Budget and the UW
It's tied to the Walker stuff. An important read.
WORT Live at the Capitol – Jesse Jackson
From WORT:
Volunteers Need: Labor Rallies
A few requests I have heard of . . .
A Word from ACLU on Protesting
ACLU of WI Legal Observers Protect Right to Assemble and Speak
Wisconsin State Journal Editorial
In regards to this editorial, I sent the following letter:
I just wanted to let you know that with today's ridiculous editorial, If the...
Sights and Sounds from Day Three, Political Rallies
I'll keep posting video here as it comes in. Here's what I have at the moment from the WYOU family and friends. Monday, 1,000 people, video here. Tuesday, 10,000 people, video here. Wednesday over 30,000, video below. And today . . . expect more as the UW schools walk out, over 35 area schools closed, Madison holding a rally and special council meeting tonight. Senate votes today. Talking to many of the "old timers", no one has ever seen anything like this.
Sights and Sounds from Day Two, Political Rallies (More Updates)
REPOSTED DUE TO MAJOR UPDATES: Ok, vote first, then make your way to the Capitol or the Orpheum. Here's some bits and pieces and I'll add the video as I get it done.
Go Vote!
Election Day votes and predictions.
Video from Today’s Labor Rally at Wisconsin’s Capitol (More Video Added)
Adventures in video, with Brenda . . . it's not terrible.
Let’s get them on the record!
Governor Walker came out last week with a union busting bill - Lots more information here. A couple of things have been overlooked...
Where does the Chormium VI in our Water Come From?
Coal Ash? MG&E?
Wisconsin Republicans Planning to Secure Road Funding, Destabilize Transit Funding.
An e-mail sent out by the Wisconsin Urban and Rural Transit Association reports strong rumblings that either the Governor or the Legislature will try to...
Sunny Kept Us In The Dark…
In the Monona/Cottage Grove area,while we are a decent size community and many people read www.madison.com for their print/online newspaper, we have a respectable...
One of these things, is NOT like the other…
Dane County Supervisor Kathleen Falk, recently announced her decision to resign in early October.
Falk said she also wanted to give candidates...
The Wisconsin Highway Stimulus Rebate
Dear Scott Walker,
You have pledged to control runaway government spending in Wisconsin and focus on "Jobs, Jobs, and Jobs." Many of your backers from...
A Drug(store) Problem in Cottage Grove…
The Cottage Grove Planning Commission recently approved the plans for the new CVs/caremark in Cottage Grove, "with almost no debate." ...
Is a Rollback of Car Insurance Minimum Coverage Needed?
On the surface there seems to be a tension between protecting people from a relatively slight risk of excessive bodily injury costs versus saving an inconclusive amount of money on their insurance. Why not provide both? Keep the 2009 minimums and help Wisconsin motorists save money by promoting Pay As You Drive (PAYD) car insurance to allow Wisconsin's drivers to control their costs. As an added benefit, research has shown that PAYD can reduce crash rates and congestion.
Cottage Grove is open for business….or is it?
After a long, secret and unsuccessful courtship of Walgreens which included a costly and controversial change from a roundabout to new stop lights. ...
And the Killer of the RTA Enabling Legislation Will Be…
I just got back from a meeting hosted by the Wisconsin Urban and Rural Transit Association downtown. The event featured an impressive array of...
Wisconsin Transportation Spending Graph
This chart I found at Milwaukee Rising says it all:
Click the graphic for a larger view. The graph is from a 2010 WISDOT report on transportation budget...
National Transportation Group Takes Notice of Wisconsin’s New Governor
While Scott Walker is talking about dubious emergency measures to "right-size" government and create jobs, a 2005 WISDOT report estimates they had $1.36 billion in highway cost overruns in the previous 15 years. I am hoping Mark Pocan, who is on the newly formed Government Waste Commission, will be bringing this up regularly at their meetings.
WISPIRG Funding Report Follow up
Earlier this week I posted a quick heads up: WISPIRG Releases a Must Read Report on Road Funding. On Wednesday I talked with WISPIRG's...
Martin Luther King Day/Weekend Events
Mark your calendars for the the 17th and the weekend before . . .
WISPIRG Releases a Must Read Report on Road Funding
Just in time for Governor Walker's special session to address the budget, WISPIRG has released a report on road funding entitled: "Do Roads Pay for...
State Republicans Doing Their Best to Make Wisconsin a Great Place to Drive!
While Scott Walker has managed to deliver early on his promise to “Stop The train”, it appears that he has already backed away from...
The Collins House as a Hacker House
At the most recent James Madison Surplus Property Committee meeting, I testified on an idea I’ve been kicking around about enhancing the local high-tech startup scene in Madison. Wondering what the hell that has to do with James Madison Park? It comes down to Collins House, and if the people who wake up there in the morning should be tourists or hackers.
High Speed Rail Meeting in Madison Tuesday
WISDOT will be holding a meeting on high speed rail in Madison Tuesday night from 5 to 7pm, at the Crowne Plaza, 4402 East Washington Avenue. You can help promote high speed rail by attending!
Why Does it Matter if We have No Affordable Housing Plan?
Seriously, isn't our housing affordable here in Madison? Take a look . . .
High Speed Rail’s Next Stop: A Public Meeting Near You!
With a little more than a month before Scott Walker takes office and a series of public rallies behind us, the momentum is building...
Monkeys and Ethics
Um, this has nothing to do with the Overture.
Where is the Train?
The question on a lot of people’s minds here in Madison is will Scott Walker follow through on his promise to stop the train...
Scott McDonell: Concerned about Roads and Bridges?
Invest in Rail
Greyhound Moves? Adds Stop?
Adds express service to/from Madison. Not clear if this is an added stop at Kelley's Market on W. Washington or if they are just moving their stop, again . . . . I can hardly wait to see what their "guest services specialist" will do for these bus riders - but hey, there will be wireless, electrical outlets, extra legroom and reserved seats. Maybe they can manage to have ticket sales?
The Social Justice Center Thanks YOU!
Wow, thanks to everyone who made the dedication of the Nan Cheney Community Room such a wonderful event! Check out the video and please help thank everyone who made it happen! No more squeaky chairs!
Tonight, the Social Justice Center Unveils . . .
The Nan Cheney Community Room! Stop by and see the improvements!
Today would be Nan Cheney's 80th birthday, and we're going to celebrate by...
Tea Party Launches Counteroffensive Against the Train
In response to stories of Governor-Elect Scott Walker's transition team's office being swamped with pro-train calls, conservative e-mail lists have just been blasted with...
A Comment, On Comments,
I moderate some of the comments on Forward Lookout, and there are some that do not get through, let's review why . . .
Capitol Watch: Wisconsin the New Arizona?
The all republican capitol is sure to set the state back centuries . . . so I'm starting a new Capitol Watch feature to point out my outrage of the day. There will be many, I had to choose one for today. Should Wisconsin be the new Arizona when it comes to immigration policy?
TODAY: Clean Air Action Day
The City has declared one for today, here's why and what it means:
WHAT HAPPENS
City Agencies – Please implement your actions plans for tomorrow.
PLEASE NOTE:...
Walker: I’m Keeping My Promise
Scott Walker's transition director has just released the following statement:
“Governor-Elect Scott Walker is going to fulfill his campaign promise to stop the construction of the Madison-Milwaukee...
Scott Walker: Stuck in the 70’s
Scott Walker’s recent letter to Ray LaHood begging to divert high speed rail funding into highway expansions reveals a significant gap in his understanding of transportation policy and technology. Will Wisconsin pay the price for his nostalgic views on transportation?
It is Time to Tell Scott Walker Not to Cut Wisconsin Off From Progress!
It seems that Jim Doyle has washed his hands of the decision on high speed rail with the recent announcement that he will leave it to Scott Walker to make the call. But the future of Wisconsin is too important to let this happen without making a last stand!
What’s So Scary About a Train?
"What's so scary about a train?" That question deserves to be asked seriously because within the answer lies the path forward for those who want to see rail transportation projects of all types survive and thrive in Wisconsin.
Davin Pickell: I Love Bluephies!
But, our family will not be coming back to Bluephies**
Help Save Community and Goverment Access Television
USA Today is paying attention to WYOU, our own community television station, but is Madison? It's ours to lose, or save. And our government access channel is also losing funding and will see changes.
Stopping the Train
What's so scary about a train? Is Blaska right, is that why people voted for Walker, or is there a whole lot more to it? And what happens if they are successful? We lose jobs and millions of dollars in our Wisconsin economy. It makes no sense.
Russ Feingold – On to the Next Fight!
Here's one classy guy . . .
A moment of silence.
We have a lot to think about.
Election Night Parties!
Sitting home tonight so you can stay riveted to the internet to find out the results as quickly as possible? Will you be...
The Low Down on Voting
You've probably been inundated with negative campaign ads and will be glad to get this day over. But, now that it is election day, you might still have questions. Here's some useful links for you!
Today’s Guest: YOU, THE VOTER!
Who's the most important person today? You! That is why YOU are the guest on A Public Affair today! Call in today from noon - 1:00 at 256-2001 or toll free(866) 899-WORT (9678) and tell us about your election day!
Hulsey Really Blows It – Not Trustworthy.
Spencer Black rethinking his endorsement. Kristin has a big chunk of the story. Here's the latest statement:
Date: Saturday, October 30, 2010, 9:24...
Railroad Tracks Revelations
Dan Melton reports on a walk along the tracks with officials in preparation for high speed rail . . . they seemed to learn...
Watchdog: 25 years of Muckraking and Rabblerousing
Bill Lueders from the Isthmus shares some of his writings from the past few years . . . catch my interview on his book!
Ok,...
TRC Silent Auction Items
People were pretty excited about a few of these things last night! Here's the catalog . . . and things are still rolling in . . . so there will be even more tonight!
TRC Rocked! And Join Us Tonight!
Great fundraiser last night! And another tonight. Please thank all our great sponsors, food donors and check out the awesome silent auction . . . several bids were put in last night . . . and you can bid starting at 5:00 - 7:00 at the High Noon tonight!
Tenant Resource Center Still Rocks At 30!
Yeah, I was 12 when the Tenant Resource Center got started . . . and 1 when the Madison Tenant Union got started . . . but I"ve been volunteering or working for TRC for 19 of the 30 years! Join us in celebrating tonight . . . and tomorrow!
November Elections: What’s At Risk?
It seems like more than ever!
K & K Resignation Round Up
One expected. One not!
Lawyers Doing Good Things!
Lawyers not named Kratz. Wish I had known about this earlier . . .
Tenant Resource Center Turning 30!
Read below to get events in your calendar and, let me know if you want to sponsor the events! We've had many challenges over the years, and your support is what keeps us going! Please consider donating!
Yard Sign Wars!
Since people are thinking about elections today (If you're not, you should be! Don't forget to vote!) I thought I'd post some information about when and where a tenant and when a landlord can post yard signs.
Madison Council Briefing on High Speed Rail
These are kind of silly, hey are scheduled for a half hour before the council meeting starts, they start late, have to end early for city channel to switch over to the next production and are hugely rushed. But . . . here's what I've got.
Kyle Szarzynski: Is Dianne Hesselbein really pro-immigrant?
She certainly intends to portray herself as such in her bid to replace Spencer Black, the outgoing representative for District 77 in the State Assembly.
Be the Media!
I'm not kidding. You can be the media . . . radio, tv, blog . . . your choice!
It kind of sucks to...
DATCP Notices Students!
Wow, I've been in the tenant/landlord business a long time and rarely, if ever, have I seen the state agency (DATCP = Department of Agriculture Trade and Consumer Protection) that is supposed to be dealing with tenant/landlord problems step up during the August 15th time period. That changed this year.
Immigration Rally at Capitol at Noon . . .
Here's the information I have . . .
Protect Your Security Deposit!
Seriously, its your money! My favorite story ever is the person who got charged for carpet cleaning . . . and she had wood floors. The best part was . . .
Tenant Resource Center Extra Hours for Moving Days
It's that time of the year, you've seen the moving trucks and extra garbage on the curbs . . . brace yourselves, here it...
Band Girlfriend Update!
Haven't done this for a while, but I have to admit, it's kinda cool to go to Triple M website and see Baghdad Scuba Review there . . . and there's some good shows coming up. I"m most excited about the show at the Majestic with Soul Shaker.
Racial Disparities Implementation Team Work
I'd kept half an eye on the Dame County Task Force on Racial Disparities in the Criminal Justice System, but my interest and hope...
20 Supervisors Call for Action on LGBT Civil Rights
Twenty Dane County Supervisors signed a letter on Tuesday asking President Obama and members of Congress from Wisconsin to take action of four items...
Neighborhood Summit on the “Broken” Process
Here's the official invite.
Live Blog of the TIF for Edgewater
An attempted live blog of the meeting to determine process adn procedure to expand the State St. TID #32 (think University Square) to include the Edgewater, since it currently isn't in a TIF district.
Friday, Monday, Tuesday Morning Round Up
Slackin' on the round up again . . .
The other 35% of the City Meetings for this week, so far.
Turns out, the 13 meetings that were on the agenda yesterday were only 65% of the meetings that we know of for the week....
Demolitionpalooza
7 buildings for the Erdman proposal.
The Dane County Conservation Fund in 2011
This spring, the State Journal asked Dane County Board candidates if we should spend money on land acquisitions through the Dane County Conservation Fund. As we approach Budget Season, it’s worth noting the answer to that question isn’t “Yes”, it’s “Hell Yes.” Here’s why.
High Speed Rail Updates for the City
This is the discussion and updates from CCOC (Common Council Organizational Committee) on Tuesday, and some of the concerns and some really good questions from some of the alders. With [bk comments.]
DCB Exec Comm: 3 Important Issues Thursday at 6!
The Executive Committee of the Dane County Board meets at 6:00 p.m. in Room 310 of the City-County Building on July 8, 2010. Here's the agenda with accompanying resolutions: EX20100708attach.pdf
The Great Great Plains – and what Madison can learn about economic development
Work at Epic? It may be the best thing you can do for Madison is to quit your job. [...]
Thought Google Gigabit fiber was cool? Check out the UW’s 100-Gigabit network
In the rare holiday-Friday news that isn't bad, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration announced today that they were funding a $62.5M 100 Gigabit network upgrade for a consortium that includes UW-Madison.
TGIF Round Up
A full week of round up, computers are all fixed, I have access to all my notes and pictures again. All is good....
Businesses in the downtown: more openings than closings
This is a good trend: more businesses are opening (21) in the downtown than are closing (9). I think I knew about most of these, but it was pretty impressive to see the full list. Thanks to Mary Carbine of the Central Business Improvement District for the list.
Current Round Up
This one has items from the last 48 hours or so, sorry I missed quite a bit in the last week, will try to do better.
Please Hold . . .
I have three or 4 blog posts coming this morning, but . . . I came in to work extra early this morning to...
Photos from a storm
Pictures of yesterday's street flooding, from E Dayton and N Blair St, along with a bit of a history lesson.
Additional City Meetings this week.
Three were added yesterday.
DMI’s Draft Recommendations for Fixing the “Broken” Development Process
This has passed their Economic Development and Executive Committees and the Board is voting on it tomorrow. If you know anyone on the DMI Board you may want to try talking to them.
The “Broken” Development Process
This rant came out of my head in 5 minutes or less . . . its a start to a conversation, what would you add?
Updates on James Madison Park
When your alder doesn't work for you, sometimes you just have to do it yourself. Thanks Joe and Aleen!
Marriage Equality Key to Economic Recovery
An editorial by Henry Sanders, Jr.
Who Lobbied Against Raw Milk and Why?
Someone compiled the list, and it wasn't what I suspected.
Are all these folks afraid of competition? I understand the couple of health organizations,...
Feelin’ Better Round Up
I still feel a little crappy, but much, much better than Monday, and even better than yesterday, so I call that progress. Here's a quick round up of things that I found over the last few days.
When “welfare” isn’t welfare
The short answer apparently is when the recipients are white and middle class.
At least that's what I get from Chuck Lacasse of DePere in...
A View from the Ladder House (Day One)
Here's the music we got to see at the Steel Bridge Songfest. And a little bit of Brenda the music critic.
People’s Affordable Housing Vision
Sign the petition, come to the next meeting, get involved, there will be very little additional affordable housing without a demand for it. As far as I can tell, no politicians have made it a priority, so the people need to.
DATCP At It Again (Amish Raw Milk Farmer)
I just got this update, DATCP is out there again this morning.
The Week Ahead, Take II
Yesterday, the City added a record 10 meetings to the weekly schedule, giving little functional notice to the public. Here's the meetings that were added and what might be of interest and you might want to change your plans for today or tomorrow.
RETHREADS: Benefit for the Respite Center
Who can pass up Sreamin' Cyn Cyn and the Pons at the High Noon? It is for a good cause.
Final Immigration Task Force Meeting: Sheriff told “No.” Again.
Two nights in a row the sheriff was told that people want him to change his policy. This time, he was on the committee, and tensions were running high. In case you missed it, Alder Bidar-Sielaff said he was "racist" and "sexist" at the council meeting and now he accuses her of acting inappropriately. Like I said, tense.
2 Day Round Up
Didn't have much yesterday morning, so I skipped it, so here's bit more than usual.
Draft City of Madison Blogging Policy
This was on the agenda for the Common Council Organizational Committee to discuss the night of the Edgewater, and the meeting was cancelled, and...
NARAL Pro-Choice Wisconsin Names Award in Dr. Tiller’s Honor
Nominations will be accepted through June 25, 2010.
Wisconsin - This week marks the one-year anniversary of the Sunday morning Scott Roeder walked into a...
3 Day Week Ahead
Well, here's what I have for now, not much time to add anything this week, but I'm sure they will . . .
Tuesday,...
For fun . . .
Some Grasshopper love . . . My first music footage I'm ready to share . . . the grannies weren't my footage, just my...
Lazy Day Off Round Up
I slept in today, til 8:30, and with no deadline to be done, I'm slow this morning, or maybe it was the guinness' at...
News Coverage Round Up
Some of this will be repeats from the other round up, this is the medias version of the same information. And, a little...
Still trying to Catch Up with the Round Up
Here's a whole bunch of things not in the media per se. i.e. no links to local news stories in this post,...
A Little Bit of Fun . ..
With the Raging Grannies! Enjoy!I've had the pleasure of meeting some of the grannies I haven't known before and seeing some of the...
Catching Up Round Up (Partial – Final)
I skipped yesterday and last weekend, so lets see what I can find . . . I'm trying to get two video's...
Recovering from a HOT Sunday (No Attachments) Week Ahead
Well, this is a frustrating week, there are many, many, many discussions on issues with no attachments on the agenda, but I can guarantee...
Call Today to Support a National Housing Trust Fund
National Housing Trust Fund Vote moved to next week. Please call NOW! Take Action!H.R. 4213, the American Jobs, Closing Tax Loopholes,...
Rainy Friday Round Up
Not much today."WORKFORCE HOUSING" AT HILLDALENo controversy, so far. Of course, its not really "low income" housing so I'm not surprised.EDGEWATER JOBSI hope...
Non-Edgewater Round Up
Edgewater free for those of you who are celebrating the big push being over, but this isn't the last you'll hear of it ....
Brenda’s Blog This Week
I worked an extra 20 hours in the last two weeks, so I only need to work 20 this week, and I've already worked...
Non-Edgewater Monday Morning Round Up
I'll try not to mention it, not even once!SCHOOL BOARD PUBLIC HEARING TONIGHTOh yeah, if you're not going to the meeting on that-which-shall-not-be-named, there's...
Non-Edgewater Round Up
Silly, but the Edgwater eclipses so many other things at times, this is one of them, so I separated it out, here's the rest...
Busy Day Round Up
Lots going on tonight, SJC 10th Birthday Party at Olbrich, Immigration Task Force Public Hearing, and What's going to happen to City Channel with...
Tuesday/Wednesday Round Up
I got another seminar out of the way yesterday, but there was no time for blogging in the morning. So here's an extended...
Tough Blogging Week Ahead Round Up
It's going to be a tough blogging week, due to work, lots going on today but I have to get up early and be...
Social Justice Center Mural Dedication
Despite the fire at Jolly Bob's last night and the electricity outage this morning, and the rain . . . the party continues on!...
North Mendota Parkway County (Isn’t Going ot Happen Anytime Soon) Board Recap
Besides Jack Martz being confused and the award for the Tree Board, the North Mendota Parkway was the biggest issue discussed on the agenda.A....
Tenant Resource Center is Hiring!
Part time, if you speak spanish . . . BI-LINGUAL HOUSING COUNSELORTerms - 10 12 hours/week, possible additional hours in summer, $11.66/hour. Qualifications• Good...
Tuesday Morning Round Up
Here's what I have this morning, and a little left over from yesterday . . . 19 ITEMS ADDED TO COUNCIL AGENDA FOR TONIGHTThey're...
This Side of Town On WYOU
I have a permanent time (or two) and my first, non-pilot show runs today.My regular time is Monday at 5:00pm right before Democracy Now...
Mifflin Hangover Monday Morning Round Up
Wow - some folks in this town must have really been hurting on Sunday judging by how drunk they were Saturday afternoon. NOTHING...
A Wonderful Life
Nice tribute to a friend, mentor, role model and personal hero. The world needs more people like Nan & David Cheney. The...
A long Friday Round Up
I have a separate Edgewater Round Up for this morning, cuz this got long and well, some people just can't stand to hear about...
Edgewater is Back Round Up
Wait, wait, wait . . . hurry up! FOR HAMMES, TIF WAS A PRIORITYWow, seriously? I'd hate to see how long it...
Almost Freezing Wednesday Morning Round Up
32 degrees. I guess we've been spoiled and really shouldn't complain . . . HERE WE GO AGAINFireworks over the fireworks. Apparently...
1/4 Million Dollars for Government Access TV?
Will the city pick up the tab? We know our city government elected officials jettisoned public access television, will they be as quick...
Another Edgewater Wrinkle
Dealing with the condition of approval this way doesn't concern me as much as the ability to conform with historic preservation standards. It...
Tuesday Morning Round Up
Yesterday was jam packed with meetings, but once again, plans to try to cover more than one thing were foiled by technology. I...
Board of Estimates – Items to Come to the Council in the Future
TiVo'd . . . and a little brief. Downtown Library and TIF are the main attractions. Verveer does a good job setting...
Warner Park Geese are Saved!
Yup - sounds like they found another way to deal with the situation. But yes, it still takes action from the Parks Department,...
Is It Monday Already Round Up
I woke up this morning, thinking it was Sunday. Bummer, no such luck!MONROES STREET MUSINGSVery interesting. On the day where the Board of...
Also Brief County Board Week Ahead
Second, First real RTA meeting this week . . . I like these weeks with at "5th" day of the month, it makes...
Not A Lot of News City Week Ahead
Ooo, this is good, since I have so much catching up to do . . . Monday, April 26, 20104:30 PM BOARD OF...
Another Demolition
Must be demolition time!Please be advised that John Bieno will be filing a demolition permit application on April 29, 2010 for Plan Commission review...
Friday Morning Round Up
I now have 12 posts I want to try to finish this weekend . . . unless I get distracted by something . ....
Behind in Blogging Thursday Round Up
I'm so far behind, with lots of good stuff, but I'm been too busy with work. I think I might have to work...
Another Downtown Demolition
Another demoltion, this one downtown. Some of these demolitions aren't really that interesting, but you never know, so I post them all.Please be...
(Partial) County Board Organizational Meeting Recap
So, I didn't exactly watch this meeting, I listened to it over the live stream while I was at the city council meeting. ...
Two more demolitions . . .
CDA demolishes housing taken from African American landlords and another single family home . . . CDAPlease be advised that Dan Rolfs will be...
Late Wednesday Morning Bike-centric Round Up
I decided to get a full 6 hours of sleep last night, so I'm slow today. Plus I attempted to cover both city...
Common Council Electing "New" Leadership Recap (Part I)
I was pulling double duty last night, trying to cover both the County Board and the City Council. I kinda pulled it off...
New City and County (Newly Elected) Leadership
With the Mayor and County Exec stuck in Europe, here's who is next in line! Not much changed . . . City Council...
Edgewater Updates
Landmarks and TIF1. Still no TIF application. Confirmed this morning. I thought they were trying to get a TIF resolution done...
How Full are our Family Homeless Shelters?
Over-full. I just got an update this morning, here's the run down:THERE ARE MORE FAMILIES WE CAN'T SERVE THAN FAMILIES WE CAN SERVE...
BK Independence Day!
The cone of silence is being lifted! I have been returned to full citizenship in the City of Madison! I can speak!!...
Mayor-Free Tuesday Round Up
Council meeting tonight, Mayor still stuck in Europe and I hear the ash might actually be getting worse even tho some flights did resume.THE...
Mayor Dave (‘s Staff?) Figures Out and Uses Technology!!!!
Yay!!!!! I'm totally serious. Yay!!!!!! Good use of technology Mayor Dave!!From: Cieslewicz, DaveSent: Monday, April 19, 2010 9:03 AMTo: ALL...
Reasonable?
I posted the city attorney's response to the conditional use appeal on the Edgewater, but didn't really THINK about it . . . check...
Monday Morning Round Up
Why do I feel like I am already behind for the week? Sigh . . . CORPORATE FINANCING OF CAMPAIGNS, WISCONSIN STYLEDisclose it...
Wait A Minute, Who Paid for that Trip!?!
A non-profit, so its ok, right? I looked them up yesterday, and look at who it is.Bikes Belong. Sounds like a...
Will Kathleen Falk Miss the Swearing in of New Supervisors Week Ahead?
Ashes, ashes . . . our executive leaders are and the lobbyists are all stuck in Europe, when will they return? Weekly schedule...
Will the Mayor Return from Europe Week Ahead . . .
While it might be tempting to wish he might not return, having Tim Bruer as mayor is much, much scarier! Good thing the...
Talk About Bad News Friday . . .
City Assessments are out! And the day after tax day to boot!From: Hanson, MarkSent: Friday, April 16, 2010 1:00 PMTo: ALL ALDERSSubject: 2010...
Court Decides Unelected Decision Makers Matter
You do see the irony here, right? The right hand trying to take away power from citizen committees because only elected officials should...
Ethics Erosion
This is so depressing watching the city slowly erode what I thought were strong ethics laws. Here's a bit of it, more to...
Support Your Government Access Television!
I've been focusing on the Public part of PEG funding, but the G stands for government and although the city cut the P part...
Friday Round Up!
8 hours off email can really mess up your day! Especially two days in a row. CHOO CHOOThis little waiting game seems...
Edgewater CUP Appeal being investigated further . . .
City Attorney Michael May sent this out to alders today:On March 22, 2010, the Plan Commission approved a conditional use permit (CUP) for the...
Downtown Coordinating Committee Position on the Library
Wasn't able to make it to the meeting, was still in Milwaukee, but here's what they had to say:Downtown Coordinating Committee Central Library Issue...
Somtimes, living downtown is difficult
Bus stop moved, bike lane gone, no parking. Joe Lusson, a downtown homeowner, explains the current issues on Gorham near the construction of...
Early Morning Round Up
I'm sure to miss a few things this morning since I'm doing this so early . . . Work is so inconvenient on...
Tivod Brief Council Meeting Recap
It was a short meeting, less than an hour! The library briefing was longer.Looks like the started late as per usual. Schumacher...
Immigration Task Force Begins Working on Its Recommendations
So, this meeting was really an informal discussion with lots of back and forth, so hard to blog, but here's the highlights.They started off...
Short Tuesday Morning Round Up
Being caught up means its a little less lengthy.A TALE OF TWO NEWSPAPERS, WHICH IS RIGHT?Jin's Chicken and Fish Revoked After Many Violations or...
Plan Commissioner Speaks Out . . . Re: Edgewater Process
Or at least attempts to, I'm not exactly sure what happened as he reports he was "squelched" while trying to make the statement. ...
Greyhound Update
This is from Greyhound to the alders.I guess, at least they are starting to communicate with the alders, but is this what you want...
Bill to Help Save Community Television Moving Through Committees
AB721 and SB582 are bills that would restore Public Access funding for stations like WYOU, and it keeps passing through committees will a large...
Monday Morning Round Up . . .
Here's what I have . . . hopefully caught up from last week . . . I think I heard a loon...
Lame Duck County Board Week Ahead
A couple items of interest. Meeting list here, agendas here. There were several meetings listed that didn't have agendas available...
The Edgewaterless (City) Week Ahead
No Edgewater . . . waiting for them to file paperwork, full Landmarks Commission information and TIF application . . . Full properly...
Friday Morning Round Up
Here's what I had time for today. Sorry its late, despite the flu, I went to my board meeting last night and didn't...
This Stinks: Neighbors Appeal of Edgewater
Check this out, I couldn't figure out how the lawyers would have screwed up the number of signatures required to file an appeal. ...
Looks Official, April 20th meeting for Edgewater No Longer the Date
Straight from the horse's mouth, so to speak: Good day to be home sick with the flu and free to blog away ....
Edgwater Going to Landmarks At Earliest, April 26th
I guess this timeline is blown. Again.From: Murphy, BradSent: Thursday, April 08, 2010 1:50 PMTo: ALL ALDERS; Adam J. Plotkin; 'Amy Supple'; 'Susanne...
Tomorrow, Greyhound moves back to . . .
OHMIGOD . . . my. head. just. hurts.If you're following along:Stoughton Rd until March 31Baldwin and E Washington April 1 to 5North Transfer Point...
Greyhound goes for FOURTH? New Location in less than 2 weeks?
Yeah, I'm not kidding. The press release from yesterday barely had dry ink (it was sent out late) and already they are rethinking...
This Sounds Like a Start to a Joke
An RTA member, an Edgewater lobbyist, Mayor Dave Cieslewicz, County Executive Kathleen Falk and other developers/lobbyists go on a bike ride in Europe ....
Edgewater NOT Going to Landmarks on the 14th
I've been hearing rumblings that the council meeting of the 20th is likely not to happen, besides not having a TIF application yet, here's...
Greyhound moving tomorrow for the THIRD TIME!!!
No joke. This is absurd. No longer at Baldwin and E Wash, or moving to the North Transfer Point, back to Stoughton...
Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday Round Up
Yikes! I'm behind! Gotta catch up today . . . Looks a little short, perhaps I was a little too harsh about...
Have You Seen the New WYOU?
Check out the new WYOU and donate to keep the station going! Shows I know about and recommend checking out include:Willy St. TV...
Election Night Round Up
By now, you likely know the results. There are many places to find them, here's a few and some commentary. Clerk's website....
Election Night Results . . . Kinda . . . .
I thought I had the perfect plan. Get to the Argus early, get an internet connection, find some electricity, have a Guinness and...
Don’t Forget to Vote Today!
Elections today . . . kinda hard to tell, but don't forget to vote!! If you need help, here's some tips:The who what...
Somewhat Inaccessible RTA Meeting Schedule
This crossed my mind when they talked about having a meeting in Fitchburg, but I was recently reminded about it again . . ....
Spring Break Monday Round Up
I love spring break, it means more parking spaces, warmer weather and a bit of a break even for those still working cuz no...
DCCPA Survey – More than lacking in Credibility.
When Lukas Diaz said at his blog that the Dane County Council on Public Affairs lacked credibility (these are also the folks that brought...
TRC Iron Chef 2010 Competition Tonight!
It's the eight annual event. All proceeds go to help prevent families and individuals from being evicted. Donate what you can at...
School Board Candidate Forum Tonight
From the Urban League:MMSD School Board Candidates Forum - TONIGHTThis African American Communication and Collaboration Council is hosting a community forum with candidates of...
Items of Interest from the Board of Estimates.
There was too much going on this past Monday . . . no uniform vendors qualified due to living wage and sweat-free ordinances so...
The library is going to go to rehab . . .
Sing it with me, "Unless the council says no, no, no." (Sorry, the Amy Winehouse song has been stuck in my head for...
County Board Recap
Wow. Love the county board - they sure know how to get things done fast! Tho, next time I hear a county...
A Housing/Low Income Advocate Blogger Dilemma
How the hell do you choose which meeting to go to? And when are we going to get cloning . . ...
Wow. Not a great way to start the HOPE VI process.
And you wonder why I have concerns about competency and process . . . From: Olinger, MarkSent: Wednesday, March 17, 2010 9:14 AMTo:...
TRC Iron Chefish Cook-off Event Coming Up!
Friday, March 26th—You be the Judge It’s the eighth annual “cook-off ” hors d’oeuvre competition and Tenant Resource Center Housing Crisis Fund Benefit, 5–7...
Spring Tuesday Round Up!
I picked up all the beer cans, hard liquor bottles, empty cigarette packs, a spray paint can and several other items left behind by...
Are Property Rights More Important than Cvil Rights? (Final)
And sewers? It sounds like some alders might think so. This is two weeks old at this point, but the Council will...
Another Slow Round Up
My excuse today is that I have the day off, so I slept in. I'm starting this at the time that I normally...
$100M: Why HOPE VI Matters to Madison
This is way bigger than the Edgwater for Madison. Way. Bigger.Last night at the Community Services Commission Mark Olinger explained to the...
DMI’s version of County Board Endorsements
I gotta admire them, at least they are sticking to the issues that matter to them!Technically, these are not formal endorsements, but the intent...
They Speak for the Trees!
I call them the Lorax committee, but their real title is the Habitat Stewardship Committee and three of them also serve as the Tree...
Google Fiber Meeting Thursday
7:00 at Olbrich . . . This press release went out on Friday, but I didn't find it on the cities website, so I'll...
27 or 32 Minute County Board Recap
Another short night! I'm getting spoiled . . . GETTING STARTEDYou can tell elections are coming up, several people are taking what...
Ready, Set, RTA!!!!!
Everyone was there! Room was packed with elected officials, staff from various places and advocates . . . oh, and media, lots and...
Google Fiber – What are our Chances? I think its up to YOU!
After listening to the description last night at the Economic Development Commission, I'm worried and I'd say bad, unless you get involved and help...
Um, What’s Going on with the Library? Alders want to know!
Many people have asked me to try to hunt this down. Problem is, its being done behind the scenes, deep behind the scenes,...
Potential for Serious City Staff Ethics Violations
Sometimes when you look at an agenda, you think it might be kind of boring, but this time, I'm really glad I attended. ...
CDA Executive Director?
Oh, that Friday news. There's no doubt CDA should have some dedicated staff to work on their many projects but . . ....
End of the Week Round Up
It was kind of a slow week, last week of the month usually is . . . but still a few things to...
County Board Endorsements . .. .
County politics is alot more partisan than city politics, and there, they actually have Republicans on the board! Let's take a look see...
You’re No Longer On That City Committee!
Tuesday night, 31 people were removed from 19 different committees because they did not fill out their statement of interest forms, after what was...
Brief Wednesday Morning Round Up
Short council meeting . . . instead of a two-nighter, another easy night for the fingers! Apparently, the less I have to do,...
Truce Between Kathleen Falk and Dave Cieslewicz?
Doesn't look like it . . . From: May, MichaelSent: Tuesday, February 23, 2010 2:46 PMTo: ALL ALDERSCc: Cieslewicz, Dave; Piraino, Janet; Plant, Joel;...
More Friday News: Edgwater Waterfront Setback Ordinance Change
Here's the language that the plan commission talked about . . . Dear Colleagues,Earlier this week Ald. Cnare and I crafted a substitute for...
Dane County Board Recap – Interoperable Radio System (Dane Com) Part II
Ok, it's past noon, but hey . . . this is what you get for free! 🙂 And sorry, I always save...
Dane County Board Recap – Interoperable Radio System (Dane Com) Part I
I missed the first 15 minutes, I chalk it up to being sick . . . but here's the rest . . . RTA...
Do Students Care About their Tenant Rights?
Honestly I don't think so, at least not until they have a problem, then they care. But that's too late. That seems...
Snow – Part III – Budget Review
You thought I forgot about this series, didn't you? Nope, it's all in the timing . . . or indicates my proclivity towards...
Stupid City: Election Day
I was number 4 after 1 hour and 45 minutes of the polls being open. That's stupid, but its not what I'm writing...
Tuesday Morning (Don’t Forget to Vote Today!) Round Up
Here it is, up to date! Enjoy! And don't forget to vote today!THE FUTURE OF JUDICIAL POLITICSWould you care if judges were...
City Jobs!
The damn burst yesterday and several city jobs suddenly were all released at once, check out all the positions. Notice, no bus driver...
4 or 5 Upcoming Demolitions
We sure seem to demolish quite a bit with little controversy . . . so much for the story that historic preservationists oppose all...
The County Mardi Gras Week Ahead . . .
Unlike the city, they do have meetings on Tuesday!MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 20101:00 p.m. Public Health Madison & Dane County - Strategic Planning Retreat ......
I feel like a black person, not just a person.
This was another very intense and tense meeting of the CDA, and quite disturbing. The alternative title for this post was CDA Actions...
That Radio System – How Many Channels Does Madison Need?
Tuesday night I sat in on the County Public Protection and Judiciary meeting on funding the radio system. They're not used to having...
Parks Rules They Are A Changin’
This week, there were 2 meeting of subcommittees of the Park's Department and they looked at changing or creating policies in about a dozen...
Want Free Stuff?
We got desks, lots and lots of desks . . . and much more, come check it out . . . we also have...
Do We Really Need More Hotel Rooms With Numbers Like These?
And how does that fit into the TIF calculations for the operating revenues, is it possible we are being too optimistic?From the ComptrollerThe 2009...
It might not be obvious but . . .
The snow emergency is on for tonight, park on the ODD side of the street . . . or in the parking ramp -...
Catching Up with the Round Up . . . (Part 1)
As I struggle to use all the vacation that I have before I lose it, I have more time off today . ....
Stay tuned.
I have the day off, so I slept in . . . to find out what happened at plan commission last night, here's a...
Yeah, we won’t be plowing your streets til tomorrow . . .
Live with it! And they don't mention if they will be announcing a snow emergency . . . Here's your snow alert...
What is AT&T up to Now?!
Another fast-tracked piece of legislation with potential wider ranging impacts . . . From the Wisconsin Association of PEG ChannelsWisconsin Association of PEG Channels,...
Demolitions: Charter St. Heating Plant Demolition! And more . . .
Well "portions of" it and a neighboring building . . . and a single family house on W. DaytonPlease be advised that Gary Brown...
Update on Landbanking
The Economic Development Committee met again last night to look at the landbanking program. There is a last minute hand out,...
Please stand by . . . .
Um, gotta get my car moved by 8:00 and run some errands, will have a post or two up by noon, they are both...
Non-Profit Swap Day!
Who say's we aren't thrifty! Sigh . . . I guess, you do what ya gotta do! In non-profit world,...
TRC Milwaukee Extended Hours! Volunteers Needed!
The Tenant Resource Center has funding for one year to try to make a Milwaukee office work. Limited funding, but some funding. ...
Demolition . . . Another one . . . er, two
Single family homes, no proposed uses . . . Please be advised that Gene Bohn will be filing a demolition permit application on February...
Immigration Task Force Public Hearing Cancelled for Tonight.
But there are more hearings coming up . . . .As a member of the Dane County Immigration Task Force, I wanted to make...
Tribute to Howard Zinn tonight!
Catch it on WYOU tonight!Tonight Thursday starting @ 8pm ( FREEDOM OF PEACE)WYOU will do a tribute to Howard Zinn who died WednesdayWYOU ch...
Brenda’s Blog on Autopilot!
The internets are taking over!I'm on vacation this week, I've set up my blog so it posts some items of interest throughout the week...
Corporations are PEOPLE?!
I think this made all the blood drain from my face and I feel sick. Literally, sick. Read more below...
Dr. Martin Luther King Celebration (County) Week Ahead
I did my best, its always hard without seeing attachments that go with the agendas.TUESDAY,JANUARY 19, 20105:00 p.m. HEALTH & HUMAN NEEDS COMMITTEE/HUMAN SERVICES...
CDA "Steals" African American Land, Just in Time for MLK Day
Yeah, that's what she said. SETTING THE SCENEThe CDA meeting last night was quite tense. I actually felt bad for most of...
Slow Friday Morning Round Up (Updated)
This won't be up for a while, I'm busy working on coverage of the CDA meeting last night where they discussed low offers to...
Rounding It Up!
Thursday . . . here's what I got . . . BUYING TERRENCE WALLIt's amazing to me how transparent some elected officials are about...
Shiva Sums It Up
Rummel rounded it up yesterday, here is Shiva Bidar-Sielaff's summary, sent out on Monday and available on her council website as well! :)...
Changes to Non-Emergency Police Call Handling
This was discussed last month at the Public Safety Review Committee (fwiw - former Alder Eli Judge says it was a good discussion and...
Not even death . . .
We have a saying around here at the Tenant Resource Center, "Not even death will get you out of your lease". Sad,...
New City Engineer Dude!
Ok, this isn't much of a surprise, but for the record, looks like its official!From: Phillips, RobSent: Tuesday, January 12, 2010 7:56 AMTo: EN...
Board of Estimates (Not Much) Recap
Everything on the agenda passed without discussion in about 20 minutes except . . . NEW IT DUDEPaul Kronberger introduced himself. He's been...
Land Banking – Details Emerging
How will the city decide how to spend $5M on land banking? The Economic Development Committee (EDC) discussed initial ideas at their meeting...
Friday Round Up
Stayed up too late . . . check back after 10:30.Sorry, none today, too busy . . .
Michael Schumacher: Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire!
That got your attention 🙂 . . . Ok, seriously, his claims he was only out of town 10, 15 or 18 days since...
Snow Emergency . . .
Park on the even side!!!!!The City of Madison has declared a snow emergency. That means that alternate side parking restrictions will be in effect...
Potential Demolition by Fire
Neighbors! Now is the time to pay attention!Please be advised that Monica Hodgson will be filing a demolition permit application on February 23,...
Now THAT is service!!!
A huge kudos to both the City and County Clerk's Offices this morning, for two or three different reasons!First, the County Clerk's office sent...
It’s Official: Here’s who is on the Ballot for County Board & School Board...
School Board ends up with the biggest surprise:School Board - NO RACESCity Website infoMaya Cole unopposedBeth Moss unopposedJames Howard walks into the seat vacated...
Snow Part II – A Peculiar Discussion During Budget
This is part II of a five part series. This one, was just odd. The Mayor has a public discussion about who...
County Board: Another Incumbent Gets a Challenger
This is updated as of 1/4 at about, 4:15. At this point, papers have to be filed by 5:00 tomorrow, Tuesday 1/5/2010....
Roommate Problems? MTV is Looking for YOU for a Documentary!
Yeah, I'm not kidding. I just got this call and talked with the producer and she asked me to spread the word ....
1 in 20 renters in Milwaukee Evicted!
Yikes! Good thing Tenant Resource Center just opened an office there . . . but we only have one year of funding ....
Snow – Part I (The Report)
This post got so long, I had to break it into 5 parts. The first part is a review of the snow report....
Guilt Money
One amendment to the budget is of particular interest to me. During the discussion of Lisa Link Peace Park, there was quite a...
Final Personnel & Finance Amendments
These are the final amendments made by Personnel & Finance and the only place I know to find out what is in the budget...
RTA Discussion, Amendments, Votes and Passage!
9:00 meeting for work: 1Blog: 0(I only had 5 minutes left to finish, but I also was running the meeting . . . sorry...
Police Department: About Face!
Ummm . . . wow.From: Chief of PoliceSent: Tuesday, November 03, 2009 1:19 PMTo: ALL ALDERS; Cieslewicz, Dave; Plant, JoelSubject: Proposed Amendment to Ordinance...
My Beef(s) with the County Budget Process!
Sigh . . . I'm sure to piss off a few of the County Board Sups with this post and get labeled a whiner....
County Budget Amendments – Last Stop/Likely Final Discussions & Decisions
What an odd process. First they announce they won't vote on any amendments til Tuesday, then they vote down two amendments that would...
Costume or No Costume . . . See You Tonight?
I have three events tonight where costumes are encouraged and sometimes expected . . . and I am not a fan of Halloween! ...
UDC Makes Zoning Fun and Interesting!
Ok - that might be a bit of an exaggeration, but . . . they did point out several items of interest and...
What Are You Doing Friday Night?
Personally, I'd like to split myself in three to be at three places at once!First of all, I know I will be here!The Brink...
This is just a little too convenient . . .
Seriously?For those of you not following along closely, this was the meeting where they were supposed to discuss 2011 funding priorities and finally, after...
Spending another evening with the Public Works and Transportation Committee
I went there for the Vehicle Registration Fee discussion . . . but got an extra gem while Supervisors where shifting agendas as they...
RTA Discussion
I was a little surprised by who showed up . . . and who didn't! 7 people spoke against the RTA,...
7:30 AM and still . . . they didn’t show us the money!
7:30 AM . . . I was 5 minutes late, but I beat several committee members and staff . . . This was...
Early Monday Morning Round Up
For the third workday in a row, I have a meeting 8am or before . . . this just has to stop! It...
Bloggers Strike Quickly and Amicably Resolved
So, the world's rules didn't anticipate bloggers . . . and we present a bit of a dilemma in many aspects, but its...
Dane County Board Public Hearing on Budget
Here's the update: Bloggers strike! 🙂
Community Services Priorities – Show us the money! Not.
First of all, 7:30 am is a shitty time for a meeting for work, especially when I also have a 7pm meeting for work....
Demolition . . . Or Two . ..
Here's another one . . . Please be advised that Roger Bowden will be filing a demolition permit application on November 15, 2009 for...
Community Services 2011 Priorities – In 2 Months or Less
Last Friday morning I spent time at a 3.5 - 4 hour meeting, trying to figure out what was going on with funding for...
Health and Human Needs Committee Talks 2010 Budget
Last Week I attended the County Health and Human Needs meeting to find out why non-profits are being cut 3% and if they were...
Housing Diversity Committee – What is the City’s Plan
They plod along with about three or four meetings under their belt . . . and about three or four meetings left . ....
Shoud (Ahem) Police Give Tickets for Landlord/Tenant Violations?
Yes! However half the committee is landlords and at least on of them was getting instructions on how to vote from the Apartment...
In Other County News
I attended the Executive Committee because they were talking budget, moratorium on land purchases and RTA and I was in the building. I...
(City) Meetings Added this Week in the Last 48 Hours
Here's some important meetings that weren't on the agenda Monday morning or have since changed, and one I know about that still isn't noticed...
October 1, County Board Recap.
With the County Board meeting coming up on Thursday, I'm feeling guilty for skipping the September 17, County Board meeting and not finishing the...
Cardinal Chuckle
Yesterday I laughed at the Badger Herald . . . today, its the Cardinal . . . how could anyone come to the conclusion...
Round Up
A few quickies . . . too busy at work this week . . . HMMM, THIS BLOG STILL ALIVE?I was kind of interested...
Preview of Council Discussion on Chronic Nuisance Ordinance
Here's what the CCOC had to say . . . Housing takes it up tomorrow (or today/Wednesday) and PSRB has yet to act on...
Dane County Immigration Task Force
Yesterday, I attended the second meeting of the Dane County Immigration Task Force and I found it quite tense, but interesting. ...
The County This Week . . . Kinda, Sorta
I had to look for work anyways . . . so here it is . . . things of interest at the county ....
Friday Round Up
It was a long week for me, but here's what I have (for now). . . T Wall loves Delaware more than Wisconsin, Non-profits...
Things to do Downtown this Weekend
Alternate Parade of Homes, Downtown Living Tour, gallery night, one cool stump and Harvestfest! Hope to see you at one of these...
CDBG Priorities?
Are these your priorities? This is what is listed in the Annual Plan for 2010. CDBG will be having their hearing Thursday...
Mid-week Round Up
Landlords threaten to not move everyone on August 15th, 10 year rule claims another victim, reserve your park shelter, bed bugs, Kenton Peter's hotel,...
UW Sucks at Supporting Off Campus Student Tenants
Ok - I'm going to rant.The UW SUCKS! at supporting UW student tenants who live off campus. This should be a fundamental service...
City Meeting Schedule – 14 changes in 24 hours!
Changes faster than the Wisconsin weather . . . see what has been added . . . . The weekly schedule for the City...
Social Justice Center is . . . .
hiring, renting and looking for artists . . . . (and volunteers to help with mural)HIRINGSocial Justice Center Program CoordinatorHalf-time position, salary commensurate with...
Historic James Madison Park Neighborhood – The List
Given Joe Tarr quoted my comments about the historic context of the neighborhood surrounding the Lamp House, I thought I'd share the historic context...
Board of Estimates Preview of Things to Come . . .
This was what happened at the Board of Estimates before they got to the capital budget . . . rifles for cops is...
Saving the Trees!
As you plan your week, if you are interested in the tree canopy downtown, you might be interested in this . . . Preserving...
Library Board Meetings on the Central Library
Not sure how people are supposed to know about these meetings starting this week . . . The Library Board felt it was important...
Demolish houses on 200 E Mifflin surrounding the Frank Lloyd Wright Lamp House?
James Madison Park Neighborhood will be meeting tonight to discuss two proposals from Apex to either demolish several houses on the 200 block of...
Another Demolition
A quonset hut house?Please be advised that Paul Ziebarth will be filing a demolition permit application on October 17, 2009 for Plan Commission review...
200 block E Mifflin – Huge Building, Several Demolitions
Wow! This project is back . . . interesting use of the word "preservation" . . . James Madison Park Neighborhood MeetingProposed Developments...
Update to the Week Ahead
You'd think that they could get all the meetings up by Monday morning, to give the public reasonable notice . . . but...
Raise My Taxes!
How often do you hear that? I sat through two nights of Dane County Human Services Budget Hearings - I've been to many...
Greyhound to use Popeye’s Building at Woodman’s East
Because people who should know seemed surprised . . . meeting tonight!Greyhound Inter-city Bus Depot @ Woodman's (Popeye's Chicken)Eastmorland Neighborhood Association MeetingLakeview Moravian...
Today – Last Chance to see "Big Pink" at the Drumlin Farm!
The Last Open House at The Historic Anderberg House, ‘Big Pink’ at Drumlin Farm Tues, Sept 8, 3-6 pm 2849 Oregon Road, FitchburgVisit the...
Meeting Tonight on Cantwell/Thornton/Jenifer Project
In district 6 . . . from Alder Rummel . . . Tuesday, September 8, 20096:30 p.m.Bethany Evangelical Free Church301 Riverside DriveWe will...
Demolitions
One fire, one . . . DEMOLITION ONEPlease be advised that hung nguyen will be filing a demolition permit application on October 14, 2009...
The Short Jam Packed Week Ahead
Summer's officially over . . . Tuesday, September 8, 20095:00 PM AFFIRMATIVE ACTION COMMISSION ROOM LL-120 MMB- Allowing AA, EOC and Comm....
Housing Diversity Committee Looks at Schools, Race and Income
The Madison School District shared their data with the group and they decided when their next two meetings would be. Compton made some...
Dane County Human Services 2010 Budget Recommendations
You can see the entire budget submission here. The summary is here if you want a quick snap shot. The presentation...
Please stand by . . .
There is a post or two that will be done by 11:00 . . . just too much to do this morning!
Thank you Kathleen!!
Looks like some relatively good news for the services to the community. . . August 24, 2009Dear Members of the Purchase-of -Service Agency Community:I...
Board of Estimates (Danisco) Recap
Several updates and where issues are at. MPSEA supported in their quest to get rid of residency requirements in exchange for more co-pays...
The High Cost of Driving
I thought Robbie Webber's comments on the Mayor's blog post were interesting . . . The email was entitled:It's about time! Mayor Dave explains...
County Board Human Services Hearing Moved!
The date of the Dane County Board hearings on the budget have been moved:Due to concerns that the Public Hearings on the Department of...
RTA Referendum . . . What will the question be?
Last night I attended the Public Works and Transportation Committee of the County Board. Why you might ask? For the following item:Res. 69, 2009-10...
And . . . more . . . demolitions
Apex is demolishing buildings on E W Wilson for their hotel . . . 22 unit apartment building, 4 story office building and a...
Budget 2010: This year, all the police department wants is . . .
Here's summary of the memo from Chief Wray to the Mayor . . . warning, there is no end to the man's audacity. ...
More Demolitions . . .
Two more . . . A gas station and a "likely" moving a house, which usually means they won't do it. DEMOLITION NOTICEPlease...
Three More Demolitions . . .
Busy week for demolitions . . . house near Willy & S Baldwin, making room for bigger houses on the lake and a former...
Mayor’s/Metro’s Bus Fare Increase a Failure
Revenue falls short, ridership starts dipping . . . but that's not what the Mayor and Metro staff are selling . . . and...
TIF: Playing Poker with Taxpayer Dollars (Final)
At least that's the way Economic Development Director Tim "I am TIF staff" Cooley sees it . . . This Economic Development Committee meeting...
Free Tours!
Of Madison Conservation Parks. The first one was yesterday, but there are more . . . Madison Parks will be hosting free monthly...
Two More Demolitions
One single family home . . . making way for a larger house on the lake . . . Please be advised that Douglass...
Notice: Your Voter Registration Does Not Match
And the Government Accountability Board won't answer the phone . . . what to do . . . In fact, it happened...
More of Bruer’s Sexist Behavior
Hmmmm . . . sometimes, you just need to open your eyes . . . and when you don't, sometimes people need to help...
Help the Daily Cardinal Investigate Your Landlord!
This is an interesting approach to the fall dilemma . . . I've often thought what we need is a class action...
Board of Estimates Recap
They actually discussed many of the items on this agenda. When can we use Google to plan Madison Metro trips, buying less hybrid...
The Week that Was . . .
Last week, I was on vacation, but there were a few more obscure things that were worthy of comments, so here they are ....
Input Needed on Capital Springs
Here's the info . . . Dane County and Wisconsin DNR to Host Public Information Meeting for Review of Draft Capital Springs State Recreation...
UW Demolition
Another demolition from the demolition alert service . . . Please be advised that Gary Brown will be filing a demolition permit application on...
Public Safety Review Board Recap!
Yeah, that's right, Public Safety Review Board (ahem, Committee). I think I freaked a few people out by showing up. You might...
Northside TIF?
Find out more about it tonight!We invite you to a public meeting where we will discuss setting up a Northside Tax Incremental Financing (TIF)...
Partnership for Prescription Assistance Bus
Will be at Harambee on Saturday . . . The Partnership for Prescription Assistance bus will be at Harambee Friday, July 17, 2009 from...
Volunteers Needed for Foreclosure Workshop
This seems like a really important thing to do if you have time . . . On Saturday, August 1, The Dane County Foreclosure...
Tenney-Lapham Neighborhood Festival
A new neighborhood festival . . . Tenney-Lapham Neighborhood FestivalSat, 18-Jul-2009, noon - 7The first annual Tenney-Lapham Neighborhood Party begins at noon on ...
Monday’s Board of Estimates Recap!
There were a few items of interest: money for Catholic Multicultural center, new multi-space parking meters, bus tickets for working poor, state budget...
James Madison Park Shoreline Reconstruction
Slowly but surely, after years of fighting for funding for James Madison Park . . . and then fighting with staff to actually find...
Here we go again . . . the budget slip and slide!
WORST BUDGET YEAR EVER!!! The 10 steps we all must go through.Ok, so you know the routine by now.1. Mayor declares it...
No More Coal! 600 E Washington
No, not MG&E . . . it's the state heat and power plant . . . The Wisconsin Department of Administration is switching its...
Comments
Sigh . . . let it be so!Conventional wisdom and advice from friends, family, colleagues, advisors, mentors, co-conspirators, professional associates, fellow activists, politicos and...
9th annual Streetball & Block Party
Just passing this along . . . Johnny Winston, Jr.9th Annual Streetball & Block Party“Slam & Jam for Peace”SHORT PRESS RELEASE:The 9th Annual Streetball...
Property Tax Exemption Party
Time to Party! Then get back to work and fix the rest of it! (Hope you can read this . ....
Demolition Watch – One more!
Some seem more important than others, but for what it is worth . . . Please be advised that Alex King will be filing...
Preparing to be Taxed
Non-profits previously tax exempted prepare to be taxed . . . despite recent fixes to the state law.ATTN: Be Prepared - The Tax Man...
Too Cool for Pool
Pool and Beaches Closed today . . . Due to the chilly weather, Goodman Pool, Madison Parks Beaches and Cypress Spray Park will be...
Another Demolition
Torn down to expand a yard . . . because the house was neglected.Please be advised that Edwin Tallard will be filing a demolition...
The Big Friday Round Up
Oh my goodness, where to begin . . .how about the hairbrained ideas coming out of Meadowood . . . SCREW THE 4TH AMENDMENTIs...
Chicken Coop Tour, Garden Tour and Art Walk!
Wow, its a downtown/near east neighborhood pride weekend!!!On Saturday, June 27 from 1-4 will be the "Tour de (Chicken) Coops" - a free, self-guided...
2010 Economic Development Plan . . .
So, guess how late they started and who was in charge of starting the meeting . . . and look for the comments in...
Yet Another Demolition
Another house outlived it's practical usefulness?Please be advised that Joan Pregler will be filing a demolition permit application on August 19, 2009 for Plan...
There is Free Lunch!
At the Goodman Community Center! WHAT: Free...
Some things, make too much sense!
How could safe roads be politicized and controversial?Coalition for Safe RoadsFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 06/19/09MEDIA ADVISORYContact: ...
Help Needed to Pay for Funeral Services for Homeless Man
Since I know that many of you might be interested in helping, I thought I should pass along this information: Dear Ms. Wallinger:Thank you...
It’s Friday . . .
So, its time for comments on a smattering of things that went on this week and other miscellaneous items!VERVEER SAYS HE IS NOT BADI've...
Property Tax Exemption Saga Continues
On to conference committee at the state . . .So, at this point, the Senate restored the Joint Finance Committee language and slightly modified...
Classes for Job Seekers
I think more jobs in our community is the real solution, but some might find this useful.Madison Public Library, Madison Senior Center, and the...
Tocora Bike Path – Aka Pham Remmele Circus
I've never seen anything like this before, and I've been watching Council meetings since the mid-1990s. And I'm sure, I can't do this...
Declining Council Decorum
The last few council meetings have been something just short of chaotic. I've been trying to put my finger on just exactly why...
Getting Things Done
I guess elected officials can try to legislate through the media, or they can do the actual work to create and introduce resolutions and...
Brief Plan Commission Recap
So, I watched it on TV, therefore missed a little, and there wasn't all that much to report. Just a few interesting points...
Resisting . . . Urge . . .To . . .
Spend another day off at Morningwood Farms . . . Two weeks ago I spent the day there with my mom and...
More to come . . .
I have the next two days off, and lots to blog, it just won't be on my regular schedule. So check back.
Compost Bin Sale Saturday
From the lovely George Dreckman . . . (with a few corrections and tidying up the links)The City of Madison will be hosting...
Neighborhoods Denied.
The struggle over neighborhood grants continues. I've worked with others to try to increase funding for neighborhood grants over the years. And...
Another demolition
Another house bites the dust.From the demolition listserve:Please be advised that Deborah Smith will be filing a demolition permit application on May 15, 2009...
A Dilemma – Aldermanic Courtesy vs. Wasting Time
Alder Thuy Pham-Remmele is trying to shake things up again. And it creates an interesting dilemma for the council members. To reconsider,...
The Week Ahead.
Here's what's interesting to me . . . full schedule here. It usually changes throughout the week so check back!Monday, May 4, 20094:30...
What is the Role of the City Attorney?
Michael Basford asked a good question: When was the City Attorney given judicial powers to void Common Council decisions?Answer: He wasn't.Here's what...
Gallery Night Tonight!
Many of you may be attending Gallery Night, I'd suggest stopping by two places in particular:SOCIAL JUSTICE CENTER/ART SURGE III: GLOBAL INSTIGATIONSThe Social...
Unemployed?
An interesting meeting in Stoughton on Tuesday.UNEMPLOYED?“WE’RE LOOKING FOR WORK” TOWN MEETING #2TUESDAY, MAY 5TH, 5 TO 9:15 PMSANDHILL MIDDLE SCHOOL, 1920 LINCOLN, STOUGHTON,...
Additional Hearing on Racial Disparities
An additional meeting has been added for Wednesday in Allied Drive:Dane County Task Force Adds Allied Drive Public Hearing Dane County Task Force...
How many roads should we build?
Last year in the City Budget, we FINALLY got the City Council in on the decision making about roads! The early opportunity to...
Thanks!
Yesterday, my blog broke all my "personal best" records. Most visits and page loads in a day. And, it also put me...
Dorothy Borchardt to the Rescue
More flack over committee appointments - this time, from the right. I was sent this email, which made me smile. My favorite...
A "Progressive State of the City"
Ok - through a rather nasty cyber-attack, an alleged friend of mine challenged me to lay out what a progressives state of the city...
Don’t throw that out!
If you have "hazardous waste" materials, bring them to Clean Sweep, starting on Friday!The Clean Sweep Program for recycling household hazardous waste will open...
The (5th) Week Ahead
The coveted 5th Wednesday and Thursday of the month means a lighter meeting schedule for this week and allegedly, some time off for those...
SLOW DOWN!
It's that time of the year again, time for the Slow Down campaign. Find out where to get your yard signs.The 2009 Slow...
"Just a few" . . . 10 years and You’re Outta Here! (Updated!)
So, if the Mayor follows his 10 year (informal unwritten) rule which is contrary to the law the Council passed, here's who will soon...
Let the Progressive Cleansing Begin!
So, it seems Mayor Dave is not yet done cleansing City Hall of progressive voices. Yesterday, my long time colleague Megin (Hicks) McDonell...
IMPORTANT Downtown Planning Meeting Tomorrow
So, if you live downtown, work downtown, shop downtown, play downtown, now is the time to make your voice heard about what you'd like...
Racial Disparities in the Criminal Justice System
A topic long over due in our community!!Task Force on Racial Disparities Holding Public Hearings in MadisonThe next public hearing will be held on...
Earth Day Challenge – Volunteers still needed!
Here's some volunteer opportunities coming up! April 18, 2009 13th Annual Earth Day Challenge: Coming Together for Our CommunityOn April 18, the Greater...
What’s next?
Ok - so, I've gotten all your messages stating your anger, shock, sadness, confusion, etc. etc. etc. And I think we should take...
Um . . . you know what to do!!!
Vote!!!If you don't know where . . . check here!!
Two More Days!!
While the Maniaci campaign, and of course the Police, chose to go negative/stretch the truth/lie on their campaign literature this weekend, we're staying positive!Check...
Community Meeting on 4 Year Old Kindergarden
Tonight!! Hear from School Board Members and Candidates. Dane County United - Public Assembly-Madison School BoardThursday, April 2, 20097:00 to 8:30 p.m.Covenant...
Important Rally This Weekend
When I was on Tony Casteneda's Show on WORT this morning, Allan Ruff was there promoting this, reminding me to blog it! Real Change...
Demolition Watch: 4, 5 & 6
I've now blogged 6 Demolitions since March 25th. I think I plan to keep posting these, so people realize how many demolitions occur...
Hold on
I'm taking an hour or two off this morning and will have a blog or two up before 11:00.
More YouTube Videos
It includes the Peter Leidy song . . . kinda fun!Here's the studio version MP3.A few more to come. More video here. ...
Another Demolition
Thanks to the update service, here's another one, that's 3 this week.Please be advised that Joan Pregler will be filing a demolition permit application...
Police Auction
Looking for a new bike?This is from Ald. Robbie Webber:Ah, spring, when the police auction off "recovered and unclaimed property." That means that volume-wise,...
Sign Up for Earth Day Projects!
From the Parks DepartmentApril 18, 2009 and April 25, 200913th Annual Earth Day Challenge: Coming Together for Our CommunityApril 18 and April 25,...
Konkel on YouTube
Well, it couldn't be avoided . . . Facebook, Twitter and now . . . YouTube! Enjoy!Here's the latestAnd my welcome messageAnd Pocan's...
Demolition Notification System Up and Running
Sign up to find out when demolitions are proposed!Update on Demolition Notification systemThe Demolition Notification system was recently activated. The system was developed to...
Give Input on School District Goals
Here's your chance to help direct goals for the Madison School District.*Community Engagement Sessions for the MMSD Strategic Plan*You are invited to attend a...
Isn’t this a Kick in the Head
Um . . . remember how we desperately needed the money from bus fares because of fuel costs . . . turns out ....
Low Income Bus Pass – Limited to One per Family
Here it is . . . think it will work? Check out the bolded part - where'd those rules come from? Passes...
Poverty Forum on Monday!!
Yesterday, the alders were told about a poverty forum (for us?) that is going to take place on Monday. And, I was asked...
A New Johnson St. Business!
Old Town Cycles will open its doors on Monday, March 16 in the space formerly occupied by the Glitter Workshop at 920 East Johnson...
Should your group join Community Shares of Wisconsin?
Thinking about new fundraising opportunities? Want to reach more people with your fundraising message? Want to be an option for payroll deduction...
City Historic Planner Needed!
This job opening was just posted yesterday! If you know anyone who might be interested, please let them know.Job Title: PRESERVATION PLANNERAgency: Department...
The City Needs You!
It becomes harder and harder to convince people that sitting on city committees is worth the time and effort. Don't dispair! We need...
Stimulus: How to give input.
After I blogged yesterday, the boys decided to update us on what they were up to . . . here's the memo. But,...
Poetry on the Bus
Check out this new contest:The Madison Arts Commission Announces A Call for Poetry forBUS LINESHigh School Poetry CompetitionPoems on Metro Transit bussesFabu, Madison's Poet...
How Will Madison Be Stimulated?
Are these your priorities for how the City spends its stimulus money? Here's a summaryPOLICE - $0- COPS Hiring Recovery Program - Competitive...
This Summer’s State St. Projects
Wondering what further construction will be happening on State St. this summer? Here's the list! This list was recently provided staff:1) Gilman...
Tonight’s Council Meeting Items of Interest
I didn't get to this yesterday, I should have known I wouldn't! Here's the agenda and the items likely to be of interest this...
The Adam Walsh "Endorsement" Saga
At this point, I feel inclined to write this after Paul Soglin, John Nichols and now the Badger Herald have chimed in . ....
Kindergarden Registration on Monday
Kindergarten registration for Madison Schools set for March 2Kindergarten registration for incoming students in the MadisonMetropolitan School District is Monday, March 2, 2009 from...
That Golden Email – Re: Bus Fares
On Tuesday night, several people made reference to the "Golden email" and I thought I should make it available for those who were interested:From:...
Road Construction Info!
The city has a new webpage . . . All the info you need to know about road construction projects can be found here.
Support Tenney Shelter – Buy a Tile!
As the fundraising for the Tenney Park Shelter moves forward, I thought you might be interested in this:Join us as we renew and rebuild...
Air Quality Watch
Ride the bus! But it won't be free!The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is issuing an Air Quality Watch for Particle Pollution for...
Mayor Creates Problem, Blames Others!
Bus Fares . . .The mayor blogs the following (no point in linking it, when he posts something new, this will disappear, so I...
Reconsidering the Bus Fares – Again?!
Apparently, the Mayor has made another admission. He wants the Transit and Parking Commission to reconsider the bus fares - and put it...
Dane County Housing Facts for thedailypage
I can't take it any more. Here's some facts for thedailypage readers (it's a little painful, I don't recommend reading it.):Supply (blue) and...
Breathtaking.
It seems that yesterday's blog is creating quite the stir. Pat Schneider of the Capital Times chimes in with her comments. And...
Citizens Sound off on THEIR City Committees
When Alder Satya Rhodes-Conway sent out an email to the neighborhood listserves to get people to serve on city committees, as she always does,...
District 2 Race
So, I'm interrupting the regularly scheduled program to answer questions people keep asking me . . . I don't intend to use my...
Milfred: Same old bitterness.
We all knew it was coming, Scott Milfred was just dying to write this. I thought about writing a point by point response...
Charter is fined, but not enough!
I can't say I'm sad to hear this. I see Charter got the high end of the range of fines, but its not...
Comments (Not Quite) Enabled
I can't figure out what is wrong with my code!!Ok - so recent events convinced me to try enabling comments on my blog. ...
5,000 not covered in Mayor’s Low-Income Plan
I'm breaking the (my own) rules. I'm taking a break and blogging mid-day! I try to avoid doing this because I need...
Own an Old House?
If you own an old house, like many of us in the downtown area do, these workshops might be of interest to you! ...
First Snow Update of the Year!!!
Here it is, along with information on how to get your own!!!NO SNOW EMERGENCY!We received our first measurable snow of the season during the...
What does 5 minutes mean?
Tonight, citizens of the City of Madison have an opportunity to give us comments on the 28 Capital Budget and 45 Operating Budget amendments...
Metro Text Alerts
RECEIVE METRO TEXT ALERTSSign Up Today! Receive Metro detour and other service text alerts on your cell phone. Also sign up to receive...
Vote.
As if my little reminder is going to be the thing that makes you go vote, if you aren't one of the thousands (more...
Meeting Violations or Just Rude Behavior?
You may have read the story, here's the letter:DATE: November 3, 2008TO: Members of the Board of EstimatesFROM: Ald. Satya Rhodes-Conway, District 12SUBJECT: October...
The REAL Alternate to Freakfest!!!
Where the cool people will be!!!Hey SCUBA Squad!Night of the Dead is almost here, so if you didn't get your tickets yet, go to...
Broken Promises.
Apparently, everyone has voted already, but not me. I'm waiting til election day. I'm voting for the Green Party for Cynthia McKinney and...
Is this what your bus driver thinks of you?
Check out this email sent to all alders from a Madison bus driver. This is as it was recieved.dear councilwhy do you...
Tenant Resource Center REALLY Needs Your Help!
Seriously. We are so close, we've raised alot of money this year . . . but it is not enough to stay open...
Opposition to School Referendum
Currently consists of . . . emails to listserves? And they'll decide next Monday if they're going to launch a campaign for the last...
What should the downtown look like?
Your input needed! Next week!In June of 2008, a series of six public meetings was held at the Overture Center to invite people...
E Washington BUILD still on hold!
This meeting was scheduled a month ago so we could get an update on what staff has been doing for the last year to...
The "Other" Presidential Candidates
This year has been worse than ever for third parties, in fact, I bet very few of even the informed readers of this blog...
Where’s the $700 Billionfor the Rich, $16 Billion over years to Eradicate Poverty?
Friday, October 17 is the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty – so declared in 1992 by the United Nations General Assembly. Last...
Why is Madison voting on a school referendum?
If you don't know . . . you'd better find out!Join us for a community event at the beautiful new Goodman Community Center (149...
How is this supposed to work?
So, the Mayor is trying to remove the political influence on the funding of non-profits by taking them out of the budget process and...
Scoundrels and Rogues?!
Right here in Madison!STU LEVITAN REVEALS “SCOUNDRELS AND ROGUES” IN EARLY MADISON HISTORYFree program on Oct. 23 is open to the public. MADISON, Oct....
Traing Opportunities from Grass Roots Leadership College
Check these out, there will likely be something of interest!Here is the information about the four workshops that are being offered during November and...
AAA Bond Rating – One of the Nation’s Strongest Economies
Here's what Moody's has to say about the City's AAA Bond rating, including that we have "one of the nation's strongest economies".MOODY'S ASSIGNS Aaa...
Do we need a new Downtown Library? What should it look like?
Here's a public forum to learn more discuss your thoughts!Wed. Oct 29 7:00 PM in the Grand Hall at Capitol Lakes 333 W. MainThe...
Parks Watch Program Training
This is from Kevin Briski from the Parks Department. No one interested downtown? Brittingham? James Madison? Period Garden?Dear ...
School Referendum Info
Are you ready to vote on this on November 4th? Thanks to Beth Moss for passing this information along and please...
Absentee Voting & Voter Registration Info
Absentee Voting and Registration for November 4 Election.Absentee ballots are now available in the Madison City Clerk's Office.Eligible voters may register and vote absentee...
One Huge Item Missing!
Dean Mosiman called me about the budget story he wrote. It's hard to react to something you haven't seen, but one thing is...
Tell me again . . . .
When we did that "reorganization" of the Planning and Development Department, we know we got a new Economic Development Unit with elevated profile, what...
Amused by the power of the blog.
I am always amused when my blog makes "news" - and the reporters don't even bother to call me but just quote the blog...
Police: Get Tough on Landlords and Limit Subsidized Housing
At Alder Pham-Remmele's request the Common Council members were recently forwarded an email between Alder Thuy Pham-Remmele and Captain Jay Lengfeld that I find...
I Wish I Didn’t Have to Believe This
Sexual harrassment in the City of Madison (Big "C") tolerated. This. Looks. Bad.This just made me sick. Let me get...
Fresh New Advertising Hell for Bus Riders
I can't can't tell if this was a serious proposal or not. I'm not sure if you caught this in yesterday's long post...
The Final 2008 Push to Keep TRCs Doors Open!
I know many of you have used TRC as a resource for you, your kids, your friends and neighbors and clients . . ....
TODAY: Rally to Stop the Bailout
I keep trying to think about what I would do to change the world with $700,000,000,000. And, are they saying that capitalism has failed?...
Do you know some who needs home repairs?
Project Home may be able to help.Project Home seeks financially eligible Dane County homeowners with home repair needs to apply to Hammer with a...
Walk to School Week
I can't attach the form, but here the info.Dear Partner for a Safe Community:Our annual Walk to School Week Campaign (October 6-10) will again...
School Referendum Info
While the City does not run the schools, their fate is closely tied to ours. Here's some updates on the School Referendum.- The...
Hold your breath.
Air quality watch . . .The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is issuing an Air Quality Watch for Particle Pollution for Columbia, Dane, Dodge,...
This is only a test.
Find out where your bus is!If you have taken a Metro Transit bus within the last couple of years, you have likely noticed that...
Wrong Foot Forward.
I feel a little betrayed.When we voted for a person to replace Zach Brandon on the City Council to represent the residents of the...
Stop in! Tell us what you think about Downtown Plan!
Interested in the Downtown Planning efforts? See below for information about the website and the office that will be open to get your...
It’s not just me.
Every once in a while, you read something and have to just smile. A neighborhood activist recently sent me this article about how...
A must read.
Bill Leuders speech to the Rotary is a must read. It's a little long, but worth reading every word. Particularly the end...
See Cynthia McKinney in Town this Weekend!
Presidential Candidate in Town this Weekend! And I'm not talking about Nader! But I am talking about the Green Party candidate! ...
No Lobbyists here!
There are three big projects going on in the City, where the business community is actively lobbying City officials to get rights to public...
Tonights Council Meeting
Here's what I find of interest. Sorry, no links, you'll have to look them up yourselves. I took a break this weekend....
Top 10 Favorite/Interesting Moments from the Police Presentation
On Wednesday evening, Police Chief Noble Wray gave a presentation to the alders who were available to show up. Here's the things I...
Clerk’s Office Extended Hours for Absentee Voting
From the clerk's office:The Clerk's Office will be extending its hours for absentee voting the three weeks prior to the Presidential Election. We...
Zoning Code Rewrite
Upcoming meetings right after Labor Day!First, for the Tenney-Lapham Neighborhood Association (Blair St. to the Yahara River North of E. Washington Ave.) here's the...
City Salaries – How About Those High Paid Women!
As the city's press agents are in full damage control mode over this year's budget, I was reminded once again . . ....
Historic Tours of Downtown – Plus A New One!
Check out these tours by the Madison Trust:The Madison Trust for Historic Preservation will be offering a brand new tour this Saturday! Join us...
Committee Training
For those committee members who missed the training, they will be replayed on Channel 12. The trainings can be vied as follows:For committee...
Disc Golf and Dog Parks
Dane County is seeking your input on both! You can fill out a survey here. They are considering having more of...
Homebuyers Fair September 6th
Here's the info!The Home Buyers Round Table of Dane County is putting on a Home Buyers Fair on Saturday September 6th from 8:30 AM...
Voter Registration Month
I suspect that the people who read my blog don't need this information - but feel free to pass it along . . ....
Moving In & Out
Some of my regular readers might be getting sick of hearing about the Downtown moving days, but I've got one more and trust me...
It’s all about the bugs.
TRC has put out three press releases in the last three days, I sent out one and from the four press releases I have...
Strike That! Reverse.
Channel 12 to keep its spot on the dial! It won't be moving to channel 994!Sorry, that's all I have on it. ...
Another dying local paper?
First, it was the Cap Times, then the Isthmus, now the Wisconsin State Journal?In just a few short months, the City of Madison has...
Madison City Council does what Sarkozy won’t!
But hey, it wasn't political.Sarkozy is refusing to meet with the Dalia Lama. He doesn't want to offend China during the Olympics. ...
Obama, Rove and Christians
I'm not sure if my aunt sends me these types of things to provoke me, or if she has no idea what my political...
Council Agenda for Tonight.
Nothing to see here. 🙂 Just kidding, we might actually have a meeting that goes past 10:00, I can't remember the last...
Not so fast Charter!
So, it turns out, maybe Channel 12 might not be moving to 994?Yesterday at the Board of Estimates Brad Clark informed the group that...
Come Celebrate!
Last Sunday I turned 40! Tonight its time to celebrate!The Brink Lounge (701 E Washington)5:00 - 7:00Friday, July 25thMusic by the Gadjo PlayersFood...
Americans Increasingly Want a Third Party
Wow - here it is! Polling results.Polling DataSome people say we should have a third major political party in this country in addition...
The Dalai Lama – An Experience.
Yes, the Common Council got a tremendous opportunity to meet the Dalai Lama and hear some private words from him. An amazing opportunity....
This is news? Does it help or hurt?
How is this news?Someone-had-an-idea-and-one-guy-on-the-council-says-we're-not-going-to-do-it.Ok, I was not concerned about the conversion from paper to digital Cap Times, but I have to say, I am...
How do you get that "free" converter box?
That box to convert to digital so you can watch City Channel 12, soon to be 994, isn't so free after all. But...
When "Free Land" Costs "the City" $425,000 plus ???
The Plan Commission, without looking at the fiscal impacts, and with some pieces of the documents missing, approved the plan for the Truman Olson...
An Excuse for a New TV?
If your television is more than 4 years old . . . you might not be able to watch Madison City Channel, Channel 12,...
Madison Lakes: To Eat the Fish or Not?
Or, at least warn people what they are eating! Here's an email I got from the Madison Environmental Justice Organization with some good...
Cynthia McKinney and Rosa Clemente
I'm still kind of overwhelmed by the Green Party Convention last weekend. You just have to see this for yourself.I blogged about my...
Green Party National Convention – Day Three
The day of the nomination . . . after two full days of workshops and meetings, we are finally at the point where we...
Faces of the Green Party
The face of the Green Party looks alot different than it did 4 years ago. It really struck me as people were reading...
Green Party National Convention – Day Two
Day Two - lots to do!I started my day moderating a press conference for the Green Party U.S. Congressional and Senate candidates. I...
Green Party National Convention – Day One
So far, the Green Party National Convention has failed to disappoint me. Going to these types of events always makes me anxious and...
3 hours, 40 people, ignored. Fork over more money.
Is this the CDA that promised that it was "more open than any other developer" and that it had the best interests of the...
Green Party In Chicago!
I'll be spending the next four days with Green Party activists from all over the United States. It should not only be informative...
City Committees Trained to Use their Power? Or not.
City Committees have alot of power, but only if their members know how to use it. I'm not sure that this training will...
Cool Temporary Art Project
Here's a description of a cool temporary art project along the Yahara River:Eric Melton-White, a local artist (lives on Willy Street) would like to...
Reporters stretch for a story.
Since I ripped on the Wisconsin State Journal twice this week, it's the Cap Times' turn. Now, don't get me wrong, when there...
Channel 12 moving to 994!!
Two pieces of news from Madison City Channel:First, Madison City Channel is thrilled to announce that we have once again been named as finalists...
Tenney-Lapham Art Walk on Sunday
Here's the details. 7th Annual Tenney-Lapham Art WalkSun, 29-Jun-2008, 1:00 pm (4:00 hrs)The 7th Annual Tenney/Lapham Art Walk will take place on Sunday, June...
Zoning Code Rewrite Update
I know it's tempting not to read this . . . but really, its important!!From staff:This is an update regarding the Zoning Code...
Civil Rights Leaders Wanted!
Do you know a Madisonian that has been working hard on Civil Rights issues that should get some public recognition?Here's the scoop from staff:The...
PFC: Wasted Time and Paper
Since I have a bit of an environmental theme going with my three previous posts this morning, let me tell you a little story...
Our Shorelands
The deadline to comment on the plan has been extended!. Supervisor Barbara Vedder passed this along:The deadline for sending comments regarding the draft...
Save Water, Save Energy
Here's some tips on how to do it . . . stolen from the Mpowering Madison Update:According to city statistics for 2003, the Madison...
Bad Blogger.
Sorry, personal and work issues got in the way . . . no council agenda update this week. My bad. Meanwhile, Vikki...
CDA giving it away!
No kidding! Apparently, they have money to spare! Yet another meeting I should have gone to, but instead chose to stay at...
No Loitering in Parks!
Another Park: More Rules, More Cameras.I meant to go to the Parks meeting on Wednesday, but was working and ran out of time...
Air Quality: Who Cares?
Well, if the warnings are correct - the business community may care! As well as the taxpayers. If the warnings the were...
Big Brother is Watching You!
Those are the words of the Wisconsin State Journal, not me.Seriously, the City of Madison is watching you. In 2003 we did a...
Asinine
Warning: I'm still a little bitter over the UW decision that, after funding for 10 years, the Tenant Resource Center "isn't a student...
Fuel Prices for the City of Madison
In the council's quest to get more on-going information about our budget, last Friday we were added to the months updates on fuel prices....
Juneteenth Celebration
Passing this information along . . .Juneteenth Day CelebrationThe Nineteenth Annual Juneteenth Day Celebration is a program of Kujichagulia – Madison Center for Self...
Train Horns on the Near East Side
Many people ask about why they still hear train whistles when we approved upgrades to the tracks at Fordem and the area some time...
CDA Reaches out to the Common Council
Thanks!Dear AlderAs you know, the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation has asked the CDA to waive part of its fee for our issuance of $185...
Two Important County Meetings
Tonight (Long Term Care) and Tomorrow Night (911).The first from Dorothy Wheeler: Tomorrow evening, Tuesday, June 3rd, there will be a...
Who is FRED?
And why is he hanging over my driveway?F.R.E.D. has been hanging over my driveway for 4 or 5 days now . . .I thought...
Take a Stake in the Lakes!
Relevant information from the recent press release:The 21st Annual Take a Stake in the Lakes: June 14th and June 21st, 2008. WHAT VOLUNTEERS...
You’re Needed! City Committee Vacancies!
All alders get a monthly vacancy list. Some of the vacancies are real, and some are planned to be filled, so here's my...
Shoreland Zoning Hearing Tonight
With all the talk of "saving our lakes" how can something like this be a serious proposal? Thanks to John Hendrick and Ron...
Short Week! Yay!
It's Tuesday already!Tuesday, May 27, 200811:00 AM EMERGING NEIGHBORHOODS FUND COMMITTEE ROOM 108 CCBLots of good projects, not enough money.4:30 PM ...
City Budget: Not Good News
Here's some news you don't really want to hear. But, its the reason I pushed so hard for us to get quarterly...
A day off.
I should say something timely, defend Eli Judge or advise that Verveer should create an ordinance instead of just pulling some of the licenses...
Tonight’s Council Meeting
Here's what's of interest . . . at least to me . . .#11 - Amending the demolition ordinance to address demolition by fire.#18...
Misinformation
There is so much about the Mark Staskal situation that makes me want to scream. The amount of misinformation that increased the fear...
Mark Staskal and the Most Frustrating Neighborhood Meeting Ever
Here's an interesting dilemma. A mentally ill person who killed his sister 23 years ago has been ordered by a court to be...
Media, Ethics, Public Right to Know, Right to Privacy and the Law.
Two things have happened recently in the media that has my "public right to know" side of me conflicted with my "individual right to...
Making a bad situation, worse. And then better.
A compliment for the Wisconsin State Journal, the Mayor's Office and the Police Department. All in one day!Last night the first version of...
Committee Openings
Here's my best guess at what the current committee openings are . . . I took out a few where you need to already...
No. More. Coal.
Coal, what is is good for?NO MORE COAL!Alliant Energy's latest environmental report predicts a shameful 40% increase in global warming pollution. Why? ...
Historic Preservation is Green!
This looks interesting . . . CAPITOL NEIGHBORHOODS INC.MADISON TRUST FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATIONFor Immediate Release EVENT FOCUSES ON GREEN BUILDING AND HISTORIC...
New Plan to Manage our Dane County Shoreland
We all love our lakes. Here's some new plans to protect them and some public meetings to learn more and give input.Public Listening...
The Council Meets Tonight
Who cares? Seriously, these days, even I have hard time caring. The most important thing happening tonight, in my mind, is thanking...
Parking Lot at Union Corners?
Rumor has it, there could be a used car lot at Union Corners. And that's all it is, a rumor. Alder Rummel...
Is it safe to eat fish from our lakes?
Join the Madison Environmental Justice Organization to discuss this topic:Ever wonder about that "most studied lakes in the world" tag you hear about Madison...
Water Quality Report – It’s a coming!
Here's the head's up on the report coming out that the community leaders got: May 2, 2008 Dear Neighborhood/Community Leader, ...
Historic Tours of Downtown
This is from Erica Fox Gehrig of the Madison Trust for Historic Preservation:Welcome to a new Tour Season with the Madison Trust for Historic...
Spring is Here!
A friend of mine recently said she knew it was spring because she shaved her legs . . . I found a better way...
Clean Sweep
Here's the details . . . Clean Sweep Household Hazardous Waste Site Announces 2008 Season Opening:Site Open on Friday May 2ndMadison WI, April 23,...
Committee Vacancies
I think its been a bit of a struggle to get people to serve on City Committees lately. The "rubber stamp" phenomenon and...
Weather Radios
Need a weather radio? Get one here! Here's the info from the Fire Department.Weather Radio Sales Begin Throughout the CityWeather radio sales...
My Vote Finally Counts!
So, I didn't vote in the Wisconsin Primary this year, because there was nothing to vote for. However, yesterday, the results of my...
Police make a mistake
And now, instead of admitting the mistake, they compound it by thinking they can just ignore ordinances they asked the Council to pass. ...
Local Media Coverage of City Hall
So, is news coverage of local government dying?Tuesday night it was striking to many that the press row in the back of the room...
Progressive Dane – Myth vs. Facts #1 – 3
Much is said about Progressive Dane, about half of it seems to be untrue. Especially if you read a particular blog. So,...
When "the City" does Stupid Things
This morning, here's what I found when I came to work . . .When I drove up, a City of Madison truck was just...
Compton and Konkel Together – Also Trouble
Um . . . two in one day? First I agree with Brandon, now Compton? And two different papers reporting these two...
Brandon and Konkel Together
It's a lovefest!We're doomed.As most council members know (and love to joke about), when there is a Bradon/Konkel or, ahem, Konkel/Brandon agreement, we usually...
The City’s Hiring Process – White Men Do Well.
I've been staring at the 2007 numbers that show where people bomb out of the hiring process for the City of Madison based on...
Where’d you get that sign?
When I had one of these signs in my yard, I was often asked . . . Where'd you get that sign. Well,...
Hold your breath.
For the next two days.Or so suggests one of the local kings of sarcasm on one of the neighborhood listserves. Why? The...
Now we’re cookin’! (For TRC)
How do you think these local judges are going to rate these area chefs with these "secret ingredients"?Avocado Battle - Mike Jacob, Jim Kellerman,...
Police – Why is timely information so hard to get?
First, a compliment!The downtown police Captain Mary Schauf and the person assigned to the Tenney Lapham Neighborhood Tim Radke have been WONDERFUL to work...
Common Council Economic Development Plan Discussion Recap/Comments
Discussion - sorry, no time for that!Last night, the following alders attended the "discussion" on the City's Economic Development Plan: Satya Rhodes-Conway, Tim...
We paid $50,000 for this?
This is what we get for an Economic Development Plan? Seriously? Even the Economic Development Commission didn't think much of it and...
Trash Parking. Or Parking Trash?
I got home at 10:00 last night. And Rob was parked in the driveway, so I got to drive in circles for a...
Brusque professionalism?
Really?If there ever was a case for community policing, this is it. Is our police department so disconnected from the community that they...
Pothole and Storm Sewers – YAY!
From the Streets Department:Hello every one, Here is a update for the weekend being we have no snow in the forecast crews from the...
Can he do that?
Yes. No. Maybe. I'm not sure.Lucia Nunez, Director of the Department of Civil Right is going to be out of work...
Pissed off Water Utility Employees
It's been interesting reading email this morning and to see the water utility employee responses to the Mayor's announcement that they need to start...
Women in Local Government
This is an interesting study. Well, at least it is to me! The study has the following key findings:Statewide, women make up about...
Coal – Your input needed tonight!
Here's the official notice:NOTICE OF TOWN HALL MEETINGThursday, February 21, 20085:00 to 8:00 p.m.GEF 2, Room G 09101 South Webster StreetMadison, WisconsinPublic Invited...
Hiring: What are we doing wrong?
So, once again, our hiring process ends by making news. This time, because after 6 months we have to start over with the...
New Meetings, Not on the Schedule as of Sunday
Looking at the Weekly Schedule has become something you need to do every day, since many notices of meetings are not up a week...
To vote, or not to vote.
I decided not. That's right, I didn't vote today. I have one hour to change my mind, but I don't think I...
How to NOT get something done.
Snow. You'd think it might be a priority issue. You'd think.Last December, Alders Rummel, Rhodes-Conway and myself sent out a press release...
Text Messages and Chats/IM not open records?
I gotta be missing something. Last week, the Badger Herald reported that the Mayor and Alder Zach Brandon want to make it so...
Snow. &*^%$! Snow.
I'm so sick of the snow I can hardly do another post about it. Apparently, according to Channel 3, out of the last...
That Poor City Treasurer’s Office
I think its been years since they have had someone permanently (for more than 3 months) in charge in the office. Here's the...
Where will the snow go?
According to Al Schumacher, the Streets Superintendent . . . in your driveway. Here's his note:We are expected to get blasted with...
What Should the Future of Coal in Downtown Madison Be?
Is your grey house actually white? Recently developed breathing issues you never had before? Often wonder what those smoke stacks are spewing...
Water Quality Update
Here's the latest from staff:In the February 15, 2008 issue of the Water Quality update: - Well Status Report- Water Quality Test...
What’s in a name change?
Reorganizations of departments are usually a way of doing something no one really wants to say we are doing. Shuffling around a bad...
A bloggers dilemna: Today’s topic is . . .
My list of things to blog is piling up faster than I know what to do with., but I did find a kind of...
What’s in a roll call vote?
One of the Mayor's big complaints about me . . . er, "that alder that had 44 of the 120 amendments", ...
TONIGHT: James Madison Park Neighborhood
For one of the smallest neighborhood groups in Madison as far as geography goes, there is alot going on between Blair and the Capitol...
Mountains out of Molehills and the Budget – Keeping Score
Yesterday, the Board of Estimates managed to make a mountain out of a molehill when they considered the resolution I submitted asking for suggestions...
Vicki McKenna, Afraid of Debate?
So, I took a week off from blogging and there is so much to catch up on. One of the things that happened...
Blog-o-mania: Budget and more.
In addition to the budget updates (Capital budget notes and start of the Operating Budget) there are quite a few announcements that are worth...
Sick and Tired.
No, really. I'm sick. And tired.Sorry for my lack of blogging the week ahead, the council preview and other things things....
Sorry.
Sorry, no preview of the council meeting. I was in Austin TX enjoying the Austin City Limits Music Festival Friday - Monday and...
Wisconsin Poverty Rates Rising: 581,000 Living in Poverty
News from the Wisconsin Council on Children and Families about poverty rates in Wisconsin.Wisconsin Poverty Rates Rise Substantially, Increase Demands Comprehensive VisionU.S. Census Bureau...
Meeting Tonight: Should we just tear down the of neighborhood?
The James Madison Park Neighborhood between N Butler St. and the Capitol is a small neighborhood and one of the first that were built...
Lakes. When are we flooding?
This is interesting stuff . . . things we take for granted and usually don't have to think about cuz the engineers take care...
Real E-mail: Bill O’Reilly Fans
Every once in a while I get an email from a right-wing nut I just can't help replying to. Check out his exchange:Random...
FREE! At S Ingersoll and E Wilson!!! FREE!
One of the cooler things that has happened the last few years is the free exchange of usable, but somehow deemed not movable, items....
Walkable – How the Common Council Scores.
Ok - Subeck beat me to this one, but I went at it with a different angle. Alder Satya Rhodes-Conway sent a link...
La Hacienda Boycott – On Again!
From the Workers' Rights Center; the owner acted in bad faith.Dear Friends and Supporters of the Workers' Rights Center,Last week the WRC board was...
Clean Air Action Day Tomorrow (Thursday, Aug 2)
So, free bus rides! But what else can and should be done?The Wisconsin DNR has included Dane County in its Air Quality Watch...
Blog-o-mania
Yesterday morning, when I woke up after weekend filled with Rob's class reunion in Ripon (Fri.), pulling off a surprise 60th birthday party for...
East Washington BUILD, moving forward?
Last week, after we met with the Mayor about the E. Washington BUILD I was feeling pretty positive about the direction we were moving....