Can't say I came away from mayoral forum with, That's the one

Last night I attended the 3rd City of Brookfield Mayoral Forum. I am pleased to report the event was well attended by an audience of about 120 AND all 4 mayoral candidates!

There really weren't any surprises for me except a little tension between David Marcello and Steve Ponto with the what would your top priority as mayor be question. This was a forum format, not a debate, but even so, there was a little attempt at back and forth between Marcello and Ponto.

Candidate Marcello stated taxes were a key issue--we needed to return to a 1.5% of assessed value rate, that all of our taxing entities have to work together [to achieve this]. We need someone focused on it [low taxes] who won't buy into raising just a little each year. The reality is we can't support high taxes anymore.

Candidate Steve Ponto said his priority would be to maintain our level of services without raising taxes and do it through shared services. Regarding the 1.5 rate, he said he discussed it with Robert Scott, then added that the city couldn't function at that rate, it would reduce city revenue by $12 million and [the city] might lose its AAA bond rating.

Voters always like to hear about candidates who are interested in lowering taxes, but with our mayoral candidate selection, they all have been in local government and haven't exactly bucked the system to knock out spending. For example, although I am not sure about Schellinger's position, the other 3 candidates all supported the $62.2 million high school referendum--certainly a tax raising, not a tax cutting decision.

So I have to ask, how sincere are they about lowering taxes? I can't help but think if they had a finite dollar amount to work with, rather than waving the magic tax levy rate wand, they would be able to find programs or services to cut?

I'm afraid I still did not come away with any strong sense of who to vote for on Feb. 16th.

How about you?


Afterward, there was time for a little political schmoozing. There were a number of aldermen in the audience as well as candidates for aldermen. I happened to sit behind Sheila Buechel during the mayor Q&A. I noticed Sheila because she was taking notes during the forum, and I wondered if she might be a reporter. When we got up to leave, I noted she was wearing a button that stated her name and candidacy for District 5, so I introduced myself. I found out she is running against Gary Mahkorn.

State Assembly District 14 Candidates David Coon and Dale Kooyenga, both Brookfield residents, were also there. I've met with both David and Dale and like their platforms, so their faces were familiar. Chris Slinker, another 14th Assembly District candidate, (Tosa resident) introduced himself to me. Like I said, it was schmooze time.

I caught school board members Tom Gehl and Glen Allgiaer on my way out. As I mentioned before, Glen Allgaier has my enthusiastic support for the Area II school board race. (All of Elmbrook votes for all of the school board candidates, regardless of which area they are from.)

Enough of schmoozing; it was time for snoozing!


BrookfieldNOW Live Blog of Feb. 4th Forum

Links: Practically Speaking, Betterbrookfield, RandyMelchert, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, The Right View Wisconsin, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation

Elmbrook School Board At-Large Candidate Forum: Tuesday, Feb. 2

Just a reminder that tomorrow, Tuesday, February 2nd, is the only chance to compare all 6 candidates running for the 2 At-Large positions on the School Board.

The At-Large Candidate Forum will be held in the Elmbrook Administrative Office Board Room at the Central Offices from 7 - 9 pm, 13780 Hope Street, in Brookfield. (Hope Street is a few blocks north of Capitol Drive.)

Funding and increasing the school budget will be an important topic at the forum. Keep in mind that increasing funding often goes hand in hand with raising taxes. Example: adding 4K does increase the money coming into Elmbrook but as an additional expense to the taxpayers of Elmbrook and Wisconsin.

The top 4 candidates that make it through the primary on Feb. 16th will advance to the April 6th ballot.

After the primary, there will be another School Board Candidate Forum that will include the top 4 At-Large candidates and the Area II candidates: Board member Glen Allgaier and challenger Ilse Frayer. This one will also be at Elmbrook's Administrative Offices on March 16th, 7-9pm.
Both forums are sponsored by the Elmbrook Parent Leadership Council.

All Elmbrook residents vote for ALL of the school board candidates.

Hope you can make it to both events. If not, if you have cable TV, they will be broadcast on the district's channel after the 2nd and 16th.

Links: Practically Speaking, Betterbrookfield, RandyMelchert, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, The Right View Wisconsin, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation

Pre-primary Mayoral Forums: 1 down, 1 today, 1 Feb. 4th

Last week Tuesday, the CCC held the first of 3 pre-primary Mayoral Candidate Forums. CCC president Barbara Roncke moderated.

True to form, candidate Tom Schellinger canceled that day but managed to get his campaign literature there. BrookfieldNOW reporter Alan Harmari blogged live from the event.
I took notes and a few pictures too--see below.

At 6:30pm tonight, the Greater Brookfield Chamber of Commerce and NOW Newspapers are hosting a forum at the Safety Building. Again, NOW reporter Hamari will be blogging live from the event. This is good news since I will be at the Creation Science presentation tonight. At least I can still catch the highlights of the forum. (Candidate Tom Schellinger will not be at tonight's forum due to a conflict with a County Board meeting.)

There is still one more forum to go before the primary election on February 16th. That one will be at 7pm at City Hall and hosted by the East Central Branch of the Waukesha County Republican Party.

A few tid-bits and pics from last week's forum: Answers are not exact quotes but will give you a flavor of the evening.

About 50 people attended the CCC forum, including (alphabetical order) Aldermen Berg, Carnell, Lowerr, Mahkorn, Lisa Mellone, Jerry Mellone, and Nelson. State Assembly candidate David Coon was also there. Questions were from the CCC board.

Mayor Speaker was first to give his 3 minute intro. He said he wanted to make City Hall friendlier--cut the red tape and make the process easier. He asked for our vote because we have a lot to do... He said Brookfield is a premiere neighborhood to live in, work in, and eat in. He emphasized the good places to eat!

During the questions, one of the more ironic moments of the night was how the mayor answered part 2 on the question of an economic recovery plan for the vacated property on Bluemound.

Q: How do you justify construction [of new] buildings next to vacant property? Speaker answered, we don't have much of that but there are some successes: CVS and that "other" [Hooters] restaurant. The irony was that the Common Council just had a public hearing on adding an additional free standing building to the parking lot of the Brookfield Fashion Center, that is across the street from vacancies at the 3 neighboring shopping centers! To be fair, I understand this out building was approved years ago under the original zoning.

The other humorous comment to me was in response to the question of density and uniform height criteria for target areas. The mayor said he didn't want "cookie cutter development" that looks alike! To me, most of Brookfield's development looks alike: formidable, with no charm. The false 2nd story requirement comes to mind too.

Former Alderman and School Board member David Marcello was next. Primarily, he directed listeners to his website to read comments from those on the school board. He said government is most frustrating when it's misunderstood, and often it is on purpose to obscure their intentions. He added that his strength on the school board was to speak in words that can be understood.

The first question was about an interchange on Calhoun Road. Marcello was the only candidate to point out how unusual it is for an interchange to be in a residential area.

Another question was about south side residents being treated rudely when contacting City Hall and what you as mayor would do to make sure staff was courteous? Marcello relayed an incident when he was Alderman that revealed he was threatened by the Director of Administration. Marcello said there were departments that were excellent, such as the Parks Department and the Tax Department.

Alderman Steve Ponto was last to give his 3 minute intro. He stated he believed in limited government and disagreed with Obama. He said, just because government can pass a law doesn't mean it should. He said he would be a leader on policy issues, in the metropolitan area and preserve our interests with Wisconsin. He concluded with, single family neighborhoods are the hallmark of Brookfield. I am convinced I can do better.

During the 1st question on the interchange, Ponto pointed out no one was for it right now, but that the 2035 Plan called for a study that included the option of doing nothing. He asked if improvements could be made to existing interchanges or maybe a new ramp to Executive Drive. Ponto favored the study with no preconceptions.

Regarding raising taxes or cutting services, Ponto said our greatest concern was the removal of the QEO for the school district. The City comprising 29% of our tax bill while Elmbrook takes 56%. (The city usually takes all the blame for high taxes.)

Was there a candidate that jumped out at me as "the one"? No. There are red flags with all 3 for me. I don't think I am alone in my quandary over which one to vote for; a number of people have expressed their reservations to me about this election. Hopefully the other forums and Q&As on BrookfieldNOW's Mayoral Coverage Page will help me decide before February 16th's primary.

Unfortunately, the candidate I would have like to have seen run, didn't. I might just write her in! (...and it is not Cindy Kilkenny, although if she was on the ballot, I could be more enthused.)



Elmbrook School Board At Large Candidate Forum: Tuesday, February 2, 7pm, sponsored by the Elmbrook Parent Leadership Council Forum is at the Central Administrative Offices at 13780 Hope Street in Brookfield.

School Board member Glen Allgaier has my enthusiastic support for his Area II race.

Posts from the past: Mayoral Q&A a success and a surprise!
Mayoral Candidate invited 3 times to join in but declines to answer questions with Kilkenny

Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, Betterbrookfield, RandyMelchert, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, The Right View Wisconsin, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation

Ted Kanavas not seeking reelection for STATE Senate

Now this is interesting: "State Senator Ted Kanavas announced today that he will not seek a third full term in the Wisconsin State Senate."* (Kanavas is not my State Senator, I have Democrat Jim Sullivan.)

Will Ted Kanavas announce he is running for U.S. Senate if Tommy Thompson decides not to run?** Thompson probably would like to bask in the Won't you run Tommy? limelight a bit more before announcing that he won't run. At least I hope he will say he is not running, because I am not much of a Thompson fan.

If you recall, Governor Thompson created BadgerCare in1999. Who could forget last October when he was pushing for health care reform? (And I don't mean Congressman Paul Ryan's version of health care reform!) Thompson is too much of a McCain type Republican for my taste. I would swallow hard and vote for him if I had to, but can't we do better?

Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner did hint last week on Mark Belling's talk show to be patient and that we still had time, regarding a worthy opponent to Senator Russ Feingold. Mark Belling was suggesting Tommy Thompson, Mark Neumann, and even Charlie Sykes.

Is the candidate Sensenbrenner had in mind Ted Kanavas or is there still someone else? Questions, questions, questions!

This November, we have a real chance to elect a more conservative Republican to the US Senate...should one step forward. It isn't often an opportunity like this comes along. I hope we don't squander it.


*Does this mean State Representative Rich Zipperer will be moving up from the 98th Assembly District to run for the State Senate? That would open the 98th Assembly seat to someone new too. UPDATE: Zipperer did start campaigning for State Senate in Menomonee Falls tonight. (Tip: Randy Melchert) See: State Senate: 33rd District - Rich Zipperer http://www.richzipperer.com/
**Of course the possibility exists that Kanavas is just calling it quits.

Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, Betterbrookfield, RandyMelchert, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, The Right View Wisconsin, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation

"Purpose Precedes Creation" presentation Tuesday, Jan. 26, 7:30pm

Ever wonder "Why in the world are butterflies so stunningly beautiful?"* Why are their wing patterns tiny works of art? If they just evolved from the primordial ooze, as evolutionists believe, why are their wing designs orderly and artfully arranged, instead of just an accidental hodgepodge of color? For that matter, how do you explain their complicated life cycle and migration patterns?

On a less glamorous subject, "What purpose do organs such as the appendix serve? and what can we conclude from the life-sustaining perfection of every variable in earth's physical existence?" Years ago, the appendix and tonsils were thought to be useless parts. Today we know differently. They have a purpose.

Tuesday night, local business executive Gerald Frye of Elm Grove, will explore the topic, God's Purposes in Creation, at the Creation Science Society of Milwaukee's monthly meeting.

If you have ever wondered about Creation Science or Intelligent Design, Tuesday's meeting should be informative and interesting. The meeting is free and open to the public.

Tuesday, January 26, 2010, 7:30pm
Brookside Baptist Church Auditorium
4470 N. Pilgrim Road
Brookfield, WI

*Quotes are from Gerald Frye

Also coming up: Creation Worldview Weekend in West Bend on February, 19, 20, and 21. This seminar is also FREE and open to the public.

Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, Betterbrookfield, RandyMelchert, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, The Right View Wisconsin, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation

MoveOn.org asking members to attend Sensenbrenner Town Hall

Saturday, January 23rd, Congressman Sensenbrenner is holding 2 Town Halls: one at Pewaukee City Hall at 9am and another at the West Allis Public Library at 1pm.

The Liberal Political Action group MoveON.org sent out an email alert asking members to attend the Pewaukee Town Hall to show support for health care reform. "_can you come make your voice heard for real health care reform?"

"So MoveOn members are coming together to attend this event and let Representative Sensenbrenner know we want the Senate bill fixed so that we can pass real health care reform this year. Can you join in on Saturday at 9 a.m.?"

MoveON advocates the House public option and funding heath care by taxing wealthy Americans. They oppose restriction on abortion.

If you oppose the current House or Senate version of heath care reform, you might want to attend to make your voice heard!

Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, Betterbrookfield, RandyMelchert, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, The Right View Wisconsin, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation

Feingold has got to go & Sensenbrenner, was that a hint?

There is an old saying that if you repeat a lie often enough and it's big enough, people will believe it. Now, I am not saying Senator Russ Feingold is lying when he claims most people are for ObamaCare, because I think he believes it himself. It seems he just cannot fathom that the majority of Americans don't want a government take over of healthcare.

Despite being hammered at nearly all of his listening sessions, Feingold is still insisting, "'If you think all of those people that say they don't want the bill, are people that don't want health reform - there's a good chunk of them who want a much stronger bill,... I think the largest group is probably the people that are for the bill. The second largest group is the people that are against the bill because they don't think they want to do anything. And then there is a third group, which is significant because they want a stronger bill.' "

So maybe Feingold is thinking that if he repeats that mantra often enough, some will believe it?

Tuesday's Senate upset in Massachusetts, combined with Sen. Feingold's refusal to acknowledge most Wisconsinites don't want ObamaCare, makes him very vulnerable this fall. People are also angry about all the deal making fostered by ObamaCare.

While I am inclined to think the dog catcher might be able to win against Feingold in November, Senate races usually take a lot of money, good name recognition, and a well run campaign to be successful. So far, we only have 2 long-shot Republican candidates.

This afternoon I caught a bit of Mark Belling's radio show and heard Congressman Sensenbrenner and Belling talking about other possible Senate candidates. Belling was very impatient and negative on Wall and Westlake's ability to win. Belling was suggesting Mark Neumann or Tommy Thompson or even talk show host Charlie Sykes as possibilities.

Sensenbrenner said more than once, just be patient and that we still had time. That suggests to me there is someone more able to win that the Republicans have in the wings to challenge Feingold?

I hope that wasn't just wishful thinking on my part. Don't get me wrong, my hat is off to those 2 businessmen for rising to the occasion, but a stronger opponent would be wonderful. It would be great to turn half of our blue state red in the Senate. I guess we will just have to stay tuned on this one.

Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, Betterbrookfield, RandyMelchert, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, The Right View Wisconsin, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation

So thankful Brown won!

The Massachusetts special election is a Tea Party dream come true! They are even referring to it as the Boston Tea Party. Best of all, the margin is large enough to call it 52% Brown - 47% Coakley.

Tomorrow I will be watching the Dow. I'm thinking it will be up again in anticipation of ObamaCare's demise?

I am also wondering if more Senators will jump ship now that they know ObamaCare is unlikely to pass the Senate. Why stick your neck out if you know it won't pass?

Why stick your neck out, indeed, if you know that a Republican just won in the very blue state of Massachusetts? No doubt, there will be concern over seating Scott Brown before moving forward with ObamaCare. There will also be increased concern over deficit spending and shifting of tax burden to the states connected with their version of health care reform. These 2 issues could provide a gracious turnaround on a former yes vote.

Still, I hate to count chickens before they are hatched. Democrats are so desperate to pass something, they are again talking about using the nuclear option or the House passing the original Senate version.

But for today, I'll breathe a sigh of relief, because of the Brown victory. To think a year ago, tomorrow, Conservatives like me were grieving over the inauguration of a president we knew would push a socialistic agenda. Who in their wildest dreams could have predicted this upset?

More news: WH Reacts to Massachusetts Special Election
Coakley concedes
Brown Gives Rousing Victory Speech

Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, Betterbrookfield, RandyMelchert, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, The Right View Wisconsin, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation

Brown needs healthy margin to win Massachusetts to beat possible fraud

Today is the day! Massachusetts votes to replace the late Senator Ted Kennedy. Will this very blue state go for the establishment Democrat or the more conservative by comparison, Republican Scott Brown?

Polls suggest Brown will win. If you look at the polls, you can see the momentum is going to Brown. The polls from this last week range from 1 tie on up to +15 points.

President Obama did go to Massachusetts, after he said he wouldn't, to campaign for Martha Coakley. It seems his promo fell flat, although it is said he saved or created 1,000s of votes! Even the President is said to doubt Coakley will win.

But it seems a win for a Republican needs to be a bigger win than for a Democrat. MSNBC's Ed Schultz and Chris Matthews both suggested cheating or buying votes as the way to a Democrat victory. Remember the Minnesota Senate race between Coleman and Franken? During the lengthy recount process missing ballots from car trunks, etc. finally added up to a Franken victory. Brown needs to have enough of a victory to prevent recount mischief.

I admit I will be on pins and needles and in prayer for Massachusetts today. There is a lot riding on this election. Our Senator Feingold said at the Concord Listening Session that he might hold his vote on ObmaCare until Brown is seated, should the Democrats lose in Massachusetts. The fact that it is this close is nothing short of miraculous.

Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, Betterbrookfield, RandyMelchert, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, The Right View Wisconsin, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation

CCC hosts Brookfield Mayoral Candidate Forum, Jan. 20th

The Concerned Calhoun Community, C.C.C., is hosting a City of Brookfield Mayoral Forum on Wednesday night, January 20th, at 7 - 9pm, at Swanson Elementary School.

These forums present a great opportunity to see what the various candidates stand for. Each candidate presents a 3 minute opening statement before they start to answer the pre-submitted questions. Time permitting, there may be a chance for additional questions.

The primary is on February 16th, which will narrow the field of 4: Jeff Speaker, David Marcello, Steve Ponto, and Tom Schellinger to the 2 on the April ballot.

Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, Betterbrookfield, RandyMelchert, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, The Right View Wisconsin, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation

Watching Massachusetts Senate race with great interest

This coming Tuesday, all eyes will be on the Massachusetts Senate race between Democrat Martha Coakley and Republican Scott Brown. Why? A Brown victory would end the 60 vote filibuster proof supermajority in the Senate.

What should have been a slam-dunk for Democrats in the special election to fill the late Edward Kennedy's Senate seat, is becoming a neck and neck race, with Brown pulling ahead! This is truly remarkable, considering it is in the liberal haven state of Massachusetts.

The poll was conducted early in the week, of registered voters, and showed Brown ahead by 4 points. (Still within the margin of error.)

If Brown would win and be seated before the final health care vote, his no vote would sink ObamaCare. I realize that is a lot of ifs.

Also of interest, is Obama or isn't Obama going to campaign on Coakley's behalf?
"Coming off stinging election losses in Virginia and New Jersey -- not to mention Copenhagen, where he failed to win the 2018 Olympics for his hometown of Chicago -- President Obama is staying away from what could become another painful loss." He did send an email instead. Another article suggested he might still show up.

But whether the president campaigns for Coakley or not, the President and Democrats are invoking the late Senator Kennedy's memory and cause. A video piece I watched begins with Obama touting Teddy Roosevelt as the first to promote health care reform in 1912, presumably to make Republicans feel better about ObamaCare? (In 1912, however, Teddy Roosevelt was not a Republican; he was a 3rd party Bull Moose candidate--after his presidency.) The video ends with footage of Ted Kennedy.

"Yet even in the bluest state, it appears Kennedy’s quest for universal health care has fallen out of favor, with 51 percent of voters saying they oppose the 'national near-universal health-care package' and 61 percent saying they believe the government cannot afford to pay for it."

Tuesday's special election will be interesting, to say the least. A Brown victory "...would send a chilling message to all Democratic candidates on the ballot in November, even those in supposedly safe seats." A Brown victory could turn the tide on ObamaCare.


Articles cited: Massachusetts 'tossup' threatens Obama agenda
Poll shocker: Scott Brown surges ahead in Senate race
Obama keeps his distance from Mass. race

Past post: Litmus test: Watching Doug Hoffman's N.Y. 23rd race with great interest

Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, Betterbrookfield, RandyMelchert, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, The Right View Wisconsin, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation

Ponto signs popping up in Brookfield

Monday, I spotted my first Ponto for Mayor sign on Calhoun Road.

Since then, I've noticed they are popping up all over.

I still have not seen a Schellinger sign, have you?

Recent post: Where's Ponto?

Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, Betterbrookfield, RandyMelchert, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, The Right View Wisconsin, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation

Sen. Feingold turned deaf ear to 97.5% at Listening Session

Monday, Senator Russ Feingold held a Listening Session at WCTC in Pewaukee. The lecture hall was packed by the time I got there, standing in the hall room only! I asked the security guard how many people the room held. He replied, about 350, plus the people standing at the sides and seated in extra chairs. There were maybe 30 more outside in the hallway. The guesstimate was over 400.

At first some thought the room was packed with Obama supporters, but as the questions were asked, it became clear from the response that most people were against ObamaCare. Just how many would be affirmed later.

It was rather difficult to hear out in the hallway as Feingold's mike wasn't as loud as the attendees' microphone. I wrote down the questions as best I could and the key words or essence of the response from the Senator. Words I am not sure of are in brackets. My questions and answers are not direct quotes but will at least give you a flavor of the meeting. Topics of questions will be in bold, so you can easily skip to the ones you are interested in or skip to the conclusion at bottom. My favorite 3 questions are in red. Feingold did not always give a response to the question or statement.

Listening Q: Why aren't you and your colleagues listening to [us?]
BIG APPLAUSE

We don't want this & resume Q: The majority of people don't want this but it's being shoved down our throats...without transparency, you and Obama promised transparency. We are fed up and you better get your resume ready! (See video clip below)
BIG APPLAUSE

A: Feingold said something like I vote according to what I hear.
BIG Boos
He then said something about how You've got transparency.
Again, BIG negative response from crowd.

Stimulus jobs Q: ...about stimulus jobs. Private jobs pay for themselves; government jobs cost us money. I'm not going to hire additional people...

Next was the astute mystery woman in the purple beret that Fox News was trying to find for a further interview. (I thought her beret was royal blue.) Fox's producer told me they were running the clip of her question all day. (I don't have cable but found a link*.)
Her Constitutionality Q: You took an oath to support the Constitution...the Senate bill mandates coverage...Under what part of the Constitution [does it say] to purchase [health] insurance, and don't say the Commerce Clause...

A: Feingold hedged but finally said something like, I have to think it's probably Constitutional.

Not representing Wisconsin Q: Woman who owned 3 companies, income cut to 25% of their income. I don't think you are representing Wisconsin. Look at this session! I expected 25 people!

A: I find this session very useful.

Washington out of touch Q: I don't think Washington knows at all. She then cites the AP Stimulus story on how Stimulus didn't help unemployment. Health care issue is a disaster. Billions of dollars for 30 million people to get insurance. Cap and Trade will not work. Health Care insurance will not work! I am totally ashamed of our senators in Congress. PLEASE be a bigger leader and respect each other and us! Don't be a lemming and follow off the cliff! (Part of her question is on video clip below.)

Cadillac plan Q: Man says he has a Cadillac plan and says, keep up the good work.

Scientology Q: Woman rambles reading a list of meeting dates and something about the Church of Scientology and a man with x-ray vision. Maybe she hoped he could get a job as part of the airport security team? ;-)

What people want Q: Man asks that Feingold follow the wishes of the people.

Cap and Trade Q: Man mentions that small businesses can't afford Cap and Trade. Joy Global, Rockwell, etc. can't afford it. I'd like your pledge to oppose Cap and Trade!

Free market/less government Q: Woman states, I believe in the free market. We're one of the highest tax states. We need less government not more government.
BIG APPLAUSE

Senior/Medicare concerns Q: Man says, This health bill says you will take huge amounts out of Medicare. What are senior citizens going to do for doctors? This bill will hang us out to dry.

A: Feingold assures, I hope every senior knows this will close the doughnut hole in Medicare.
Lots of groaning from audience.
Feingold continues, We won't get what Ben Nelson gets, but we get some...

Trojan horse Q: Man says, This health care plan is a sham. You are for public option. This is a Trojan Horse.
APPLAUSE
(I'm not sure if this was same man) The 2nd statement off your website about intelligence...use all resources...yet you called for Bush's censor. You are out of touch! I urge you to take the path of Dodd and Dorgan and RETIRE.
HUGE APPLAUSE!

A: Feingold quips back, I think the [??? best] way to get reelected is to vote against this bill,
BIG APPLAUSE, BUT I'm not going to do it for political reasons.

Medical fraud, abuse, corruption Q: Woman states she watched a video on fraud, abuse, and corruption. We could save billions on just cutting fraud. I don't see anything in the health care bill to eliminate fraud. Stop paying the crooks!

Energy Q: Man: We are only looking at solar and wind...

Anti-trust law Q: Woman asks, Anti-Trust laws, do they apply to health insurance companies?

50/50 split Q: YouTube video clip Man asks the question I wanted to ask about Feingold saying that 50% were for and 50% attendees were against government healthcare at his listening sessions. Feingold muttered something about that statistic being from last year. BIG GROANS

Q: How many people are for the health care as proposed? Man counts twice and gets 10 raised hands. (I did too, 10 our of 400 = 97.5%) He says, ok, a dozen. ...and I assume everyone else is against it, is that correct? APPLAUSE
He goes on to talk about Feingold's reelection, If you aren't going to be responsible to the people, you know what the next step is?...

A: Feingold says, I've been doing these for many years...90% of people in Wisconsin want health care reform...BIG GROANS

Don't marginalize this anger Q: Voters believe in 2 people, their doctor and... You can't marginalize this anger. There are so many unintended consequences with our size of government--it's too BIG. We should get back to [what's important.] All elected give up their health care and start paying for their own. We need to focus on how our government is making our country less safe.

Trust Q: Man says we have no reason to trust you.

A: Feingold says it was all on C-Span when senate was in session.

Imperfect bill Q: Woman, At what point will you not vote for these bills? Why did you vote for the Senate version if there are 100's of things wrong?

A: Feingold makes excuses, If you fill the doughnut hole, that's a good thing. You never get a perfect bill.

Costs always higher Q: Name me one program that has not exceeded costs...BIG APPLAUSE

A: Feingold offers this as an answer: No one has called for the repeal of Federal programs, so that must mean they like it. (GROAN)

Conclusion: Well, that took a little more than an hour. There were a few interruptions and I missed writing down the question, but I got most of them.

One particularly interesting one was that Feingold claimed the Senate bill "would require people in Congress to have the same kind of insurance as the rest of us. He said he wouldn't vote for the bill if it didn't and he got booed hard. No one believed him," from ResistNet.com

I heard him insist that the Senate version required them to have the same coverage as us, but this was a new one on me. Someone was talking to me at the time, so I can only refer you to ResistNet for particulars.

I would agree that although the crowd was very upset and angry, they were pretty polite. On a very small front, the TMJ4 report said there were less than 20 in favor of the health care bill present in Pewaukee. Interesting, since it was pretty clear that only 10, count 'em, 10, raised their hands.

I can't help but think if just 1 of the 60 senators who voted for the Senate version would now state they are not supporting the final version, that others would bail too. At this point, all I can do is pray that happens and call the senators again! Senator Russ Feingold: Milwaukee (414) 276-7282, Washington D.C. 202) 224-5323.


More reading/viewing: Feingold Feels Health Care Heat TMJ4
TMJ4 Video clip from Listening Session
Report on Feingold's "Non-listening" session from today in Pewaukee-claims over 50% of WI WANTS Obamacare
*Fox News: Gretta On the Record video of WCTC Town Hall I did find this link online. It shows the woman in the beret asking a question, but it is not on the Constitution. Craig Dedo did ask about constitutionality too.


Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, Betterbrookfield, RandyMelchert, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, The Right View Wisconsin, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation

A goodbye to Cindy Kilkenny's Fairly Conservative blog

Today Brookfield blogger and friend, Cindy Kilkenny, posted her last piece on her blog Fairly Conservative. I will miss clicking in to see what has captured her attention but look forward to her next venture.

Blogs sometimes offer the only coverage of an issue, especially since the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel cut back on local news coverage. She will be missed.

But as if on cue, Cindy is going out with a bang. A Fox News producer from New York contacted HER this morning to see if she knew the woman who asked the question on constitutionality at the Feingold WCTC Listening Session!

So goodbye, Fairly Conservative, and Cindy, fare well!



Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, Betterbrookfield, RandyMelchert, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, The Right View Wisconsin, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation

Feingold "listening" session: Were you there? Who asked about Constitutionality?

Well, it has been an interesting morning. Fox News, New York, is looking for the woman at Sen. Feingold's Listening session yesterday at WCTC, who was wearing a purple (blue)* beret.

I was there and heard her excellent question on the Constitutionality of the health care bill, but I couldn't see the woman who did the asking.

The reporter said her name might be Anna or Hannah, but that is all she knew. Fox has been running the clip all day.

If you know someone who was there in the lecture hall, or if you know who the astute questioner is, PLEASE let me or Cindy Kilkenny know?

By the way, the YouTube clip on Cindy's post shows a man asking the very thing I wanted to know.

*I found her on a photo I took and her hat is a royal blue, not purple, at least on my photo.

Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, Betterbrookfield, RandyMelchert, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, The Right View Wisconsin, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation

It's Elmbrook's Human Growth & Development (Sex Ed) public review time again UPDATED

UPDATE: If you go to review the materials, look at the teachers edition rather than the student text. The teacher's edition has many notes in a rosy red color, discussion notes, and What you can do sections that could be included in the teaching. I found much of this information totally missing the mark.

Example: When discussing Why teens have sex?, which already assumes they are, one teacher's note said: "Emphasize that even though intimate relationships between young teens and older people may be enticing and flattering, these relationships are often physically and emotionally risky."

Often? To me, that conveys that sometimes it is not harmful. No mention that it is also illegal!

At first look, I found the Holt curriculum disappointing, but more about that later.
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It's HG&D review time. Elmbrook School District residents may look over the Human Growth & Development materials at the district offices at 13780 Hope Street, just a few blocks north of Capitol Drive.

Daytime Sessions: Jan. 11 - 15, Jan. 18 - 22 and Jan. 25: 9 a.m. - Noon and 1 - 4 p.m.
Evening Sessions: Thursday, Jan. 14 and Monday, Jan. 18: 5 - 7 p.m.

New for this year is the proposed packaged curriculum by Holt for the middle school students. I believe this is the first pre-fab curriculum our district has ever had for health instruction, which is the broader term for sex ed.

I like the idea of a packaged curriculum because it is easier to see exactly what will be taught. The Outcomes, I have heard, are tied to specific chapters and pages, which should help parents see what subjects are emphasized and taught.

One of the challenges in reviewing the HG&D materials is to match the Outcomes with the actual instructional materials. Another would be to look at how much time is devoted to a subject. For example, the curriculum may include teaching abstinence and birth control, but how much time is devoted to each? Hypothetically, if there is one mention of abstinence and then 10 lessons on contraception, are we really covering both subjects? Is instruction glossing over the importance of abstinence in preventing sexually transmitted diseases, many of which are incurable?

As you review the material, keep in mind the state graduation requirement for sex ed is 1/2 credit in the subject of health. Period. Every classroom hour devoted to HG&D takes one hour away from some other subject such as science, math, English, or history.

If you have children in the Elmbrook School District, I urge you to go take a look at what materials are there for your child's present and future grade levels.

Past Posts: Still time to review Elmbrookd's HG&D (Sex-Ed) materials:

Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, Betterbrookfield, RandyMelchert, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, The Right View Wisconsin, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation

Feingold says he'll listen at WCTC on Monday. What will you say?

Hey, our own Senator Russ Feingold says he will be listening on Monday, Janurary 11th, at 12:15pm, at WCTC. Amazing. He hasn't heard us so far, but on Monday, he is ready!

Other listening sessions have drawn 200 to 300 in attendance, I heard. I also heard Vicki McKenna say that he estimates the crowds were split 50/50 in favor and against ObamaCare. I find that very difficult to believe. So, I will go see for myself.

The listening session will be held in the Lecture Hall of the Business building at WCTC, at 800 Main Street, Pewaukee.

Regardless if you attend or not, still give him a call. Senator Russ Feingold: Milwaukee (414) 276-7282, Washington D.C. 202) 224-5323.

True, he probably won't listen on the phone any better than he does at a listening session, but I have to believe the calls are making a difference. Entrenched Congressmen like Chris Dodd and Byron Dorgan aren't calling it quits because of all the positive calls their offices receive!


Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, Betterbrookfield, RandyMelchert, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, The Right View Wisconsin, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation

Promises, promises: It'll be on C-SPAN

Eight different times, on Jan 2008, 1/20/08, 11/14/2008, 8/28/08, 3/1/08, 11/27/07, May 2008, and 4/25/08, presidential candidate Barack Obama promised that his ObamaCare negotiations would not be held behind closed doors. Instead they would be televised on C-SPAN. He promised negotiations would be "transparent and accountable" so the American people could watch them. He even chided the Clinton's for their closed door health care discussions during the Clinton era.

But like so many promises made by President Obama, the reality is quite different from his promises. At present, President Obama, Nancy Pelosi, and Harry Reid are negotiating behind closed doors to mesh the passed House and Senate versions of ObamaCare. No C-SPAN, no transparency, except Pelosi saying they are close to a bill.

This in itself should raise the ire of every American because this Conference Committee melding of the bills is always done in Congress and subject to more discussion and scrutiny. Considering the bill affects 1/6th of the American economy, you would think they would follow precedence. But not with President Obama's administration.

I guess we just must chalk up his broken C-SPAN promise as another, I was for it before I was against it? Was this the change you hoped for?

From The Heritage Foundation's Obama's Other Broken Health Care Promises:

1. Individual Mandate: ...Obama:'Now, under any mandate, you are going to have problems with people who don’t end up having health coverage...' Both the House and Senate bills now contain an individual mandate. According to the President’s own Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, under the Senate plan, 19 million Americans would pay $29 billion in taxes/fines and still receive no health care in return.
2. You Will Not Lose Your Doctor: ...Obama promised the American people: 'No matter how we reform health care, we will keep this promise...If you like your doctor, ...keep your doctor...If you like your health care plan...keep your health care plan.' Again, the President’s own Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services confirms that the current Senate health bill breaks this promise. Seventeen million Americans will be forced out of their existing health insurance. [Even more woes for Medicare/Medicaid patients--see Mayo clinic link at bottom.]

3. No Tax Hikes for People Making Less than $250,000: '...Obama promised the American people: “if your family earns less than $250,000 a year, you will not see your taxes increased a single dime.' I repeat: not one single dime.' Speaker Pelosi believes the Senate bill’s excise tax on insurance plans breaks this promise, and she is right... [and] There are a slew of new taxes in the Senate bill, many of which will hit the middle class...

4. Your Health Premiums Will Be $2,500 Lower:Congressional Budget Office,and Lewin Group,[disagree.]
5. Health Reform Reduces the Deficit:..'Obama: I will not sign a plan that adds one dime to our deficits – either now or in the future. Period.' [but] When the true cost of Obamacare is considered, the final tab comes to $2.5 trillion with an honest accounting of Medicare reimbursement rates netting a $765 billion deficit all by itself.
6. Tax Payer Funded Abortion: ...Obama: 'No federal dollars will be used to fund abortions.'[but in Senate version]Your taxdollars most definitely would be paying for elective abortions.

More viewing/reading: Jack Cafferty (CNN) Rips Obama on Failed Openness Pledge: 'Just Anohter Lie Told for Political Expediency'
C-SPAN CEO: White House Has Allowed Only 'One Hour' of Health Care Coverage
Pelosi: Very Close to Final Health Care Bill
Obama: "You can keep your doctor." Can you? I checked. I can't
Medicare Patients No Longer Accepted at May Clinic in Arizona

Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, Betterbrookfield, RandyMelchert, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, The Right View Wisconsin, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation

Where's Ponto?

Brookfield's mayoral primary election is fast approaching on February 16th.

I spotted my first Marcello for Mayor sign mid December?

Marcello also had a color ad in the Waukesha Freeman freebie paper last week.



The large red Speaker for Mayor signs went up after Christmas.

But where-o-where are the Ponto signs?

They may be out there but I haven't spotted one yet. Have you?

I would hate to have Steve Ponto play it so laid back that he misses the boat.


I am rather surprised not to have seen a Schellinger sign yet, since I know he has them! (Remember, Shame on you Schellinger?)*


BrookfieldNOW: Four vying for mayor's post in first heat of race
Fairly Conservative: About Brookfield's mayoral race

*Sorry that Wacker Surprise link doesn't work. You may find the essence of Wacker surprise at Mayoral Candidate invited 3 tiems to join in, but declines... and Mayoral Q&A a SUCCESS and a SURPRISE!

Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, Betterbrookfield, RandyMelchert, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, The Right View Wisconsin, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation

Been to the new ALDI almost in Brookfield?

Yes, it is true! Another ALDI grocery store moved into Brookfield - almost.

It is located on the Wauwatosa side of 124th Street on Burleigh Rd. next to the OfficeMax store in the Lowe's shopping center. (Actual address is 12120 Burleigh)

They opened 2 weeks before Christmas. I stopped in that week and they were busy!

I shopped there again yesterday* because they had a fruit sale: cantaloupe for 89-cents, grapefruit for 29-cents, bag of navel oranges for $1.49, and bananas for 39-cents/pound. What a deal.

They seem to be well received, even in almost Brookfield. Like me, many shoppers bring their Sendiks heavy plastic grocery bags to reuse at ALDI.

People are interested in ALDI stores. From the weekly blog reports I receive from Brookfieldnow, I have noticed that 2008's posts on ALDI show up nearly every week on my page view totals.

Few stores consistently offer the same values as ALDI stores. Most of their products are made by mainstream companies, just relabeled for ALDI with their labels. The packages are often the same size and colors as the mainstream company, just the design is different. Other products are the same as other private label products. Their butter for example is the same as Roundy's butter, but at a cheaper price.

Plus, ALDI backs all of their products with a double your money back guaranty--even their produce. I once returned a moldy pineapple, which can happen anywhere, and they insisted on giving me double my money back. How refreshing.

So what do you have to lose? If you have never been to an ALDI store, give them a try ...don't forget to bring your quarter and bags. (See ALDI 101 below)

Past Posts: Shopping ALDI's 101: B.Y.O. B, Q, and C & New Loaction News
Just What Can You Find at ALDI's? Lowe Prices for One!
In Praise of ALDI's and Trader Joe's: Wish We Had Both!

*I shop at ALDI nearly every week but usually at the Hwy 100 store in West Allis, south of Greenfield Ave.

Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, Betterbrookfield, RandyMelchert, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, The Right View Wisconsin, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation

Musing about the eve of Y2K and Y2K+10

Ten years ago, New Year's Eve was celebrated with a bit of apprehension because of Y2K. I know I wondered if the lights would stay on, or more importantly, if the heat would stay on! Would the technological fabric of our lives would hold together or unravel?

My old Girl Scout motto, Be Prepared, prompted me to do just that: be prepared for what might come. We had our emergency light, heat, water, and food sources in the ready, just in case. Thankfully, nothing happened. Whether we went off grid for a national emergency or just a weather related reason, as we did a few weeks ago, we learned it is good to be ready.

Since our house had a fireplace, we invited my dad and sister to our house New Year's Eve 1999 for a movie marathon. (Well, at least until midnight, if the power went off.) We watched home movies that spanned 40 years, from our childhood days on up to my son's toddler days, and ate all manner of junk food. We had fun.

Thankfully, there was no technology failure and no need for concern. Our movie marathon continued past midnight.

This New Year's Eve, I find myself thinking concern over Y2K was the good ole days!

In 1999, our economy wasn't in the mess it is in today. We also weren't poised to take over the private health insurance industry with an unconstitutionally mandated government system. There was no war on terror, at least not on our soil, as most of us thought the World Trade Center bombing in 1993 was more of a fluke.

This New Year's Eve, one thing remains the same as New Year's Eve 1999: the movie marathon. We've done it every year since Y2K. We have upgraded to showing DVD's with a projector on a big screen in the living room though.

This year's picks: The latest Star Trek, the 4th Indiana Jones, G-Force, and maybe Night at the Museum 2. There might also be a home movie or 2 for nostalgia's sake.

Let the junk food and festivities begin!

What are your New Year's Eve traditions?


Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, Betterbrookfield, RandyMelchert, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, The Right View Wisconsin, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation

Wisconsin Grandsons of Liberty - Tea Party - meeting Wed. Dec. 30th, 5:30pm

The Tea Party movement, that began as a spontaneous tax protest, is moving toward the next step: organizing to protect our constitutional rights.

Locally, a group that calls itself The Wisconsin Grandsons of Liberty organized a lakefront tea party last September. They are now holding an open meeting at the Franklin Library on Wednesday, Dec. 30th at 5:30pm, for those interested in learning more about the group and its activities.

Come and talk with members and attend a short meeting that will "cover plans for events and activities in 2010."

Their website states they are "a group of non-partisan, like minded individuals dedicated to the restoration of the American republic to its originalist constitutional basis. We have chosen our name in homage to those Revolutionary Patriots, the original Sons of Liberty, who were political activists agitating for independence, liberty and taxation with representation."

For more information, call Tim Dake at 262-308-0553 or email Tim at timd@wisconsingrandsonsofliberty.com.

The Franklin Library is located at 9151 W. Loomis Road, Fadrow Room A

Their website: Wisconsingrandsonsofliberty.com is also a great source for local Tea Party events and groups.


I learned of this meeting, via an email alert, from Americans for Prosperity Regional Coordinator Scott Sindey.

Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, Betterbrookfield, RandyMelchert, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, The Right View Wisconsin, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation

Come to Bethlehem and see, Christ the Lord the newborn king

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field,
keeping watch over their flock by night.
And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them,
and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them,
Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy,
which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior,
which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you;
Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host
praising God, and saying,
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace,
to men on whom his favor rests.
Luke 2: 8-14 KJV & NIV

And she she will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” The name Jesus means the LORD saves.

Merry Christmas

Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, Betterbrookfield, RandyMelchert, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, The Right View Wisconsin, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation

Stopping ObamaCare: Hoping for Ghost of Christmas Future or appendectomy?

Unfortunately, ObamaCare health care reform has become a matter of being the best bill money can bribe. It seems the only way the Democrats can cram it down our throats is to offer big buck incentives to hold-out Senators to reach the magical 60 vote majority and then vote in the dead of night.

Senator and Doctor Tom Coburn said it best, "This process is not legislation. This process is corruption, and it's a shame that that's the only way we can come to consensus in this country is to buy votes."

If bribes weren't bad enough, Senate Leader Harry Reid scheduled the final vote on the eve of Christendom's most significant holiday, Christmas Eve. The timing of his vote is a slap in the face to Christians.

All I can say is that our founding fathers are rolling over in their graves at the dirty tricks some legislators have sunk to.

What can we do? Really nothing, except pray that just one of those 60 Democrats would change their vote? You know, in the spirit of A Christmas Carol, where the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future visited Ebenezer Scrooge prompting his change of heart, that 1 or 2 Democrats would be convicted or have troubling dreams of what America will look like in the future under the tyranny of ObamaCare.

Or, we need something to keep a Senator or 2 from voting on the Senate floor Christmas Eve. Not anything serious, just a well timed emergency appendectomy or something?

Unless we get a reprieve, we probably will have a signed Senate bill on Christmas Eve. Talk about coal in our stockings!

The only shred of hope we have of defeating ObamaCare after that is to hammer our legislators while they are home in their districts over Christmas break. The House and Senate versions still must go through conference committee to come up with the final version. My hope would be some Congressmen would reconsider, seeing that over 60% of Americans DON'T WANT OBAMACARE.

God help us, everyone.

Pertinent reading (my emphasis): Catholic League: Reid deals "Three Card Monte" : "...Sen. Harry Reid’s health care bill resembles—“Three Card Monte.” The dealer is the federal government with its “opt out” and “firewall” illusions regarding abortion coverage; the confederate is the insurance companies with its “segregation of funds” illusions; and the loser is the taxpayers, especially those who are pro-life.

The central difference between the card game and the health care bill is that the former doesn’t wind up subsidizing the killing of innocents."

Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, Betterbrookfield, RandyMelchert, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, The Right View Wisconsin, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation

Last 2 chances to "stuff" Tom Wacker's Salvation Army Kettle

I almost forgot to blog about this, but there is still time to help out. Brookfield resident Tom Wacker is ringing the bell again for the Salvation Army at the Pick 'n Save at 17630 W. Bluemound Road, Saturday from noon to 3pm and Tuesday, Dec. 22, from 6 - 9pm.

Tom does a topnotch job manning the red kettle; he is a real pro. Here is what Tom had to say about the Salvation Army:

"...I will be bell ringing again this year to support the wonderful work that the Salvation Army does for the most unfortunate in our world. Not only do they minister to the needs of the most troubled among us, but they do it in a most efficient way with some of the lowest overhead of any national charity.

We all have much to be thankful for and given the condition of the economy, the needs of the most unfortunate have never been greater.

So once again, if you are in the Milwaukee area, I would urge you to stop by when I'm ringing and share a hug and a bit of Christmas cheer. And if you can, toss a little something into the kettle and help your fellow man this Christmas season."

I support the Salvation Army. They not only help the less fortunate, but they also give disaster aid.

Mary Stutzman, the Salvation Army volunteer coordinator had this to say about Tom's past bell ringing efforts:

"The support that you [Tom] and your family and friends have shown The Salvation Army each year is overwhelming! Last year alone, you raised $X! This is the equivalent of providing a weeks worth of groceries from our food pantry to 100 people, 160 nights of shelter for a homeless person, or 20 community meals to 125 people in need in our Community Meal program."

So stop by Saturday or next Tuesday to help Tom "stuff the kettle" or if those times aren't convenient, stuff the kettle without Tom. It all goes to a good cause. You may also contribute online.

Donations are down this year and needs are up. Share what you can.

Past Post: Tom Wacker rings Red Kettle Salvation Army bell again at Pick 'n Save

Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, Betterbrookfield, RandyMelchert, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, The Right View Wisconsin, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation