Brookfield7

Why Newt? He dishes it back. Why not Newt? Because....

2012-01-23T09:01:00.010-06:00

Newt Gingrich shocked many 2012 election watchers by winning South Carolina's primary on Saturday. South Carolina. Newt won conservative South Carolina, big time!

Despite very negative allegations by X-wife #2 the very week leading up to the primary, Newt still managed to surge ahead to capture 41% of the vote to Romney's 27%, Santorum's 17% and Paul's 13%. In exit polls, Newt even won over the Evangelical and Tea Party voters. How was that possible?

Now, I am no Romney fan (because of RomneyCare and my preference for a mainstream Christian), but at least I felt Romney was a somewhat acceptable default candidate for Republicans--he may not be a conservative with passion, but he would go along with a conservative led Congress. Hands down, Ron Paul is my most undesirable choice. But next to Paul, Newt would be my least desirable candidate of the roster--even when there were still 9 in the running!*

That said, I do love the way Newt dishes it back to the media, and I think that is why Newt manages to evoke a positive response--even with conservatives. He really nailed it on the head at the CNN debate, " 'I am tired of the elite media protecting Barack Obama by attacking Republicans,' he said."

And he is right about the media keeping good candidates out of the mix when he fumed, "The destructive, vicious, negative nature of much of the news media makes it harder to govern this country, harder to attract decent people to run for public office..." Just look at how they have gone after Rick Santorum with questions about his wife and even his stillborn son. Or the relentless attacks on Sarah Palin and her family. Is it any wonder good people like Gov. Bobby Jindal or Rep. Paul Ryan shy away from running?

Dishing it back is the same reason people responded to Donald Trump. While I don't believe for a minute that he is a conservative, and I think he and Newt have similar problems with the women in their lives, I did enjoy his boldly responding to reporters questions and tying it back to Obama, who has been abysmal as a president.

Sarah Palin should have been a natural for running in 2012. After all, it was McCain's selection of her that brought some spark into his campaign. But the media so mercilessly attacked her and her family, they pretty much guaranteed her staying out this time.

Since I started writing this post, the 4 remaining candidates had their first debate in Florida. This time, Newt didn't knock it out of the park. While I can appreciate Newt's bold rhetoric, he is NO conservative. He has been all over the map on the issues--even in recent years--supporting the individual mandate for health insurance, supporting Cap and Tax with Nancy Pelosi, and supporting pathways to citizenship for illegals.

So as Newt and Mitt continue to bloody each other and Ron Paul is just, well, Ron Paul, Rick Santorum stands firm. They all have their flaws, but Rick Santorum to me has the least baggage and will protect American's Right to Rise. (If you agree, Santorum could use your help: ricksantorum.com)

We aren't just hiring someone who can throw a punch at the press or be good at debating. We are selecting a President, and the contrasts are clear. Look at the man and his record. The goal is defeating President Obama and his oppressive socialist agenda in 2012, not trading jabs at a debate.

*Any one of those 9 Republicans would be a far better choice than what we have now. To loosely quote conservative talk show host Mark Levin, I would vote for an orange juice can over Obama. I agree.

Wall Street Journal 2012 Election Delegate Tracker

Romney, Gingrich trade barbs in Tampa debate
Oops, Nancy Pelosi On A Gingrich Presidency: "That Will Never Happen"
Krauthammer: Santorum Can Hang Around If He Keeps Finishing Third

Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, RandyMelchert, Betterbrookfield, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, WisPolitics Quorum Call, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation

Hope things go well for Target / Trader Joes: Public Hearing Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2012

2012-01-16T10:52:00.012-06:00

On a snowy winter's night last Thursday, a group of neighbors, District 7 Aldermen Lisa Mellone and Renee' Lowerr, Mayor Ponto, Community Development Director Dan Ertl, and some representatives from the Ryan Company gathered to discuss the changes the developer is requesting for the Underwood Crossing project.

Ryan Company's retail development director, Tony Barranco, explained the 4 changes to the approved plan and gave the reasons for the requests. All 4 seem very reasonable.

Though I have been in favor of the Target anchor store, at the Underwood Crossing Retail Center on Bluemound Road, I was wary when I heard they were requesting higher density.

But my fears were quickly alleviated. The request for the increased density from 35% to 40% is for the Jr. Anchor store adjacent to the Target only, not for the entire project. If you look at the drawing, you see the yellow is the original sizing, the red the requested size.

In fact, the density or Floor Area Ratio--F.A.R. (proportion of building structure to overall area) is well below the 30% standard. Underwood Crossing was approved at 16. If the increase in density for the Jr. Anchor is approved, it would be 17.2. If you notice the out buildings to the north, the Trader Joe's in right corner is now larger, but the center building is about half its original size. The bank to the west is smaller. (My adjustments in red are NOT to scale, and not yet approved, it is just so you get an idea of what they are asking for.)

The Jr. Anchor (still undisclosed but is some sort of home product store), is asking for an additional 5,900 square feet to be used mostly for merchandise storage, not retail floor. The additional space would be added to the east side of the building, with the majority to the back (loading area).

The other major issue is the request to increase the overall height of the light poles from 20' to 25'. Brookfield's standard is 20 feet. Here a 5' increase in pole height would result in 11 fewer light poles and less energy consumption. From what I could tell from the renderings Tony Barracano showed, the light pool would remain the same--in other words, here, they can do more with less. Because of the topography, the neighborhood is at a higher elevation than the retail center; the 5 foot increase shouldn't create a problem for the neighbors.

A 3rd request is to add Trader Joe's name to the monument sign on Bluemound. To me, Trader Joe's is the MAJOR attraction here. Target may be the largest anchor store, but Trader Joe's is the real star. Motorists should be able to see at a glance where the Trader Joe's entrance is. Trader Joe's logo is just their name in big red letters. It should go nicely with the Target. Ryan Company is not asking for a larger sign, just that Trader Joe's name be added.

I don't know if people realize what a feather in Brookfield's cap a Trader Joe's is for us. I know I have been wishing for one for some time. Evidently, Dan Ertl has been wooing them since they entered the Milwaukee market at Bay Shore.

Currently, that is the only Trader Joe's, and it is in a congested parking lot that is an accident waiting to happen. Still, people travel from more than 25 miles away just to shop at Bay Shore's Trader Joe's. I think we can safely conclude Brookfield's Trader Joe's will increase the success of every retailer located at Underwood Crossing. The least we can do is put their name on the sign!

The last item needing approval regards the berm. Initially, the berm's vegetation was not to be touched by the developer, but a section had to be cleared to connect to water. When the neighborhood saw how much better the berm looked after Ryan Co. restored the plantings with mixed evergreens, they wanted to see additional evergreen plantings incorporated into the berm. The neighbors are asking that undesirable trees such as Buckthorn and Box Alder be removed, and that Ryan replace with a variety of evergreens. They are willing to do this if they are granted the 25' light pole height variance. Ryan figures the money saved by using 11 fewer but taller poles would help pay for the $40,000+ additional evergreens to the original plan.

Bottom line: It is a case of give and take. From what I hear, Ryan Co. has been very receptive to the requests of the neighborhood. They helped clean up the former Quebecor site. They created a development that comes in well under the zoning FAR.

Their requests do not seem out of line to me for what we are getting. I hope it goes well for them with the Plan Commission and Common Council. Share your opinions at Brookfield City Hall Common Council Chambers Tuesday, January 17th at 7:45pm.

Submit your comments before the next Plan Commission meeting on Monday, January 23, 2012: I asked Alderman Mellone if comments could be emailed in, as we have in the past. She said yes. Send your comments to Alderman Lisa Mellone: lisa@betterbrookfield.com , Alderman Renee' Lowerr: renee@district7brookfield.com , Dan Ertl: ertl@ci.brookfield.wi.us and/or Mayor Steve Ponto: ponto@ci.brookfield.wi.us . After the Jan. 23rd Plan Commission meeting (if all goes well), Underwood Crossing Retail Center PDD goes before the Common Council for approval on February 7th. We are almost finished, but Dan Ertl informs me there would still be a "modest amendment to the project development agreement at a subsequent meeting".

Brookfield considers changes to development plan in advance of Trader Joe's Dec. 14, 2011
Public Hearing Notice

Past Posts: A Whole Lotta Diggin' Goin' On in SE Brookfield Aug. 24, 2011
Brookfield's proposed Target Store Public Hearing: Dec. 7, 7:45pm, UPDATE and maps Dec. 7, 2010
Can it be? A Target in Brookfield? How about a Trader Joe's too? March 12, 2010
In Praise of Aldi's AND Trader Joe's: Wish We Had Both! June 4, 2008

Medical College of Wisconsin Dr. Bolender presents The Miracle of Human Development, Jan. 24, 2012

2012-01-12T07:50:00.009-06:00

The Creation Science Society of Milwaukee is pleased to present Dr. David Bolender, Ph.D as their speaker on Tuesday, January 24, 2012, 6:45pm. He will be discussing "The Miracle of Human Development from Conception to Birth".

Dr. Bolender is very familiar with this subject as he is an Associate Professor in the Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy and Director of the Human Development Course at the Medical College of Wisconsin. "He also teaches Clinical Human Anatomy and Cell and Tissue Biology as well as advanced anatomy electives. ...he has participated in research on the role of growth factors in the development of the heart, limbs, and blood vessels."

Medical science has come a long way since the display of preserved human fetuses, so many of us remember, at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. As I recall, there was at least one real specimen at each stage of development. The display dated back to the 1930s. Back then, and even in my lifetime, "details of prenatal development were unclear for many years and the subject of much speculation and misinterpretation". But thanks to improved technology we get a glimpse into this once hidden realm. Advances in medical imaging has given us this "window into human development in the womb." "Dr. Bolender will share many of their most amazing new insights in this presentation."

This meeting is not to be missed! Bring your family and friends to Brookfield Lutheran Church, located at 18500 W. Burleigh Road, in Brookfield, Wisconsin on Tuesday, January 24, 2012, 6:45pm. (The church is just east of Brookfield Road on Burleigh Road)

No wonder the Psalmist David wrote in Psalm 139:14:
I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

Did you know? Humans at about 2 months have webbed fingers, but our DNA also carries the instructions for those webs to die, once the fingers develop from the buds. This is called PCD or Programmed Cell Death. These webs "serve as scaffolds, supporting the emergence of more permanent and specialized cells". (Don't feel badly if you didn't know this; I only learned about it at the last CSSM meeting with Biologist Paul Frank.)

Creation Science Links: Creation Science Society of Milwaukee
Answers In Genesis
Institute for Creation Research
Creation Minute
4th Day Alliance

Future Speakers:
Dr. Gary Locklair PhD., Tuesday, February 14, 2012, 6:45pm, at Concordia University, Wisconsin
Jerry Frye, Tuesday, April 24, 2012, 7:15pm, at Brookside Baptist Church, Brookfield, Wisconsin

Last chance! Your 2-cents against Hoan bike path & Trolley could save millions

2011-11-28T09:42:00.005-06:00

Most of you have heard about these 2 transportation projects, the addition of pedestrian / bike lanes to the I-794 Hoan Bridge reconstruction project and the Milwaukee Streetcar project, sometimes called the Milwaukee Trolley. (I often refer to it as Tom Barrett's Folly Trolley.)

The 2 projects have little in common except that they are both located in Milwaukee, both serve a very tiny percentage of the population, both add to traffic congestion, and both carry a whopping price-tag!

The public hearings on both projects have passed, but you may still submit your comments via email until Wednesday, November 30th for the I-794 Hoan Bridge Bike Path and until Friday, December 2nd, 5pm for the Milwaukee Streetcar project.

Since both of these projects are primarily Federally funded, you DO NOT HAVE TO LIVE IN MILWAUKEE to submit your comments!

The Hoan Bridge Bike Lane Project: Comments due by 5pm Wednesday, November 30th - Email carolynn.gellings@dot.wi.gov

Bicycles on the Interstate? Though I have seen bicycle's permitted signs on interstates in other parts of our nation, these usually were in very remote areas where there were NO other roads. Here in Milwaukee, that isn't the problem; there are other routes that would allow for bicycle traffic. (Click link and scroll half way down the page to see street level bike routes.)

Another problem with the Hoan bike path is the elevation rise and drop. Very few bikers are in the kind of shape necessary to make this route practical.

And then there is the wind and weather component. Having recently driven on the high bridges on I-43 in a SUV through Green Bay, we experienced the gusty winds off the lake. I cannot imagine what the Hoan would be like on a bicycle! And what about biking or walking in the rain or in winter?

How many riders would utilize this route? Costs for just adding the bike path range from an estimated $9.5 million to $95.5 million for a totally separate structure.

Wisconsin DOT I-794 Project reports
Sheriff Clarke and Senator Larson clash over proposed Hoan Bridge bike path

The Milwaukee Streetcar Project - Comments due by 5pm Friday, December 2nd - Email comments@themilwaukeestreetcar.com

Does the price-tag of about $30 million per mile ($65 M total) seem a worthy expenditure to you for a streetcar in Milwaukee you will probably never use? How about an additional $32 million per mile to move the existing utility lines? So the initial route cost estimates add up to $135 million for that 2.1 mile route: $65 million for the trolleys and track, $70 million to move utilities. Plus, don't forget an additional $2.7 million a year to operate the thing.

And oh, if that were the only cost! For that cost only reflects the first 2.1 mile leg of the route, the anchor baby of the project, so to speak. Because if you look at the proposed route map, you see this $65 million original leg is only a tiny portion of the spider shaped route map (Scroll down the page to see 2nd map.) Keep in mind each mile of tracks laid carry the exorbitant expense of moving utilities, take up a traffic lane, and/or eliminate street parking along the route.

Why do we need this when a bus route would accomplish the same? I rode the Milwaukee Transit buses for years to work. It is beyond me why this expensive street-car is being proposed. A bus line would offer more flexibility in routing. Buses can be rerouted or eliminated to reflect demand. Plus, unlike Portland and Phoenix, Wisconsin has winter. Buses can run in slushy, icy, snowy conditions. Can streetcars on embedded light-rail tracks?

Giving back the high-speed rail "free pony" anchor baby
Milwaukee Streetcar Route and future routes
Streetcar Comparison: Milwaukee vs. Portland

So this is one of the few times your input, your 2-cents, could save millions of dollars--billions when you include the additional routes and other areas bike lanes would be added to Interstates.

Say NO now to this kind of spending--we can't afford it.

Former evolutionist Paul Frank discusses Creation/Evolution debate Nov. 29, 2011

2011-11-22T08:23:00.002-06:00

Many people think the Creation Science movement is just made up of Christians who ignore the scientific evidence. Well, that thinking will be challenged by Paul Frank, this month's Creation Science Society of Milwaukee speaker.

Paul Frank offers an interesting perspective on the Creation/Evolution debate, since he graduated from the University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh with a B.S. in biology and a minor in chemistry. But even more noteworthy than his scientific background, is the fact that he began his college years as an agnostic and devout evolutionist!

From the CSSM Newsletter: "[Paul's] evolutionary beliefs were challenged when a friend presented him with a book entitled Studies in Creation by Dr. John Klotz. The book piqued Paul’s interest and the next book he read on the subject, Evolution: A Theory in Crisis, marked a watershed moment in Paul’s life. The theory of evolution seemed implausible to him after reading that book. Incidentally this was the same book that Lehigh University biochemist Michael Behe read that turned him from his evolutionary beliefs and resulted in his seminal work Darwin’s Black Box: The Biochemical Challenge to Evolution. To this day Behe’s first book remains a benchmark for the new ID movement." (My emphasis)

Paul Frank will approach the Creation Science / Intelligent Design movement vs. Evolution from a scientific, bio-chemical viewpoint--that genetic entropy (deterioration) rules out progressive macroevolution (major changes occurring over a long time), and "the necessity of DNA and proteins arising at the same time. He will also present a formidable argument against chemical evolution using probability statics."

In layman's terms, mutations cannot account for changes necessary for large scale evolution (one cell animals to humans or even fish to amphibian), because we now know that mutations just take away or repeat code that is already written. We also now know that new genetic information cannot be spontaneously added by chance, because that is mathematically impossible--the sequencing is far too complex for chance.

As you might have guessed, this presentation will be more technical in nature and is intended for adults.

Mr. Frank will present his talk on the Creation/Evolution Debate on Tuesday, November 29, 2011 at 6:45pm at Grace Bible Church, 2643 S. 117th Street, West Allis, Wisconsin. (Located between Cleveland and Lincoln Avenue on 117th Street.)

Upcoming Events: Dr. Gary Locklair PhD., Tuesday, February 14, 2011, 7:15 pm, Concordia University
Jerry Frye, Tuesday, April 24, 2011, Brookside Baptist Church

Archive: "From Feninist Atheism to Biblical Truth"

2011-11-22T08:16:00.004-06:00

Originally posted on BrookfieldNow, Sept. 21, 2008. Kitty spoke at a CSSM meeting in 2008 and has since joined the CSSM board.

Author Kitty Foth-Regner is the featured speaker at the Creation Science Society of Milwaukee's September meeting. (See bottom of post for location.) The speaker's name means nothing to me*, but her story is compelling. She was an atheist/agnostic for 30 years but now is a Bible believing Christian. (It does happen, and Creation Science played a part in her conversion.)

For those who assume that any Bible believing Christian who also believes in Creation must check their brains at the door, Kitty graduated summa cum laude from UWM. She is a a freelance copywriter, co-author, and author.

So how did this atheist become a believer? Unfortunately, it took a tragedy. From the Creation Science Society newsletter,

When a mother dies, science and prophecy lead a grieving daughter from feminist atheism to Biblical Truth. Is there a God? A heaven? Will we be able to spend eternity there with our loved ones? And if so, can we find out for sure how to get there...before it is too late?
These are the questions asked eight years ago by a heartbroken woman in the wake of her mother's death--questions that she spent more than a year investigating...
There is a happy ending to this story, as is to be expected whenever someone sets out in sincere pursuit of the truth.

Kitty Foth-Regner writes about her quest to find the truth in her book, Heaven Without Her: A Desperate Daughter's Search for the Heart of Her Mother's Faith. "Her book is helpful for anyone seeking the truth about eternity, as well as for equipping Christians with a reason for the hope of heaven. Kitty Foth-Regner describes in often witty and moving detail how topics as earth-bound as origin via creation, genetic mutation and irreducible complexity can lead to heaven-bound joy."

I would think her talk would be of interest to anyone wondering if there is a God and did He create the universe. She is sure to strengthen the faith of believers and encourage them not to give up praying for atheist friends and family. Kitty lives in Waukesha with her husband and assorted pets.

Hear her speak on Tuesday, September 23, 2008 at 7:30 pm at Milwaukee Lutheran High School Library, 9700 W. Grantosa Drive, Milwaukee, WI (near the Greek Orthodox Church). Once at the high school, walk westward, under the roofed walkway, and use the main doors walking up the stairs to the library.

*Talk about a small world. Kitty's name rang a bell with my sister who said, Kitty is a member of our church!

It's Veteran's Day: Thank a Vet, Help a Vet

2011-11-11T08:17:00.003-06:00

Do you know a Veteran? Today is Veteran's Day, a day set aside "to celebrate the bravery and sacrifice of all U.S. veterans." So make a point of saying thank you for your service today if you see a veteran. You also might want to drop off a pie, cake, or some other treat to express your gratitude. (Saying thank you is appropriate every day of the year to all enlisted and veteran soldiers.)

Another thing you can do that will help veterans and their families is to donate to the Wisconsin Fisher House project. Fisher House, was created to give families of wounded soldiers a place to stay while their serviceman underwent medical treatment at a VA Hospital. In our area, that would be at the Clement Zablocki VA Medical Center in Milwaukee. Just click the link to donate online or mail a donation directly to them: Fisher House Wisconsin, 5000 W. National Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53295.

Veteran's Day has always been celebrated on November 11th, but until 1954, the day was originally called Armistice Day, which marked the end of WWI in 1918. It was a day set aside to honor the cause of world peace and all those who served in that great war. The name was changed 57 years ago to Veteran's Day, so that veterans of all wars would be honored. This year's Veteran's Day is unique in that its date reads 11.11.11.

On this day, and always, Thank you, Veterans, for putting your life on hold, and for being willing to risk your life to serve our country.

Past Posts: It's Veterans Day, say thank you to a soldier today
Thank you, Veterans, for the final salute
Thank you & God bless you Veterans and enlisted troops
My Favorite Marine--Thank You Veterans!

Without Castle Doctrine, could I protect myself? 2 UPDATES

2011-11-02T06:52:00.012-06:00

If you live in Wisconsin, do you have the right to defend yourself from an intruder in your home, without fear of incurring thousands of dollars for legal fees in court later?

Suppose it is near midnight, and you are home working at your computer. It is quiet in the house but then you hear a noise coming from your garage. You decide to investigate. But when you open your garage access door, you discover 2 men standing inside. One is holding a crowbar.

Can you, as the homeowner, defend yourself and be within the law?

Well, in Wisconsin, that depends. Were they intent on causing you harm? Were you feeling threatened?

What if they were escaped convicts?

That may sound a bit far fetched, but that might have been my scenario, had I decided to investigate a noise coming from our garage area in 1995. (Thankfully, I didn't go check that noise out-- it didn't even occur to me it might be a burglar.)

We were in the midst of a major remodel on our Brookfield home, and our garage was removed. The only thing keeping intruders out of our house was a make-shift, ill-fitting piece of plywood with a hasp and padlock covering our home's doorway.

And my intruders? A pair of escaped convicts from a Wisconsin prison! Their stolen car broke down on the freeway near our home, and the two climbed the embankment and scouted the neighborhood for an easy car to steal. That would be ours. Not only was our old Oldsmobile parked outside, but it was also a model known to be an easy target for thieves. Added bonus for them: all exterior lighting had been removed for our remodeling project.

The noise? I believe they were trying to open our plywood door but maybe decided against a break-in and just took the car. They used a crowbar a workman left out to break a car window and the column, to bypass the ignition, and away they drove.

As it stands now in our state, "if a resident uses deadly or severe force against an intruder and claims self-defense against criminal prosecution, the burden of proof falls to the resident to prove the force was needed to prevent imminent death or substantial harm to himself or others."

So without a Castle Law, had they broken in my home, would I have to interview the two as to their intent before acting in self defense? Oh, so you are escaped convicts, but you just want my car? You aren't here to harm me? Well then, you should know our car uses a bit of oil.

The Castle Doctrine bill would "create an automatic presumption of immunity for the resident...", ensuring that "courts in most criminal and civil matters would presume that property owners using deadly force had acted reasonably against anyone unlawfully inside their residence, business or vehicle, whether they were armed or not."

Wisconsin's Castle bill, AB69, passed the Assembly yesterday. Next step would be to pass it in the Senate today. There is some speculation if that will happen or not, for if not today, then hopefully in the next session.

I hope we don't have to wait until next year to become the 32nd state to pass a Castle Doctrine protection. It's time Wisconsin officially made a man's home his castle!

Post Script: The Castle law was not voted on today by our Senate. According to Quorum Call at WisPolitics, it moves to Thursday's calendar.

UPDATE 2: The Senate passed the bill Thursday, with 1 amendment, by a 26-7 vote. It then went back to the Assembly for approval. Next step is for Gov. Walker to sign it into law.

*Our car was discovered very early the following morning by a Milwaukee patrolman, who noticed it parked near one of the criminal's last known addresses. The broken window and steering column attracted his attention. The patrolman looked up the registration and realized it was stolen. The police then informed us of its recovery and the unbelievable account of our escaped con car thieves! Since we didn't even know it was stolen, it took me a while to process what the police dispatcher was telling me at 5am.

More Reading: Assembly OKs 'castle doctrine' bill backing residents' use of force on intruder
Law-abiding citizens deserve protection
Assembly passes bill giving homeowners more authority to use deadly force

How big is the universe? Find out at 'How Big is God?', Nov. 4 & 5, 2011

2011-10-31T08:33:00.006-06:00

This Friday and Saturday, Wisconsin CHEA, Christian Home Educators Association, is sponsoring a multimedia event called How Big is God? at Brookside Baptist Church, 4470 N. Pilgrim Rd. in Brookfield. The event is geared to the whole family and is open to the public.

Tickets are $10 each or $40 per family (sold at door). Nursery care is available for children under 5. Separate activities are provided for K-3rd graders. Both Friday and Saturday events are included in the ticket price. (Saturday night repeats the How Big is God presentation.)

How Big is God? was created by the 4th Day Alliance and will use audio, visual effects, computer animation and laser star display to take the viewer on a journey that will explore the size of the Earth, Solar System, Milky Way Galaxy, and beyond. Specifics on the How Big is God Event

Schedule:

FRIDAY, November 4th

9:30 - 10:30 am ~ Creation Astronomy (geared for grades 4 - adult)
10:40 - 11:40 am ~ Astronomy and the Bible (geared for grades 4 - adult)
11-45 am - 12-45 pm ~ LUNCH: Purchase at church or visit area restaurants
1:00 - 2:00 pm ~ How Big is God Multimedia flagship presentation for ALL ages

SATURDAY, November 5th

7:00 pm ~ How Big is God Multimedia flagship presentation for ALL ages
8:00 pm ~ Star-gazing party on church grounds, outdoors. Bring your own high-powered binoculars and/or telescopes if you have them.

Hope you can attend!

Did you know???

Some people think the Bible only mentions creation in the first book of Genesis. But as you can see by the verses below, the theme of Christ the Creator and Sustainer is mentioned throughout the entire Bible, including the New Testament.

1Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke
to our fathers by the prophets, 2but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 3He [Christ] is the radiance
of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature,
and he upholds the universe by the word of his power.
 After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high...

Hebrews 1: 1-3 (ESV)

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

Jay Seegert discusses Evolution: Probable or Problematic, Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2011, 7:15pm

2011-10-22T09:23:00.004-06:00

This Tuesday evening, Jay Seegert will examine the question many people have: Is evolution probable or problematic? - a brief look under the hood. In other words, does the theory of evolution stand up to closer scientific scrutiny?

From the Creation Science Society website:
"Jay developed this lecture after he attended a high-powered, invitation-only 3-day BioInformatics symposium at Cornell University this summer.

"Jay will demonstrate that various aspects of evolution actually seem fairly plausible to many people, including Christians. For example, a fish slowly turning into an amphibian… with the fins being slightly modified into short legs/feet and being able to crawl up on land and breath air. So from a certain distance or vantage point, things can appear to be quite plausible or look very good. However, when you “look under the hood” you see a completely different picture.

"In this talk, Jay will “take a look under the hood” regarding what actually has to happen genetically in order for a single cell organism to change into a human being. He will show how DNA works and point out a serious problem with the concept of evolution. By the end of the lecture, the audience sees how utterly impossible molecules-to-man evolution really is, even though portions of their story occasionally seem plausible."

Jay Seegert has degrees in Physics and Engineering and is also the Co-Founder and Principal Lecturer for the Creation Education Center of Wisconsin. He recently became the Ambassador for Logos Research Associates and joined The Third Rail, a project of the Biblical Worldview Broadcast Team. Jay served as the President of the Creation Science Society of Milwaukee for 3 years. Though I have not met Jay Seegert before, I have heard he is an excellent speaker.

This month's meeting* begins at 7:15pm at Zion Lutheran Church N48 W18700 Lisbon Road, in Menomonee Falls (at Lisbon and Brookfield Rd.)

Last February, Dr. Scott Hardin addressed this very issue. And while we can morph pictures of fish into amphibians fairly easily, adding the DNA genetic code necessary to change from gills to lungs, 2 chambered heart into a 3 chamber heart, or adding the vascular, musculoskeletal, and nervous systems necessary to accommodate these changes is impossible.

*Due to a scheduling problem, the Institute of Creation Research speaker was unable to come to Wisconsin for this October meeting.

Next month, Tuesday, November 29th, at 6:45pm, Paul Frank will discuss General Topics of interest in the Creation / Evolution Debate at Grace Bible Church, 2643 S. 117th Street, West Allis. (Between Cleveland and Lincoln on 117th St.)

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

It's Missions Conference week at Brookside, Oct. 19 - 23

2011-10-18T08:24:00.011-06:00

Ever wonder what it would be like to leave all the comforts of home in the U.S. and pack off across the globe to share the good news of Jesus Christ?

This week, at Brookside Baptist Church in Brookfield, you can hear first hand from people who did just that.

Beginning Wednesday, Oct. 19th through Friday, Oct. 21st, each evening program starts at 6:30 pm with an informal Meet the Missionaries opportunity in the church foyer. Then at 7 pm, in the church auditorium, one of the visiting missionaries will be featured prior to the message given by another missionary.

On Wednesday, Michael ****, who serves in ****, will speak prior to Dr. Rich McCarrell, on the board of three missions organizations, and is the conference keynote speaker.

Thursday evening, Jonathan Farmer, who serves in Indonesia with his wife Sarah, is featured before Dr. Tony Fox tells us of his work in Asia, training independent church pastors there.

Friday brings back Dr. Tony Fox, this time as the feature speaker and Michael **** brings the message.

Sunday is a full day of missions speakers:
During church service at 8:30am or 10:45am, Dr. Rich McCarrell will be preaching.
Sunday School time at 9:45am features Dr. Tony Fox
Informal Meet the Missionaries begins at 5:30pm
Missionary Anne Dreiscbach is the Feature speaker at 6pm, followed by Jonathan Farmer bringing the message.

In all, we have 5 missionary speakers visiting to share their experiences in mission fields around the world: Dr. Rich McCarrell - Keynote speaker on Missions and his wife Sue, Anne Dreisbach - serves in remote, back-water Suriname (South America), Jonathan Farmer - Church plants in Indonesia with his wife Sarah, Dr. Tony Fox - Trains independent pastors and plants churches in Asia with his wife Pam, and Michael **** and his wife work in Asia.

This is a great opportunity to hear from people who followed the Great Commission given by Jesus in Matthew 25:19 & 20:

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.

Many of these people serve in areas very hostile to Christianity. Hope you can attend.

This event is free and open to the public. Childcare is available. Brookside is located at 4470 N. Pilgrim Road in Brookfield, Wisconsin (North of Capitol, south of Lisbon Rd.)

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

Rep. Jeff Fitzgerald says he's running for U.S. Senate

2011-10-11T08:09:00.003-06:00

I heard this morning that Wisconsin State Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald is going to run for United States Senate. H/T Jay Weber

If you are following this race, Fitzgerald's announcement makes it 3 for the Republican side of the ticket. (Former Gov. Tommy Thompson and former Congressman Mark Neumann are the other 2.) The winner of the Republican primary would face Democrat Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin in November of 2012.

At this point, I think Fitzgerald would be my choice. I have also heard there are 2 other very wealthy individuals teetering on the edge of announcing, so I guess we have to stay tuned!

Fitzgerald for US Senate

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

Palin out: decides to keep driving from the backseat

2011-10-06T07:22:00.005-06:00

Well, we didn't have to wait long for former Gov. Sarah Palin's decision on is she running or not. She announced yesterday that she is not: Sarah Palin 2012 decision: Not running*.

If Perry finds his stride again or Cain continues to gain momentum, I think it is good Palin is sitting out this Presidential run. We cannot afford to have the conservative voice split into too many directions, if we want to avoid a Mitt Romney nomination.

Palin told talk show host Mark Levin, "--that she can have a larger influence on the country out of office than she could in office, or as a candidate." If you remember, Palin was an unexpected influence in the 2010 elections. She campaigned for Tea Party candidates, many who went on to win. "Among the highest-profile of these was South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, who surged in a GOP primary after Palin backed her."

And she is right, she can be more effective not running for President at this time. My husband refers to this as driving from the backseat.

Ever since McCain gave her the nod for V.P. in 2008, the media declared open season on her and her family. It is a shame they went after her with such a vengeance, because she is a solid conservative. As I wrote in August of that year, "She is young, energetic, pro life, pro gun, pro small business, very pro oil...what's not to like?" Palin would have been the natural choice for 2012 had the media treated her even with their usual bias.

I still think she would benefit from running for U.S. Senate from Arizona, to fill Jon Kyl's seat. Certainly our nation would benefit from her consistent and articulate Conservative voice in the U.S. Senate.

But whether she does or doesn't run, Sarah Palin is a champion for the greatness of America, and I am glad she is not afraid to say it. I wish her and her family well.

*Sarah Palin 2012 decision: Not running by Reid J. Epstein of Politico. I don't often credit the writer, but Reid used to be with Milwaukee Journal Sentinel some years back. Though I have not met Reid in person, he did interview me 2 times in 2004 and 2006. It is nice to see talented people move up the ladder.

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

No Chris Christie, Perry raises $17M, Palin looking at deadlines?

2011-10-05T06:51:00.006-06:00

So much hub-bub about Gov. Chris Christie reconsidering a run for the White House in the news. But it was much ado about nothing: Christie stated yesterday he would not run--no surprise there. Though I do like his ability to answer questions unabashedly, thinking Christie would become the champion of Conservative Republicans is puzzling. (Christie is a fiscal conservative, but he is weak on other conservative causes such as opposing ObamaCare, Global Warming, and immigration.)

The media is trying their best to push former Gov. Mitt Romney as the leader of the pack, and declare Gov. Rick Perry toast, yet Drudge today had this as their headline: PERRY POWERHOUSE: PULLS IN $17 MILLION "EXCLUSIVE: Republican White House hopeful Rick Perry raised over $17 million in 49 days, DRUDGE has learned. $347,000 per day; 20,000 unique donors from all 50 states, DC, Puerto Rico, and Guam. With more than half of donors living outside of Texas... Developing..."Pretty good for someone who is toast.

Herman Cain has made a come-back. I think that is good, since he can raise issues against President Obama without the media playing the race card, though Conservatives who support Cain are still labeled as such.

But what do you make of this? Sarah Palin-affiliated law firm made early-state deadline inquiries Politico reports that sources say, "...calls were made on behalf of a mystery candidate to various early states to determine presidential filing deadlines." The article said that the filing cut-off is Oct. 28th. Guess we won't have to wait much longer. Maybe she is waiting to see if Perry bounces back in the polls, and if not, she will declare?

Personally, if Palin runs for anything, I would like to see her run for U.S. Senate in Arizona. The Senate would be a good place for her to help our nation by exercising her strong, consistently Conservative voice. She would also have an opportunity to burn off the media created negative baggage there. A Senator and former Governor Palin would be a strong Presidential candidate in 2016 or 2020, depending on who wins in 2012.

It is still early in the game; a lot can happen in the next 13 months. What I don't want is the media choosing Romney, the most uninspiring candidate for us, as they did last time with McCain.

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

Creation Science Seminar at Camp Timber-lee, Sat. Oct 1, 2011

2011-09-19T14:08:00.005-06:00

It's back to school time for the whole family on Saturday, Oct. 1st, when the Creation Science Society of Milwaukee hosts an all day Creation Science Seminar, 9:30am - 4pm, at Camp Timber-lee in East Troy, Wisconsin. All seminars and exhibits are in the Arbor Vitae Science Building.

There will be 4 seminars in all, presented by 2 Wisconsin Creation Science speakers: Keith Robinson, a public school educator, professional musician, and author of the sci-fi trilogy: Origins and Richard Marrano, a creation science speaker, who often speaks on the topics of fossils and astronomy. Here is the schedule:

9:30 - 10:30 am, Countering Evolutionary "Proofs" in Biology Texts - Keith Robinson presents an analysis of the top 10 "proofs" for evolution and how "the evidence is either misinterpreted, misleading, or downright false".

10:45 - 11:45 am, Implications of Evolution on Society - Richard Marrano shares how Evolution influences people's Worldview in Science, Medicine, and Social policy.

Noon Lunch Break

1:15 - 2:15 pm, Implications of a Biblical Creation Worldview - Richard Marrano informs us what nature illustrates about our spiritual world.

2:30 - 3-30 pm, Aliens and Evolution: Exploring the Connection - Keith Robinson asks us to consider, are we alone in the universe? He will also present scientific research that demonstrates some of the flaws in Darwin's theory.

In addition to the seminars, you are welcome to enjoy Timber-lee's Walk Through 6 Days of Creation exhibit and visit the Sea Shell Display. If the kids (or adults) need to burn off a little energy, attendees are welcome to use the camp's volley ball courts, game fields, and/or indoor game room.

The seminars are free and open to the public. You may attend as many or few of the seminars as you wish.

There will be a buffet lunch served in the cafeteria, but you must call to reserve your meal BY September 22nd. Cost is $8.00 per person, $4.00 for children 7 years and under. (Pay at the door.) Call Ken Bahr at 262-255-4643 to reserve. OR, just pack a picnic lunch and dine alfresco.

Whether you are a believer or skeptic of Evolution or Creation, this is a great opportunity to learn more about our world and science. I am particularly interested in learning about the so-called "Proofs" of Evolution in our student's Biology text books. Learning about the influence of an Evolutionary Worldview on society and how nature reveals God's divine nature also interests me. And in light of NASA's recent "plausible outcomes" paper, should aliens come to earth to protect other civilizations, I am going to stick around all day!

Timber-lee is located at N8705 Scout Road, East Troy, Wisconsin. (Directions to camp)
Call 262-642-7345 for more information.

FYI: You might want to pencil in your calendar for CSSM's next 2 events: Tentatively on Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2011, a speaker from Institute of Creation Research will give a talk at Zion Lutheran Church, Menomonee Falls, and on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2011, Paul Frank will present "Evolution vs. Science/Intelligent Design, at Grace Bible Church, New Berlin. Both will be at 7:15pm. As soon as I know more about the ICR speaker, I will post the specifics.

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

0% job growth: What didn't work then isn't working now!

2011-09-02T09:34:00.002-06:00

That is right, for the first time since Feb. of 1945, the U.S. economy showed NO, Zero, the Big 0 job growth for August 2011.

If that wasn't bad enough, CNBC reports that Heidi Shierholz, economist at the Economic Policy Institute in Washington, D.C. said, "Though much attention is being paid to ‘zero job growth’ in August, the real news in today’s numbers is that job growth is worse than in recent months, and the nation continues to produce far fewer jobs than needed to meaningfully reduce the unemployment rate. ...In fact, in some ways the report was less than zero in that weekly hours fell, as did hourly earnings." (My emphasis)

This report just reflects the reality many Americans already know: the US economy is in real trouble. Despite the billions of dollars spend on Stimulus, son of Stimulus and any form of Stimulus out there, these spending programs just aren't cutting it!

Perhaps the only American who still doesn't get this is President Obama, who is expected to propose more of his same failed policies in his coming speech on jobs. No doubt he will tout more spending, more Green jobs, more government.

One can't help conclude, 'We're Spending More Than Ever and It Doesn't Work'. That was the title from a Heritage article from January 14th, 2009. It is worth reading in its entirety.

The title is actually a quote from Henry Morgenthau Jr., "close friend" and "loyal secretary of the Treasury to President Franklin D. Roosevelt--and key architect of FDR's New Deal" in 1939!

Here are some more quotes from Morgenthau, “We have tried spending money. We are spending more than we have ever spent before and it does not work.”

“I say after eight years of this Administration we have just as much unemployment as when we started. … And an enormous debt to boot!” (My emphasis)

Sound familiar? What didn't work in FDR's time, isn't working now either.

So I say, after 2 1/2 years of this Obama Administration, we have even more unemployment, and an enormous, unsustainable debt to boot!

It is time for a change.

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

Come back, Lisa Mellone, District 7 needs you!

2011-08-26T09:15:00.003-06:00

I have lived in District 7 of Brookfield since 1986. In that time, we have had several aldermen serving our area, perhaps our most notable has been Tom Schellinger. None of these aldermen, however, was of the caliber of Alderman Lisa Mellone, who won in 2006 against incumbent Tom Schellinger.

Lisa Mellone elevated the job of alderman from one of just referring you to the right phone number to call to resolve your problem (which is why one neighbor dubbed Schellinger as Mr. Rolodex), to actually looking into the problem herself. Mellone keeps the district informed via emails and neighborhood/district meetings. That said, it is not too surprising that I would like to have her back* at City Hall serving our district!

My other half and I were musing the other day if our perennial candidate, Mr. Schellinger, would be applying for his old job as alderman. Somehow, I had hoped his position on the Waukesha County Board would have been enough for him. I was wrong, and I should have known better since he once ran for 3 races at one time! As of Wednesday of this week, Schellinger was the only one who had applied for Lisa's vacancy. In checking again today, I found another man has also applied. (I didn't recognize his name.)

But whether 1 or 10 apply, I would still like to see Lisa Mellone back. Her strong work ethic, business degree and paralegal training enables her to serve our district well.

So, Lisa, please apply!

*For those of you who don't know...When City Clerk Kris Schmidt announced she was resigning, Lisa had an interest in applying for that full time position. (Lisa would have made an excellent City Clerk, by the way. Her natural bent toward dotting i's and crossing t's and analytical style, coupled with her knowledge of the nuts and bolts of the workings of Brookfield, would have suited her well to the position.) Waukesha County D.A. Brad Schimel told her she would have to resign as alderman, however, just to apply for the job. She wasn't chosen as a finalist for City Clerk. It seems a shame that someone has to resign just to apply for a job.

Past Post: How about merit pay for aldermen?
"...since Lisa Mellone replaced Tom Schellinger in 2006, we finally have an active voice at City Hall and someone down here who will look into and act on a problem. Lisa devotes a lot of time and effort toward being an alderman."

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

A Whole Lotta Diggin' Goin' On in SE Brookfield

2011-08-24T09:38:00.007-06:00

If you haven't had occasion to travel on Bluemound Road on Brookfield's southeast side lately, you might not know that there's A Whole Lotta Diggin' Goin' On down here!

If traveling from east to west, the former Quebecor site is getting its clean up in preparation for Underwood Crossing, where the Target store slated for opening in fall of 2012. (The dirt heap has grown considerably since I snapped this pic in July.)

If you recall, there was a mixed use plan for the site proposed back in 2007. This included apartments and lots of small shops.

Next stop: the intersection of Bluemound and Elm Grove Roads. Here the DOT is carving out new right turn lanes on both northbound and southbound Elm Grove Road and improving the turn lane into Bishop's Woods from Bluemound. I pity the first home on the southeast corner. It is a relatively new home, where the reality of a busy Elm Grove Road just hit a little closer to home.

Saving the best, or maybe I should say biggest for last, the intersection of Sunnyslope Road and Bluemound gets yet another major redo. This time, new right turn lanes are carved out--literally--from the Bishop's Woods office park.

For weeks, we didn't quite know what they were up to, but now it is clear: they excavated the hill to widen Sunnyslope. This new arrangement requires a sizable retaining wall.

Longtime residents in the area will remember they drastically altered this intersection once before. That time they lowered the elevation of the hill, in an effort to level out Bluemound Road at the intersection.

Since the diggin' continues on into Wauwatosa, motorists just might want to avoid the area from Moorland Rd. to Hwy 100 completely until late November 2011, when they hope to be finished. And the price tag? $11.6 million out of our State and Federal pockets, and I am thinking a bit from local Elm Grove (?) pockets too for the new north side of Bluemound sidewalk.

Past Posts: Can it be? A Target in Brookfield? How about a Trader Joe's too?
Brookfield's proposed Target Store Public Hearing

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

Elmbrook School closing options include Swanson: Tuesday, Aug. 23, 6pm

2011-08-22T09:44:00.005-06:00

While the weather and calendar may still say it is summer, Elmbrook's Board of Education Meeting Agenda says it is also time for some serious discussion at Tuesday's, Aug. 23rd meeting regarding our district's excess school capacity. The meeting starts at 6pm at the Central Administration Office at 13780 Hope Street--just east of Hope St. and Lilly Rd.

At present, there are 8 scenarios on the table that include closing Hillside, Tonawanda, Burleigh, Swanson outright and/or include incorporating the administrative offices into a smaller sectioned Burleigh or Swanson.

Because Swanson School is mentioned for 2 of the options, the Concerned Calhoun Community is asking for concerned citizens to attend the meeting. Residents may comment prior to an agenda item.

The following is from an email sent by Barbara Roncke, leader of the C.C.C.

CONCERNED CALHOUN COMMUNITY

ATTENTION!!!

SWANSON SCHOOL MAY ONCE AGAIN BE AT RISK

The Elmbrook School Board has come up with eight (8) school closing options. At this meeting they hope to pare down the options to two (2) or three (3). One option calls for the closing of Swanson School. Another is the reduction of Swanson coupled with the closing of Tonawanda.

The Swanson community needs to have a presence at this meeting. The Brookfield Now, August 18th issue has the article with complete information on pages 7 & 8. The article also lays out a timetable: August-pare down options; September-hold listening sessions: October/early November- make decision.

Some information to keep in mind:

1. Swanson was closed in 1982 and re-opened bigger and better in 1995.

2. This District has closed and sold six (6) schools-repurposed Fairview South.

3. Swanson is a five (5) section school with an enrollment of about 620 students making it

the second largest Elementary school in Elmbrook. Burleigh has 680 students.

4. Swanson has enough open classrooms to have 4 year old kindergarten or to absorb

some students from another closing school.

5. Closing Swanson or Burleigh would result in a district-wide re-districting plan.

6. Hillside is oldest and smallest of our schools.

7. Brookfield Elementary and Dixon are both under-utilized.

8. The Administration property is For Sale and plans for Administration relocation

should be dovetailed with any closing plan. This property has been on the market

for a year and its underlined zoning is residential.

9. No more school property should be sold. Outside of Maryknoll, Elmbrook has no property

to meet any future needs. Swanson maybe the most saleable but the economy probably

puts off any large scale development in that area 10-15 years.

10. Swanson is the only school south of Bluemound road and services a student population

from 124th St. to Barker Road. This is roughly equivalent to the population of Elm

Grove which has two schools, Tonawanda and Pilgrim Park.

Thank you for your past support. Barbara Roncke

More Reading: BrookfieldNOW - School closure opinions sought
BrookfieldNOW - School Closure may decide administration's home
Elmbrook Aug. 23, 2011 Board Meeting Agenda
Elmbrook School Board Agenda item 3.B. Elementary School Closing or Repurposing Options...

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

Tommy Thompson for US Senate? Thanks, but NO thanks

2011-08-18T07:55:00.003-06:00

Well, it seems our former Republican Governor Tommy Thompson is making moves on running for Herb Kohl's vacant U.S. Senate seat in 2012*. All I can say is, Thanks, Tommy, but no thank you.

My mind has not changed on Thompson since January and April of 2010, when I wrote, "Former Gov. Tommy Thompson has been rumored to be our winning candidate for months, however, I don't consider him my ideal or even acceptable candidate. Could we have counted on Tommy, the creator of Wisconsin's BadgerCare health insurance plan, to vote against its BIG Federal brother, ObamaCare? Could we count on him to vote to REPEAL and REPLACE ObamaCare?

"Thompson could win we are told, he polls at 45% to Feingold's 33% but he is NOT the conservative candidate I would embrace. "

Then I noticed in the JSOnline article that he chose Republican Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen as his campaign co-chair. Now that choice will really impress Wisconsin conservatives. (Read that with a sarcastic tone.)

So who would I like to see run?

Former State Senator Ted Kanavas is looking good to me. He has been subbing on WISN radio for Mark Belling and Jay Weber, which can only help him broaden his name recognition in Wisconsin. It also shores up his conservative stance on the issues, not to mention gives him great opportunities for improving his extemporaneous speaking skills.

State Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald also looks good to me.

Some say Mark Neumann, but pro-green side aside, after his campaign against Scott Walker, I would rather he not run.

Just being a Republican is not enough. Wisconsin Republicans, as well as many in the nation, have moved more to the right since the Gov. Tommy Thompson days.

It would be great to send a real Conservative to Washington, one who would truly complement U.S. Senator Ron Johnson.

Past Posts: Ted Kanavas not seeking reelection for STATE Senate Jan. 25, 2010
Run, Johnson, Neumann, Grothman, Kanavas, Leibham, RUN! Spare us from Leinenkugel April 9, 2010

*H/T Jay Weber show this morning

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

Good week for Conservatives: Perry is 'in', ObamaCare struck down & more

2011-08-16T08:51:00.005-06:00

Just a quick post here--I am up to my elbows in paint brushes and sandpaper--but there were a few positive news items that should be noted from last week. I will start with the most recent first:

2012 Presidential Election
Texas Governor Rick Perry announced he is running for President on Saturday at a RedState event. How refreshing to hear, "You see, as Americans we’re not defined by class, and we will never be told our place. What makes our nation exceptional is that anyone, from any background, can climb the highest of heights. As Americans, we don’t see the role of government as guaranteeing outcomes, but allowing free men and women to flourish based on their own vision, their hard work and their personal responsibility. And as Americans, we realize there is no taxpayer money that wasn’t first earned by the sweat and toil of one of our citizens." (My emphasis)

Perry is being attacked by the Left, so I would say they are seeing him as a serious contender! One cannot help but make the comparisons to Ronald Reagan. In fact, Richard Cohen titled his piece on Monday, The Texas Gipper. "Here again was a governor declaring for the presidency and some very wise people cautioning us on the air and in print that what worked in Texas might not work in the nation. Perry is too conservative, too much a cowboy, too religious and, while we’re at it, too handsome. This, more or less, was what was said about Ronald Reagan. "

In other 2012 Election news, Congresswoman Michelle Bachmann won the Iowa Straw Poll with 29% of the vote on Saturday. Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty dropped out of the race. Some are still holding out hope for Rep. Paul Ryan and Gov. Chris Christie to throw their hats in the ring. I am not a Christie fan as he is not as Conservative as I would like across the board.

ObamaCare
On Friday, Appeals Court Rules ObamaCare Unconstitutional: "...the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals struck down the so-called individual mandate, siding with 26 states that had sued to block the law." They stopped short of declaring "the entire overhaul as unconstitutional".

Wisconsin Republican Recall Election
It would appear last Tuesday's recall results will be enough to repel Obama's Magical Misery Tour through the Midwest from crossing our border. "Obama’s bus trip this week will bring him to an Iowa town within twenty miles of the Wisconsin border on Tuesday. That’s the same day that two Wisconsin Democratic state senators who sided with labor last winter face recalls mounted by the Republican Party and national conservative groups."

"But Obama’s team has made no announcement of plans to cross the line into the battleground state."

I am hoping today's 2 recall elections against the Democrat Senators who fled the state will give Mr. Obama even more reason to avoid our state in the future. According to reports from voters calling into talk radio, turnout is high. Don't know if that is good or bad for Kim Simac and Jonathan Steitz. We will just have to wait and see.

Well, it's back to the paint brushes for me. Enjoy this beautiful Wisconsin day.

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

Phew! Republicans hold majority, Darling still Republicans' darling

2011-08-10T07:20:00.004-06:00

Conservatives in Wisconsin are breathing much easier this morning, because 4 of the 6* recalled Republicans won their elections! Just enough victory to keep their majority in the Senate--important because the majority controls which bills come up for vote in the Senate.

Despite this being the best election paid political operatives could muster, the Democrats still couldn't pull off a win here. To me, that is huge. For despite all the out of state Union money flowing into anti-Republican advertising, phone banks, door-to-door canvassers, and BBQ for Votes parties, the Republicans still prevailed.

Since this is the 3rd election effort against the conservative agenda, and the conservatives won, I think it is clear Wisconsinites like this new less tax and less spend direction.

The whole country was watching these recalls--Conservatives hoping Wisconsin voters would uphold Walker's return to fiscal sanity so their state could do the same; Liberals hoping a Democrat victory would make legislators think twice about cutting spending and challenging the unions. Drudge posted this as his top set of links (before 9am): "Republicans take 4 of 6 in recall elections, hold Senate... (todaystmj4 GOP maintains control of Senate) GOP's stand could reverberate elsewhere...(Washington Times)" Drudge also characterized the Democrat loss as "Unions Lose in Wisconsin".

Well, the focus on Wisconsin's Republican victory didn't last long on Drudge. Now the headline link is More Slide. The Dow is at -377.62 at 9:20am--make that 389.58 at 9:29am. Can it be any more clear? Our nation needs to cut our out of control deficit spending lest we join Europe in their debt-fest. Maybe President Obama would like to have a chat with Gov. Scott Walker for some cost cutting pointers? ;-)

Next Tuesday, Aug. 16th, Republicans have a chance of capturing 2 more seats in the Simac and Steitz races against 2 Democrat Senators who fled the state rather than vote. I would think yesterday's results would energize their campaigns.

I want to thank talk show host Jay Weber for making a point to allow a caller yesterday make a plea for people to pray about the recall elections. Though I couldn't vote in yesterday's election, I and many others did pray for justice and fairness.

Today's TMJ4 GOP maintains control of Senate
Washington Times: Wis. GOP's stand could reverberate elsewhere
AP Vote Totals
Wisconsin GOP holds on to Senate

*These results were not unexpected: Dan Kapanke is in a Democrat district. Randy Hopper's personal problems were seen as a big negative.

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

Aug. 9th Voter Turnout Key to WI Senate Republicans Keeping Seats

2011-08-08T06:57:00.009-06:00

UPDATE: Milwaukee to see ["at least $11 million"] net gain from state budget [The Walker budget the 6 recalled Republicans voted for] Part of Republican Alberta Darling's Senate district is in Milwaukee.

What are the 3 rules of elections? Turnout, turnout, turnout! And turnout will be key for Wisconsin's unprecedented special Republican recall elections on Tuesday, August 9th. This is a real election day with real consequences.

If voter turnout is high, I think the Republican Senators will hold their majority, and more specifically, in the Milwaukee/North Shore area, Republican Alberta Darling will keep her seat.

But if turnout is light, then the get-out-the-vote-have-a-chicken-dinner-block-party-for-votes strategy just might prevail: "Five such parties were sponsored by Wisconsin Jobs Now, a coalition of community and labor groups led by the Service Employees International Union. The coalition describes itself as a nonpartisan organization, although its blog posts have been highly critical of state Sen. Alberta Darling (R-River Hills), who is defending her seat against Rep. Sandy Pasch (D-Whitefish Bay) in the Aug. 9 recall vote.

Wisconsin Jobs Now held three parties last week and two Monday, all on Milwaukee’s northwest side. Each party offered free food, prizes such as t-shirts and stuffed toys, face-painting for children, drawings for school backpacks — and free shuttles to Milwaukee City Hall, where voters could cast absentee ballots in [Alberta Darling's] 8th Senate District contest." (My emphasis)

And what would these voters be voting against? Paying back Wisconsin's debt? Balancing the budget? Passing Voter ID? Lowering Auto Insurance premiums? Creating a positive business and jobs climate? If voters are unsure, they can read Sen. Kedzie's summary, Don't Go Wobbly, Don't Go Back. And by the way, Wisconsin State Senators don't vote on Medicare, because it is a Federal program!

I realize anything is possible in politics--especially because we have never had 8 late summer recall elections before. We have also not had this level of campaign spending before: About $5 million from the candidates themselves, $13 million from registered interest groups, and another $13 million from unregistered interest groups! On top of that, there are 2 separate election days: Aug. 9th for the 6 Republican held State Senate seats and Aug. 16th for 2 Democrat held seats. (See listing below)

Since all 8 of these individuals were elected in November 2008, during the height of Democrat Obama fervor, it is difficult for me to believe that same high tide of liberalism will carry the day tomorrow. Since then, we have had the birth of the conservative Tea Party in spring of 2009, a strong Conservative shift in November 2010 (even in very Blue Wisconsin), and a Conservative Justice, David Prosser, win in April of this year, amid the height of liberal protesting in Madison.

We can see what is going on in Washington and World Markets with our out of control spending, does Wisconsin want to go back to the Doyle debt days? If not, if you have a recall election Aug. 9th or Aug. 16th in your State Senate district, GET OUT AND VOTE!

Who is on the ballot?
Aug. 9th is recall election day for Republican State Senators: Robert Cowles for District 2 -- Shawano , for Republican Alberta Darling in District 8 -- Mequon (north shore, Menomonee Falls too), for Republican Sheila Harsdorf in District 10 -- River Falls, for Republican Luther Olsen in District 14 -- Ripon, for Republican Randy Hopper in District 18 -- Oshkosh/Fond du Lac, and for Republican Dan Kapanke District 32 -- LaCrosse.

Aug. 16th is recall election day for Democrat Senators (The ones who fled the state rather than vote.) Democrat incumbents will be defending their seats against Republican Kim Simac (Rhinelander, Eagle River area) and Republican Jonathan Steitz (Kenosha).

Past Posts: Kim Simac & Jonathan Steitz advance to Aug. 16th recall election

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

Got to stop out-of-control spending to keep U.S. AAA rating

2011-07-29T09:35:00.014-06:00

We are told that the U.S. Government will come to a screeching halt when it hits the $14.3 Trillion Debt Ceiling on Tuesday, Aug. 2nd*. In my mind's eye, I envisioned the U.S. Government as a Monster Truck rumbling down the highway on bloated tires, coming up to a bridge with too low of a clearance for a truck of that height.

To keep our government (and economy) rolling, either the bridge clearance (Debt Ceiling) has to be raised, or the size of the tires (deficit spending) could be reduced.

President Obama is threatening those balking at raising the Debt Ceiling in the House and Senate, that a delay could trigger a U.S. Credit rating downgrade to AA. But I have heard for months now that our AAA credit rating is already at risk: our present $14.3 Trillion in debt is viewed as unsustainable.

Reuters confirmed this in Republican rebels force new delay in US debt crisis, "Even if a deal is reached to lift the debt ceiling, a downgrade of the U.S. credit rating is likely unless a big dent is made in the deficit. A downgrade would raise borrowing costs, hurt an already weak economy and rattle global markets." (My emphasis)

Right now, the House is stalling on the latest Boehner Debt Ceiling bill. Though the spending cuts are laughable--$900 billion over 10 years, which is nothing--at least it doesn't include tax increases. The bill's strength is that the debt ceiling increase is split into 2 parts: $1T now and the remainder 6 months from now--well into 2012 campaign season territory. Too bad it wasn't in smaller increments.

I realize even this generous Debt Ceiling increase is very unlikely to pass the Senate, but at least is better than anything Senator Reid is suggesting. Possibly, Boehner adding a Balanced Budget Amendment to the House Bill would be enough to get it through the House.

It is becoming crystal clear that President Obama and the liberals in Congress do not understand that government spending MUST be reduced--not just the level of future growth in spending, but actual cuts here and now if our AAA credit rating is to continue. We must elect more fiscally conservative leaders in November 2012. Until then, we have to work with what we have in Washington.

Obama just urged Americans to contact their Senators and Representatives to resolve the debt crisis. Of course, his concept of resolution would be raising the Debt Ceiling with enough spending cushion to carry him through November of 2012! And he certainly doesn't want a Balanced Budget Amendment to pass. But, I can agree with the President that contacting our representatives is imperative. Here are their numbers:

Find your U.S. Senators by last name
Wisconsin's U.S. Senator Ron Johnson (202) 224-5323
Wisconsin's U.S. Senator Herb Kohl (202) 224-5653

Find your U.S. House of Representatives member by state
House Representative James Sensenbrenner Washington D.C. (202) 225-5101, Brookfield (262) 784-1111
House Speaker John Boehner phone line (513) 779-5400

Past Post: Tell Congress to tell Mr. Obama, No new taxes! Cut, Cap & Balance!

More Reading: Republican rebels force new delay in US debt crisis
What's Wrong With Government Spending?
WSJ The Road to a Downgrade

*Not a hard, fast deadline. Remember, we do have enough income every month to pay essential bills.

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

Wow! Wisconsin gained 9,500 jobs in June, while Nation gained only 18,000

2011-07-22T11:53:00.008-06:00

Correction: Blog title has been changed from Wow! Wisconsin accounted for 1/2 of new private sector jobs in nation, as this was an inadvertent misinterpretation of the statistics. Wisconsin did see 12,900 new private sector jobs in June, for a net gain of 9,500 new jobs after losses are subtracted. Other states also experienced large job gains. These gains however were offset by other states huge losses. Correction also noted on closing statement.

Things are looking up in our state. Wisconsin added about 12,900 new private-sector jobs, according to the State of Wisconsin Workforce Development report for June. The report's subtitle stated, "Gain of 12,900 private-sector jobs is largest one-month gain since September 2003."

The Journal Sentinel couldn't resist throwing a wet blanket on those numbers by pointing out "nearly half of Wisconsin's new private-sector jobs were in the tourism, hospitality and food services category." True, many of these jobs do not pay all that well, as a local banker mentioned in the article, but a job is a job. For those who have been unemployed or for college students trying to save up for next semester, getting a paycheck is still a good thing.

Plus, if these are tourism related jobs, that also means that retailers, gas stations, hotel owners, food store owners, etc. will be positively affected by an increase in sales, and the state benefits from an increase in sales tax revenue.

I also noticed that earlier this month, in a Washington Times article Unemployment at 9.2 percent as jobs stall, the trend was the same: "Most of the 57,000 jobs created by the private sector last month were in leisure and hospitality businesses, which registered a gain of 34,000." (After the job losses are subtracted from the gainers, the national total for jobs gained was 18,000 in June--even worse than May's dismal 25,000 positive jobs number.) I don't recall the President or the mainstream media mentioning that these were only hospitality/leisure jobs when these abysmal numbers were reported.

Seeing that the majority of these new jobs were in a business sector that relies on people having enough disposable income to spend on hotels, restaurants, transportation--tourism--does it make any sense for the Democrats and President Obama to look at taxing the rich even more? It is pretty obvious that our nation's economy is barely growing at all. Why squelch the one area that is gaining jobs?

Anyway, I am glad Wisconsin is seeing job numbers like this: 9,500 net gain ~~out of~~ compared to the national total of 18,000 ~~created~~ gained. It is nice to see a little good news. Hope the trend continues.

P.S. Speaking of another wet blanket, did you catch Steve Wynn's quote about the President and his administration in Wynn CEO Goes On Epic Anti-Obama Rant On Company Conference Call? "And I'm saying it bluntly, that this administration is the greatest wet blanket to business, and progress and job creation in my lifetime." The piece is a sobering read.

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

Kim Simac & Jonathan Steitz advance to Aug. 16th recall election

2011-07-20T12:00:00.007-06:00

Though our area State Senators Leah Vukmir and Rich Zipperer are not facing recall elections this August, the results of these recall elections on Aug. 9th and Aug. 16th are still very important for everyone in our state. These recall elections will determine if Republicans hold their majority in the State Senate or not.

I was pleased to learn that Northwoods Patriots Tea Party founder Kim Simac won over her opponent in Senate District 16 way up north (Rhinelander, Eagle River). Her election website Kim Simac for State Senate cleverly bears the subtitle: A Leader Who Won't Run Away, in reference to her opponent, Dem. Senator Jim Holperin, who fled the state rather than take a vote.

Obviously, Simac is a conservative! I first became acquainted with her and the Northwoods Patriots when Simac spoke at the Madison Tea Party rally in 2010. With that kind of grassroots support, I would think she has a good chance of defeating Democrat incumbent Holperin on Aug. 16th.

Former small business owner and attorney Jonathan Steitz won his 22nd Senate District primary yesterday. Much like U.S. Senator Ron Johnson, who stepped forward out of the private sector to run against incumbent Democrat Russ Feingold, Jonathan Steitz has a business background. He will be running against Democrat Bob Wirch on Aug. 16th.

Jonathan Steitz has been sending me press releases since he announced his candidacy in mid May. "We need lower taxes, less government regulation, and common-sense policies that will encourage economic growth for our area," Steitz stated. And that sentiment has become the subtitle for his election website Steitz for Senate: Simplify taxes, reduce regulation and create jobs.

Wisconsin needs conservatives like Simac and Steitz in Madison. I wish them much success.

You can keep up with the latest election information at WisPolitics Election Blog

Don't forget that on Aug. 9th, 6 Republican Senators will be defending their seats in Madison against Democrat opponents. My blogging acquaintance Randy Melchert has posted an assessment of all 9 recall elections. His blog includes the vote total percentages Prosser received in April in their districts and his projections about wins and losses. Check it out.

Yesterday, was the first of the recalls with Democrat Hansen holding his seat in Green Bay against David Vanderleest, who Republicans weren't really promoting. (Republicans flubbed this recall primary big time by not submitting enough nomination signatures for John Nygren, who was the real contender. Thus it was the actual election instead of a primary.)

Aug. 9th is recall election day for Republican Robert Cowles for District 2 -- Shawano , for Republican Alberta Darling in District 8 -- Mequon (north shore, Menomonee Falls too), for Republican Sheila Harsdorf in District 10 -- River Falls, for Republican Luther Olsen in District 14 -- Ripon, for Republican Randy Hopper in District 18 -- Oshkosh/Fond du Lac, and for Republican Dan Kapanke District 32 -- LaCrosse. Kapanke is a good guy and unfortunately, he looks to be the most vulnerable.

Then there are the last 2 recalls on Aug. 16th with Democrat incumbents defending their seats against Kim Simac and Jonathan Steitz.

I am sure any one of these candidates would appreciate a donation or volunteers to make phone calls, etc. Contact them by clicking the link on their name. And if you live in these districts, Don't forget to VOTE!

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

Tell Congress to tell Mr. Obama, No new taxes! Cut, Cap & Balance! +P.S.

2011-07-07T06:12:00.013-06:00

Hitting the Debt-Ceiling has been in the news for months now. Though in theory we surpass our borrowing limits on Aug. 2nd, we don't have to default on our loans as the President threatens because the Treasury can choose which bills to pay--the essential--and which to not pay--the non-essential.

Our government had prepared to shut down those non-essential services, such as the National Parks, back on April 8th. (I was well aware of that possibility, because we had plans to leave on a 15 National Parks and Monuments vacation in the southwest on the very next day--April 9th!) The shutdown never happened however, because Congress passed a stop-gap measure near midnight on April 8th.

Then there was discussion that the debt limit would be reached in mid May. They got through that crisis by tapping into the Federal worker pension fund and using the some $200 billion that flows into the Treasury every month. But now we are hitting our borrowing limit, the debt-ceiling, again.

We have enough revenue; we just spend too much. Yet the President's solution to his debt crisis is to raise the debt-ceiling limit and increase taxes on the rich. (Maybe he is channeling his inner Herbert Hoover?) The words cut spending don't ever seem to be in Obama's vocabulary.

Our economic recovery is in the doldrums. It has even been called a growth-less recovery by Obama's former Chair of the White House Council of Economic Advisers, and the President sees raising taxes as our only solution?

Raising taxes on anyone right now is NOT the solution to our debt problem. Instead, we need to Cut , Cap & Balance our spending and live within our means by cutting spending and debt and passing a Balanced Budget Amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would include a "spending limitation and super-majority for raising taxes, in addition to balancing revenues and expenses".

Take a moment to sign the Cut, Cap & Balance pledge and then contact your Senators and House Representative and urge them to pass the Cut, Cap & Balance Act of 2011 introduced on Thursday by Senators Toomey, Paul (Rand), Lee, Blunt, Vitter, Sessions, DeMint and our own Ron Johnson. The CC&B Act currently has 21 co-sponsors.

Let your representatives in Washington D.C. know your views on the debt-ceiling problem.

Find your U.S. Senators by last name
Wisconsin's U.S. Senator Ron Johnson (202) 224-5323
Wisconsin's U.S. Senator Herb Kohl (202) 224-5653

Find your U.S. House of Representatives member by state
House Representative James Sensenbrenner Washington D.C. (202) 225-5101, Brookfield (262) 784-1111

President Obama would like to settle our debt problem now, before the summer recess in August, and with enough spending cushion so the ceiling/spending issue doesn't come up again until after the 2012 elections. This spending crisis is too important to just push on down the road until after November 2012. Make the calls!

Post Script: I tried calling House Speaker John Boehner's office Friday to implore him to stand firm on NO NEW TAXES or fees or tax code loopholes or whatever he would call a revenue increase but couldn't get through on his Representative phone line and mailbox was full (202) 225-6205. I then tried his House Speaker phone line (513) 779-5400 and it was the same story. I'll take that as a good sign that people are hammering him with No more spending and no more taxes of any kind. I will keep trying.

Cut , Cap & Balance Pledge

More reading: As debt talks ramp up, spending cuts not enough for some Republican senators
Schumer confirms White House considering ignoring debt limit
WSJ Obama's Debt-Ceiling Opportunity
WSJ Inside the Disappointing Comeback
Obama to raid Federal pension pot as United States reaches $14 trillion borrowing limit today

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

Rebels & Redcoats Revolutionary War Reenactment July 9&10, 2011

2011-07-06T07:08:00.005-06:00

On July 4th, the Village of Elm Grove hosted a Revolutionary War camp complete with re-enactors as part of their 4th of July festivities. Unfortunately, I got there just in time to see them pack up!

But in talking to one of the soldiers, I found out that the group, The North West Territory Alliance - NWTA, would be holding a much larger event this coming weekend at Fox River County Park in Kenosha County, near Silver Lake, Wisconsin. Called Rebels and Redcoats on the Fox, this event will be a much larger encampment and would even include skirmishes. (Though the link was for registering for the event, it also includes a map and directions to the park.)

The NWTA is a "...non-profit educational organization that studies and recreates the culture, lifestyle, and arts of the time of the American Revolution, 1775-1783." They have over 500 reenactors from the Midwest and participate in reenactments in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, and Wisconsin throughout the year. (Their next Wisconsin event is scheduled for Sept. 3&4 at Pioneer Village in Saukville, Wisconsin.)

So take a step back into history this Saturday and Sunday, July 9th and 10th, and witness Rebels and Redcoats on the Fox.

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

Happy Independence Day

2011-07-04T07:57:00.006-06:00

Today our nation celebrates the 235th anniversary of declaring our independence from England with parades, picnics, and fireworks. At church yesterday, we were reminded to pray for our nation and for our leaders.

While I'm not planning on attending our Brookfield parade or fireworks, I do hope to get my gardening chores finished early enough to stop in at the Elm Grove Village Park to see the Revolutionary War re-enactment. What a great idea, Elm Grove! Thanks for focusing our attention on the price that was paid for our freedom.

Hope you enjoy this beautiful day and take a moment to give thanks for this wonderful country and the blessings of liberty we enjoy.

God bless America
God bless America,
Land that I love,
Stand beside her and guide her
Thru the night with a light from above;

From the mountains, to the prairies,
To the oceans white with foam,
God bless America,
My home, sweet home.
God bless America,
My home, sweet home.

Heritage Foundation - Celebrating America's Enduring Principles

Past Posts: A call to prayer for America on July 4th
Alexis de Tocqueville on what makes America great

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

Sweet 'n creamy coleslaw made easy

2011-06-02T06:15:00.006-06:00

Good coleslaw is hard to find. Many people think it is even harder to make! Even at many delis and restaurants*, what passes for coleslaw runs the gamut of being just shredded cabbage and heavy cream (had that several times on the west coast) to something resembling cubed cabbage hearts with a horseradish-like bite--so disappointing. Some people just give up trying.

But if you love coleslaw as much as I do, don't throw in the towel. Give this simple recipe a try.

I make my coleslaw dressing from 4 basic ingredients in equal parts: mayo, cider vinegar, sugar, and cream (either sour cream, light sour cream, heavy cream, or half and half). If you don't want to use any dairy products, you can eliminate it altogether and still have a very acceptable coleslaw. Just use the mayo, sugar and vinegar in equal parts.

The Recipe: Makes enough for 4
1/2 head green cabbage
1-3 carrots
1/3 C mayonnaise--I usually use a sweet Miracle-whip type (Aldi's whipped type works great) or other mayos. Depending on the type used, it will change the taste a bit. I have used the olive oil light or other light varieties successfully, but never tried real or no fat types.
1/3 C sugar
1/3 C cider vinegar
1/3 C cream of some sort Usually this is 1/2 and 1/2 or lite sour cream for me
1/4 t. salt or to taste
scant 1/4 t. celery seed--optional

Procedure:
1. I mix the dressing in the bowl I will serve the coleslaw in--that way I don't dirty an extra dish!

2. Measure the ingredients into the bowl and stir around until mixed. (In time, you won't even have to measure. I just put blops of each of the main 4 ingredients and estimate the salt and celery seed.) I did actually measure the ingredients listed above though.

3. Remove the dark green leaves and wash the cabbage, then slice.

You can use a food processor, mandolin shredder (watch those fingers--yes, that is the voice of experience), or a very sharp knife. For a batch this size, I just use my trusty Cutco knife and slice as thin as possible, then coarsely cross cut the shreds. The shred size of coleslaw is a individual preference. You can use the bagged shredded coleslaw or broccoli slaw if you want, but I avoid it. I believe you lose nutritional value when veggies are peeled or cut in advance.

4. Place shredded cabbage in bowl on top of dressing.

5. Peel the carrots and coarsely grate with food processor or hand held grater. If using hand held one, I place that right on top of the cabbage in the bowl and grate directly onto the slaw. (That way I avoid cleaning up the carrot juice on the cutting board!)

If serving later in the day or next, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. If you are taking to a picnic, pour the dressing into a jar or container with a tight lid, then mix it with the cabbage once there.

When ready to serve, toss and mix well, and TASTE. You might want to add a little more salt, make it a little more zippy with more vinegar, make sweeter with more sugar, or creamier with more sour cream or 1/2 and 1/2.

Hope you give this coleslaw a try. I have found that even kids like it--must be all the sugar! Once I made it with red cabbage and called it Barney-slaw. (It turns the color of Barney!)

You can add some a little shredded red cabbage for color, little pieces of sweet pickle, pineapple tidbits, snipped chives, or even peanuts. Don't be afraid to make changes and make it your own.

*Red Lobster and Chili's serve what I consider to be good coleslaw.

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

Last chance to enjoy Reclaiming Our Heritage at VA June 4&5

2011-06-01T09:44:00.005-06:00

Sad but true, June 4th & 5th marks the 10th and final Reclaiming Our Heritage weekend at Milwaukee's VA Medical Center. (5000 W. National Ave. behind Miller Park) As the JSOnline reported in March, "In some respects the event is a victim of its popularity." The article mentioned that the reenactment weekend grew from just 50 reenactors with around 3,000 visitors in 2002 to hosting 700 war re-enactors and over 10,000 visitors last year.

I have been to a few Civil War reenactor events around the country, but Reclaiming Our Heritage was unique in that it hosted reenactors from many war eras at the same time: Pre Civil War, Civil War, WWI, WW2, Korean War, Vietnam War, and Iraq.

However, one drawback to all that variety is that all those groups need open space to set up their camps and conduct Living History demonstrations. And with the the VAs new building plans, vacant areas, large enough to house all those reenactor camps, is said to become too scarce for future events. (Many of the reenactors actually live in their camps for the weekend.)

So attend if you can, because this is your last chance to experience this Living History event at such a history rich location as the VA and National Cemetery.

Reclaiming Our Heritage is billed as Family Friendly and Positively Patriotic and seems to include events of interest for the whole family: plenty of music, dancing, fashions, soldier reenactments and demos, church services on Sunday, and more. Check out the Reclaiming Our Heritage events page for specifics.

The event is FREE, and activities begin at 9am both days.

Past Post: June 5&6, Milwaukee VA Center History Event: Reclaiming Our Heritage
JSOnline: Reclaiming Our Heritage ending after this year

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

It's a beautiful Memorial Day

2011-05-30T09:02:00.003-06:00

Today's weather is a very pleasant surprise; often Memorial Day weather leaves something to be desired. But today the sun is shining and the temperature pleasant, considering the cold, rainy spring we have been having.

Yesterday I drove past Wisconsin Memorial Park on Capitol Drive in Brookfield (just west of 124th Street and the shopping center) and saw the American flags furled throughout the cemetery. They used to put them up just along the roadside but now have them displayed across at least the front portion of the park. These aren't just little hand waving flags but rather the huge 9' casket flags that are presented by the military to the families of Veterans. It is quite an impressive and sobering sight.

So today, as you enjoy this beautiful Memorial Day, take a moment and consider the price that was paid for your freedom. If you are a person of faith, thank God for the brave men and women who gave their lives serving their country.

Past Post: Memorial Day Traditions
Thank you, Veterans, for the final salute

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

Will "Firearms prohibited in this facility" signs come to Wisconsin? Senate committee approves Conceal Carry

2011-05-26T13:53:00.009-06:00

One version of Conceal Carry passed the Wisconsin Senate Judiciary Committee yesterday. So will these signs soon be seen in various public places in our state as they are in Arizona, a state that allows Constitutional Carry?

We recently spent a few weeks in Arizona and I admit, at first those signs were a bit of a surprise. We soon became accustomed to seeing them though, and we also adjusted to seeing someone's firearm peeking out from a jacket or even openly holstered on the hip.

One Navajo woman, at dinner with her family, had a belt on with bullets sheathed around her waist and a derringer where the buckle would be! (That was on the Navajo Nation--they have their own regulations there.)

We also visited some folks we know in Phoenix and found that the husband carried. He frequently went target shooting to keep his skills honed.

Did I feel threatened by the people carrying? Not at all. In fact, since I was a bit unnerved knowing armed illegals travel at will in the southern portion of that state, it was somewhat comforting to know that many Arizonans pack a piece.

Concealed Carry will pass in some shape or form here in Wisconsin. The question is what version--Constitutional Carry like Arizona and 3 other states or Concealed Carry with a permit as Utah does along with 43 others. Wisconsin is one of 2 states in our Union that doesn't allow Conceal Carry in any form.

I am torn as to which type of Conceal Carry law we should have. Before President Obama, I would have said sure, by permit is fine. But since our President is so eager to over-regulate firearms, including by means "under the radar" as he recently told James Brady's wife, Sarah, I don't know.

Since any responsible person would go for training before carrying a firearm, and background checks are done at the time of purchase*, I think I could be OK with Constitutional Carry. Criminals will disregard any regulations for permitting or background checks for purchase no matter what the Conceal Carry law states.

If you are thinking of carrying, you should check with your homeowner's insurance carrier to see if you need some extra liability insurance. The insurance issue was raised by one of the attendees at the Kooyenga Town Hall meeting.

In Arizona, we saw the "Firearms are prohibited in this facility" signs posted at numerous National Park Visitor Centers. National Parks recently changed their policy and now allow concealed carry of loaded firearms in the parks, using the gun regulations of the respective state.

We also encountered one of those signs at the Courthouse in Phoenix, a beautiful building I would have liked to have toured but was prohibited from entering. They wouldn't let me in because I was packing... a camera! (Cameras were not allowed inside.)

More reading:

WisPolitics: Senate committee approves conceal carry bill

Wisconsin would be among easiest states to conceal carry

Obama: We're working on gun control 'under the radar'

*Firearms purchased from a gun store require background checks. Some firearms can be purchased at gun shows and privately without a background check. But as someone who knows about guns told me, this can be very dangerous to do. If that firearm was used in a crime, I was told you could become involved in that crime even though you had nothing to do with it.

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

Catching up: Voter ID, Kooyenga Town Hall & Elmbrook

2011-05-20T06:01:00.007-06:00

Voter ID
At long last, Wisconsin's Voter ID bill passed the Senate yesterday and now awaits Gov. Walker's signature. Hallelujah. No doubt it will end up in court, but Sen. Alberta Darling mentioned yesterday on Jay Weber that though she preferred passing 2 separate bills, at least the bill is severable. (The Voter ID portion, which has been upheld by the courts, can be separated from the more controversial portions of the bill.)

Voter ID will be in place for the 2012 elections. I wonder what those elections will look like with Voter ID in place and the end of mandatory Union membership for State workers. (Unions fund Democrat candidate advertising with their dues.) Though the Budget Repair Bill is stuck in the doldrums of the Madison court, the Republicans could just incorporate it into the overall Budget bill.

By the way, Voter ID does not eliminate same day registration, but that turned out to be the better avenue. If we had eliminated same day registration, we then would need to implement MotorVoter laws, which ties obtaining a drivers license with registering to vote. I don't think registering to vote should be such an autopilot arrangement. My understanding of same day registration is that it still requires an approved photo ID. If the person doesn't have this, then they cast a provisional ballot (sealed in an envelope) and are given an opportunity to bring back their photo ID for their vote to count.

Past Post: Call Wisconsin Legislature to move on Photo Voter I.D.

Rep. Dale Kooyenga Town Hall
I didn't know what to expect. Would protesters be there? Would the room be packed as Town Halls had been before the November elections? As it turned out, there were 6 of us there--8 in all if you count Dale and his assistant William Neville. The 6 citizens in attendance consisted of 3 men I didn't know and Elmbrook Schools Superintendent Dr. Matt Gibson, Elmbrook Board President Tom Gehl, and little ole me.

The discussion was informal, with Kooyenga sitting with us in a circle of sorts. One man was talking about the concealed carry legislation when I cam in. Kooyenga briefly talked about the Combined Reporting changes, some which are addressed in the budget bill. Dale said rather than repeal the whole law, they would be looking at lowering the corporate tax rate.

Incidentally, did you know there is now a CPA Caucus? Kooyenga and his fellow CPAs now have their own group. He said they are working on a constitutional amendment to require a balanced state budget, applying business accounting principles to the state.

Dr. Gibson stated his support for the Governor's budget and appreciation for Kooyenga meeting with them regarding the coming budget changes. However, Gibson was looking to influence the per student dollar allocation. He mentioned working with the Fair Aid Coalition that represents property rich districts like Elmbrook (donor districts), who contribute to other school districts through their property taxes. Gibson said he was looking at increasing taxing authority as a possible solution to Elmbrook's shortfall.

It does seem like there might be some wiggle room in the state aid formula, "Some Republican legislative leaders say that they are working on a plan to lessen aid cuts for some Wisconsin schools. The legislature’s budget committee will take up the issue Thursday." I don't know if Elmbrook is included in that group, but it shows there could be some adjustments coming.

You can sign up for Rep. Dale Kooyenga's Legislative Wisconsin Capitol Update by contacting his assistant William Neville at William.Neville@legis.wisconsin.gov

Petitioning Waukesha School District subdivisions can't join Elmbrook School District
Don't know if you saw this, but those 3 subdivisions to Elmbrook's west lost again at the state level in their quest to be included in the Elmbrook School District. I blogged about this in February of 2011 in What? Families who HAVE 4K petition to join Elmbrook WITHOUT 4K?

BrookfieldNOW reported in Neighborhoods lose bid to join Elmbrook, again that "The state's School Boundary Appeals Board last week denied the request of nearly 200 property owners in the Black Forest, Summit Lawn, Emerald Ridge and Shire subdivisions to leave the Waukesha School District and join Elmbrook.

The board voted, 3-0, to deny the Shire, Summit Lawn and Black Forest petition, and the Emerald Ridge request was voted down, 2-1."

I think the bottom line is that regardless of where the boundary is, there will always be someone living across the street who isn't in the same school district as their playmate in the district. That really isn't a valid argument for annexation. It isn't the state's place to take money out of one school district by allowing those homes to attend another school district. The decision of which school district your children will attend should be made at the time you purchase your home, not after the fact!

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

Trump, Huckabee out, Newt, Romney should go too, we need a Ryan!

2011-05-16T10:50:00.010-06:00

So far, the field of announced 2012 Republican contenders for the presidency is abysmal.

Thankfully,Huckabee decided not to run, and Trump announced the same. While I did enjoy Trump dishing it back to the press, he is no conservative. Glad he is out of the picture.

Then there is the has-been Newt Gingrich. He really shot himself in his remaining foot over the weekend by standing up for the individual health insurance mandate, endorsing the state run systems (he must have liked Romney's approach?), and criticizing Paul Ryan's plan as radical. (Newt apologized to Ryan, but the damage is done.)

Newt wasn't even on my radar as a possibility ever since he made that Pelosi love-fest ad for global warming. Since he still won't recant on that, Newt doesn't have a conservative leg to stand on. His marital history is a mess too. I think of Newt as Newt the coot--as appealing as week old, warmed over coffee.

Then there is Mitt Romney. He still won't renounce his Massachusetts health care plan, which was the template for Obamacare. The only thing he has going for him is that he promises to repeal Obamacare. (That would be his I created an Obamacare-like program before I was against it stance.) But even with that promise, I am struggling with supporting someone who is not a Christian. (I could support a Jew for president.) I do know some Mormons and they are lovely people. We share many common values, but we do not share a common belief in who God and Jesus Christ are or a belief in the Trinity. Though I would have voted for Mitt last time, I would have to prayerfully consider supporting Romney this time.

So, if we eliminate Newt and Romney, who then?

I would love to see Paul Ryan run, but he says the time isn't right. I would remind him that George Washington didn't want to be president either but agreed to do it because his country needed him. (I am praying for a change of heart.)

Though a Congressman has never won a presidency, I do wonder if those rules are out the window now since the emergence of the Tea Party and raised awareness of the voting public. After all, Wisconsin just had Ron Johnson, a business man with no political experience, win a US Senate race against Russ Feingold, a solid Democrat, last year.

Paul Ryan was on Mark Levin last night talking about his budget plan. One interesting point was that his solution for Medicare was originally talked about during the Clinton administration by a bipartisan Medicare commission in 1999. Ryan also reminded the public that Medicare on its present course goes bankrupt in 9 years!

Listen for yourself: Ryan comes on the show at the 4 minute mark and talks about his plan from the 5:17 to 16 minute mark.

In a nutshell: those 55 and over will have no change. Medicare for 54 and under would have a plan like the Congress and Federal workers have. The senior can pick their own provider from a list of Medicare approved providers, benefits would be prorated by ability to pay. The CBO says this allows Medicare to remain solvent.

Contrast Ryan's plan with Obamacare that removes $500 billion from Medicare and then relies on denying coverage for seniors outright via the 15 man bureaucratic commission. It goes bankrupt in 9 years!

In other words, Ryan's plan gives the money to the senior and they decide who will provide their coverage. Ryan's reforms promote competition and denies inefficient providers.

So if Ryan won't run, who would you favor?

I admire Michelle Bachmann. She is fearless in her ability to stand up for her beliefs, but she too is a Congressman.

Please don't say Chris Chrisite. For one, he just was elected as governor and he is NOT a conservative. He won't denounce Obamacare and he is pro amnesty and green energy.)

There are a number of choices on the Town Hall roster of 2012 hopefuls including Sarah Palin (she has been consistently solid on the issues since 2008 but I don't know that the majority would accept her), and there are others that I am not really familiar with. Names like Tim Pawlenty (I heard he renounced his pro green energy stance), Herman Cain (I like his ideas but don't know about his experience), Mitch Daniels (I have heard his name brought up, but I don't know how conservative he is), Rick Santorum (I really admire Rick, a solid conservative) and a few others. Ron Paul is on that list--he's great on the economy but really wacky on other issues.

Texas governor Rick Perry is also on that list. Maybe he is the Ryan-like candidate conservatives like me are looking for? I hope so. Governors are favored in a presidential race, and it seems he is moving forward: Rick Perry Presidential Push Quietly Gains Steam:

Perry just might be the man, "As many grass-roots Republicans remain in search of a conservative candidate with the pizazz to go toe-to-toe against President Obama, a man from deep in the heart of Texas who was tea party before the tea party was cool appears to be giving the presidential race some thought."

I hope conservatives are praying that the right man or woman is selected this time as the GOP candidate. We cannot afford another choice just because it was their turn to run!

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

Rep. Dale Kooyenga Town Hall/Listening Session, Wed. May 18, 2011

2011-05-14T08:08:00.004-06:00

This coming week, newly elected State Representative Dale Kooyenga will hold a Town Hall / Listening Session at the City of Brookfield's Safety Building Municipal Courtroom on Wednesday, May 18th, 7pm. (The Safety Building is just north of Brookfield City Hall on Calhoun Road.)

Kooyenga has been doing an excellent job keeping his 14th Assembly District constituents informed of what is going on in the Madison legislature via email alerts and also personal correspondence. I am pleased he is also doing the Town Hall meeting.

The legislators have been busy, passing the long awaited Voter ID bill just this week. It should be interesting to hear what else is on the horizon.

Talk show host Jay Weber has a Conservative Wish List posted on his web-page. Check out how many issues have been dealt with, those still pending, and the ones waiting for action. It is pretty impressive.

My wishes would be #10, "End all state mandates and subsidies for Ethanol", and #11, "Get rid of the mandatory emissions test for Wisconsin autos. (Kleefish working on it, vote not pending, though)" I heard one of the hurdles on emissions tests is the contract with the emission workers is still in effect. I would also like #13 dealt with: "Repeal the Planned Parenthood sponsored Sex Education bill."

Dale Kooyenga 14th Assembly District: Phone (608) 266-9180, Email: Rep.Kooyenga@legis.wi.gov

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

Mr. Obama, illegal immigration isn't funny in southwest

2011-05-11T08:03:00.005-06:00

This week, President Obama visited El Paso, Texas, and in his typical say anything manner, proclaimed the border fence basically complete. Of course, the people of southwestern states know this is not true, for only 5% of the mandated 700 mile double fence has been constructed: 32 miles under Pres. Bush and 4.3 miles of it built under Pres. Obama. (The entire border is nearly 2,000 miles in length.)

Obama went on to quip about Republicans never being satisfied on securing the border--that if he built the fence, they would want a moat and alligators. He treated this very serious subject as if it were a joke.

Well, to the people of the southwest, who live with this constant threat, illegal immigration is not at all a laughing matter. The people living in the southern portion of the border states are reminded of the gravity of their situation every day. With news stories of illegal drug traffickers, helicopters sweeping certain areas as far north as Phoenix, Border Patrol SUVs cruising their highways, and roadblocks with drug sniffing dogs, they know the problem of illegal immigration is far from solved.

We recently spent a few weeks in New Mexico and Arizona, visiting most of the National Parks and Monuments these states had to offer. But there were some we avoided on the border of Mexico and Arizona and others because of the safety warnings from the U.S. Department of Interior that the parks have become "drug smuggling routes".

This is America and we have to avoid 1,000s of acres of our own land because they have been taken over by criminal illegals? Sen. Jim DeMint stated it well, "Our nation’s borders are fundamental to our national security and sovereignty. Americans shouldn’t be forced to live under the threat of kidnappings, drug violence, and gang activity because of political posturing in Washington. Security must be at the crux of any credible immigration policy."

We also encountered traffic stops by the border patrol, while traveling on US 70 to Las Cruces, NM, and on AZ 80 coming back from Tombstone, AZ. Both times the patrol was hoping to turn back Mexican illegals entering the U.S. via wilderness areas.

So if that fence is so complete, Mr. President, why the road blocks? And by the way, during our stops, I didn't observe anyone laughing.

Speeches and Summits Won't Secure the Border by Sen. Jim DeMint

Arizona seeks cash for border fence "Arizona lawmakers want more fence along the border with Mexico - whether the federal government thinks it's necessary or not. They've got a plan that could get a project started using online donations and prison labor. "

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

Remember, Saturday, May 7th is WEED-OUT day at Mary Knoll Park

2011-05-05T15:59:00.008-06:00

Though the temperatures might seem more like it is March or April, the calendar says it is the first weekend in May, and that means it is time for the annual Garlic Mustard Pull WEED-OUT at Mary Knoll Park in Brookfield.

If you have noticed, the spring plants are a bit behind this year (due to the colder weather) but don't worry there will be nothing for you to do--Garlic Mustard doesn't wait for the sun to shine to make its presence known!

If enough strapping men show up on Saturday, there might be an opportunity to do some BUSHWHACKING again.

Last year some Boy Scouts and their dads attacked the invasive Buckthorn trees and Honeysuckle bushes, clearing an area near the tennis courts at the park. These plants are a problem because they crowd out good, native plants. In addition, Honeysuckle bushes produce little red, orange, or yellow berries that look good, but actually irritate the digestive systems of birds. (The birds eat them and then suffer the G.I. consequences later!)

As usual, the WEED-OUT will be held rain or shine, from 9am to noon, on Saturday, May 7, 2011.

For those of you not familiar with Garlic Mustard...

Garlic Mustard is a terrible invasive weed that if left alone will completely take over any area it is allowed to grow in. Area residents, Patty Gerner and family, have been been battling this thug at Mary Knoll Park since 1997. Because of their efforts, along with the help of the annual Weed Out teams, the Garlic Mustard is in retreat and the native wild flowers are making a comeback.

I have participated in several of the Weed Outs and always enjoyed them. Unlike Bushwhacking, the work isn't difficult and Brookfield's Park & Rec. Department provides large bags and will dispose of the weeds too. All you have to do is come prepared to work. They will even provide instruction! (Photo from past Weed Out.)

Do wear your gardening clothes and bring gloves. You might want a kneeling pad or mat and a water bottle. Showers are forecast, so a rain poncho and hat might be a good idea. (Wet weather makes it easier to pull the weeds.)

Excerpts from the Parks, Recreation & Forestry flier:

Who can participate?

Any interested individual or group This is an excellent community service project for any organization, school or church group, family, or private individual concerned about the environment and the City parks.

Why participate?

To help our native plants and animals survive so that we can continue to enjoy them. Garlic mustard is an invasive weed introduced on the east coast by early settlers for its alleged medicinal qualities and cooking. In our community it spreads rapidly, overtaking wildflowers, native tree and shrub seedlings. It then drives out animals, birds and insects that depend on a diversity of plant species for food and shelter. To Register, Call the Parks, Recreation & Forestry Office at (262) 796-6675. (Registration is not mandatory, but gives us an idea on how many volunteers to expect) “Project Partners”: The Gerner Family, Boy Scout Troop 23, Brookfield Central High School Key Club and UW-Extension

Rain or Shine!

You don't have to live near the park to participate. One year a woman from the north side of Brookfield came to learn how to go about eradicating the weed from her neighborhood park. I think she was hoping to form a group in her area to work on their park. Great idea.

Mary Knoll Park is located at 615 S. Sunnyslope Road, just south of the I-94 overpass bridge, in Brookfield.

See you there?

Past Garlic Mustard WEED-OUT Postings:
5th Annual Weed Out

4th Annual Weed Out

3rd Annual Weed Out (with photos)

It is worth saving (pictures from Weed Out and wildflowers)

Oh, the shame! (photos and tips for evicting Garlic Mustard)

Weed control links: Garlic Mustard and garlic mustard's pretty cousin, Dame's Rocket. (It can take over native areas too.) Garlic mustard should be thrown in the trash and labeled, Garlic Mustard: Do not compost.

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

National Day of Prayer: Meet at Brookfield City Hall Plaza May 5th, 12:20pm

2011-05-04T15:13:00.003-06:00

Thursday, May 5, 2011 marks the 60th Annual Observance of the National Day of Prayer, where people all over our country will meet at school and city flagpoles to pray for our nation.

This year's theme is A MIGHTY FORTRESS IS OUR GOD and the verse is from Psalm 91:2 "I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in Whom I trust."

I will be heading to the City of Brookfield's Plaza flag area (just north of City Hall) from 12:20pm to 12:40pm to pray for our community, state, nation, schools, leaders, servicemen, churches, and more. Hopefully, I won't be alone, but will meet others who who have come to pray for our country.

The National Day of Prayer website had this brief history of prayer in America under the heading Why Pray?:
"Prayer has always been used in this country for guidance, protection and strength-even before we were a nation or a handful of colonies. The Pilgrims at Plymouth relied on prayer during their first and darkest winter. Our founding fathers also called for prayer during the Constitutional Congress. In their eyes, our recently created nation and freedoms were a direct gift from God. And being a gift from God, there was only one way to insure protection-through prayer. "

Several years ago, their website gave this account of prayer in America: “The National Day of Prayer is a vital part of our heritage. Since the first call to prayer in 1775, when the Continental Congress asked the colonies to pray for wisdom in forming a nation, the call to prayer has continued through our history, including President Lincoln's proclamation of a day of "humiliation, fasting, and prayer" in 1863. In 1952, a joint resolution by Congress, signed by President Truman, declared an annual, national day of prayer.”

I have attended several other N.D.of P meetings at Brookfield's City Hall Plaza* and found them to be an encouraging experience. Hope you will venture out and join me in praying for our country.

*Note: Meeting at City Hall Plaza is NOT a City of Brookfield activity. It is just citizens exercising their right to free speech in a public place.

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

Not exactly a fairytale royal wedding

2011-05-04T15:12:00.014-06:00

APRIL 28, 2011

One can hardly turn on the news without hearing some buzz about the royal wedding between Prince William and Kate. I even witnessed a young mother today, shopping with her toddler, for an expensive hat and shawl to wear to her friend's royal wedding party on Friday.

The royal wedding is being referred to as a fairytale wedding, as in young woman meets handsome prince, marries, and lives happily ever after. But since this young couple has been living together for some time now, I just find it a sad reflection on today's mores.

I remember when Charles and Diana married; it was also a big deal. Some people watched during the wee hours to see the wedding unfold. I knew moms who had royal wedding tea parties for their daughters--that sounded like great fun to me. However, this time around, if a parent is encouraging their teens to be abstinent until marriage, how can they then celebrate this wedding between William and Kate, as if it is perfectly fine? That would really be a mixed message.

Don't get me wrong, I am glad William is making an honest woman of Kate, as they used to say, but I won't be watching the wedding this time. Curiosity will prompt me to look on the internet to catch a glimpse of her dress (it has to be better than Diana's, right?) but that will be the extent of my royal wedding watch.

With all the bad news today, be it war, rioting, flooding, fires, tornadoes, the economy, high gas prices and our debt crisis, I can see why this wedding would be such a welcome diversion for some. I just wish it wasn't a tarnished one.

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

A blessed Good Friday & Easter to you

2011-05-04T15:12:00.013-06:00

APRIL 22, 2011

Though the word Easter and even some non-religious Easter Bunny themed events have come under attack by the P.C. crowd this year, Good Friday through Easter or Resurrection Sunday still mark the most important 3 days of the year for a Christian. It is during this time that we remember the crucifixion, sacrificial death, and burial of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and then celebrate His resurrection on Sunday.

Most Christians tend to make a big deal of His birthday, Christmas, and also His resurrection, Easter. These 2 days tend to be the more heavily attended church days of the year.

But in my Wednesday night Bible study class, my teacher recently mentioned that the Jesus never instructed us to remember His birthday, or even His resurrection day, but He does instruct His followers to remember His death. At the Last Supper He says, This do in remembrance of me. (Luke 22:19)

I admit I had never really thought about that before. There is nothing wrong with remembering or celebrating His birthday or resurrection day, but we are instructed to remember His sacrifice for our sins on the cross with the Lord's Supper. In 1 Corinthians 11, Jesus' followers are told, For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.

The words of the song Oh To See the Dawn by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend sum relay why we remember this day.

"Oh, to see the dawn of the darkest day; Christ on the road to Calvary; Tried by sinful men, Torn and beaten then, nailed to a cross of wood."

Refrain: "This the power of the cross; Christ became sin for us; Took the blame, bore the wrath, we stand forgiven at the cross."

The song goes on to talk about the weight of our sins upon Him from every "bitter thought" and "evil deed" we have done, and how the ground shook and the curtain in the temple tore in two, ending the separation between God and man, when He cried it is "finished" and died. Then comes my favorite part when I am singing this hymn,

"Oh, to see my name, written in the wounds, For through Your suffering I am free. Death is crushed to death, life is mine to live, Won through Your selfless love!"

Final Refrain: "This the power of the cross; Son of God, slain for us. What a love, what a cost, we stand forgiven at the cross."

If do not have a church home, may I extend an invitation to mine, Brookside Baptist Church in Brookfield. They will present their Easter musical, No Greater Love, at 7pm on Friday and 5pm on Saturday. Easter Sunday services are at 8am, 9:30am, and 11am.

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

"The Importance of Worldview" & literal 6 day creation, Tuesday, April 19th

2011-04-14T20:48:00.010-06:00

If you are a Christian, does it matter if you believe in the literal 6 day week of creation as described in the book of Genesis?

Find out why 6 literal days is important this coming Tuesday evening, when local business executive Gerald Frye, of Elm Grove, will present, "The Importance of Worldview" at the Creation Science Society of Milwaukee's monthly meeting.

Mr. Frye spoke to the group last year detailing how Purpose Precedes Creation and did an excellent job. I would anticipate this talk to be equally interesting.

This month, the CSSM meeting will be held at 7:15 pm in Brookside Baptist Church's auditorium. Brookside is located at 4470 North Pilgrim Road in Brookfield, Wisconsin.

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

Brookfield not counted in Prosser totals, a recording error extraordinaire

2011-04-07T19:09:00.008-06:00

I am too busy to blog right now but too excited not to share the news (in case you live under a rock and haven't heard).

Here it is: The City of Brookfield's vote totals were not included in the Waukesha County vote total Tuesday night!

It was a clerical error, not a case of thousands of "found" ballots that were not counted on election day. No, these ballots were counted in Brookfield Tuesday night. That total, however, was not included in Waukesha County's grand total.

Ryan Morgan, blog contributor for Fairly Conservative and a man who clearly has a head for numbers, wrote Prosser lost the election in Waukesha county last night. Sensing something was amiss with Waukesha County's vote totals, he commented this morning, "Well, I have a theory that I want to be true… we really turned out okay and there are missing votes somewhere waiting to be discovered. "

In comment 22 of that post, Ryan gets specific after comparing other city's populations to votes cast to Waukesha's totals: "I could very well end up with egg on my face, but given we’ve already seen that AP can be inaccurate, I am starting to EXPECT that we will soon discover that there are 10,000 to 16,000 more ballots in Waukesha county than what AP has reported." (My emphasis)

And the exact number was 14,315. 10,859 for Prosser and 3,456 for Kloppenberg, netting Prosser a 7,582 gain. (Cindy linked Brookfield's election results in comment 26 on that same posting, so you can see for yourself.)

Now I know I already said this at the beginning, but I am going to repeat it again: THESE ARE NOT NEW BALLOTS THAT WERE NOT COUNTED TUESDAY NIGHT FOUND IN A BROOM CLOSET.

This was a clerical error of Brookfield's totals not being included in Waukesha County's tally. The Waukesha County Clerk Kathy Nickolaus says she entered our numbers and hit save, but it obviously didn't save. (I can understand this happening. I have been working on an Excel spreadsheet for a personal project for several months now, know I have saved things, only to find them missing later.) Nickolaus' error was that she hadn't double checked the figures with a paper copy Tuesday night.

Nickolaus said she spotted the omission when she was uploading the data into the statewide canvass yesterday (Wednesday). When she opened it, she saw Brookfield's totals as being 0s. They then corrected the error.

She assured the public that there was a Democrat and Republican from the Board of Canvass present for all this. Ramona Kitzinger, the Democrat member of the Canvassing Board, who stood behind Nickolaus during the press conference spoke before the press and said, "...we went over everything and the numbers jibed up ...we're satisfied they're correct". Watch for yourself.

In response to the suggestion that this type error might have gone unnoticed, Kathy Nickkolaus said they would have caught this as soon as they started the canvass because they take the tape from the polling place and check one by one with the returns.

Other errors were caught from other cities and counties, which is why they check the election results after every election, and why they caution that the results given on Tuesday night are not final. Which makes Kloppenberg's victory speech on an unverified sliver of a win all the more ridiculous.

All in all, a pretty amazing error extraordinaire.

P.S. We are not out of the woods just yet; Kloppenberg will no doubt request a recount. But it always good to start 7,000-some ahead. (Remember Minnesota's Franken/Coleman recount: One monster of a Senate race?)

Check this picture: Kloppenberg defeats Prosser

Prosser gains 7,500 votes in Waukesha County

Wow! National Talk Show Host Mark Levin "discusses breaking news regarding the election of Wisconsin Judge David Prosser and how more ballots have been found in support of him. If this holds up, it’s a huge victory for conservatives because the leftists thought they could pay and buy a Judge and they have been proven wrong." Listen Audio Rewind

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

Too close for my liking, a nail biter extraordinaire

2011-04-05T21:19:00.009-06:00

As I sit here at my computer at nearly 1am, the results are still not conclusive on Prosser/Kloppenberg, with 98% reporting and Prosser ahead by a slim 1,878 votes.

But one thing is conclusive... I just received an email about assembling a team of experienced election observers and lawyers to monitor the recount.

This is really torture!

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

If voter turnout is like blog traffic, Prosser will win & Ballot Picks

2011-04-04T20:28:00.011-06:00

See sample ballot below: Prosser, Carter, Write-In Kormanik, & Brunner

Election results will start pouring in less than 24 hours from now. The big question is, will Justice David Prosser win? or will the union backed Kloppenberg prevail? That question is burning in the psyche of people with a political bent on both sides of the isle.

In uneasy conversations with fellow Conservatives regarding Prosser's chances, I have said that if Wisconsin sees the same level of citizen involvement as Tosa City Hall did the night they were going to vote on a union contract, Prosser will win. (For those outside the metropolitan area, in mid March, over 100 concerned residents came to "lobby city officials to put off approving union contracts" until after the state passed their budget repair bill. There were also "hundreds of calls and e-mails". I don't believe there was much lead time for this meeting, which makes the large number of attendees even more impressive. The counsel listened to their constituents and voted no.)

However, if people have a relapse of their all too common malady, attention-span-of-a-gnat-itis, and sit out this election, we conservatives are in trouble.

But in checking my blog page load/unique visitor numbers today, I noticed my numbers were very high. In fact, I was at an all time hit count high since I started blogging in 2004! That tells me people are looking.

When I checked the popular pages chart, I saw they were looking at posts on David Prosser, Lloyd Carter, and Elmbrook School Board: Nancy Kormanik and Richard Brunner. That tells tells me interest is high. And if interest translates to voters, Conservatives will be happy.

Elmbrook voters, check out Fairly Conservative. Cindy shares her email correspondence with candidate Kathryn Wilson, in which Kathryn states she is going to vote YES on 4K. There are also some insights on Cindy's ballot picks Nancy Kormanik and Richard Brunner. (Scroll about half way down the page.)

No doubt, I will get my usual calls tomorrow morning from people asking who to vote for, so I am including all the links to Nancy Kormanik's articles and posts below just to make it easy for those of you who haven't quite decided yet.

Don't take a chance and sit this one out--be sure to VOTE!

Check out RandyMelchert on What to watch for on Election Night Conservative turnout is KEY!

Encouraged to hear he "already voted for Kormanik"
How to Write-In candidate Nancy Kormanik
April 5, 2011 Elmbrook School Board Ballot Picks: Brunner & Kormanik
Guest Posting 2: Nancy Kormanik on ENROLLMENT
Guest Posting: Nancy Kormanik Fiscal Conservative
Conservatives, you now have a real choice:Write-In Nancy Kormanik

School Board candidate forum to be replayed [3 times daily] through Election Day

From other news sources:

April 4, 2011 Schultz and Kormanik Challenge Wilson for School Board "Kormanik said residents should not pay increased property taxes to fund a voluntary half-day program that should be covered by private day cares and parents. ...Kormanik said she believes non-residents should not be used to fill empty classrooms and Elmbrook should size its facilities for district residents to ease the burden on taxpayers."

March 23, 2011 Budget has board hopefuls' attention Some want to cut, others seek better financial picture "Kormanik, a former educator and program coordinator at Milwaukee Area Technical College, said it may sound obvious, but the district needs to stop spending money unnecessarily. She said all options - closing a school, increasing class sizes, changes to pay and benefits - need to be considered."

March 23, 2011 Elmbrook School Board at-large race "There is nothing off the table anymore, all the way from toilet paper to contracts. We need to look at everything: insurance policies, contracts not just for teachers but for other personnel, personnel, staff, bills that have to be paid, investments, fees."

March 21, 2011, Elmbrook Candidates Disagree on 4K, School Closure "Only one candidate (Nancy Kormanik) expressed opposition to adding a 4-year-old kindergarten program, while four favored adding 4k and one (incumbent Kathryn Wilson) did not clearly endorse or reject it."

Cindy Kilkenny Public Forum: Kormanik will stand up for taxpayers
Cheri Mastel Public Forum: Kormanik has can-do attitude Elmbrook needs
Nora Schumann Public Forum: Kormanik offers choice beyond names on ballot
Barbara and Michael Shore Public Forum: Kormanik has the courage to make hard choices

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

Encouraged to hear he "already voted for Kormanik"

2011-04-03T21:08:00.008-06:00

I passed out a few fliers for Nancy Kormanik to Brookfield residents at church today. They were all well received.

But as I approached a couple from Elm Grove, I did wonder how they would react to Nancy's candidacy--after all, closing schools is definitely on the table. The wife set my mind at ease when she looked at the flier and said, Oh, my husband already voted [absentee] for this Kormanik. He read about her in the paper and thought she was the best choice. I am going to vote for her on Tuesday. We think we should close some of our schools.

So they had come to that conclusion entirely on their own.

Another person I correspond with via email from time to time originally said they were voting for Wilson because they didn't think a write-in would win. Yesterday, they emailed again to tell me they changed their minds...they were voting for Kormanik.

I spoke with a few neighbors; they reacted very positively too. One man said he was going to take a few fliers to the gym to share with his buddies.

That is how grassroots efforts work, so I am encouraged.

Make a few calls. Send out some emails. Print a few fliers to give out. Talk to your friends and neighbors, and be sure to VOTE on Tuesday!

How to Write-In candidate Nancy Kormanik
April 5, 2011 Elmbrook School Board Ballot Picks: Brunner & Kormanik
Guest Posting 2: Nancy Kormanik on ENROLLMENT
Guest Posting: Nancy Kormanik Fiscal Conservative
Conservatives, you now have a real choice:Write-In Nancy Kormanik
What? Families who HAVE 4K petition to join Elmbrook WITHOUT 4K?

School Board candidate forum to be replayed [3 times daily] through Election Day

From other news sources:

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

How about a little Love & Respect?

2011-04-02T20:34:00.003-06:00

Doesn't everyone want a little love and respect?

The Apostle Paul in the Bible tells husbands to love their wives and wives to respect their husbands in Ephesians 5:33. Two short little commands that are often difficult to carry out.

And because husbands and wives often stumble in these 2 areas, Elmbrook Church is holding a Love and Respect Marriage Conference with Dr. Emerson Eggerichs, the author of the book Love & Respect, this Friday, April 8, from 6:45pm - 10pm and Saturday, from 8:45am - 1:30pm. The cost is $45 per person.

If you are thinking this is one of those marriage conferences aimed at what men do wrong, think again. I have heard good things about both the conference and the book from my own pastor and from a girlfriend who attends Elmbrook. She told me that Dr. Eggerichs recently spoke at their church and was very funny. He uses many humorous examples to illustrate his points and is pretty even handed when it comes to helping each of the sexes see where they could improve how they relate to their other half.

Elmbrook Church is located at 777 S. Barker Road in Brookfield, WI, south of Blumound Road, north of Greenfield Ave.

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

April 5, 2011 Judicial Ballot Picks: David Prosser & Lloyd Carter

2011-03-30T14:09:00.006-06:00

Tuesday, April 5th's election has risen in scope from being a typical sleepy non-partisan spring election to one gaining national attention. For the first time ever, I had an email from a person in California asking about where he could donate to help Judge David Prosser. (See links below.) And it is no wonder, for this election will mark a turning point in our state.

Depending on the outcome, Wisconsin's Supreme Court will remain dominated by 4 judges who believe in the rule of law or change over to become dominated by 4 activist judges, those who believe you can legislate from the bench. Judge David Prosser IS the swing vote.

The choice is between fair-minded, pro-life Justice David Prosser and Greeniac Green Party backing, DNR Attorney Joanne Kloppenberg for this very important, 10 year term, position on the highest court of our state.

Joanne Kloppenberg has NO JUDICIAL experience and in fact has been turned down 3 times for state and federal judgeships by Gov. Jim Doyle and President Obama. For comparison, Kloppenberg is to the far left of liberal former Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Louis Butler who Doyle appointed to the Wisconsin Supreme Court in 2004 and Obama nominated for Federal Judge in the United States District Court in 2009. (Butler, perceived as too liberal, was rejected by the U.S. Senate.)

Take a look at Judge David Prosser's Endorsement page, and you will see former Wisconsin Republican GovernorTommy Thompson and Democrat Governor Patrick Lucey listed there as Campaign Chairs!* Even The Journal Sentinel Editorial stated We Back Prosser in the primary. The Sun Prarie Star is endorsing Prosser on April 5th.

Tough on Crime Prosser also has Law Enforcement and experience on his side, having been "involved in more than 900 published decisions on the Supreme Court" alone and "authored at least 45 criminal case opinions", whereas Kloppenberg has only handled 51 overall cases ever in appellate and supreme courts, with only 7 being criminal cases, rightly acknowledges, "I never said I was tough on crime".

Between her statement that she would serve as a "check and balance on overreaching by the other branches of government" [the executive and state legislature] and her husband's public support of collective bargaining rights for public employees, it is difficult to believe she has or will remain "independent" on the collective bargaining bill.

If you wish to help David Prosser's campaign, you may donate to Citizens for Impartial Justice, Wisconsin Club for Growth to help them put ads on the airwaves, or volunteer at your local Republican Headquarters branch. The GOP is looking for people to man the phone banks, help put together yard signs, etc. In Waukesha, 1701 Pearl St., they are open M-Sat 9am-9pm, Sun. Noon - 8pm.

Waukesha County Circuit Court Judge
As for our more local race for Waukesha Country Circuit Court Judge, Branch 4, my vote is going for Lloyd Carter, as I stated in Lloyd Carter for Waukesha County Circuit Court Judge. Check out his page of endorsements and supporters.

ELMBROOK residents select school board representatives: April 5, 2011 Elmbrook School Board Ballot Picks: Brunner & Write-In Kormanik

More Reading:
National Review, Robert Costa: Wisconsin Fight Goes to Court
April 5, 2011 Elmbrook School Board Ballot Picks: Brunner & Write-In Kormanik
Judge David Prosser & Jeff Stone need your support

*UPDATE April 1 am: As of last night (March 31), former Governor Patrick Lucey resigned as honorary chair from the Prosser campaign to back Kloppenberg. Given the other pressures put on by unions and the Democrat Party, it would seem to me his resignation wasn't because of the reasons he stated...but that is just my opinion.

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

April 5, 2011 Elmbrook School Board Ballot Picks: Brunner & Write-In Kormanik (Yes, that was Brunner! UPDATED)

2011-03-30T09:49:00.020-06:00

UPDATES: See brown text sections below

Yes, it is true! I am voting for Dick Brunner for Area 1 Elmbrook School Board Member.

Here is my sample ballot with all my picks selected: David Prosser for Supreme Court Justice, LloydCarter for Circuit Court Judge, Branch 1, and School District of Elmbrook Board Members: Richard Brunner for Area 1 and Write-In Nancy Kormanik for Member-at-Large.

Why Brunner? (Pictured left) He is the more conservative of the 2 men running. Notice, I did not say he was a conservative, just that he was more conservative. While they both* support 4K, (*Brunner just emailed me to clarify that he is "not necessarily a proponent of 4K, but [he] would consider it as an option if appropriate"), at least Dick Brunner realizes if we cannot reduce the budget by other means, we must close some of our existing schools because of excess capacity. He has stated this privately to me in an email as well as publicly at the Candidate Forum.

He wrote, "As it stands now, we're in a box if the [enrollment] numbers don't change. We have to work within our revenue limits and expenditures. Expenses have to go down. We have two choices: lay off teachers and increase class size or close schools. Closing schools won't save nearly as much as layoffs though. I've been looking at administrative staffing and [it] appears that they are VERY well staffed!"

Brunner also wrote this about his financial background, "I was employed by Waukesha County for 16 years as a financial manager. During that time, I was the primary architect of the annual budget. Each budget was scrutinized line by line and the responsible manager was asked to fully justify each item. If this technique was applied to the Elmbrook budget, I believe we could make a substantial cut in the deficit. ...I sincerely believe that there are substantial amounts of fat in that budget."

He closed with this statement, "I am committed to our students getting the best education possible..."

So, Richard Brunner has my vote, while Mr. Moe seems to think that renting out vacant old school space could be a money maker. History would not prove that to be true, but he can believe what he wishes.

UPDATE: I see from the comments, that this race needs a bit more explanation. Ken Moe was a former Superintendent for Brown Deer schools. Superintendents historically are in favor of growing their empires. It was true of our former Elmbrook Superintendent Cronin, who pushed numerous building referendums at the community, and is true of our present Superintendent Matt Gibson, who was hired in 1995 because of his reputation of passing building referendums. (By the way, some fought against these referendums because data showed declining enrollment.)

Even now in the face of our schools only operating at 70% capacity, Moe still doesn't believe we need to close a school. Keep in mind even if we rent out the space, which is VERY difficult to do at a profit, or even at a loss, these buildings still need maintaining--think heating, lawn care, boiler care, roof repairs, etc. The roofs need resurfacing regardless of occupation and is a huge expense. These costs are what Tom Gehl referred to as OPERATING COSTS, and a reason to close a school if too high.

In shopping for a new Superintendent, would you rather have an empire builder on the board or someone who realizes our financial shortfall and need to cut back. It is your choice.

For the Member-at-Large position, I am voting for Nancy Kormanik (pictured in the center). Since I have written much about Kormanik's candidacy already, perhaps this would be a good time to explain why I cannot support Kathryn Wilson. (Sandra Schultz was never a consideration since she is pro 4K and anti school closings.)

Had I not entered into some back and forth with Kathryn Wilson regarding 4K in mid February, I easily could have had a Wilson sign in my yard right now. But after some email exchange and conversation, it became clear to me that I no longer trusted Wilson's judgment on what constituted a priority in the Elmbrook School District.

In a nutshell, though Kathryn Wilson agreed with me that 4K had no real academic value and no real revenue enhancement value, she still was supportive of it. She admitted it would probably fail if the vote was taken, but she felt it was important because parents wanted it. This wasn't a little wobble in her former position, it was a complete about face.

When I pressed her that taxpayers shouldn't be asked to fund an unnecessary 4K program, she then wondered what we could cut out of Elmbrook's budget to afford 4K outright--that we would take the state reimbursement but not charge the remainder of the cost to the Elmbrook taxpayers by increasing the tax levy. In other words, Elmbrook would absorb the extra cost within their existing budget.

That really shocked me, since the whole reason the Enrollment Management Study Team was considering starting 4K was that it would increase Elmbrook's revenue via new taxes. Why were we looking at these options if there were areas in the budget we could cut to make up the $16 million budget shortfall for the next 5 years?

So Wilson was willing to divert scarce funds from what we are told is money needed for valuable programs in Elmbrook, to start an academically unnecessary 4K program?

I retorted if there was excess money in the budget, it should be used for building maintenance, and referred to the maintenance deferment article--that we needed to be a better steward of our buildings. She agreed. (I have since found out that East High School's roof is leaking onto the newly tiled floors. This neglect has got to stop!)

I told her I was disappointed in her; she said she needed to go. So Kathryn was going to vote for 4K. But then 4K was taken off the agenda. I still attended that school board meeting on February 23rd and spoke against 4K. But before I spoke, a very articulate woman spoke out against starting 4K. That woman was Nancy Kormanik!

About 2 weeks later on March 4th, Wilson emailed and indicated she was backing down on 4K in response to a constituent asking, "Is this [4K] the most important thing you have to do right now?"

But for me, this isn't a reassuring retreat. As the Patch reported, "Only one candidate (Nancy Kormanik) expressed opposition to adding a 4-year-old kindergarten program, while four favored adding 4k and one (incumbent Kathryn Wilson) did not clearly endorse or reject it." Wilson admits, "so far I have not been impressed with 'revenue,' per se, as a reason to support 4K", but is still looking at 4K. At this point she is willing to wait for more data on it to see if it is necessary for the district to remain competitive in the future.

And that is why I have a Write-In Nancy KORMANIK sign in my yard instead of a Wilson.

To vote for a Write-In on any race, just connect the arrow next to the write in space and print in your candidate's name.

How to Write-In candidate Nancy Kormanik.

If you want to help the campaign, email Nancy: NANCY.KORMANIK@gmail.com

You may LINK to her pdf to view an exact copy of her campaign flier or to print yourself to share with friends.

More Reading:

School Board candidate forum to be replayed [3 times daily] through Election Day

Blog posts: What? Families who HAVE 4K petition to join Elmbrook WITHOUT 4K?
Conservatives, you now have a real choice:Write-In Nancy Kormanik

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

Guest posting: Nancy Kormanik Fiscal Conservative

2011-03-28T20:46:00.004-06:00

Recently, I asked Nancy Kormanik if she would write a guest posting for my blog. After all, who better to speak for Nancy Kormanik than Nancy Kormanik!

FISCAL CONSERVATIVE

Thank you, Kyle, for inviting me to write a guest blog. Many thanks also to our district and the press for including me, as a write-in candidate, in the school board candidate forum and subsequent election coverage issue of the newspaper. Above all, I want to thank the many people who have contacted me, vetted me, and have become supporters.

I am running as a write-in candidate for the At-Large seat on the Elmbrook school board to represent all residents in Elm Grove and Brookfield. I am not running to divide the vote. I am running to WIN.

I am FISCALLY CONSERVATIVE. That phrase is sometimes over-used, I have been asked what that means and how it will guide my community representation on the school board. Being fiscally conservative means living within our means, not spending more than what we take in.

The school board has taxing authority to increase district revenue by raising property tax bills. Some means by which property tax bills are increased are:

· Changing from Chapter 220 to Open Enrollment,

· Increasing resident attendance in such as by adding a 4K program,

· Passing referenda, such as 2 recent building referenda and a proposed future referendum for operational expenses,

· Increasing tax levy to offset loss of State revenue sharing.

Some may call themselves “fiscally conservative” in that they believe in a balanced budget; however in raising taxes to achieve a balanced budget, they are not being conservative in my opinion.

· I am aware that necessary changes in our State budget may result in decrease in district revenue.

· I am also aware that district monies need to be set aside to fund teacher retirement benefits.

Rather than raise taxes, I believe we must follow a business model in which the company grows leaner, produces a better product, and the revenue follows.

Many, if not most, community residents are also trying to be financially conservative with their own personal budgets. This is done by carefully examining on a routine basis their expenditures. I believe our district can do that also.

To maintain and advance the academic performance of Elmbrook public schools, I will focus on the student experience. In viewing Wisconsin DPI data, we see that Mequon-Theinsville district has achieved higher ACT test scores (25.9 to Elmbrook’s 24.8) at about the same cost per student. I believe together we can continue to improve Elmbrook student experience and performance without additional costs.

Reference: http://www.dpi.state.wi.us/sig/index.html

More Reading:
March 23, 2011 Budget has board hopefuls' attention Some want to cut, others seek better financial picture
March 23, 2011 Elmbrook School Board at-large race
March 21, 2011, Elmbrook Candidates Disagree on 4K, School Closure
School Board candidate forum to be replayed [3 times daily] through Election Day
Cindy Kilkenny Public Forum: Kormanik will stand up for taxpayers
Cheri Mastel Public Forum: Kormanik has can-do attitude Elmbrook needs
Nora Schumann Public Forum: Kormanik offers choice beyond names on ballot

Barbara and Michael Shore Public Forum: Kormanik has the courage to make hard choices
Blog post: Conservatives, you now have a real choice: Write-In Nancy Kormanik

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

Write-In Nancy Kormanik for Elmbrook School Board Member-At-Large

2011-03-24T15:29:00.015-06:00

The following contains the information included in the flier for Nancy Kormanik. (Sorry, I couldn't post the exact PDF.) You may LINK to her pdf to view an exact copy of her campaign flier or to print yourself to share with friends. (If distributing large numbers of copies, check with Elmbrook Deputy Clerks Keith Brightman or Pat Felde at 262-783-2963, as to how to reword the disclaimer. This flier has been posted here at no cost.)

___________________________________________________

VOTE
TUESDAY APRIL 5, 2011
FOR
NANCY KORMANIK

ELMBROOK SCHOOL BOARD
WRITE-IN CANDIDATE
FOR
MEMBER-AT-LARGE

WHY VOTE FOR ME:

Fiscally conservative, will work to serve all students well, and do “more” with “less”.
Will help hold the line on property taxes, to maintain property values.
Strive to represent all taxpayers in our community.
Committed to “serve the children”, not bureaucratic status-quo.
Oppose 4K funding.

ABOUT ME:

Resident of the City of Brookfield (1978-1991 and 2002 to present).
Masters Degree in Administrative Leadership –UWM.
Educator: MATC Associate Degree Dietetic Technician Program.
Former coordinator of the above referenced program. Returned to teach part-time at MATC ; newly retired.
I want to hear from you. NANCY.KORMANIK@gmail.com

HOW TO VOTE FOR ME AS A WRITE – IN CANDIDATE:
1. ON THE BALLOT: Find the AT-LARGE candidate section.
2. COMPLETE THE BROKEN ARROW for WRITE-IN Candidate: ____________ <-------<
3. WRITE – IN: Nancy Kormanik <-------<

Paid for by FRIENDS OF NANCY KORMANIK - Nancy Kormanik, treasurer.

____________________________________________________________________
Side 2

WRITE-IN CANDIDATE NANCY KORMANIK: MEMBER AT-LARGE
15365 W. Burleigh Rd, Brookfield 53005 . NANCY.KORMANIK@gmail.com

WHY HAVE YOU CHOSEN TO SEEK ELECTION TO THE ELMBROOK BOARD OF EDUCATION?

I have decided to run for Member-at-Large of the Elmbrook School Board to provide a different perspective, easing the frustration evident in these economic times. By re-focusing on fundamentals, I can partner with other board members to re-direct the educational process, guiding us to provide children with meaningful learning opportunities while being ever more vigilant financially. While empowering students to take charge of their education, we can remain accountable to our taxpayers.

A community’s schools represent a large investment. The expected return is two-fold:

First, in terms of graduating students prepared to master their future,
Second, in terms of fostering a strong community.

I believe it is essential to do both.

WHAT PERSONAL PHILOSOPHIES AND EXPERIENCES DO YOU HAVE

THAT WILL HELP YOU BEST REPRESENT THE ELMBROOK ELECTORATE?

My personal philosophy is straightforward: Continued improvement of our students’ educational experiences is a primary focus. All energies must be expended to guarantee that the foundations of our educational system remain solid.

My experiences as a post-secondary educator identified the discrepancies that exist in education. The gaps are great and need to be closed. ALL students want to be successful. ALL students should be given the same district-wide opportunities to work towards their success. We can give our children those opportunities within our monetary means – it’s all about priorities.

Drawing on my experiences as an educator, administrator, parent of grown children, and community member, I am able to understand, appreciate, and combine various vantage points into workable solutions.

Paid for by FRIENDS OF NANCY KORMANIK - Nancy Kormanik, treasurer.

More Reading:
March 23, 2011 Elmbrook School Board at-large race
March 21, 2011, Elmbrook Candidates Disagree on 4K, School Closure
School Board candidate forum to be replayed [3 times daily] through Election Day
Cindy Kilkenny Public Forum: Kormanik will stand up for taxpayers
Cheri Mastel Public Forum: Kormanik has can-do attitude Elmbrook needs
Nora Schumann Public Forum: Kormanik offers choice beyond names on ballot

Barbara and Michael Shore Public Forum: Kormanik has the courage to make hard choices
Blog post: Conservatives, you now have a real choice: Write-In Nancy Kormanik

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

Lloyd Carter for Waukesha County Circuit Court Judge, Branch 4

2011-03-24T14:10:00.002-06:00

On Tuesday, April 5, 2011, Waukesha County residents will go to the polls to select a new Waukesha County Circuit Court Judge for Branch 4. On this race, my vote will go to Lloyd Carter, who has served as a criminal prosecutor for over 20 years in the Waukesha County District Attorney's office.

Carter has an extensive page of endorsements and supporters that include some names you might recognize: Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Michael Gableman, Brookfield's State Representatives Dale Kooyenga and Paul Farrow, Brookfield's State Senator Rich Zipperer, Waukesha County Executive Dan Vrakas, and Waukesha County D.A. Brad Schimel, to name a few. Organizations include Professional Police Associations from New Berlin, Big Bend, Mukwonago, and Waukesha.

Lloyd Carter's opponent is Kathy Stilling, who was appointed last July by former Governor Doyle to fill the vacancy created when Judge Paul Reilly was elected to the Court of Appeals in April of 2010. Stilling was a State Public Defender from 1981 to 1989 and then went into private practice. I checked her page of supporters and didn't really recognize many names on it, though I did spot Brookfield Alderman Gary Mahkorn and Waukesha County Supervisor Tom Schellinger's names listed there.

If you want to learn more about the candidates' views and philosophies, there will be a Candidate Forum at Carroll University, Humphrey Memorial Chapel, 238 N. East Ave. in Waukesha, on Monday, March 28th, 6:30 - 8pm. Audience members will be able to submit questions to the candidates.

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

Come out and play at the Midwest Gaming Classic, March 26 & 27

2011-03-23T06:49:00.007-06:00

It's that time of year again, the Midwest Gaming Classic comes to Brookfield's Sheraton Hotel, 375 South Moorland Road this weekend. Pay one fee and play all day: $20 Admission on Saturday, March 26th, 10am - 8pm, and $10 Admission on Family Day, Sunday, March 27th, 10am - 5pm. Children 12 and under are FREE if accompanied by an adult with paid admission.

This year marks the 10th Anniversary of the Midwest Classic. Billed as "The largest all-encompassing electronics gaming trade show", it has grown quite a bit since its early days. They are also offering a bus tour to the Stern Pinball factory in Illinois for $95 on Friday, March 25th. (Stern is the last of the pinball manufacturers in the US.)

There are tournaments, $5,000 in prizes, speakers, vendors, 100s of games to play, vintage games and computers museum section, and games to purchase. If it plugs in and has buttons, it probably will be at the Classic! The weather this weekend returns to the low 30s, so I would think attendance would be up. Check out the Event Guide for specifics.

Have fun!

Past Posts: Midwest Gaming Classic weekend, play pinball, arcade games & more!
Play pinball and arcade games at Midwest Gaming Classic

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

Nancy Kormanik to participate in Elmbrook Candidate Forum Monday, March 21, 7pm

2011-03-20T16:01:00.004-06:00

Just a reminder here, Monday, March 21st, at 7pm, there will be an Elmbrook Board of Education Candidate Forum, at the Central Administrative Offices at 13780 Hope Street in Brookfield.

What you might not know, is that Nancy Kormanik, the Write-In candidate for the At-Large position, will participate in that school board candidate forum, along with the other 5 candidates running for the 3 seats.

I encourage you to be there and get to know the views of each candidate.

The election is April 5th. All Elmbrook residents vote for ALL 3 BOARD POSITIONS: Area 1, 3, and At-Large, regardless of what area of the district we live in.

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