All content, of both the original Brookfield7.com and this blog, is written from my point of view and is my opinion. I believe it to be accurate at the time it is written. ~ Kyle Prast, Brookfield resident since 1986
Senator Marco Rubio delivered one of the most inspiring State of the Union Responses I can ever recall. In his 14 minute address, he clearly pointed out the differences between Liberals and Conservatives: more taxes and more government vs.protecting liberty and the American Dream
Best line of his speech was, "So Mr. President, I don’t oppose your plans because I want to protect
the rich. I oppose your plans because I want to protect my neighbors."
Another favorite was an acknowledgement to God's blessing on our nation, "But God also blessed America with abundant coal, oil and natural gas.
Instead of wasting more taxpayer money on so-called “clean energy”
companies like Solyndra, let’s open up more federal lands for safe and
responsible exploration. ... If we can grow our energy
industry, it will make us energy independent, it will create middle
class jobs and it will help bring manufacturing back from places like
China."
Rubio touched on one of our biggest threats to our nation, our spending problem, "The real cause of our debt is that our government has been spending $1
trillion more than it takes in every year. That's why we need a balanced
budget amendment."
Today, many are hailing Rubio's speech last night. Either watch it for yourself or read the transcript.
Unfortunately, others are focusing on the minor detail of Rubio needing a sip of water. Again the complice media doesn't look at substance, they nit-pic the superficials.
Do I care if someone got a little parched delivering a speech? or am I more concerned about a smooth talking President who twists and distorts the truth to fit his agenda?
In person absentee voting is over in Wisconsin, so this Tuesday, the big "E" day* is it! It's the day we can return the United States to its Constitutional roots. Voter turnout is key, so disregard the latest polling data, which is often very skewed (CNN called it a tie but used D+11 to get there. In 2008 it was D+7 !) Just go vote Republican to preserve liberty.
If you still need some inspiration, watch these young teens' plea in Voices Without a Vote.
This year, depending on where you live, you may need to vote for the same person in 2 different races on the ballot: Residents in Congressman Paul Ryan's Congressional
District 1, MUST remember to vote Ryan for Congress IN ADDITION to
voting for the Romney/Ryan Presidential ticket. If you fail to remember,
the Democrat Congressman could win and Republicans will lose the seat.
Same situation for Wisconsin State Assembly District residents in Paul Farrow's District 98 and Chris Kapenga's District 99. Constituents must vote for them in TWO places on their ballots:Once in the Assembly race and again in the 33rdWisconsin State Senate District Primary. If you forget to vote for Farrow or Kapenga in their Assembly races, the opposing Democrat candidates could prevail.
Polls open at 7am and close at 8pm. If you aren't in line at 8pm, you
will not be allowed to vote. Listed below are my picks for the major
races on Brookfield's and neighboring areas Nov. 6, 2012 Presidential & General Election ballot. Being the conservative I am, I am
voting for the Republican in all races, because we don't belong to the
government as Democrats declared at their convention, the government belongs to us! However, you must vote for
each individual candidate, because Wisconsin no longer offers a straight
party ticket choice.
So here it goes, from the major races to the more specific in our area of the state, in the same order they appear on your ballot. Each race and candidate name will be in bold, so you can easily scroll down and find them, with candidate websites and pertinent links below.
However, before you scroll down the page to find your specific district races, Waukesha County voters should know the only contested county government race on their ballot is WAUKESHA COUNTY CLERK. Kathleen Novack the Republican is running against a Democrat. This
might seem like an unimportant race, but as anyone involved with
election observing, poll watching, or observing recountsknows, we need a
Republican in this position! Vote Novack.
CONGRESSIONAL - DISTRICT 1: Paul Ryan (Republican)
In addition to voting for the Mitt Romney / Paul Ryan ticket for President, residents in District 1 will vote for Ryan in the Congressional race. This is because Paul Ryan was picked by Mitt Romney for Vice President, and Wisconsin's Favorite Son Rule allows him to be on the ballot twice. If the Romney/Ryan ticket prevails, there will be a special election next year to fill his seat. District 1 includes parts of New Berlin, and fans out from there to cover the southeastern corner of the state. Paul Ryan House Website Paul Ryan for U.S. Congress
CONGRESSIONAL - DISTRICT 4: Dan Sebring (Republican) Vote Dan Sebring so"In November we can say, 'No Moore'!" District 4 has been redistrictedto now includeBayside, Fox Point, Whitefish Bay, Shorewood, Glendale, Brown Deer, most of Milwaukee, and south along the shoreline to South Milwaukee. People I know in these areas are livid that they lost Jim Sensenbrenner and now have Gwen Moore as their representative.
Republican Dan Sebring hopes to change that with his candidacy. He says, "You have a choice of whether you would like to embrace my opponent’s collectivist vision that “it takes a village” and you need government assistance in order to succeed, or my vision that you, the individual should be making decisions that determine your own destiny, without government interference." Sebring is endorsed by 4 Pro-life groups, Senators Alberta Darling and Leah Vukmir, among many others. Check out his issues page. He has pledged to oppose any debt limit increases unless Congress adopts Cut, Cap, and Balance.
CONGRESSIONAL - DISTRICT 5 - REPUBLICAN- F. James Sensenbrenner Jr.
Jim Sensenbrenner is running unopposed, but he still gets my support.
STATE SENATE - Wisconsin needs to regain its majority here
STATE SENATE - DISTRICT 4: David D King (Independent)
Independent David King is running for State Senate against Democrat Lena Taylor in the 4th district. He would be a welcome change! Certainly more favorable to job creating, pro-family, and pro-business legislation. David King for State Senate Senate District 4 map includes Assembly Districts 10, 11, 12
STATE SENATE - DISTRICT 18: Rick Gudex (Republican) Sen. Leah Vukmir alerted me to Rick Gudex, a pro-jobs, fiscal conservative. He is in the Fond du Lac area running against the incumbent Democrat, who won in the 2011 recall election against Republican Randy Hopper. I would love to see this district return to the Republican column. We need to gain a healthy majority in the State Senate if we want to see good for Wisconsin legislation passed such as the mining bill. Don't forget voter ID and Act 10 are mired down in the Dane County Judicial snare. Rick Gudex for Senate Senate District 18 mapincludes Assembly Districts 12, 13, 14 STATE SENATE - DISTRICT 20: Glenn Grothman (Republican)
Grothman is a solid conservative in the West Bend area.
STATE SENATE - DISTRICT 33:Vacant Seat - Primary election in District 33 between Republican Assembly Representatives Paul Farrow and Christ Kapenga.
Former State Senator Rich Zipperer resigned his Senate seat to join
Governor Walker's administration as Deputy Chief of Staff and Senior
Legal Counsel to the Governor. Residents of the 33rd Senate District will choose between Farrow and Kapenga, who presently each serve in Wisconsin's Assembly (If I lived in the 33rd, I would be hard pressed to choose between them.)
Chris Kapengais a CPA and business owner, who states he's pro jobs, pro business, pro life, for limited government. Paul Farrowplatform is much the same. He is endorsed by Lt. Gov. Kleefisch, Sen. Leah Vukmir, and a host of others. Senate District 33 map includes Assembly Districts 97, 98, 99 - Hartford, Lisbon, Pewaukee, west Brookfield, Waukesha areas.
WISCONSIN STATE ASSEMBLY
ASSEMBLY - DISTRICT 13: Rob Hutton (Republican)
This is an open seat due to redistricting, so there is no incumbent. However, Brookfield native Rob Hutton does have a very liberal Democrat opponent from Wauwatosa, who signed the recall, failed in bid for mayor, and is adamantly against voucher schools.
The new new district now includes
southern Brookfield, Elm Grove, Wauwatosa, West Allis and Milwaukee. In
Brookfield, it combined the southern half of the former 98th and former
14th Districts. I was not too pleased when I was redistricted out of
the 14th Assembly District, because it meant losing my Rep. Dale
Kooyenga. But Conservative businessman Rob Hutton will be a very worthy
replacement.
ASSEMBLY - DISTRICT 14: Dale Kooyenga (Republican Incumbent)
Dale Kooyenga, served in Iraq, now is a Captain in US Army Reserve. He brings his CPA skills and small business experience to Madison. Kooyenga was my former representative prior to redistricting. He now represents northern Brookfield, Wauwatosa, and a small portion of Milwaukee. "On a daily basis I am working for fiscal accountability, freedom and liberty (e.g. free market principles) and for an overall strong Wisconsin."
ASSEMBLY - DISTRICT 15:Joe Sanfelippo (Republican)
Joe Sanfelippo, a voice of sanity on the Milwaukee County Board, states he is running for Wisconsin Assembly District 15 "To protect the future for our kids by building on the progress we have made so far." This is an open seat. He is endorsed by State Reps Kuglitsch, Craig, Knodl, Voss, Honadel, and Kooyenga.
ASSEMBLY - DISTRICT 24: Daniel Knodl (Republican)
Dan Knodl, incumbent, currently serves as Assistant Majority Leader for the Republicans
Knodl for Assembly"Dan Knodl is somebody who understands that Madison had a spending problem." Dan Knodl Assembly District website Assembly District 24 map includes areas in Germantown, Menomonee Falls, River Hills, Glendale, Brown Deer
Don't forget, Assembly District 98 and 99 residents also must vote for Farrow and Kapenga respectively for Wisconsin Assembly
Max Lucado's 40 Days of Prayer For USA starts today
What can Christians do for our nation? Pray!
Many of us do pray daily for our country and leaders, as directed in 1 Timothy 2:1-3:
"The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how,
for everyone you know. Pray especially for rulers and their governments
to rule well so we can be quietly about our business of living simply,
in humble contemplation. This is the way our Savior God wants us to
live.” The Message translation
But if you haven't been in the habit of praying for our leaders and this election, Minister and author Max Lucado is urging those of us who believe in the God of the Bible to join him in 40 Days of Prayer For the USA, starting today until the election on November 6th. He also offers a pledge page if you would like to join with other like-minded people. (Only first name and last initial is made public).
Prayer points he includes:
Dear Heavenly Father,
You have given us this promise: ”...if my people, who
are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face
and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will
forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)
So, we pray to you. We turn from evil and look to you, our God. Please:
Unite us
Strengthen us
Appoint and anoint our next president
In the name of Christ we pray,
Amen
Some might be inclined not to pray or not even vote in this election,
since the nominees don't share their faith. But keep in mind that when
Timothy penned his exhortation to pray "for rulers and their governments
to rule well", those rulers were Romans (pagans). We are to pray for those in authority over us. And as one of my pastors urged, we can and should vote for principle and character.
Max Lucado concludes his info page with this: "Like you, I am a concerned citizen. Like you, I believe in God’s power
to heal our nation. But we must pray. 'You people who remind the Lord of
your needs in prayer must never be quiet.' (Isa. 62:6)."
"Only God can unite us. Let's ask Him to do just that."
Eleven years have passed since the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, and in those 11 years, our world has become a much more dangerous place: Iran is working on becoming a nuclear power, the Arab Spring is now controlling once tourist friendly Egypt, the entire middle east is in upheaval. Yet despite this increased unrest, our nation has been kept safe from additional terrorist attacks.
Today, Gov. Walker, Mayor Tom Barrett and other area officials gathered at the War Memorial to honor the Sept. 11 victims, which is appropriate. Similar gatherings all across our nation will occur today.
A September 11th radio ad this year samples Americans and what they plan to do to in remembrance of this day. One says they will say thanks to a firefighter, another a policeman, etc. Volunteering is another option. These are all well and good, but for me there is one glaring omission: thanking God for His blessing of protection.
...Unless the LORD watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.
AsI wrote in 2008, reflecting on our Sept. 11th experience out in South Dakota, "Our nation held its collective breath, waiting for something else to
happen after those first 4 plane crashes. Thank God, it didn't.
"After
a few days, we started our trek home. Just as there are no atheists in
foxholes, we saw "God Bless America" signs pop up everywhere--from gas
stations, to fast food restaurants, to city hall marquis. People
instinctively knew we needed divine intervention.
"I really
thought we could be in for a string of attacks. That life in America
would come to resemble life in Israel, where attacks and explosions are
commonplace.
"But amazingly, we have been incident free... "Almost every politician ends their speech with, God bless America. I know God has. May He continue to shed His grace on our nation.
"America! America! God shed His grace on thee And crown thy good with brotherhood From sea to shining sea!"
"This is a day to remember and a time to pray for our nation, leaders, and families that lost loved ones."
Aug. 14, 2012 Primary picks--it's still Eric Hovde, Rob Hutton, plus others
Listed below are my picks for the major races on today's Partisan Primary Ballot for the southern half of Brookfield. You can find your sample ballot, voting place, and status by filling out your information here, then click on your name, and then click on the View sample ballot link toward the bottom of the next page.
Since this is a partisan primary, a party preference must be declared. Crossover voting will not be allowed.
First race on the ballot and on everyone's mind is the US Senate race, so I will start there.
US SENATOR - REPUBLICAN - Eric Hovde
A month ago, I was pretty sure I was voting for Eric Hovde for U.S. Senate. Now it is the big day, and Eric Hovde still has my vote. If you still are undecided, the following is for your consideration. Not only is he the most likable of the 4 men running, I believe he is the best equipped to do the job in the US Senate and deal with the difficulties our nation faces. His strong business bent will compliment the Romney / Ryan ticket well.
A few days ago, I heard the first airing of Wisconsin State Senators Leah Vukmir and Glenn Grothman's radio ad endorsing Eric Hovde for U.S. Senate. I knew Vukmir was backing Hovde for months; Glenn Grothman's support was news to me. Since I consider Leah Vukmir and Glenn Grothman 2 of
Wisconsin's leading conservative Senators in Madison, I value their
opinions. Here is their radio ad:
Grothman also stated: "'I have gotten to know Eric Hovde quite a bit during the past eight
months... His knowledge of
the issues is amazing. His interest in small community banks gives him a
special understanding of some of the bailouts of reckless and
well-connected institutions. It also gives him knowledge of our monetary
system that is probably unmatched in Congress. Simply put, we need Eric
Hovde,' "
We need people who are well versed in banking and business practices in Washington. For example, Hovde has been criticized for not signing Grover Norquist's anti-tax "'Taxpayer Protection Pledge' which
commits candidates to opposing any legislation that would result in any
type of tax increase." The other 3 candidates have signed it. But when Hovde explained his reasons for not doing so, I realized just how complex this issue is and how right he was to reject it.
“Behind the story with Grover Norquist is he’s funded by
giant corporations that have created loopholes in our tax system,' said
Hovde. 'We need to lower the rates, but we also have to get rid of the
corporate welfare. How is a small business going to compete if they’re
trying to compete against General Electric, that in some years, pays
nothing because they can buy off Washington politicians?' "
The thing that really made me shake my head in disgust was when Hovde cited this example: "...last year... Senate Republicans pushed to
eliminate $6 billion in ethanol tax credits. ...but Norquist insisted that eliminating any type of tax credit
amounted to a tax increase and thus opposed the measure."
WISN's Jay Weber interviewed Eric Hovde on his radio show last week. The interview was about 15 minutes long. Listen I think it will help voters gain a better sense of who Eric Hovde is, what he stands for, and how he is best suited for the job.
So by this time tomorrow, we should know who our candidate is for the November election against liberal Tammy Baldwin. The good news is that any one of the 4 Republicans running will be vastly better than Baldwin and than our current Senator Herb Kohl. But I hope Wisconsin doesn't just settle for the better when they could have the best.
CONGRESSIONAL - DISTRICT 5 - REPUBLICAN- F. James Sensenbrenner Jr.
Jim Sensenbrenner is running unopposed, but he still gets my support!
ASSEMBLY - DISTRICT 13 - REPUBLICAN - Rob Hutton
This is an open seat due to redistricting. The district now includes southern Brookfield, Elm Grove, Wauwatosa, West Allis and Milwaukee. In Brookfield, it combined the southern half of the former 98th and former 14th Districts..
As I wrote before, I was not too pleased when I was redistricted out of the 14th Assembly District, because that meant I lost my Rep. Dale Kooyenga. But Conservative Rob Hutton seems to be a very worthy replacement. He is in fact endorsed
by Representative Kooyenga, as well as former State Senator Ted Kanavas. And like Dale Kooyenga, Hutton is getting to know the residents in this newly drawn district by going door to door. Hutton has visited over 7,000 homes, because he believes that "The times we live in are difficult and people are weary of negative television and radio ads [and repetitive Robo-calls]. Physically talking to people and really listening to what are their top-of-mind issues brings our whole system into perspective."
For constituents who live outside of Brookfield and don't know much about Hutton's more prominent opponent, Tom Schellinger, let me just say he is Brookfield's perennial candidate, often running for multiple races--sometimes 3 at a time! In 2005, his antics captured the attention of Journal Sentinel columnist Laurel Walker. She poked fun at his efforts in a piece titled, If at first you don't succeed, run again. She referred to Schellinger as "Waukesha County's own Harold Stassen."
Things haven't changed over the years. This year he ran unopposed for Waukesha County Supervisor and Brookfield Alderman. Though there was little chance he would regain his twice lost Alderman seat, I believed if he won, the dual role would be a conflict of interest. So I wrote: Conflict of interest? Schellinger for County Supervisor & Brookfield
I believe being my County Supervisor AND Wisconsin Assembly Representative would also create a conflict of interest. Plus, what kind of person would run unopposed for County Supervisor, knowing he would win that race, and run for Alderman in that same spring election, while planning all along to also run for the Wisconsin Assembly?
But conflict of interest and misleading campaign literature aside, just what kind of Assembly Representative would Schellinger make? Perhaps his failed 2010 bid for Mayor of Brookfield might give you some insights. (He again was running for multiple races that year.) The Candidate Forum consisted of the 4 men in the race and questions were put to each one. I remember it became almost laughable when Schellinger answered many times that his idea, his solution to whatever the question was tostudy the issue.
For example, when the question was whether a high speed rail stop in Brookfield would have a positive or negative impact on our city, he answered, "'I think this is going to be a very interesting debate for the community.' He says he'd like to appoint a task force with voices from across the
community to look at the positives and negatives.'" He couldn't give his opinion. Knowing what our Republican legislators went through in Madison this past term, the death threats, the occupation, the tension, I cannot imagine Schellinger being a good fit for the task.
ASSEMBLY - DISTRICT 22 - REPUBLICAN - Don Pridemore
Don Pridmore is a solid conservative: pro-life, pro-family, fiscally responsible and stood with Gov. Walker during the Act 10 ordeal. He represents the Menomonee Falls/Lisbon/Richfield area. Pridemore is endorsed by the Menomonee Falls Taxpayer Association MFTax.org Don Pridemore for Assembly
WAUKESHA COUNTY CLERK - REPUBLICAN - Gina Kozlik
Gina Kozlik is endorsed by the Menomonee Falls Taxpayer Association MFTax.org GINA KOZLIK The Right Choice REGISTER OF DEEDS - REPUBLICAN - Michael Starich
Michael Starich is endorsed by the Menomonee Falls Taxpayer Association MFTax.org
There are a number of other races on the ballot unopposed. With little exception, I usually leave them blank unless I know who they are and support their candidacy.
I am curious what voter turnout will be compared to our spring primary. Polls close at 8pm., we will know soon after that.
For me, it's Hovde, Fitzgerald, Neumann, Thompson, in that order
Way back in October of 2011, Rep. Jeff Fitzgerald announced he was running for U.S. Senate. At that time, he was my likely pick over Tommy Thompson or Mark Neumann. I didn't want Thompson when he was toying with running in 2010. (Thank Goodness we had Ron Johnson step into that race.) I'm still not liking Thompson in this 2012 race, for the same reasons: he's not all that conservative, he was a big spender, and he is too old. Thankfully, Eric Hovde, the newest candidate to enter the 2012 race to fill Herb Kohl's vacant seat, is pulling ahead.
I have liked Eric Hovde ever since I heard him interviewed on Mark Belling's radio show some months ago. Hovde talked about how he was conservative, even in his college years. He mentioned how he was required to give 2 speeches for one of his classes and he chose to do both, extolling Reagan's policies. And that was in Madison! (Hovde's father worked for the Regan administration.)
I thought, there aren't many college students who are conservative (people tend to grow more conservative with time), much less at the University of Wisconsin - Madison! That indicated to me he was able to stand up for his convictions, which is an important quality in a U.S. Senator. His ads are hitting a lot of the issues important to me.
Needless to say, any one of the 4 in the running would be a vast improvement over what we had in Kohl and certainly over Tammy Baldwin.
Happy Flag Day! Did you know the observance began in Wisconsin?
Today is Flag Day, a day that commemorates the Continental Congress' adoption 235 years ago, on June 14, 1777, "that the flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes,
alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a
blue field [canton], representing a new constellation."
Since that time, the configuration of stars in the canton of the American flag has changed many times, as each new state, represented by a star, was added. Outside of a brief flirtation with the idea of adding an additional stripe for new states Vermont and Kentucky in 1795, that trend was discarded in 1818, when 5 more states were added: Tennessee, Ohio, Louisiana, Indiana, and Mississippi. The stripe count returned to 13 thereafter, representing the original 13 colonies or states.
On June 14, 1885, "a 19 year old, $40 a month school-teacher, stirred by a deep love of the American Flag, held the first Flag Day exercises in a little country schoolhouse located near Fredonia [Wisconsin]." The schoolteacher, Bernard Cigrand, "began a lifelong crusade" on that day to honor the adoption of our our flag back in 1777.
The schoolteacher's quest was fulfilled when President Woodrow Wilson declared June 14th as National Flag Day in 1916. Later President Harry Truman signed a bill in 1949 "requesting the President call for Flag Day observance each year by proclamation".
That one room school was none other than Stony Hill Schoolhouse, 5595 Hwy I, in Ozaukee County. The school building has been restored and is open to school groups by appointment from May - mid June and from Labor Day - mid October. (Call 262.377.4510 for more information.)
The general public may visit the school house (exterior) on any day, but this weekend might be a good time as the Ozaukee County Pioneer Village,4880 County Hwy I - Saukville is holding FREE ADMISSION DAYS from noon to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday, June 16th & 17th, 2012. All 24 historic buildings/structures are open, there will be Heritage Demonstrations, and an Ice Cream Social too. Pioneer Village is just a few miles south of Stony Hill Schoolhouse.
Incidentally, Wisconsin joined the Union in 1848 as the 30th state. I would love to have one of those flags, with its 5 x 6 star arrangement, because any American flag, regardless of the number of stars or star arrangements in the canton, may be flown--they never have an expiration date!
So fly that flag proudly today and everyday, and Happy Flag Day!
Last chance! Your 2-cents against Hoan bike path & Trolley could save millions
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.
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 babyof 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?
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.
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.
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!
0% job growth: What didn't work then isn't working now!
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
