Gaylord Nelson was a champion for conservation in Wisconsin. As one of Wisconsin's US Senators he started Earth Day (April, 22, 1970),and he made numerous contributions to protecting our environment, including legislation that bought about the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act. He was instrumental in overseeing the preservation of thousands upon thousands of acres for Wisconsin parkland, including the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore of Lake Superior. And he always believed that Wisconsin's greatest resources were its people and its natural resources. It is a rich legacy for which the late, great statesman will always be known.
Scott Walker, unfortunately, has carved his own legacy. Walker has promoted business at the expense of Wisconsin's environment. Some of his proposals have included relaxing standards for water pollution (reducing weed-stemming phosphorous restrictions and run-off contamination), essentially eliminating farmland preservation, increasing road-building instead of promoting public transit (making cuts that will reduce public buses and halting the Madison-Milwaukee high speed rail), diverting money to transportation from a fund to clean up leaking underground gas tanks, and reducing incentives for putting land into conservation. Walker also requested changes in some wetlands protection (coincidentally on a parcel to be built upon by a major donor) and the elimination of subsidies for community recycling programs (while maintaining tipping fees charged for landfill use, which had been used to help fund those same recycling programs).
And that's just in his first four months.
Senator Nelson wouldn't recognize Wisconsin on this Earth Day.
Sadly, neither do I.
Showing posts with label walker. Show all posts
Showing posts with label walker. Show all posts
Friday, April 22, 2011
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Oh, to be like Arkansas!
This whole financial martial law thing (which Governor Walker denies he's considering doing) is, according to some, typical of the policies promoted by ALEC (The American Legislative Exchange Council). So I thought I'd take a quick, little internet trip up to ALEC and see what I could find.
It looks like the organization identifies the "2010 ALEC-Laffer State Economic Competitiveness rankings of the states based on their economic policies and examine which states took the right corrective actions and which states took the wrong ones in the face of this fiscal storm." ALEC website
I do not pretend to understand anywhere near the 142 pages of the full report. And it's very possible I don't care that much, but I did note that, in the 2010 State Economic Outlook Ranking, Wisconsin is number 23 (Utah, at #1, is best).
I guess, then, some of the states to which #23 Wisconsin should aspire include #13 Arkansas (which happens to be #48 in median household income and #46 in Forbes' Best States To Live), #16 Louisiana (41 in income; 40 in "best states"), #17 Alabama (46 in income; 33 in "best states"), and #18
It looks like the organization identifies the "2010 ALEC-Laffer State Economic Competitiveness rankings of the states based on their economic policies and examine which states took the right corrective actions and which states took the wrong ones in the face of this fiscal storm." ALEC website
I do not pretend to understand anywhere near the 142 pages of the full report. And it's very possible I don't care that much, but I did note that, in the 2010 State Economic Outlook Ranking, Wisconsin is number 23 (Utah, at #1, is best).
I guess, then, some of the states to which #23 Wisconsin should aspire include #13 Arkansas (which happens to be #48 in median household income and #46 in Forbes' Best States To Live), #16 Louisiana (41 in income; 40 in "best states"), #17 Alabama (46 in income; 33 in "best states"), and #18
Mississippi (50 in income; 48 in "best states"). Poor #23 Wisconsin tops each of these states, though, by a pretty significant margin, in income (#21) and in "best states to live" (#24). Regarding education, ALEC's own ranking of "K-12 Performance, Progress, and Reform" in American education has Wisconsin at 21, Alabama-40, Arkansas-44, Mississippi-46, and Louisiana-47.
To the untrained eye, it sure looks like "Economic Competetiveness" may come with some costs regarding quality of life. I mean, Arkansas is nice, but it's not Wisconsin.
So, hopefully, Governor, you really won't be taking ALEC's advice, right?
To the untrained eye, it sure looks like "Economic Competetiveness" may come with some costs regarding quality of life. I mean, Arkansas is nice, but it's not Wisconsin.
So, hopefully, Governor, you really won't be taking ALEC's advice, right?
Monday, April 18, 2011
Comforting words from our Governor
Like a warm, fuzzy blanket or a bowl of grandma's chicken soup, with two little words, Governor Walker soothed all our fears today.
"Absolutely false," said the Governor discussing the Rick Ungar report that Walker was working on a "financial martial law," on Newsradio 620 WTMJ's "Midday with Charlie Sykes."
(I pledge to) "oppose and veto any and all efforts to increase taxes." Scott Walker, Americans For Tax Reform Pledge "A new nonpartisan analysis of Wisconsin Republican Gov. Scott Walker's budget proposal shows that it would raise taxes for poor people..." BusinessWeek, 4/15/11
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker says his budget-repair bill would leave collective bargaining “fully intact,” Politfact, Rated PANTS ON FIRE
This (collective bargaining) has never been about union busting, it’s about balancing the budget. See Walker admit collective bargaining saved no money in the budget in testimony before Congressman Kucinich.
"(I will) End the practice of raiding segregated state funds to pay for other programs." Walker's website "Walker taps insurance fund to fill in deficit," JS Online
"Absolutely false," said the Governor discussing the Rick Ungar report that Walker was working on a "financial martial law," on Newsradio 620 WTMJ's "Midday with Charlie Sykes."
______________________________________________________________
Previous comforting words:(I pledge to) "oppose and veto any and all efforts to increase taxes." Scott Walker, Americans For Tax Reform Pledge "A new nonpartisan analysis of Wisconsin Republican Gov. Scott Walker's budget proposal shows that it would raise taxes for poor people..." BusinessWeek, 4/15/11
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker says his budget-repair bill would leave collective bargaining “fully intact,” Politfact, Rated PANTS ON FIRE
This (collective bargaining) has never been about union busting, it’s about balancing the budget. See Walker admit collective bargaining saved no money in the budget in testimony before Congressman Kucinich.
"(I will) End the practice of raiding segregated state funds to pay for other programs." Walker's website "Walker taps insurance fund to fill in deficit," JS Online
______________________________________________________________
Whew. Thank goodness. For a moment there I was worried...
Saturday, April 16, 2011
HORRIFYING assault on democracy--we may be next
I may be an alarmist here, but, really, isn't this alarming?
Michigan's Republican Governor Rick Snyder has enacted and acted upon "an order prohibiting all action by all city boards, commissions, authorities and other entities, except as authorized by the (governor appointed) emergency manager" because he thought a city wasn't doing well enough financially. Thus, the roles of duly elected officials in Benton Harbor, Michigan, have been taken over by government officials. (Eclectiblog, Detroit News). As a result, virtually all contracts, schools, services, etc., can be altered by governmental decree (by gubernatorial whim?). Where are we, 1980's Baghdad? 1950's USSR?
And it gets worse, according to Rick Ungar at Forbes, Scott Walker is planning to enact the same laws in Wisconsin. In May.
I'm sadly afraid it won't be too terribly long before Walker makes us erect statues of him on every street corner.
ADDENDUM: I just spoke (8 PM) with a state political reporter who said "for now at least, there's nothing being talked about publicly with respect to this." For now, at least.
In the comments to his article, Rick Ungar responded to my question about whether this is privatization for privatization's sake or a belief this is for "the common good,": "I think that legislation such as this is on the avenue to privatization and the removal of pesky regulations that interfere with large business – and those who pursue these policies believe they are effecting law for the common good. In this instance, I don’t think ignoring the elected will of the people in a local election is for the common good – but I think Gov. Walker would disagree with me." 10:23 AM, 4/17/11
4/18/11 Walker says it is "absolutely false."
Michigan's Republican Governor Rick Snyder has enacted and acted upon "an order prohibiting all action by all city boards, commissions, authorities and other entities, except as authorized by the (governor appointed) emergency manager" because he thought a city wasn't doing well enough financially. Thus, the roles of duly elected officials in Benton Harbor, Michigan, have been taken over by government officials. (Eclectiblog, Detroit News). As a result, virtually all contracts, schools, services, etc., can be altered by governmental decree (by gubernatorial whim?). Where are we, 1980's Baghdad? 1950's USSR?
And it gets worse, according to Rick Ungar at Forbes, Scott Walker is planning to enact the same laws in Wisconsin. In May.
I'm sadly afraid it won't be too terribly long before Walker makes us erect statues of him on every street corner.
ADDENDUM: I just spoke (8 PM) with a state political reporter who said "for now at least, there's nothing being talked about publicly with respect to this." For now, at least.
In the comments to his article, Rick Ungar responded to my question about whether this is privatization for privatization's sake or a belief this is for "the common good,": "I think that legislation such as this is on the avenue to privatization and the removal of pesky regulations that interfere with large business – and those who pursue these policies believe they are effecting law for the common good. In this instance, I don’t think ignoring the elected will of the people in a local election is for the common good – but I think Gov. Walker would disagree with me." 10:23 AM, 4/17/11
4/18/11 Walker says it is "absolutely false."
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Me so happy: Bizarro World heads to Washington
In Superman's Bizarro World, everything is topsy-turvy. Bad is good. Up is down. Indeed, the Bizarro code includes, in perfect Bizarro English, "Us do opposite of all Earthly things!" (1) It seems a lot like that in Wisconsin since Walker took over.
Today in Washington, Scott Walker shared the spotlight with Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin, both testifying before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform about “State and Municipal Debt: Tough Choices Ahead.” Shumlin played Superman to Walker's Bizarro.
Shumlin, a first-term democrat, took over Vermont, a state with severe fiscal problems, this January, creating austere budgets. (4) In a state with collective bargaining, Shumlin, as a Senator in 2009, worked with educator unions to achieve concessions, including, among other things, across the board salary cuts and freezes, as well as increased pension contributions. (2) He negotiated with the state employees union for significant concessions. (3) He came into office declaring that chastising educators and education would stop. (4) His speech today included, "I do not believe that those to blame for our current financial troubles are our law enforcement officers, firefighters, and other state employees." (2) This normal world, it's not a perfect world (teachers discuss strikes, for example, which for Wisconsin public workers are illegal), but Shumlin notes, "...the current debate about state budgets is that the focus has been not on bringing people together to solve common problems, like we have done in Vermont, but on division and blame." (2) A reporter from Vermont related to me that working together is, indeed, pretty much the case. (4)
That is the normal world.
And then there is the Bizarro World.
First off, Walker's colleague, Republican Jim Sensenbrenner introduced Walker with what those in the normal world would consider an unflattering term, a "very polarizing figure." (5) Walker called his own policies "progressive" (5) (which in Bizarro World must mean "incredibly conservative"). He included the Bizarro gem, "Sometimes, bipartisanship is not so good. " (5) And he was grilled by committee members on everything from not mentioning collective bargaining in his campaign and union busting (both which he admitted during questioning, but at no other time), to the patronizing hire of Brian Deschane, the unqualified son of a bigtime donor. (5) And when I was watching the news, it appeared that Bizarro governor seemed to think the testimony was going swimmingly.
Us in Wisconsin no need to worry.
Me so happy.
Congressman James Sensenbrenner (R-WI) introducing Scott Walker
Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio) asking about union busting
(1) Bizarro World entry, Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bizarro_World
(2) Mr. Shumlin Goes To Washington, Shumlin website, http://governor.vermont.gov/blog-mister-shumlin-goes-to-washington
(3) Governor...Contract With State Employees Union, Vermont Official website, http://www.vermont.gov/portal/government/article.php?news=1485
(4) Interview with Vermont reporter, personal conversation, 4/14/11
(5) Walker proves a lightning rod..., by Craig Gilbert, JS Online, 4/14/11, http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/news/119838014.html
Today in Washington, Scott Walker shared the spotlight with Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin, both testifying before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform about “State and Municipal Debt: Tough Choices Ahead.” Shumlin played Superman to Walker's Bizarro.
Shumlin, a first-term democrat, took over Vermont, a state with severe fiscal problems, this January, creating austere budgets. (4) In a state with collective bargaining, Shumlin, as a Senator in 2009, worked with educator unions to achieve concessions, including, among other things, across the board salary cuts and freezes, as well as increased pension contributions. (2) He negotiated with the state employees union for significant concessions. (3) He came into office declaring that chastising educators and education would stop. (4) His speech today included, "I do not believe that those to blame for our current financial troubles are our law enforcement officers, firefighters, and other state employees." (2) This normal world, it's not a perfect world (teachers discuss strikes, for example, which for Wisconsin public workers are illegal), but Shumlin notes, "...the current debate about state budgets is that the focus has been not on bringing people together to solve common problems, like we have done in Vermont, but on division and blame." (2) A reporter from Vermont related to me that working together is, indeed, pretty much the case. (4)
That is the normal world.
And then there is the Bizarro World.
First off, Walker's colleague, Republican Jim Sensenbrenner introduced Walker with what those in the normal world would consider an unflattering term, a "very polarizing figure." (5) Walker called his own policies "progressive" (5) (which in Bizarro World must mean "incredibly conservative"). He included the Bizarro gem, "Sometimes, bipartisanship is not so good. " (5) And he was grilled by committee members on everything from not mentioning collective bargaining in his campaign and union busting (both which he admitted during questioning, but at no other time), to the patronizing hire of Brian Deschane, the unqualified son of a bigtime donor. (5) And when I was watching the news, it appeared that Bizarro governor seemed to think the testimony was going swimmingly.
Us in Wisconsin no need to worry.
Me so happy.
Congressman James Sensenbrenner (R-WI) introducing Scott Walker
Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio) asking about union busting
(1) Bizarro World entry, Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bizarro_World
(2) Mr. Shumlin Goes To Washington, Shumlin website, http://governor.vermont.gov/blog-mister-shumlin-goes-to-washington
(3) Governor...Contract With State Employees Union, Vermont Official website, http://www.vermont.gov/portal/government/article.php?news=1485
(4) Interview with Vermont reporter, personal conversation, 4/14/11
(5) Walker proves a lightning rod..., by Craig Gilbert, JS Online, 4/14/11, http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/news/119838014.html
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
A Teacher's Tale
A rare departure from my usual posts: divisiveness since Scott Walker
Today I saw a parent from afar who I remember from when I had his daughter, Ashley, in my class a few years back. Today he watched with pride--as did I--as his daughter excelled in a school district competition. Ashley was quiet, a bit insecure, but she was bright, polite and helpful, and was truly an enjoyable kid. I tried to give her tasks to build her confidence, I gave her special projects to keep her challenged and excited. Her parents seemed happy with her experience in our classroom.
About six weeks ago, my teaching colleagues and I walked through our community to share our views on Governor Walker's budget bill. Some carried signs, most of the garden variety, "Honk, if you like teachers," things like that.
A few people did honk. Not a lot, but in this heavily-Republicanized county, it was still reassuring. More shook their heads in disgust as they went by. A couple passers-by gave us the finger, community members I recognized, and with whom I had exchanged greetings on occasion.
And I can picture Ashley's dad, hanging out his car window, veins popping from his neck, his voice angry as he hurled insults defaming my profession, my school, my personal character. And then he turned his car around and did it again.
Not long afterward, his wife came by, with Ashley in the passenger seat. Ashley's mom honked, and continued honking, with her left hand out the window, furiously pumping a thumbs-down.
And all I could think of was, "Hey, remember me? I taught your daughter. I cared for her, built her spirit, nourished her intellect. I was proud--still am--to say I was her teacher."
Well, that's not all I thought.
I thought how truly sorry I felt for that poor, little girl.
Today I saw a parent from afar who I remember from when I had his daughter, Ashley, in my class a few years back. Today he watched with pride--as did I--as his daughter excelled in a school district competition. Ashley was quiet, a bit insecure, but she was bright, polite and helpful, and was truly an enjoyable kid. I tried to give her tasks to build her confidence, I gave her special projects to keep her challenged and excited. Her parents seemed happy with her experience in our classroom.
About six weeks ago, my teaching colleagues and I walked through our community to share our views on Governor Walker's budget bill. Some carried signs, most of the garden variety, "Honk, if you like teachers," things like that.
A few people did honk. Not a lot, but in this heavily-Republicanized county, it was still reassuring. More shook their heads in disgust as they went by. A couple passers-by gave us the finger, community members I recognized, and with whom I had exchanged greetings on occasion.
And I can picture Ashley's dad, hanging out his car window, veins popping from his neck, his voice angry as he hurled insults defaming my profession, my school, my personal character. And then he turned his car around and did it again.
Not long afterward, his wife came by, with Ashley in the passenger seat. Ashley's mom honked, and continued honking, with her left hand out the window, furiously pumping a thumbs-down.
And all I could think of was, "Hey, remember me? I taught your daughter. I cared for her, built her spirit, nourished her intellect. I was proud--still am--to say I was her teacher."
Well, that's not all I thought.
I thought how truly sorry I felt for that poor, little girl.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Nuggets from the News
A smattering of stuff today from our favorite governor...
From Jason Stein of the Journal Sentinel: "Gov. Scott Walker said Tuesday that he’d ordered that a son of a prominent supporter be demoted because there were “more qualified” candidates available."
Really, Governor? Your crack staff couldn't figure out that a guy with no college degree and no experience wasn't less qualified than a guy with a doctoral degree and eight years experience (who didn't even get an interview, for goodness sakes)? (1)
Daniel Bice (again) of the JS: "Who knew that Gov. Scott Walker had headed out on a national tour to help raise money for Republican senators facing possible recalls?" Bice cites an interview with NewsMax.com (cited in an earlier posting here) that Walker was in Florida drumming up money for legislators in Wisconsin. (2,3)
You're kidding, right? The governor who wailed about protestors "almost all from out of state" (and proven false (4) ) is now not doing his job by traveling to seek money from out-of-state people to help his pals? Amazing.
And one more from the Journal Sentinel (Patrick Marley): "Milwaukee's ordinance requiring businesses to provide paid sick leave would be voided under a bill Republicans in the Assembly sent to Gov. Scott Walker on Tuesday." (5)
As we've heard, ad nauseam, when the majority vote fits Walker's agenda, it's "Hey, the people voted for it." This ordinance passed with 69% of the vote. That's 69%! And, since Walker doesn't want it, he yet again--just like collective bargaining, just like open meetings--simply has his legislature change the laws to accommodate his agenda. Did I already say, "Amazing?"
A little less than 266 days until the recall petition can be submitted to the GAB, Governor.
But, then, who's counting?
(1) "Walker Responds..., JS Online, 4/12/11
(2) "Report: Walker Launches national fundraising tour, JS Online, 4/12/11
(3) "Walker: Unions Won't Steal Prosser Election Win," NewsMax.com, 4/10/11
(4) Politifact, JS Online
(5) "Court of Appeals reinstates...," JS Online, 3/24/11
From Jason Stein of the Journal Sentinel: "Gov. Scott Walker said Tuesday that he’d ordered that a son of a prominent supporter be demoted because there were “more qualified” candidates available."
Really, Governor? Your crack staff couldn't figure out that a guy with no college degree and no experience wasn't less qualified than a guy with a doctoral degree and eight years experience (who didn't even get an interview, for goodness sakes)? (1)
Daniel Bice (again) of the JS: "Who knew that Gov. Scott Walker had headed out on a national tour to help raise money for Republican senators facing possible recalls?" Bice cites an interview with NewsMax.com (cited in an earlier posting here) that Walker was in Florida drumming up money for legislators in Wisconsin. (2,3)
You're kidding, right? The governor who wailed about protestors "almost all from out of state" (and proven false (4) ) is now not doing his job by traveling to seek money from out-of-state people to help his pals? Amazing.
And one more from the Journal Sentinel (Patrick Marley): "Milwaukee's ordinance requiring businesses to provide paid sick leave would be voided under a bill Republicans in the Assembly sent to Gov. Scott Walker on Tuesday." (5)
As we've heard, ad nauseam, when the majority vote fits Walker's agenda, it's "Hey, the people voted for it." This ordinance passed with 69% of the vote. That's 69%! And, since Walker doesn't want it, he yet again--just like collective bargaining, just like open meetings--simply has his legislature change the laws to accommodate his agenda. Did I already say, "Amazing?"
A little less than 266 days until the recall petition can be submitted to the GAB, Governor.
But, then, who's counting?
(1) "Walker Responds..., JS Online, 4/12/11
(2) "Report: Walker Launches national fundraising tour, JS Online, 4/12/11
(3) "Walker: Unions Won't Steal Prosser Election Win," NewsMax.com, 4/10/11
(4) Politifact, JS Online
(5) "Court of Appeals reinstates...," JS Online, 3/24/11
Monday, April 11, 2011
There'll be other days... (um, maybe it does start today...)
As much as I would love to believe Walker's hands are undeniably dirty in this illegal campaign donation scandal (in which William Gardner, president and CEO of Wisconsin & Southern Railroad Co., funneled tens of thousands of dollars in donations to Walker through W & S employees last year), (1,2) it seems a pretty hard sell on several fronts.
First off, once the donations were realized to have been illegal, it appears Walker's campaign returned the funds to Gardner and his employees. (1,2,3)
Secondly, both Gardner and Walker alerted the Government Accountability Board (regarding campaign financing) when the situation was revealed. (3)
Lastly, most telling and seemingly so VERY unlike the current state administration, Gardner's company was supposedly not in a position to benefit from his donation--instead, his railroad would have benefitted greatly from the new tracks laid for the Milwaukee-Madison high-speed rail, which Walker killed even before his first day in office (3,4) (although according to Milwaukee's WTMJ-TV4, Gardner's company is in line for plenty of money in Walker's current budget). (5)
But I don't think this is what a lot of us thought it would be. For those looking for the scandal, deception, or ethical violation that will bring down Scott Walker, this won't be it. Instead, for you, I just have one word:
Patience.
ADDENDUM: It's starting to stink a bit more: Gardner, who claims he didn't know it was improper (1) was strongly fined for doing essentially the same thing ($5000 through his daughter) in 2005, TO WALKER'S CAMPAIGN. Take a look at the criminal complaint yourself (here, through JS Online article) (1,6) and see what you think (it also contains some communications between Walker and Gardner, including Gardner asking for some government preferential treatment). According to GAB officials, this is all something that wouldn't have been discovered without a tip from Gardner's "friend." (7)
Hmmmm...let's just see how this all plays out, after all...
Thanks to The Political Environment for scrutinizing the Criminal Complaint (click here for post)
(1) Railroad executive charged...,WI State Journal, 4/11/11, http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/govt-and-politics/blog/article_d2f5df16-644b-11e0-8834-001cc4c03286.html
(2) Railroad exec charged..., JS Online, 4/11/11, http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/119595644.html
(3) Walker donor broke...rules, JS Online, 5/19/2010, http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/94344739.html
(4) Statement from the US Dept. of Transportation, 12/9/10, http://www.dot.gov/affairs/2010/dot20810.html
(5) Railroad Executive Pleads Guilty..., Today's TMJ4 News Live at Six, 4/11/11, http://www.todaystmj4.com/news/local/119596904.html?video=pop&t=a&bctid=CLIP_ID_1447930
(6) Criminal Complaint against William E. Gardner, 4/11/11, http://media.jsonline.com/documents/railroad-exec-041111.PDF
(7) WISN News at Ten, video from 2 PM GAB/Milw DA News conference 4/11/11
First off, once the donations were realized to have been illegal, it appears Walker's campaign returned the funds to Gardner and his employees. (1,2,3)
Secondly, both Gardner and Walker alerted the Government Accountability Board (regarding campaign financing) when the situation was revealed. (3)
Lastly, most telling and seemingly so VERY unlike the current state administration, Gardner's company was supposedly not in a position to benefit from his donation--instead, his railroad would have benefitted greatly from the new tracks laid for the Milwaukee-Madison high-speed rail, which Walker killed even before his first day in office (3,4) (although according to Milwaukee's WTMJ-TV4, Gardner's company is in line for plenty of money in Walker's current budget). (5)
But I don't think this is what a lot of us thought it would be. For those looking for the scandal, deception, or ethical violation that will bring down Scott Walker, this won't be it. Instead, for you, I just have one word:
Patience.
ADDENDUM: It's starting to stink a bit more: Gardner, who claims he didn't know it was improper (1) was strongly fined for doing essentially the same thing ($5000 through his daughter) in 2005, TO WALKER'S CAMPAIGN. Take a look at the criminal complaint yourself (here, through JS Online article) (1,6) and see what you think (it also contains some communications between Walker and Gardner, including Gardner asking for some government preferential treatment). According to GAB officials, this is all something that wouldn't have been discovered without a tip from Gardner's "friend." (7)
Hmmmm...let's just see how this all plays out, after all...
Thanks to The Political Environment for scrutinizing the Criminal Complaint (click here for post)
(1) Railroad executive charged...,WI State Journal, 4/11/11, http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/govt-and-politics/blog/article_d2f5df16-644b-11e0-8834-001cc4c03286.html
(2) Railroad exec charged..., JS Online, 4/11/11, http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/119595644.html
(3) Walker donor broke...rules, JS Online, 5/19/2010, http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/94344739.html
(4) Statement from the US Dept. of Transportation, 12/9/10, http://www.dot.gov/affairs/2010/dot20810.html
(5) Railroad Executive Pleads Guilty..., Today's TMJ4 News Live at Six, 4/11/11, http://www.todaystmj4.com/news/local/119596904.html?video=pop&t=a&bctid=CLIP_ID_1447930
(6) Criminal Complaint against William E. Gardner, 4/11/11, http://media.jsonline.com/documents/railroad-exec-041111.PDF
(7) WISN News at Ten, video from 2 PM GAB/Milw DA News conference 4/11/11
Sunday, April 10, 2011
WHO won't steal the election?
In an interview with Newsmax.com, Governor Walker vows that union leaders won't steal the election from David Prosser. (1)
Huh? Which candidate has more reason to question voting irregularities?
Governor, how about "We know there were some questions with the clerk's handling of votes in Waukesha County, so we'll make sure everything is above board?"
Nope. My governor, yet again, jumps right over conciliatory to combative.
And Walker maintains in the interview that "it is clear" that Republicans did not violate the open meetings law to pass budget repair which, of course, he is confident the Supreme Court will uphold (which includes Prosser who just happens to be the candidate Walker's administration said would be essential to further their agenda). (2)
I'm guessing, then, they haven't been even entertaining other possibilites. For what it's worth, my senator, Grothman, e-mailed me April 5, regarding my question as to whether they'd be re-passing budget repair that "discussions were underway." (3)
But now Walker and his colleagues won't have to worry about that. They'll just have to worry about keeping the possibility of "union thugs" in the headlines, to divert attention from their own "irregularities."
ADDENDUM: The Newsmax interview also intimates that Kloppenburg received an inordinate amount of outside campaign money. Politifact estimated that Prosser spent 38% more such money than did she. (4)
(1) Governor Walker Vows..., Newsmax.com, http://www.newsmax.com/InsideCover/scott-walker-prosser-election/2011/04/10/id/392402
(2) Walker agenda could be stopped, if Prosser is defeated, JS Online, 4/5/11, http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/news/119285829.html
(3) Personal e-mail correspondence from Sen. Glenn Grothman, 4/5/11
(4) Politifact, JS Online, http://www.politifact.com/wisconsin/statements/2011/apr/10/charlie-sykes/charlie-sykes-says-joanne-kloppenburg-had-3-1-adva/
Huh? Which candidate has more reason to question voting irregularities?
Governor, how about "We know there were some questions with the clerk's handling of votes in Waukesha County, so we'll make sure everything is above board?"
Nope. My governor, yet again, jumps right over conciliatory to combative.
And Walker maintains in the interview that "it is clear" that Republicans did not violate the open meetings law to pass budget repair which, of course, he is confident the Supreme Court will uphold (which includes Prosser who just happens to be the candidate Walker's administration said would be essential to further their agenda). (2)
I'm guessing, then, they haven't been even entertaining other possibilites. For what it's worth, my senator, Grothman, e-mailed me April 5, regarding my question as to whether they'd be re-passing budget repair that "discussions were underway." (3)
But now Walker and his colleagues won't have to worry about that. They'll just have to worry about keeping the possibility of "union thugs" in the headlines, to divert attention from their own "irregularities."
ADDENDUM: The Newsmax interview also intimates that Kloppenburg received an inordinate amount of outside campaign money. Politifact estimated that Prosser spent 38% more such money than did she. (4)
(1) Governor Walker Vows..., Newsmax.com, http://www.newsmax.com/InsideCover/scott-walker-prosser-election/2011/04/10/id/392402
(2) Walker agenda could be stopped, if Prosser is defeated, JS Online, 4/5/11, http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/news/119285829.html
(3) Personal e-mail correspondence from Sen. Glenn Grothman, 4/5/11
(4) Politifact, JS Online, http://www.politifact.com/wisconsin/statements/2011/apr/10/charlie-sykes/charlie-sykes-says-joanne-kloppenburg-had-3-1-adva/
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
So, it's not a referendum...?
As Scott Walker once more declares that the Wisconsin Supreme Court vote is not a referendum on his administration's policies (1) , his Republican colleague Jeff Stone is at home dumbfounded as to why he's not celebrating a victory in Walker's vacated Milwaukee County Executive postition. Instead, Stone got absolutely trounced (61%-39%) by an inexperienced political unknown, Chris Abele. And JoAnne Kloppenburg, a non-factor in the Supreme Court primary in February (25% of the vote, compared to Prosser's 55%), is the leader in the clubhouse for the justice post.
Not a referendum, huh?
When Walker won the gubernatorial election in 2010 by a not-landslide-like 52%-47% margin, he was all about how his subsequent policies were what the people of Wisconsin wanted. He and his Republican colleagues in the Legislature certainly acted as though they felt that was a referendum on his policies (or, at times, perhaps a divine command?) (2)
Unlike that election, though, voters here knew the real costs. They didn't have their candidates lie about collective bargaining, (3) or consolidate political power to appease corporate investors (4) , or say things to purposely mislead the people of Wisconsin (see previous posts).
Kloppenburg's possible election may be nothing more than something akin to a mosquito bite on the neck of Walker's administration, but a slew of them may just have him and his friends running for cover.
On, Wisconsin.
(1) Supreme Court vote doesn't shake Walker's resolve, WI State Journal, http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/govt-and-politics/article_3e2fac38-60b6-11e0-ae09-001cc4c002e0.html
(2) Scott Walker Believes He's Follwoing Orders From the Lord, The Progressive, 3/7/11 http://www.progressive.org/wx030711.html
(3) Politifact, JS Online, http://www.politifact.com/wisconsin/statements/2011/feb/22/scott-walker/wisconsin-gov-scott-walker-says-he-campaigned-his-/
(4) Yes, a power grab, JS Online, 12/27/10, http://www.jsonline.com/news/opinion/112522499.html
Not a referendum, huh?
When Walker won the gubernatorial election in 2010 by a not-landslide-like 52%-47% margin, he was all about how his subsequent policies were what the people of Wisconsin wanted. He and his Republican colleagues in the Legislature certainly acted as though they felt that was a referendum on his policies (or, at times, perhaps a divine command?) (2)
Unlike that election, though, voters here knew the real costs. They didn't have their candidates lie about collective bargaining, (3) or consolidate political power to appease corporate investors (4) , or say things to purposely mislead the people of Wisconsin (see previous posts).
Kloppenburg's possible election may be nothing more than something akin to a mosquito bite on the neck of Walker's administration, but a slew of them may just have him and his friends running for cover.
On, Wisconsin.
(1) Supreme Court vote doesn't shake Walker's resolve, WI State Journal, http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/govt-and-politics/article_3e2fac38-60b6-11e0-ae09-001cc4c002e0.html
(2) Scott Walker Believes He's Follwoing Orders From the Lord, The Progressive, 3/7/11 http://www.progressive.org/wx030711.html
(3) Politifact, JS Online, http://www.politifact.com/wisconsin/statements/2011/feb/22/scott-walker/wisconsin-gov-scott-walker-says-he-campaigned-his-/
(4) Yes, a power grab, JS Online, 12/27/10, http://www.jsonline.com/news/opinion/112522499.html
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Out of both sides of his mouth (again...)
Very short post today about honesty and non-partisanship:
(From JS Online, 4/3/11) "Walker himself dismissed the idea that the race would be a referendum on the bargaining law or his agenda." (1)
(From JS Online, 4/5/11) "Walker's chief counsel, Brian Hagedorn sent an e-mail on the eve of the election urging people to vote for Prosser, saying keeping him on the court is essential to advancing Walker's agenda." (2)
(1) Bit players dominate state Supreme Court race, JS Online, 4/3/11 http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/119128299.html
(2) Walker agenda could be stopped, if Prosser is defeated, JS Online, 4/5/11, http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/news/119285829.html
(From JS Online, 4/3/11) "Walker himself dismissed the idea that the race would be a referendum on the bargaining law or his agenda." (1)
(From JS Online, 4/5/11) "Walker's chief counsel, Brian Hagedorn sent an e-mail on the eve of the election urging people to vote for Prosser, saying keeping him on the court is essential to advancing Walker's agenda." (2)
(1) Bit players dominate state Supreme Court race, JS Online, 4/3/11 http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/119128299.html
(2) Walker agenda could be stopped, if Prosser is defeated, JS Online, 4/5/11, http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/news/119285829.html
Monday, April 4, 2011
Brother, can you spare a job?
Thanks to Daniel Bice's piece in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel today, Wisconsinites are aghast at the $81,500 job given to Brian Deschane, son of the leader of one of Walker's biggest PAC contributors, Wisconsin Builders Association. (1)
It's not just the favoritism causing the buzz, either. At least when the father of Walker's pals, the Fabulous Fitzgerald Boys, got the top post at the State Patrol, he had credentials. (2)
Walker's latest controversy, however, has a less-than-stellar resume for managing a department overseeing environmental and regulatory matters: little management experience, no college degree, and two drunk driving convictions (the most recent in 2008). (1) You can see what is reported to be Deschane's actual LinkedIn resume here (thanks to sally305 for the tip). NOTE: This link no longer works (4/8/11). Hopefully our Deschane friend, now resigned from all government posts, will still be able to secure employment without it...
And the fun won't stop with Deschane. Walker's budget repair, according to the Journal Sentinel "would make existing civil-service positions into 37 new political appointments...That would allow Walker and agency secretaries to hire and fire employees in those positions at will." (3)
So to appease Walker's big-money donors, he can offer positions such as Deschane's and at least 37 more?
That won't be nearly enough.
ADDENDUM: The very next day, Walker "took action" after getting caught with his pants down regarding cronyism--he "demoted" Deschane to a $62,000/year job. Walker demotes son of campaign contributor, JS Online, 4/5/11 http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/119283094.html
(1) No degree, little experience pay off big, JS Online, 4/3/11, http://www.jsonline.com/watchdog/noquarter/119159584.html
(2) Top lawmakers' father Stephen Fitzgerald to lead State Patrol, WI State Journal, 2/8/11 http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/govt-and-politics/article_5dbcb93c-3394-11e0-8091-001cc4c03286.html
(3) Walker gives himself more power..., JS Online,3/17/11 http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/118217614.html
It's not just the favoritism causing the buzz, either. At least when the father of Walker's pals, the Fabulous Fitzgerald Boys, got the top post at the State Patrol, he had credentials. (2)
Walker's latest controversy, however, has a less-than-stellar resume for managing a department overseeing environmental and regulatory matters: little management experience, no college degree, and two drunk driving convictions (the most recent in 2008). (1) You can see what is reported to be Deschane's actual LinkedIn resume here (thanks to sally305 for the tip). NOTE: This link no longer works (4/8/11). Hopefully our Deschane friend, now resigned from all government posts, will still be able to secure employment without it...
And the fun won't stop with Deschane. Walker's budget repair, according to the Journal Sentinel "would make existing civil-service positions into 37 new political appointments...That would allow Walker and agency secretaries to hire and fire employees in those positions at will." (3)
So to appease Walker's big-money donors, he can offer positions such as Deschane's and at least 37 more?
That won't be nearly enough.
ADDENDUM: The very next day, Walker "took action" after getting caught with his pants down regarding cronyism--he "demoted" Deschane to a $62,000/year job. Walker demotes son of campaign contributor, JS Online, 4/5/11 http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/119283094.html
(1) No degree, little experience pay off big, JS Online, 4/3/11, http://www.jsonline.com/watchdog/noquarter/119159584.html
(2) Top lawmakers' father Stephen Fitzgerald to lead State Patrol, WI State Journal, 2/8/11 http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/govt-and-politics/article_5dbcb93c-3394-11e0-8091-001cc4c03286.html
(3) Walker gives himself more power..., JS Online,3/17/11 http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/118217614.html
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