Council vote on fire truck wrong, weird

I was out of town the early part of last week, but when I returned had a couple emails and a voice mail about Paul Esslinger’s latest shenanigans – this time in the form of an old fire truck that years ago was used here in Oshkosh. I got the low-down from these folks and then, over the weekend, finally had a chance to watch the part of the Common Council meeting that dealt specifically with this item. Paul Esslinger tried to shorten the version of events surrounding this fire truck during his speech at the meeting. I’ll make them even shorter.


Fire Chief Tim Franz brought to Esslinger’s attention the existence of a 1915 fire truck that at one time was used here in Oshkosh. Esslinger looked into it and, having been told there was a potential buyer that could swoop in and get the truck, Esslinger and the chief took a road trip to Illinois, whereby Esslinger personally paid $8,500 for the truck, $250 to insure it and arranged for transportation back to the city to the tune of between $400 and $1,700. On Monday, he then had placed on the Common Council agenda for the following evening an item under which the city would accept this gift from him.

During Tuesday’s meeting Esslinger further explained he would essentially arrange for and hold three separate “fundraising” events, through the help of others and one already being the Oct. 12 Holiday Parade, where people could donate money to help him recoup his financial outlay, something he estimated at $11,000 but believes will be less. He indicated he would turn the truck over to the city in January, after these three events were concluded. He further explained that the rush to get this “gift acceptance” approved Tuesday evening and the reason for only 24 hours notice (or less) was because the parade was scheduled for two nights later and he wanted people to know where their donations were going. Plus, he said he was uncomfortable accepting money directly from people.

While I enjoy history as much as the next guy, and am sure this fire truck is a treasure, there are several problems I have with this, the least of which it involves more hypocrisy from Paul Esslinger. The rest are here, in no particular order:

(1) I can’t imagine there being a throng of people rushing to donate to Esslinger’s pet cause, but if there were they could easily have been told to make their checks out to the city with the reference section of their check stipulating it was for the truck. And if Esslinger was still concerned about this he could have pulled the fire truck from the parade, or just left it in and not accepted donations for it at this event. After all, this was an impulse purchase, no matter the circumstances, and if he had to forego fundraising at one event, so be it;

(2) Though Esslinger says the city will not have to pay anything for this truck, even for its storage – something else he’s arranged for and which some local business owner has volunteered to donate – it’s already been stated by the city attorney that we taxpayers will have to pay for the insurance of it, unless someone privately offers to pay for it year after year. I also have a strong hunch that over time the city will take on other financial needs related to this “gift;”

(3) I hope the fire chief was not considered “on duty” during the six hour round trip and additional time spent dealing with the seller. I also hope there was no mileage, gas or meals reimbursed to either he or Esslinger by the city;

(4) This item was placed on the council agenda for action with less than 24 hours notice – something Esslinger has, along with others, railed against in the past. Does that only apply when it’s NOT something Esslinger is personally advocating for;

(5) Along that same line, this council, with Paul Esslinger and Tony Palmeri at the helm, have pontificated ad nauseum about citizens deserving ample time to review and discuss items that affect them. Few council members seemed to have a similar concern about the lack of time for public input on this issue, and that includes the mayor and deputy mayor. Extremely disappointing, not to mention shameful and hypocritical;

(6) Bob Poeschl was one of those concerned about the rush to accept the “gift,” and originally voted against it. But since he voted first Tuesday evening and after the others voted he saw the decision was unanimous – Esslinger’s “present” vote notwithstanding – Poeschl said he wanted to reconsider his vote. Because he was not in the majority vote, he couldn’t make such a motion so Jess King did it for him. He then changed his vote, saying he didn’t want people to think he was against the “gift” overall. For God’s sake, Bob, you still could have voted the courage of your convictions and have people “get” your overall message at the same time. But you caved in and looked foolish in the process. Another disappointment;

(7) Just how long does it take this city to create a gift policy? This has been talked about since the fishing pier was donated to the city by the Otter Street Fishing Club more than four years ago, maybe even longer. I really can’t imagine it taking this long, despite other, more pressing matters, but perhaps we should stop accepting gifts until such a policy is created and approved. Since all of these “gifts” eventually come with a price tag, THAT might be the best “gift” of all to the taxpayers.

Have I forgotten anything else weird or wrong about this vote?

FOX CITIES PERFORMING ARTS CENTER TO PRESENT THE 2008/09 ANNUAL REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY

[We have received the following press release and are pleased to publish it on behalf of the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center.]

APPLETON, WI (November 13, 2009) - The Fox Cities Performing Arts Center will present the 2008/09 Annual Report to the Community Monday, November 16 at 10 a.m. during a public press conference held in the Center's Kimberly-Clark Theater. The Center's Annual Report to the Community is an annual update intended to inform the community at large about the accomplishments and overall performance of the nonprofit organization's most recently completed season. This event is free and open to the public.

"The Annual Report to the Community is designed to share the behind the scenes details of how the Center brings its mission to life," said Maria Van Laanen, vice president of communications and external relations. "It's a great opportunity for community members, Season Ticket Holders and donors to learn about all of the different, meaningful ways the Center made the arts come alive during the 2008/09 season."

Susan Stockton and Mike Weller, who serve as president and chairman of the board at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center respectively, will present the report with an emphasis on the organization's mission to serve as a gathering place for the community to engage in educational opportunities and enhance understanding and enjoyment of life through the creation and presentation of the arts. The Annual Report to the Community will feature information on the Wisconsin premiere of Wicked as well as other important accomplishments related to the Center's subsidized mission-based programming and an overview of the organization's financial standing.

The 2008/09 Annual Report will be available online following the press conference at foxcitiespac.com. A limited number of printed copies will be available, by request, to the general public. The Center's audited financial report will also be available online at foxcitiespac.com.

ABOUT THE FOX CITIES PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

The Fox Cities Performing Arts Center a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in downtown Appleton, provides a premier venue for live performing arts. The Center proudly serves as a gathering place for the community to engage in educational opportunities while enhancing a greater understanding and appreciation of the live performing arts. For more information on upcoming events, education programs and community involvement go to http://www.foxcitiespac.com/. The Fox Cities Performing Arts Center – Where the Arts Come Alive!

Governor Doyle Signs Four Bills that Build on Efforts to Protect Children, Prevent Fraud

[We have received the following press release and are pleased to publish it on behalf of Governor Doyle's office.]

MILWAUKEE – Governor Jim Doyle today signed into law Senate Bills 280, 299, 331 and 347, which build on his work to protect kids, ensure every child has a chance to succeed, and prevent fraud.


“As Governor, my number one priority has always been putting our kids first,” Governor Doyle said. “We have come a long way to help kids have the best education, best health care and best family support system possible. These bills signed into law today build on our efforts to protect our kids and ensure they can get a great start to life.”

Legislation signed by the Governor also builds on efforts to detect and prevent fraud in Wisconsin Shares, the state’s child care program for over 60,000 low-income working families.

“The recent fraud uncovered in our state’s child care program is simply intolerable – and we will not stand for it,” Governor Doyle said. “Wisconsin Shares is a vitally important program that provides affordable care for children from low income families, so their parents can go back to work. We cannot allow bad actors to undermine such a critical program, and today we are taking important steps to further crack down on fraud.”

While these bills represent significant steps forward, the Governor said there is still a lot more work to do to ensure families have access to high quality child care. In the past, Governor Doyle has proposed a quality rating system that would, for the first time, rate the quality of child care providers and use these ratings to determine state reimbursement under Wisconsin Shares. The recent budget signed by the Governor directs the Department of Children and Families to create a Wisconsin Quality Rating and Improvement System.

The Governor said his Administration will present a plan to the Legislature in the coming weeks to improve child care quality.

“I’ve never understood why we pay a poor child care provider the same rate as those who provide top quality care,” Governor Doyle said. “For years, I have been trying to improve the quality of child care in this state. We will come forward with a plan soon to do just that, and I hope lawmakers will act just as quickly to address the issue.”

The bills signed into law today build on Governor Doyle’s record of putting kids first, from expanding four-year-old kindergarten and school breakfast, to ensuring every child has access to health insurance, to strengthening our foster care system, to creating a new Department of Children and Families to protect children, strengthen families, and build communities.

The four bills are:

Senate Bill 280 dramatically improves the way the state can collect money owed to Wisconsin Shares when an incorporated or limited liability corporation (LLC) provider goes out of business.

Governor Doyle thanked Senators Bob Jauch and Kathleen Vinehout, and Representatives Tamara Grigsby and Andy Jorgensen for their work on the bill.

Senate Bill 299 strengthens requirements for publicly sharing information related to child abuse or neglect that leads to serious injury or death. This law makes the Department of Children and Families more transparent, while also protecting the best interests of the children.

Governor Doyle thanked the Senate Committee on Children and Families and Workforce Development for their work on the bill.

Senate Bill 331 ensures all children are safe by increasing the scope of criminal acts that permanently bar persons from becoming child care providers. The bill also requires more frequent background checks and mandates cross-checking potential child care providers with the sex offender registry and other agency registries. Finally, the bill strengthens requirements of state, county and tribal staff to report suspected abuse and fraud to their supervisors.

Governor Doyle thanked Senators Bob Jauch and Kathleen Vinehout, and Representatives Tamara Grigsby and Peter Barca for their work on the bill.

Senate Bill 347 makes important changes to align the state with federal standards, from improving efforts to place foster children with relatives and keep siblings together, to strengthening foster parent rights at hearings.

Governor Doyle thanked Senator Bob Jauch and Representative Kristen Dexter for their work on the bill.

Going Rogue, One WI Now Style

[We have received the following and are pleasedf to publish it on behalf of One Wisconsin Now.]

Last Friday, Sarah Palin came to Milwaukee to give a speech for the Wisconsin Right to Life. The event was closed to the media and all electronic devices were banned from the event -- no cameras, no audio recording devices, no video cameras, no cell phones.


But that didn't stop us.

We wanted to be sure to document what ex-Governor, and noted quitter, Sarah Palin said when she thought no one was looking (or recording), and we posted the first of the clips we got from the event on our YouTube page at http://www.youtube.com/onewisconsinnow.

Palin arrived just hours before the impending vote in Congress on the most sweeping health insurance reform in more than a generation. And with coverage for reproductive rights under assault, we thought it critical to learn what the right wing's most influential intellectual voice had to say about the issue.

But instead of thoughtfully addressing the issue of health insurance or presenting any fresh solutions for fixing our broken health care system, Sarah rambled on about a different threat -- a sinister "little bit of change." What really concerns Sarah is the re-design of the gold dollar coin.

Listen to One Wisconsin Now's exclusive audio of Sarah Palin's 'Coin Conspiracy':
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-SIoi8SiiY

Does listening to her nonsense make you angry? Then help us to keep pushing back hard against the right-wing noise machine.

https://secure.onewisconsinnowaction.org/page/contribute/steppingup

Whether it's this video, our WMCWatch.org program or working with you and our state-wide army of 40,000 online activists, we're able to do all of this because of the generous support of people across Wisconsin who believe in our mission of building a Wisconsin with equal economic opportunity for all.

Can you help support our efforts with a contribution of $25, $50, $100, or whatever you can afford today? We can't do any of this without your support, and from all of us at One Wisconsin Now, we sincerely appreciate all you've done -- from taking action, to sharing information with friends, laughing with us, being outraged, and even donating to support our efforts -- it all means so much to us.
So check out our latest video, and chip in if you can. We really aren't anything without your support.

Thanks for all you do,

Scot Ross

One Wisconsin Now

P.S.--Can you chip in today to help make sure we can continue to bring you hard-hitting (and sometimes undercover) research on the right wing? Your generous contribution of $25, $50, $100, or whatever you can afford will really go a long way to ensure One Wisconsin Now will be here for years to come. Thanks again -- we can't do any of this without your support!

One Wisconsin Now is a new-media online network of citizens from across Wisconsin committed to advancing progressive policy, leadership, values and ensuring equal economic opportunity for all.

Please consider making a contribution to One Wisconsin Now: https://secure.onewisconsinnowaction.org/page/contribute/steppingup

Appleton/Green Bay area shoppers encouraged to try alternate routes

[We have received the following press release from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and are pleased to publish it on their behalf.]

Appleton/Green Bay area shoppers encouraged to try alternate routes; Motorists should be patient and avoid backups on US 41 and WIS 172

(Green Bay) The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Northeast Regional Office at Green Bay is reminding motorists to avoid backups on areas near popular shopping destinations. Local traffic in both the Fox Valley and Green Bay metro areas should consider using the local street system. Hunters and holiday travelers should also give themselves more time, especially in the event of inclement weather.

Deer hunters:

• Deer hunters can expect to encounter heavy northbound traffic on most highways in the region beginning at noon on Friday, Nov. 20 and heavy southbound traffic on these routes from noon Sunday, Nov. 22 to late that night. This will continue during the Thanksgiving holiday, with Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday being busy days.

Fox Valley:

• There are four exits along US 41 that can be used for access to the Fox River Mall shopping area. Planning alternate routes helps avoid backups on US 41 during the holiday shopping season.

• Going from south to north, the main exits include:

1. County BB west to Casaloma Drive, then north

2. College Avenue (County CA) west, then enter on Mall Drive (or farther west on Casaloma Drive)

3. Wisconsin Avenue west, then turn left into mall

4. WIS 15 west to Casaloma Drive, then south

Alternate routes

For instance, motorists traveling north on US 41 can exit on County BB or WIS 96 (Wisconsin Avenue), avoiding a potentially frustrating and time-consuming back up that occurs at the WIS 125/County CA/College Avenue exit. Motorists traveling south on US 41 should consider exiting at WIS 15 (Northland Avenue) or WIS 125/County CA/College Avenue, again avoiding potential backups at the WIS 96 (Wisconsin Avenue) exit. Using these alternate routes will provide Fox Valley shoppers with a safer, less stressful holiday experience.

Green Bay area:

• In the Green Bay area, motorists are advised to avoid backups on WIS 172 and US 41. There are many alternate routes throughout the area. It is often quicker and safer to simply move on to the next exit. Local traffic in the Green Bay metro area should consider using the local street system to access the area.

• Shoppers traveling west on WIS 172 headed for the Bay Park Square Mall area could encounter heavy traffic on the Pilgrim Way exit ramp. WisDOT encourages drivers to use other routes, especially on evenings and weekends. Traffic westbound on WIS 172 should consider alternate routes through the city on local streets or continue west to US 41, then south to the Oneida Street exit, or north to the Lombardi Street exit.

• Traffic northbound on US 41 encountering any backups at Oneida Street can consider traveling north to Lombardi Avenue east, then south on Oneida Street.

• Northbound US 41 motorists from the Fox Valley area can avoid most potential problems by using the Ashland Avenue exit and choosing any of the next four traffic signals to gain access to the Bay Park Mall area.

• Traffic southbound on US 41 heading into the Green Bay area might consider using the Lombardi Avenue exit and turning east Oneida Street.

Alternate routes

According to Mike Berg, WisDOT northeast regional director, “We want motorists to have a safe holiday. I’d like them to consider an alternate route when moving from US 41 or WIS 172 into a shopping area. Typically, a route that might seem a bit longer could actually take less time and be a lot less stressful.”

Law enforcement agencies will also be keeping a close eye on traffic. Captain Dave Pichette, Wisconsin State Patrol, offered these safety tips to motorists that might get caught in a back up on US 41. “The best thing for motorists to do when they spot a back up at their exit is to simply drive on to the next exit,” said Pichette. He also had a tip for drivers passing through this area. “Be alert and move to the center or left lane early.”

“Most importantly, motorists should give themselves extra time to get to their destinations,” said Berg. “Remain calm and remember to be alert, patient, and courteous. Slow down, buckle up, and drive sober. We want everyone to enjoy a happy and safe holiday season.”

###

[Brown, Calumet, Outagamie, Waupaca, Winnebago, Shawano - media]

NOTE: News releases can be viewed on the Web at: www.dot.wisconsin.gov/news/index.htm.

Governor Doyle Signs 14 Bills into Law

Governor Jim Doyle today signed into law 14 bills at the State Capitol in Madison . The Governor signed Senate Bills 38, 132, 157, 158, 251, 252 and 361, and Assembly Bills 8, 136, 153, 174, 209, 211 and 281.

Senate Bill 361 clarifies foster care rates and licensing requirements to allow kinship care providers to participate in the graduated foster care licensing system.

“In many cases, relatives can provide safe, stable care for foster children and I am proud we are moving forward to ease the administrative hurdles to kinship care,” Governor Doyle said.

Governor Doyle thanked Senators Jauch and Lehman, and Representatives Pasch and Turner for their work on the bill.

Senate Bill 252 called “Fran’s Law” closes a loophole to ensure that vehicles that collide on private properties after leaving highways are subject to hit-and-run laws.

In 2005, Frances Suitor was killed in her sleep in Oregon , Wisconsin by a drunk driver who crashed through her house. Previous state law did not extend hit-and-run laws to private parking areas, so the charges against the driver were dismissed.

“I am proud the state is acting to ensure the tragic story of Frances Suitor is never repeated,” Governor Doyle said.

Governor Doyle thanked Senators Erpenbach and Carpenter, and Representatives Davis and Staskunas for their work on the bill.

Assembly Bill 281 restricts the amount of phosphorous that can be used in certain cleaning agents to reduce pollution of lakes and streams.

Governor Doyle thanked Representatives Black and Bies, and Senators Miller and Taylor for their work on the bill.

Senate Bill 38 promotes tourism at state parks by creating a uniform permit fee for tour buses visiting state parks.

Governor Doyle thanked Senators Lasee and Grothman, and Representatives Bies and Kaufert for their work on the bill.

Senate Bill 132 supports economic growth in the City of Racine by extending the Tax Incremental District (TID) Number 2 in Racine for an additional 10 years, until 2020.

Governor Doyle thanked Senators Lehman and Plale, and Representatives Mason and Turner for their work on the bill.

Senate Bill 157 will improve driver safety training and railroad crossing safety by requiring 30 minutes of driver education instruction on the dangers of rail crossings.

Governor Doyle thanked Senators Plale and Lassa, and Representatives Van Roy and Mursau for their work on the bill.

Senate Bill 158 clarifies laws related to stopping for railroad crossings.

Governor Doyle thanked Senators Plale and Holperin, and Representatives Van Roy and Mursau for their work on the bill.

Senate Bill 251 allows law enforcement officers to recover costs incurred when transporting an arrested person by ferry after its usual operating hours.

Governor Doyle thanked Senator Jauch and Representative Sherman for their work on the bill.

Assembly Bill 8 supports Iron River ’s tourism industry by slightly amending Bayfield County ’s liquor license requirements.

Governor Doyle thanked Representative Sherman and Senator Jauch for their work on the bill.

Assembly Bill 136 allows assessors more flexibility so they may complete assessments more efficiently, while protecting property owners.

Governor Doyle thanked Representatives Hubler and Ott, and Senators Holperin and Lehman for their work on the bill.

Assembly Bill 153 allows the Department of Tourism and the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection to appoint an agency employee to represent the agency if the Secretary cannot attend a State Fair Park Board meeting.

Governor Doyle thanked Representatives Staskunas and Gunderson, and Senators Sullivan and Kanavas for their work on the bill.

Assembly Bill 174 authorizes sharing of tax increments by certain environmental remediation tax incremental districts (ERTID).

Governor Doyle thanked Representatives Mason and Turner, and Senator Plale for their work on the bill.

Assembly Bill 209 allows a county to provide funding assistance to nonprofit organizations to provide assistance to low-income persons and victims of domestic abuse and related crimes.

Governor Doyle thanked Representatives Seidel and Bies, and Senators Holperin and Decker for their work on the bill.

Assembly Bill 211 clarifies procedures for distributing grant funds to county-tribal law enforcement program participants.

Governor Doyle thanked the Joint Legislative Council’s Special Committee on State-Tribal Relations for their work on the bill.

Public Interest Group that Filed Complaint against Justice Gableman Shocked by Judicial Panel Recommendation

[We have received the following press release and are pleased to publish it on behalf of Citizen Action of Wisconsin.]

Milwaukee: Today a three-judge Judicial Conduct Panel appointed to probe a complaint against Justice Michael Gableman recommended that the state Supreme Court dismiss the complaint.

The complaint, which was originally filed by Citizen Action of Wisconsin, maintains that Justice Gableman made false statements in a 2008 campaign ad directed at Justice Louis Butler. The ad, which sparked outrage from the legal community, editorial boards, and the public at large, was compared by many to the infamous “Willy Horton” ads.

Citizen Action of Wisconsin released the following statement from Executive Director Robert Kraig :

“This is a shocking turn of events in a case that has drawn national attention. It is a sad day for truth in Wisconsin when a justice of the Wisconsin Supreme Court can lie in a campaign ad and not be punished.

Two of the judges found a way to split hairs -- finding the language technically true, but misleading. And then finding a judge can't be disciplined for misleading the public. It is unbelievable. As Judge Deininger said, "Justice Gableman...'found a loophole.'"

The Judicial Code expects judges to have high standards. This is why the Code provides that a candidate for judge cannot knowingly or with reckless disregard misrepresent a fact concerning an opponent. Clearly anyone seeing the Gableman ad knows it was not true. It was misleading.

Judge Fine in his concurrence acknowledges the majority is splitting hairs and would find the ad was a violation of the judicial code. His quarrel is whether the Code violates the First Amendment. Since when does the First Amendment allow a liar to go unpunished? Defamation, libel and slander are all actionable civil wrongs.

One hopes the Wisconsin Supreme Court will not follow the recommendation of the three judge panel and will in fact discipline Justice Gableman for his outrageous and untruthful campaign ad.”