Thank you for using Picture and Video Messaging by U.S. Cellular. See www.uscellular.com for info.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Day 5: Tenney Park beach between storms
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Day 2
Thank you for using Picture and Video Messaging by U.S. Cellular. See www.uscellular.com for info.
Day 1: keepsake plate
Thank you for using Picture and Video Messaging by U.S. Cellular. See www.uscellular.com for info.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Kathy Nicklaus' Newspaper Trail
There are lots of newspaper archive articles with references to Kathy Nicklaus. Many seem pretty routine regarding voter information for Waukesha County. However, she had at least two prior "human errors" in elections prior to the 2011 contest. In 2002, the wrong ballots were given to at least one location resulting in 83 votes being recorded on the wrong ballot. In 2005, a sample ballot was published in the newspaper with a vote line connected for one of the candidates. In 2004, Waukesha's totals were not included in the county totals until
Nicklaus' Sample Ballot Error Reported on 10/14/2005
Nicklaus' Campaign Fund Raising
Nicklaus' Promotes awareness of voting law
Nicklaus' Software to track donations 10/19/2002
I may have to pay for a subscription to the Journal Sentinel archives. There are many links to election irregularities in Kathy Nicklaus' county. This one bothers me as much as any:
Miscast ballots because voters were given the wrong ballots (the votes were not counted). 9/22/2004 It appears that two wards voted in the same room and 39 of one ward and 44 of another got the wrong ballots. All votes were counted, Nicklaus commented that she was surprised the voters didn't notice the mistake earlier. Apparently, the two wards in the same room was a cost-saving issue and was done in at least one other instance without problem (at least that they are aware of).
It seems that voter lists were sold to a Republican Lawmaker and the issue seems to be whether state or campaign funds were used. 6/15/2002 Nicklaus, the clerk, was granted immunity to testify regarding the issue.
This article appears to confirm that Kathy Nicklaus' is solely responsible for the vote totals in her county. It makes the claim that if that is what voters in her county wants, then it is okay. Well, her county just swung an election for an official that effects the entire state, not just her county. I'm hoping for more than her word to confirm the totals from Waukesha county. Waukesha County wishes to audit clerk's equipment, but is not permitted according to this story.
At the end of the day, there must be paper ballots that can be counted and confirmed against total votes cast. I hope that's the case here, and that someone who counts can make this recount happen in Waukesha and other counties across the state.
Nicklaus' Sample Ballot Error Reported on 10/14/2005
Nicklaus' Campaign Fund Raising
Nicklaus' Promotes awareness of voting law
Nicklaus' Software to track donations 10/19/2002
I may have to pay for a subscription to the Journal Sentinel archives. There are many links to election irregularities in Kathy Nicklaus' county. This one bothers me as much as any:
Miscast ballots because voters were given the wrong ballots (the votes were not counted). 9/22/2004 It appears that two wards voted in the same room and 39 of one ward and 44 of another got the wrong ballots. All votes were counted, Nicklaus commented that she was surprised the voters didn't notice the mistake earlier. Apparently, the two wards in the same room was a cost-saving issue and was done in at least one other instance without problem (at least that they are aware of).
It seems that voter lists were sold to a Republican Lawmaker and the issue seems to be whether state or campaign funds were used. 6/15/2002 Nicklaus, the clerk, was granted immunity to testify regarding the issue.
This article appears to confirm that Kathy Nicklaus' is solely responsible for the vote totals in her county. It makes the claim that if that is what voters in her county wants, then it is okay. Well, her county just swung an election for an official that effects the entire state, not just her county. I'm hoping for more than her word to confirm the totals from Waukesha county. Waukesha County wishes to audit clerk's equipment, but is not permitted according to this story.
At the end of the day, there must be paper ballots that can be counted and confirmed against total votes cast. I hope that's the case here, and that someone who counts can make this recount happen in Waukesha and other counties across the state.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Link to "Only Connect" by Prof. William Cronon
“Only Connect…”
The Goals of a Liberal Education
William Cronon
http://www.williamcronon.net/writing/Cronon_Only_Connect.pdf
The Goals of a Liberal Education
William Cronon
http://www.williamcronon.net/writing/Cronon_Only_Connect.pdf
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Friday, March 18, 2011
Wisconsin Legislature Data
Here's a link to the Wisconsin State Legislature web site. Start here to see and read actual bill proposals and amendments: http://nxt.legis.state.wi.us/nxt/gateway.dll/?f=templates&fn=default.htm
Check your Voter Registration today!
OrangeDeb says check your voter ID registration now and don't move during October (or within 28 days of an election) unless you're going to vote for someone I don't support. In that case, please don't register and don't vote. But, if you want to check your Wisconsin Voter Registration status, here's the link:
https://vpa.wi.gov/VoterSearchScreen.aspx?Language=en-us
Student's must get a State ID (your college ID will not be enough) and replace it each time you move, so that your address is correct. Note: I believe that this alone will help fund the DMV as I think there's a fee to reissue IDs.
Married people who have changed your name, make sure that your voter registration information (name and address) has been updated before you go to the polls. Go to the County Clerk's office. It only takes minutes.
Not to worry... at least 20 cases of individual voter fraud over the last two elections "may" be prevented by your additional efforts to vote. Related Link: http://www.hudsonstarobserver.com/event/article/id/42220/group/Opinion/
https://vpa.wi.gov/VoterSearchScreen.aspx?Language=en-us
Student's must get a State ID (your college ID will not be enough) and replace it each time you move, so that your address is correct. Note: I believe that this alone will help fund the DMV as I think there's a fee to reissue IDs.
Married people who have changed your name, make sure that your voter registration information (name and address) has been updated before you go to the polls. Go to the County Clerk's office. It only takes minutes.
Not to worry... at least 20 cases of individual voter fraud over the last two elections "may" be prevented by your additional efforts to vote. Related Link: http://www.hudsonstarobserver.com/event/article/id/42220/group/Opinion/
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Why I've been posting on FB so much!
I have obviously been checking FB and posting regularly since the budget bill was proposed. This is because FB has been the primary way that I have learned of and been able to share news on the Governor's and our legislators' actions. The newspapers and stations have not reported much about the bill and it's affects other than the fact that the Governor proposed a controversial bill, he has the votes to pass it, but 14 senators were in Illinois denying quorum, and there's a lot of "union" people protesting the loss of bargaining rights. However, it is so much bigger than this single sentence and it is many differently employed WI citizens who are protesting and they are each protesting for differing reasons and many of us are not protesting just because we disagree with parts of this particular bill.
I do disagree with major parts of this bill because: the bill changes (cuts funding for) many things which I believe do require our (tax-payer) support. These are things like: public schools, natural resource conservation (and some protection), medicaid, alternative power options, recycling, bicycle routes, and buying local; while it simultaneously increases tax incentives to large corporations (not so much for small businesses though) and it transfers much money to transportation. So, I guess I can be happy about less potholes. However, the way I understand it, the bill doesn't even reduce the budget. That means that taxes will not be reduced, despite the loss or reduction of many services.
But, it is primarily the changes to the way we are governed that worries me the most. This bill continues a trend of making the WI Governor more powerful (more appointees means less non-partisan jobs and more uncertainty with each election), and this leaves the legislature and courts less able to protect other interests besides the current (and temporary) majority. Checks and balances in government are necessary to avoid one party government rule and ultimately dictatorship.
My friend (who lives in republican represented Lodi) was told, by her Senator's staff, that she would not be able to contact him until after his vote. When she asked why, she was told "the order came from higher up and that he would explain his vote after the bill passes". This is not representation, our representatives and senators must be able to represent us, not be told how to vote from higher up. Her Senator is Republican Senator Keith Ripp.
The Senate and Assembly are supposed to "check" the power of the Governor, not make it greater. The Tea Party protested the Healthcare bill for over 10 months over these same issues and successfully filibustered until key provisions were removed and they still say it was "rammed" through. Our Wisconsin Senators were gone for 3 weeks to give some time for citizens (and themselves) to understand some of the ramifications of the many (144 pages) provisions in the bill. Denying quorum was their only recourse as the Governor refused to listen or debate, much less negotiate. He wanted to have it passed and signed into law in only a few days well before anyone would understand just how much the rules had changed. Why the Republican Legislators were on board with this type of government escapes me unless they really believe that they will always be the majority party and will always have a republican Governor to tell them how to vote. Only Sen. Dale Schultz (R) and a few assembly representatives said they would not sign this bill in this way. And, I suspect they each actually agreed with many if not most of the provisions of this bill.
I do believe that this bill is a disaster for Wisconsin but I respect the right of others to disagree. However, to not allow time for legislators to have any serious debate or negotiation, and to not hear dissenting views on the bill, is not democratic or good precedent at any level of our government. Gov. Walker did not allow debate and publicly stated "I will not negotiate", despite what he claims in his fireside chats and Koch Bros. sponsored ads. As for my Senator being in IL, he did more good for the citizens of WI there, than any of the representation (except maybe Sen. Dale Schultz) did here at the Capitol. Gov. Walker is not CEO of Wisconsin and the state legislators are supposed to be a check of the power of the Governor's office and they must consider how the laws that they pass will affect all of Wisconsin's citizens.
I hope this helps you to understand why I've been so prolific on FB and actively protesting our current lack of real representation.
I do disagree with major parts of this bill because: the bill changes (cuts funding for) many things which I believe do require our (tax-payer) support. These are things like: public schools, natural resource conservation (and some protection), medicaid, alternative power options, recycling, bicycle routes, and buying local; while it simultaneously increases tax incentives to large corporations (not so much for small businesses though) and it transfers much money to transportation. So, I guess I can be happy about less potholes. However, the way I understand it, the bill doesn't even reduce the budget. That means that taxes will not be reduced, despite the loss or reduction of many services.
But, it is primarily the changes to the way we are governed that worries me the most. This bill continues a trend of making the WI Governor more powerful (more appointees means less non-partisan jobs and more uncertainty with each election), and this leaves the legislature and courts less able to protect other interests besides the current (and temporary) majority. Checks and balances in government are necessary to avoid one party government rule and ultimately dictatorship.
My friend (who lives in republican represented Lodi) was told, by her Senator's staff, that she would not be able to contact him until after his vote. When she asked why, she was told "the order came from higher up and that he would explain his vote after the bill passes". This is not representation, our representatives and senators must be able to represent us, not be told how to vote from higher up. Her Senator is Republican Senator Keith Ripp.
The Senate and Assembly are supposed to "check" the power of the Governor, not make it greater. The Tea Party protested the Healthcare bill for over 10 months over these same issues and successfully filibustered until key provisions were removed and they still say it was "rammed" through. Our Wisconsin Senators were gone for 3 weeks to give some time for citizens (and themselves) to understand some of the ramifications of the many (144 pages) provisions in the bill. Denying quorum was their only recourse as the Governor refused to listen or debate, much less negotiate. He wanted to have it passed and signed into law in only a few days well before anyone would understand just how much the rules had changed. Why the Republican Legislators were on board with this type of government escapes me unless they really believe that they will always be the majority party and will always have a republican Governor to tell them how to vote. Only Sen. Dale Schultz (R) and a few assembly representatives said they would not sign this bill in this way. And, I suspect they each actually agreed with many if not most of the provisions of this bill.
I do believe that this bill is a disaster for Wisconsin but I respect the right of others to disagree. However, to not allow time for legislators to have any serious debate or negotiation, and to not hear dissenting views on the bill, is not democratic or good precedent at any level of our government. Gov. Walker did not allow debate and publicly stated "I will not negotiate", despite what he claims in his fireside chats and Koch Bros. sponsored ads. As for my Senator being in IL, he did more good for the citizens of WI there, than any of the representation (except maybe Sen. Dale Schultz) did here at the Capitol. Gov. Walker is not CEO of Wisconsin and the state legislators are supposed to be a check of the power of the Governor's office and they must consider how the laws that they pass will affect all of Wisconsin's citizens.
I hope this helps you to understand why I've been so prolific on FB and actively protesting our current lack of real representation.
Monday, March 14, 2011
What you would have seen if you could have made it to Madison over the past few weeks.
Please view these images. http://www.tourdeforce360.com/madison_protest/
This is the rally that you've missed if you've been trying to follow the current events by watching the news. Come to the Capitol to see for yourself. These protests will continue until worker's again have the right to have a place at the bargaining table.
Please reconsider your support of this bill as it will improve the lives of Corporate CEOs, not your family or that of your friends. A $900 million cut to schools to pay for tax cuts and $450 million for roads. This budget will not reduce your taxes or improve your child's education.
This is the rally that you've missed if you've been trying to follow the current events by watching the news. Come to the Capitol to see for yourself. These protests will continue until worker's again have the right to have a place at the bargaining table.
Please reconsider your support of this bill as it will improve the lives of Corporate CEOs, not your family or that of your friends. A $900 million cut to schools to pay for tax cuts and $450 million for roads. This budget will not reduce your taxes or improve your child's education.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Thursday, March 3, 2011
How much will the Budget Repair bill cost you?
This link is to a page that includes an estimator for Wisconsin State Workers to see how much Gov. Walker's Budget Repair bill will cost state employees. Unfortunately, there isn't one yet for all of the other effects of the Budget Repair bill and the new biennial budget Walker released on Tuesday. Things get worse with every reading.
* Don't buy local (we can't afford it, I guess).* We can't afford recycling programs.
* Possible loss of public transportation funds.
* No worker rights (well... maybe just one? we can go in the Capitol again).
http://www.uwsa.edu/hr/benefits/budgetBillEstimator/index.php?payType=monthly&grossPay=7565.68&carryInsurance=Yes&insuranceType=single&healthInsurance=Unity+UW+-+Health&Calculate=Estimate
My pay cut estimate from the Budget Repair Bill is $4,245. But, that's not including the 11% cut to the UW's state funding. Those numbers won't be available until June or July, most likely.
* Don't buy local (we can't afford it, I guess).* We can't afford recycling programs.
* Possible loss of public transportation funds.
* No worker rights (well... maybe just one? we can go in the Capitol again).
http://www.uwsa.edu/hr/benefits/budgetBillEstimator/index.php?payType=monthly&grossPay=7565.68&carryInsurance=Yes&insuranceType=single&healthInsurance=Unity+UW+-+Health&Calculate=Estimate
My pay cut estimate from the Budget Repair Bill is $4,245. But, that's not including the 11% cut to the UW's state funding. Those numbers won't be available until June or July, most likely.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Walker's State of the State on Tax Cuts
"In less than 30 days, I have already signed four pieces of legislation into law that will help the private sector create jobs. And on my desk is another bill giving tax relief to small businesses that I intend to sign on Friday.
The first act I signed as governor eliminated the taxes on health savings accounts, making health care more affordable for small business owners, blue-collar workers and family farmers. I want to thank Representatives Kaufert, Ziegelbauer and Stone and Senators Darling, Olsen and Vukmir for their leadership on HSAs. This change was a long time coming for Wisconsin and brings us into line with the rest of the nation.
Our second act reduced frivolous lawsuits in Wisconsin. The litigation environment in a state is one of the key drivers for business and unfortunately we were once known as “Alabama North” because of our poor lawsuit climate.
Now, we’ve turned the page on lawsuit reform and offer one more sign that Wisconsin is open for business. Thanks to Senator Zipperer and Representative Jim Ott for their leadership on this important issue.
Yesterday, I signed an expansion of our relocation and economic development tax credits. These measures will help our state attract and retain businesses and jobs."
As reported by: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2011/02/wisconsin-governor-scott-walker-state-of-the-state.html
The first act I signed as governor eliminated the taxes on health savings accounts, making health care more affordable for small business owners, blue-collar workers and family farmers. I want to thank Representatives Kaufert, Ziegelbauer and Stone and Senators Darling, Olsen and Vukmir for their leadership on HSAs. This change was a long time coming for Wisconsin and brings us into line with the rest of the nation.
Our second act reduced frivolous lawsuits in Wisconsin. The litigation environment in a state is one of the key drivers for business and unfortunately we were once known as “Alabama North” because of our poor lawsuit climate.
Now, we’ve turned the page on lawsuit reform and offer one more sign that Wisconsin is open for business. Thanks to Senator Zipperer and Representative Jim Ott for their leadership on this important issue.
Yesterday, I signed an expansion of our relocation and economic development tax credits. These measures will help our state attract and retain businesses and jobs."
As reported by: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2011/02/wisconsin-governor-scott-walker-state-of-the-state.html
Forbes on WI Tax Cuts for businesses
From Forbes on 2/15/2011:
Wisconsin’s Cheesy Tax Cuts
"That is, he may ultimately succeed in giving away, to a different set of businesses and individuals, the $187 million of revenue that the 2009 enactment of combined reporting was expected to recoup over its first two years in effect. The entire corporate income tax in Wisconsin raises $630 million annually, accounting for 5 percent of the state’s total general purpose revenue of $12 billion."For the entire article: http://blogs.forbes.com/leesheppard/2011/02/15/wisconsins-cheesy-tax-cuts/
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Which is it? Does Wisconsin have a Surplus or a Deficit?
Here's an interesting take on Wisconsin's budget. Walker certainly cut taxes for businesses. That did make the news. Please comment if you have links to definitive sources for the information reported in this article.
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/02/wisconsin-gov-walker-ginned-up-budget-shortfall-to-undercut-worker-rights.php
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/02/wisconsin-gov-walker-ginned-up-budget-shortfall-to-undercut-worker-rights.php
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
CS Dept watching Watson play Jeopardy
Capitol Rally
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Budget Repair bill
The State of Wisconsin Budget Repair bill is quite depressing indeed. I did the math and I will take another 6.3% pay cut on top of the 3% pay cut from furloughs and the loss of a 2% cost of living increase that was granted and rescinded two years ago, not to mention wage freezes before that, and a promotion without a raise during this span, because of the state budget.
If this bill passes, my future pay can only increase up to the cost of living adjustments and that's only if negotiated for in each budget. Imagine being told you will never be more qualified or productive and your current wage is your permanent 'real' wage and it will always remain what it is now, unless you get the state's voters to pass a raise for you by referendum.
I have not had a holiday or performance bonus since being hired by the University. I have however donated to the holiday bonus fund for the admin staff in my dept as well as to the student scholarship fund. All this while the state funds less and less of the UW costs. The last number I recall learning was that the state now funds less than 18% of the UW's operating costs, but UW contracts are still negotiated as if we're a public University. The proposed union busting efforts are reprehensible and will effect me even though I am not represented by a union.
Having grown up in a household supported solely by the money my father earned via straight commission sales, I'm quite sensitive to the reality of no paid vacation or sick or personal time for workers in many fields of work. Given the choice, why would anyone choose to be self employed? I recall a few promotions to management (with benefits) that my father earned. Each time he eventually gave up his new benefits of paid vacations and insurance just to return to sales. Why? Because he could make more money selling than he could managing, training, and motivating others to sell. The risk was greater as well as the potential reward and this suited his interests and abilities well.
Many such people see themselves as small business owners who pay my salary and benefits since they are taxpayers and I am employed by the UW. They resent public sector and union workers because no one provides the same benefits to them.
But, there are other rewards that they have that public workers do not. First, they pick their work hours, days and weeks. In many cases they also could negotiate for benefits and better job security over pay, but they instead choose higher pay potential. Also, Salespeople are typically rewarded for good performance with more pay, trips and other promotion bonuses.
Can any state worker conceive of a holiday or performance bonus at the end of the year, much less a trip to Hawaii or Bermuda or Boca Raton for having an especially good year teaching, licensing, planning, caring for, inspecting, picking up trash, or delivering people safely by bus, etc.?
I wonder how many more pay and benefit cuts it will take for the average taxpayer to support public workers? I'm pretty sure that my 10+% pay cut (following years of frozen wages) will not magically change the average taxpayers view that government workers are overpaid and underworked. And without unions, there is little to no job security coupled with a decrease in potential compensation. Sounds like exactly the place a hard worker will choose to work, right?
There are pros and cons to both public and private sector jobs. Each of us is free to pursue the job and the benefits that we value most. But, to resent someone else's benefits because you chose the higher wage opportunities available to you in a non-union job or field is disingenuous.
I sincerely hope the small reduction in the state's projected deficit (that these changes represent) makes all of us taxpayers happy enough to finally start supporting public sector workers and the services they provide.
Please support improved work conditions for all workers and go get the education, on the job training and ultimately the job (with the benefits and wage opportunities) you value most.
If this bill passes, my future pay can only increase up to the cost of living adjustments and that's only if negotiated for in each budget. Imagine being told you will never be more qualified or productive and your current wage is your permanent 'real' wage and it will always remain what it is now, unless you get the state's voters to pass a raise for you by referendum.
I have not had a holiday or performance bonus since being hired by the University. I have however donated to the holiday bonus fund for the admin staff in my dept as well as to the student scholarship fund. All this while the state funds less and less of the UW costs. The last number I recall learning was that the state now funds less than 18% of the UW's operating costs, but UW contracts are still negotiated as if we're a public University. The proposed union busting efforts are reprehensible and will effect me even though I am not represented by a union.
Having grown up in a household supported solely by the money my father earned via straight commission sales, I'm quite sensitive to the reality of no paid vacation or sick or personal time for workers in many fields of work. Given the choice, why would anyone choose to be self employed? I recall a few promotions to management (with benefits) that my father earned. Each time he eventually gave up his new benefits of paid vacations and insurance just to return to sales. Why? Because he could make more money selling than he could managing, training, and motivating others to sell. The risk was greater as well as the potential reward and this suited his interests and abilities well.
Many such people see themselves as small business owners who pay my salary and benefits since they are taxpayers and I am employed by the UW. They resent public sector and union workers because no one provides the same benefits to them.
But, there are other rewards that they have that public workers do not. First, they pick their work hours, days and weeks. In many cases they also could negotiate for benefits and better job security over pay, but they instead choose higher pay potential. Also, Salespeople are typically rewarded for good performance with more pay, trips and other promotion bonuses.
Can any state worker conceive of a holiday or performance bonus at the end of the year, much less a trip to Hawaii or Bermuda or Boca Raton for having an especially good year teaching, licensing, planning, caring for, inspecting, picking up trash, or delivering people safely by bus, etc.?
I wonder how many more pay and benefit cuts it will take for the average taxpayer to support public workers? I'm pretty sure that my 10+% pay cut (following years of frozen wages) will not magically change the average taxpayers view that government workers are overpaid and underworked. And without unions, there is little to no job security coupled with a decrease in potential compensation. Sounds like exactly the place a hard worker will choose to work, right?
There are pros and cons to both public and private sector jobs. Each of us is free to pursue the job and the benefits that we value most. But, to resent someone else's benefits because you chose the higher wage opportunities available to you in a non-union job or field is disingenuous.
I sincerely hope the small reduction in the state's projected deficit (that these changes represent) makes all of us taxpayers happy enough to finally start supporting public sector workers and the services they provide.
Please support improved work conditions for all workers and go get the education, on the job training and ultimately the job (with the benefits and wage opportunities) you value most.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)