Wisconsin smoke ban exemption now law
MADISON — Anti-smoking activists are angry about an exemption to Wisconsin's smoking ban that allows people to light up in rooms in which a quarter or more of the walls are windows.
However, they don't expect a widespread effort to subvert the law that takes effect July 5.
The Tavern League of Wisconsin had been lobbying for a law change that would allow the 5,000 bars and restaurants it represents to have legal outdoor smoking areas, including ones that would be like four-seasons rooms with roofs and partial walls.
Gov. Jim Doyle signed the bill into law Tuesday that includes the open-air exemption.
"I don't think it undermines anything," Tavern League director Pete Madland said. "It's a very workable and amicable compromise."
Anti-smoking advocates warned that attempts to subvert the smoking ban won't work.
"If bar owners start to play cute, the public isn't going to be happy about that," said Maureen Busalacchi, executive director of SmokeFree Wisconsin. "To make an investment to throw up some kind of structure like this in this kind of economy, doesn't really make sense. People adjust. They learn to go outside."
The exemption that allows smoking in open-air rooms first came to light last month when The Post-Crescent reported the efforts of Grand Chute building inspector Cary Nate to publicize the loophole.
"It says you can't smoke in an enclosed indoor space, and they defined enclosed space as an area 'with a roof and more than two substantial walls,'" Nate told The P-C. "Then they defined substantial walls as 'a wall with an opening that may be used to allow air in from the outside that is less than 25 percent of the wall surface.'
"If the window or door was more than 25 percent of the surface, it was no longer a substantial wall."
Nate said he informed state Sen. Mike Ellis, R-Neenah, and Ellis' staff members told him, "You're wrong." Then they called him back two days later and said, "You're right."
The bill Doyle signed Tuesday closes unintended loopholes in the law that might have allowed for smoking indoors in windowless rooms or in rooms where windows make up at least a quarter of the walls but don't open to allow in fresh air.
The Tavern League, which opposed the original ban, supported the technical changes approved by the Legislature and signed by Doyle.
Madland said his organization has heard from bar owners across the state asking if they could begin work on largely open-air rooms where smoking would be legal. Now that the law is signed, Madland said he expects many of them will move ahead with construction. He doesn't have a good estimate of how many might be built.
Wisconsin will become the 28th state to prohibit smoking in all public places once the law takes effect. Many communities are already there: 38 cities or counties already ban smoking in all bars, restaurants and workplaces. That includes the cities of Madison, Appleton, Kenosha, La Crosse and Wausau.
However, smoking still is allowed — at least for the next two months — in Milwaukee, the state's largest city.
Busalacchi said she remains confident that the ban will have the desired effect, even if a few outdoor smoking rooms popped up.
"(The ban) is going to be good for business and it's going to be great for health," she said.
The Post-Crescent contributed to this report.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle joins President Barack Obama to push for small business help
Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle joins President Barack Obama to push for small business help
MADISON — Gov. Jim Doyle is joining with President Barack Obama in pushing Congress to pass a package of tax changes, credits and loans designed to help the small businesses.
Doyle was at the White House on Tuesday as part of National Small Business Week where small-business owners of the year were honored by the president.
Doyle said in a conference call with reporters after the event that Obama has shown a real concern and understanding of the needs of small business owners.
Doyle says he continually hears stories about small businesses that have survived the recession but are now read to grow again. He says the changes being sought by Obama will help those businesses get access to the money they need to grow.
MADISON — Gov. Jim Doyle is joining with President Barack Obama in pushing Congress to pass a package of tax changes, credits and loans designed to help the small businesses.
Doyle was at the White House on Tuesday as part of National Small Business Week where small-business owners of the year were honored by the president.
Doyle said in a conference call with reporters after the event that Obama has shown a real concern and understanding of the needs of small business owners.
Doyle says he continually hears stories about small businesses that have survived the recession but are now read to grow again. He says the changes being sought by Obama will help those businesses get access to the money they need to grow.
Wisconsin GOP gubernatorial candidates Scott Walker, Mark Neumann say they're outsiders
Wisconsin GOP gubernatorial candidates Scott Walker, Mark Neumann say they're outsiders
VERONA — Republican gubernatorial candidates Scott Walker and Mark Neumann sparred Monday over who was an outsider who could shake up state government, even as Walker touted his endorsement by 91 percent of party members and Neumann downplayed his two terms in Congress.
After delegates endorsed Walker at the Wisconsin Republican Party’s weekend convention, Chairman Reince Priebus joined him at campaign stops and predicted he would win the Sept. 14 primary. Priebus said the party would provide Walker with whatever resources it could to help him win, including money and voter lists.
That’s the biggest advantage Walker gets by winning the endorsement. Both he and Neumann will still appear on the primary ballot, and voters will decide who to send on to the general election.
Neumann said he wasn’t surprised Priebus expected Walker to win, and he attempted to use the prediction to his advantage.
“We fully understand we are the outsider in this race,” Neumann said. “I think the people are going to elect someone outside of government.”
Walker said his endorsement showed the breadth of his support among Wisconsin Republicans, but at the same time, he also tried to position himself as someone who could shake up the establishment.
“There’s no candidate running for governor, Republican or Democrat, who’s more anti-status quo than I,” Walker said after a rally at Doerfer Brothers farm in Verona. “Everything I’ve done is challenge the government.”
Democratic Party Chairman Mike Tate derided Walker’s statement, calling him the consummate party insider.
“Scott Walker has said some pretty incredible things in his career but this must be the most outlandish, ridiculous, far-fetched comment of the campaign so far,” Tate said.
Walker was 25 years old when he was elected to the state Assembly in 1992. He served there for nine years before becoming Milwaukee County executive, a position he’s held since 2002.
Neumann said Monday that he’s the true outsider in the race, even though he served two terms in Congress in the 1990s before returning to his business as a home builder after a failed 1998 challenge to Democratic U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold.
Tate said the only thing that makes Neumann an outsider is “he doesn’t know how to mount a winning campaign.”
The winner of the Republican primary likely will face Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, the only major Democratic candidate, in the November election.
Barrett spokesman Phil Walzak said because both Walker and Neumann support repealing tax increases on large businesses and families earning more than $300,000 a year, they “aren’t fighting against the status quo — they are fighting against Wisconsin’s working and middle-class families.”
Walker has been campaigning almost nonstop since he dropped out of the 2006 governor’s race, blanketing the state many times over and meeting with party activists. Neumann jumped in the race in July.
Neumann upset some party faithful when he had paid for a telephone poll to measure his support among party delegates and then asked them not to vote to endorse him. Neumann said he made the request because primary voters — and not what he called “Republican insiders” — should pick the party’s candidate.
But many delegates said they believed Neumann bowed out because he knew Walker would win.
Walker’s multi-city campaign tour on Monday also included stops in Green Bay, La Crosse, Eau Claire, and Wausau. It marked the second time he’s done a fly around. The first was a year ago after he announced his candidacy.
Also Monday, Neumann dropped off petitions in Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle’s office that he said contained the signatures of 25,000 people who oppose the recently passed federal health care law. Neumann wants Doyle to join a lawsuit challenging the law. Doyle supports the law and has refused to participate in the lawsuit.
VERONA — Republican gubernatorial candidates Scott Walker and Mark Neumann sparred Monday over who was an outsider who could shake up state government, even as Walker touted his endorsement by 91 percent of party members and Neumann downplayed his two terms in Congress.
After delegates endorsed Walker at the Wisconsin Republican Party’s weekend convention, Chairman Reince Priebus joined him at campaign stops and predicted he would win the Sept. 14 primary. Priebus said the party would provide Walker with whatever resources it could to help him win, including money and voter lists.
That’s the biggest advantage Walker gets by winning the endorsement. Both he and Neumann will still appear on the primary ballot, and voters will decide who to send on to the general election.
Neumann said he wasn’t surprised Priebus expected Walker to win, and he attempted to use the prediction to his advantage.
“We fully understand we are the outsider in this race,” Neumann said. “I think the people are going to elect someone outside of government.”
Walker said his endorsement showed the breadth of his support among Wisconsin Republicans, but at the same time, he also tried to position himself as someone who could shake up the establishment.
“There’s no candidate running for governor, Republican or Democrat, who’s more anti-status quo than I,” Walker said after a rally at Doerfer Brothers farm in Verona. “Everything I’ve done is challenge the government.”
Democratic Party Chairman Mike Tate derided Walker’s statement, calling him the consummate party insider.
“Scott Walker has said some pretty incredible things in his career but this must be the most outlandish, ridiculous, far-fetched comment of the campaign so far,” Tate said.
Walker was 25 years old when he was elected to the state Assembly in 1992. He served there for nine years before becoming Milwaukee County executive, a position he’s held since 2002.
Neumann said Monday that he’s the true outsider in the race, even though he served two terms in Congress in the 1990s before returning to his business as a home builder after a failed 1998 challenge to Democratic U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold.
Tate said the only thing that makes Neumann an outsider is “he doesn’t know how to mount a winning campaign.”
The winner of the Republican primary likely will face Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, the only major Democratic candidate, in the November election.
Barrett spokesman Phil Walzak said because both Walker and Neumann support repealing tax increases on large businesses and families earning more than $300,000 a year, they “aren’t fighting against the status quo — they are fighting against Wisconsin’s working and middle-class families.”
Walker has been campaigning almost nonstop since he dropped out of the 2006 governor’s race, blanketing the state many times over and meeting with party activists. Neumann jumped in the race in July.
Neumann upset some party faithful when he had paid for a telephone poll to measure his support among party delegates and then asked them not to vote to endorse him. Neumann said he made the request because primary voters — and not what he called “Republican insiders” — should pick the party’s candidate.
But many delegates said they believed Neumann bowed out because he knew Walker would win.
Walker’s multi-city campaign tour on Monday also included stops in Green Bay, La Crosse, Eau Claire, and Wausau. It marked the second time he’s done a fly around. The first was a year ago after he announced his candidacy.
Also Monday, Neumann dropped off petitions in Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle’s office that he said contained the signatures of 25,000 people who oppose the recently passed federal health care law. Neumann wants Doyle to join a lawsuit challenging the law. Doyle supports the law and has refused to participate in the lawsuit.
Democrat Tom Nelson announces bid for Wisconsin lieutenant governor
Democrat Tom Nelson announces bid for Wisconsin lieutenant governor
KAUKAUNA — State Rep. Tom Nelson, the Assembly majority leader, said Tuesday he will run for lieutenant governor, citing the need for proven leadership in Wisconsin's executive branch.
Nelson, a Democrat from Kaukauna, made his campaign official during a news conference on a sidewalk at the corner of Draper and Idlewood streets. The home there is the first he visited when he started his initial Assembly campaign in 2004.
Several dozen supporters attended Nelson's announcement. He said job creation remains the state's most pressing challenge.
"We are slowly coming out of the greatest economic downturn since the Great Depression," he said.
Nelson said his candidacy would add some geographic balance to the Democratic ticket as Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett seeks the governor's office.
His decision to run was further influenced by a conversation with Barrett, Nelson said. He left convinced that Barrett as governor would empower his lieutenant to play a significant role in state government.
Nelson stands among a crowded field for the post.
Nelson joins Democratic candidates G. Spencer Coggs of Milwaukee, Henry Sanders of Waunakee, James Schneider of Gotham and T. Anthony Zielinski of Milwaukee.
On the Republican side, Brett Davis of Oregon, Dave Ross of Superior, Rebecca Kleefisch of Oconomowoc and Ben Collins of Lake Geneva are registered to run.
Terry Virgil of Fort Atkinson is seeking the office as a Libertarian.
Nelson said he isn't discouraged by the competition. He was an underdog in 2004 when he became the lone Democrat in the state to beat a Republican incumbent, he said.
"I wasn't on anyone's radar," he said.
Lieutenant governors serve four-year terms.
If there are contests, voters will decide the respective parties' nominees in the Sept. 14 primary election.
The winning candidates will then run on the same ticket as their parties' gubernatorial nominees.
Jim Collar: 920-993-1000, ext. 216, or jcollar@postcrescent.com
KAUKAUNA — State Rep. Tom Nelson, the Assembly majority leader, said Tuesday he will run for lieutenant governor, citing the need for proven leadership in Wisconsin's executive branch.
Nelson, a Democrat from Kaukauna, made his campaign official during a news conference on a sidewalk at the corner of Draper and Idlewood streets. The home there is the first he visited when he started his initial Assembly campaign in 2004.
Several dozen supporters attended Nelson's announcement. He said job creation remains the state's most pressing challenge.
"We are slowly coming out of the greatest economic downturn since the Great Depression," he said.
Nelson said his candidacy would add some geographic balance to the Democratic ticket as Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett seeks the governor's office.
His decision to run was further influenced by a conversation with Barrett, Nelson said. He left convinced that Barrett as governor would empower his lieutenant to play a significant role in state government.
Nelson stands among a crowded field for the post.
Nelson joins Democratic candidates G. Spencer Coggs of Milwaukee, Henry Sanders of Waunakee, James Schneider of Gotham and T. Anthony Zielinski of Milwaukee.
On the Republican side, Brett Davis of Oregon, Dave Ross of Superior, Rebecca Kleefisch of Oconomowoc and Ben Collins of Lake Geneva are registered to run.
Terry Virgil of Fort Atkinson is seeking the office as a Libertarian.
Nelson said he isn't discouraged by the competition. He was an underdog in 2004 when he became the lone Democrat in the state to beat a Republican incumbent, he said.
"I wasn't on anyone's radar," he said.
Lieutenant governors serve four-year terms.
If there are contests, voters will decide the respective parties' nominees in the Sept. 14 primary election.
The winning candidates will then run on the same ticket as their parties' gubernatorial nominees.
Jim Collar: 920-993-1000, ext. 216, or jcollar@postcrescent.com
A Memorial Message from Senator Kohl
As spring turns to summer, families and friends across our nation come together to celebrate our flag, our fallen heroes, and the freedoms they fought to protect. This Memorial Day, we remember the service men and women who gave their lives for the peace and safety we feel in our Wisconsin homes. From Arlington National Cemetery to Milwaukee’s Wood National Cemetery, flowers and flags adorn the gravestones of our fallen soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines. The commitment and sacrifice of our armed forces has reinforced America’s most fundamental values.
As we honor the courage of the fallen, we must also honor the brave men and women that returned home and remain with us today. Their courage under threat, patience in the face of adversity, and modesty in service are what make our troops such exemplary leaders both on the battlefield and when they return home. These veterans do not ask for our praise. Yet on this Memorial Day and everyday, we owe them our deepest gratitude and respect.
We can never fully repay them for their service, but I am working hard to secure better health services for our veterans in Wisconsin. Wisconsin recently opened a new Veterans Center in Brown County and another will soon be opening in La Crosse. We are taking significant steps towards addressing the needs of Wisconsin’s former service members.
Still, tens of thousands of our veterans lack access to the critical support Veterans Centers provide. Some veterans in north central Wisconsin have to drive for hours to receive the support they need and deserve. That’s a fundamental disservice to the men and women who have sacrificed for this country and I have contacted the US Department of Veterans Affairs about the need for a new Veterans Center in northern Wisconsin and additional counselors at the Milwaukee Veterans Center.
I am also working to develop affordable educational opportunities for veterans. I have requested funding to establish a Veterans Center at Western Technical College in La Crosse to provide academic, career and social services to veterans and their families. Additionally, I have requested funding to develop a program at UW-Stevens Point to provide financial, career and social resources to disabled veterans returning from combat.
This Memorial Day, we remember the steep price of our freedom as we commemorate the lives and contributions of those who have passed and those who remain in harm’s way. Let us rededicate ourselves, this May 31, to honoring our nation’s veterans.
"Why I am Running For Govenor of Wiscosnin" by Tomm Barrett
"Why I am Running For Govenor of Wiscosnin" by Tomm Barrett
Welcome to our website (link above). I am running for governor because I know a better, stronger Wisconsin is worth fighting for. This campaign is about you and the future of our great state. I know we can overcome the challenges before us, because the people of Wisconsin are hard working, dedicated, and optimistic.
But it will also take leadership that knows how to get Wisconsin back on track, understands your concerns, and listens to your voice. I have done just that. From introducing responsible, balanced budgets, to addressing and lowering crime to reforming our schools and investing in jobs, I have tackled the issues just as families across Wisconsin tackle challenges every single day.
I’ve focused on bringing people together to find solutions to complex problems. That’s why I helped establish a regional economic development initiative to attract high-quality businesses and jobs to Milwaukee. Through M7, we retained and created 1600 Republic Airline jobs. We did it because we knew that old way of doing business just doesn’t work any longer.
I believe in the people of Wisconsin, the businesses of Wisconsin, and the future of Wisconsin. Together we can build a strong economy, protect what is important, and create a great future for our children and our grandchildren.
Throughout our campaign I will need your help. We can only win in November if everyday Wisconsinites like you join together to share our vision of bringing high quality jobs back to Wisconsin and expanding prosperity and opportunity for Wisconsin families and workers.
Thank you for visiting our website and I hope that you will take the time to explore our site and I encourage you to consider making a donation or signing up to volunteer.
Thank you for your support and I look forward to staying in touch with you throughout our campaign. Together we will build a stronger Wisconsin for all of us.
Welcome to our website (link above). I am running for governor because I know a better, stronger Wisconsin is worth fighting for. This campaign is about you and the future of our great state. I know we can overcome the challenges before us, because the people of Wisconsin are hard working, dedicated, and optimistic.
But it will also take leadership that knows how to get Wisconsin back on track, understands your concerns, and listens to your voice. I have done just that. From introducing responsible, balanced budgets, to addressing and lowering crime to reforming our schools and investing in jobs, I have tackled the issues just as families across Wisconsin tackle challenges every single day.
I’ve focused on bringing people together to find solutions to complex problems. That’s why I helped establish a regional economic development initiative to attract high-quality businesses and jobs to Milwaukee. Through M7, we retained and created 1600 Republic Airline jobs. We did it because we knew that old way of doing business just doesn’t work any longer.
I believe in the people of Wisconsin, the businesses of Wisconsin, and the future of Wisconsin. Together we can build a strong economy, protect what is important, and create a great future for our children and our grandchildren.
Throughout our campaign I will need your help. We can only win in November if everyday Wisconsinites like you join together to share our vision of bringing high quality jobs back to Wisconsin and expanding prosperity and opportunity for Wisconsin families and workers.
Thank you for visiting our website and I hope that you will take the time to explore our site and I encourage you to consider making a donation or signing up to volunteer.
Thank you for your support and I look forward to staying in touch with you throughout our campaign. Together we will build a stronger Wisconsin for all of us.
Tom Barrett for Wisconsin Governor: It's the Jobs, Stupid
Tom Barrett for Wisconsin Governor
Tom Barrett for Wisconsin Governor: It's the Jobs, Stupid
Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett recently set forth a comprehensive jobs plan that shows what a real progressive Democrat will do for Wisconsin. Now, he has released his first TV ad.
Barrett has unveiled a smart, ambitious agenda to create jobs and grow our state's economy as Wisconsin governor.
Tom's detailed job creation vision will improve Wisconsin's business climate, encourage entrepreneurship at the heart of the new global economy, spur new business activity, jump-start needed construction, and develop the workforce talent to attract new businesses to our state quickly.
Tom Barrett for Wisconsin Governor: It's the Jobs, Stupid
Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett recently set forth a comprehensive jobs plan that shows what a real progressive Democrat will do for Wisconsin. Now, he has released his first TV ad.
Barrett has unveiled a smart, ambitious agenda to create jobs and grow our state's economy as Wisconsin governor.
Tom's detailed job creation vision will improve Wisconsin's business climate, encourage entrepreneurship at the heart of the new global economy, spur new business activity, jump-start needed construction, and develop the workforce talent to attract new businesses to our state quickly.
Dick Leinenkugel: No regret over dropping U.S. Senate bid
Dick Leinenkugel: No regret over dropping U.S. Senate bid
MILWAUKEE — Former beer mogul Dick Leinenkugel stunned Republican followers Sunday by dropping his U.S. Senate bid and throwing his support to a rival. The next day he said he was perfectly at ease with both decisions.
“The weather’s beautiful, I’m sitting here in a nice summer shirt with shorts and flip-flops writing thank-you notes to supporters,” Leinenkugel told The Associated Press by phone Monday. “I feel terrific.”
He didn’t sound terrific Sunday. As he addressed delegates at the state Republican party’s convention in Milwaukee, he spoke somberly of the need to create jobs and limit government interference. He also said Republicans need to unite to defeat U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold, the incumbent Democrat.
Then, near the end of his 10-minute speech, he told the audience it’s time to elect a senator who will restore Wisconsin’s conservative values.
“But it is not my time,” he said, prompting many delegates to turn to each other in confusion. “It is Ron Johnson’s time.”
The stunned audience was silent for a moment before breaking into applause. Some people holding signs for Johnson exchanged high-fives while others hugged.
Johnson, an Oshkosh businessman who has been active in the tea party movement, went on to win the party’s endorsement later in the day.
It’s unclear what effect Leinenkugel’s endorsement had on Johnson’s win, but Johnson — without mentioning Leinenkugel by name — said later: “We will appreciate all the support we can get.”
Leinenkugel had launched his campaign in late April and immediately declared himself the front-runner in what was then a three-person race. Madison-area developer Terrence Wall and Watertown businessman Dave Westlake had already entered the race months earlier.
Leinenkugel’s campaign drew almost immediate criticism. Leinenkugel had resigned weeks earlier after serving 19 months as the state’s commerce secretary under Gov. Jim Doyle. The close association with a Democrat left many wary of Leinenkugel’s conservative credentials.
Wall’s campaign rushed out a news release Sunday suggesting Johnson was tainted by the endorsement of a candidate whose principles are so close to those of Doyle.
Leinenkugel dismissed the news release as “childish” and “sour grapes.” He also discounted the idea that he dropped out because he couldn’t win.
“We had a path to victory in terms of taking our message to the voters of Wisconsin,” he said. “Even this morning my wife was going, ’Dick, you’re the one that can beat Russ Feingold had you made it through the primary.“’
Johnson, Wall and Westlake will square off in a Sept. 14 primary. The general election is Nov. 2.
Leinenkugel said he made his decision to drop out on Thursday after consulting with family and advisers. He emphasized that he had zero collaboration with Johnson’s campaign, and said he didn’t inform Johnson until minutes before Leinenkugel took the stage to give his speech.
Leinenkugel didn’t rule out a future run for office.
“Maybe my time will come later,” he said.
Grassroots political groups make waves
Grassroots political groups make waves
GREEN BAY — Advocates of limited government have formed several groups in northeastern Wisconsin over the past year to constructively channel a sense of frustration with the political establishment.
Members of groups like the Fox Valley Initiative, N.E.W. Patriots, the N.E.W. Liberty Alliance and Close 2 Home say their organizations are a way for residents to organize locally in an election year and build on the sentiments expressed at tea party rallies.
Though some have rallied around common issues like the opposition to President Barack Obama's health care law, the groups are not governed by a single entity.
Instead, they independently conduct legislative education sessions and organize candidate forums for the decisive midterm and gubernatorial election this fall.
The groups say they're nonpartisan, but embrace conservative values such as smaller government involvement.
Formed out of frustration
One common theme among the disparate groups is disappointment in the state and federal government and a desire to change things.
Green Bay-area residents Evonne Brown, Debra Meyer and Michelle Jauquet met through the Fox Valley Initiative, a Menasha-based group, and created a local chapter of the organization for the Green Bay area.
The N.E.W. Liberty Alliance began meeting in April with about 25 people in attendance.
"Our mission is the same as the Fox Valley Initiative, which is limited government, lower taxes, accountability and integrity in government," said Brown, a Howard resident who is one of the founding members of the group. "We want every elected official to realize they work for us."
She and others gravitated toward the Fox Valley Initiative because they were concerned about the health-care legislation being passed, Brown said.
Last summer, a group of people in southern Brown County, all of whom shared a certain conservative philosophy, started meeting as the N.E.W. Patriots, said Linda Clemedtson, a Greenleaf resident who sits on the group's steering committee. Members initially focused on getting conservative speakers to address issues like global warming and health care.
"The biggest driving force is what is happening from the top down in the government," Clemedtson said. "A lot of us do feel that Obama and his government is way too liberal, and the way things are handled is that legislation is pushed through."
Though the tea party rallies energized people, some of whom had been apathetic or uninvolved, Clemedtson said her organization's primary goal is to give members better access to information and energize them to vote.
"There were these Tea Parties, where people — many of whom had never been involved — were so outraged that they wanted to say something and do something," said Joe Giganti, co-founder of Close 2 Home, a Bellevue-based group that hopes to encourage people to find local solutions to national issues. "These events had a 'what's next?' to them. The concept is to empower people to understand the design of our government."
Nonpartisan groups?
Members of these groups admit they embrace conservative values, but call themselves nonpartisan.
Because both major political parties are being ineffective, Giganti said it's best for his group to stay nonpartisan.
"We do represent the values of the area we live in — home, work, church and district," Giganti said. "We represent the ideals that you find in the average person in Wisconsin and the Green Bay area. Certainly they're called conservative values, but they're more American values."
Northeastern Wisconsin and the Fox Valley has historically leaned conservative, although Democrats have made inroads in the past few election cycles. In 2008, Obama won most of the region, and Democrats controlled both chambers of the state Legislature.
The mission of the N.E.W. Patriots is to get more people to vote for conservative candidates, Clemedtson said. However, the group doesn't plan to endorse any particular candidate or party.
The organization is committed to promoting the "conservative values" of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness "by educating the public, promoting and supporting quality candidates, and communicating with our elected officials, while remaining politically independent," according to its website.
"As with any group, basically if you belong to a certain group it's because you hold the same beliefs as other people. It wouldn't be for everyone," Brown said of the members of the N.E.W Liberty Alliance. Its Web site describes the group as "about limiting government, upholding the Constitution, lower taxes and balanced budgets, private property rights, a free market economy, and integrity and accountability from our government."
Election 2010
This fall's election features a crucial midterm congressional election, an open gubernatorial race and several potentially contentious state races.
Both the N.E.W. Patriots and the Fox Valley Initiative regularly invite candidates for question-and-answer sessions.
"We try to promote any candidate — Democrat and Republican," Clemedtson said. "We invite everyone, but not everyone comes. It's definitely more the conservatives that show up."
When candidates decline to appear, the group often places an empty chair on the stage to signify the absence, Clemedtson said. Though most of the audience is either Republican or Independent, she hopes all candidates would want to share their positions.
"Politicians need to face us all," Clemedtson said. "If you believe what you think, you shouldn't be afraid."
Though candidates have the opportunity to address members during meetings of the N.E.W. Liberty Alliance, forums are not the primary focus, Brown said.
"That isn't the direction for us because it's pretty easy to get to Kaukauna or Morrison for those other forums," Brown said. "We will concentrate on other events." The group is planning a series of events for Constitution week in September, she added.
Close 2 Home also opens its meetings to candidates, who are given five minutes each before monthly meetings to talk in a non-panel format, Giganti said.
"We're not concerned with what letter is coming after their name but whether that person will come out and talk to us," Giganti said.
But the election isn't the end of the road for these groups who see a long-term need for their efforts.
"In the beginning, we asked each other 'how long are we in this for?'" Clemedtson said. "All of us said until November 2010. Now as things have evolved, it's necessary to continue. No one's perfect and even if more conservatives are in office, they need to know we will be watchdogs."
Malavika Jagannathan writes for the Green Bay Press-Gazette
GREEN BAY — Advocates of limited government have formed several groups in northeastern Wisconsin over the past year to constructively channel a sense of frustration with the political establishment.
Members of groups like the Fox Valley Initiative, N.E.W. Patriots, the N.E.W. Liberty Alliance and Close 2 Home say their organizations are a way for residents to organize locally in an election year and build on the sentiments expressed at tea party rallies.
Though some have rallied around common issues like the opposition to President Barack Obama's health care law, the groups are not governed by a single entity.
Instead, they independently conduct legislative education sessions and organize candidate forums for the decisive midterm and gubernatorial election this fall.
The groups say they're nonpartisan, but embrace conservative values such as smaller government involvement.
Formed out of frustration
One common theme among the disparate groups is disappointment in the state and federal government and a desire to change things.
Green Bay-area residents Evonne Brown, Debra Meyer and Michelle Jauquet met through the Fox Valley Initiative, a Menasha-based group, and created a local chapter of the organization for the Green Bay area.
The N.E.W. Liberty Alliance began meeting in April with about 25 people in attendance.
"Our mission is the same as the Fox Valley Initiative, which is limited government, lower taxes, accountability and integrity in government," said Brown, a Howard resident who is one of the founding members of the group. "We want every elected official to realize they work for us."
She and others gravitated toward the Fox Valley Initiative because they were concerned about the health-care legislation being passed, Brown said.
Last summer, a group of people in southern Brown County, all of whom shared a certain conservative philosophy, started meeting as the N.E.W. Patriots, said Linda Clemedtson, a Greenleaf resident who sits on the group's steering committee. Members initially focused on getting conservative speakers to address issues like global warming and health care.
"The biggest driving force is what is happening from the top down in the government," Clemedtson said. "A lot of us do feel that Obama and his government is way too liberal, and the way things are handled is that legislation is pushed through."
Though the tea party rallies energized people, some of whom had been apathetic or uninvolved, Clemedtson said her organization's primary goal is to give members better access to information and energize them to vote.
"There were these Tea Parties, where people — many of whom had never been involved — were so outraged that they wanted to say something and do something," said Joe Giganti, co-founder of Close 2 Home, a Bellevue-based group that hopes to encourage people to find local solutions to national issues. "These events had a 'what's next?' to them. The concept is to empower people to understand the design of our government."
Nonpartisan groups?
Members of these groups admit they embrace conservative values, but call themselves nonpartisan.
Because both major political parties are being ineffective, Giganti said it's best for his group to stay nonpartisan.
"We do represent the values of the area we live in — home, work, church and district," Giganti said. "We represent the ideals that you find in the average person in Wisconsin and the Green Bay area. Certainly they're called conservative values, but they're more American values."
Northeastern Wisconsin and the Fox Valley has historically leaned conservative, although Democrats have made inroads in the past few election cycles. In 2008, Obama won most of the region, and Democrats controlled both chambers of the state Legislature.
The mission of the N.E.W. Patriots is to get more people to vote for conservative candidates, Clemedtson said. However, the group doesn't plan to endorse any particular candidate or party.
The organization is committed to promoting the "conservative values" of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness "by educating the public, promoting and supporting quality candidates, and communicating with our elected officials, while remaining politically independent," according to its website.
"As with any group, basically if you belong to a certain group it's because you hold the same beliefs as other people. It wouldn't be for everyone," Brown said of the members of the N.E.W Liberty Alliance. Its Web site describes the group as "about limiting government, upholding the Constitution, lower taxes and balanced budgets, private property rights, a free market economy, and integrity and accountability from our government."
Election 2010
This fall's election features a crucial midterm congressional election, an open gubernatorial race and several potentially contentious state races.
Both the N.E.W. Patriots and the Fox Valley Initiative regularly invite candidates for question-and-answer sessions.
"We try to promote any candidate — Democrat and Republican," Clemedtson said. "We invite everyone, but not everyone comes. It's definitely more the conservatives that show up."
When candidates decline to appear, the group often places an empty chair on the stage to signify the absence, Clemedtson said. Though most of the audience is either Republican or Independent, she hopes all candidates would want to share their positions.
"Politicians need to face us all," Clemedtson said. "If you believe what you think, you shouldn't be afraid."
Though candidates have the opportunity to address members during meetings of the N.E.W. Liberty Alliance, forums are not the primary focus, Brown said.
"That isn't the direction for us because it's pretty easy to get to Kaukauna or Morrison for those other forums," Brown said. "We will concentrate on other events." The group is planning a series of events for Constitution week in September, she added.
Close 2 Home also opens its meetings to candidates, who are given five minutes each before monthly meetings to talk in a non-panel format, Giganti said.
"We're not concerned with what letter is coming after their name but whether that person will come out and talk to us," Giganti said.
But the election isn't the end of the road for these groups who see a long-term need for their efforts.
"In the beginning, we asked each other 'how long are we in this for?'" Clemedtson said. "All of us said until November 2010. Now as things have evolved, it's necessary to continue. No one's perfect and even if more conservatives are in office, they need to know we will be watchdogs."
Malavika Jagannathan writes for the Green Bay Press-Gazette
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Rep. Steve Kagen led Wisconsin lawmakers in 2009 spending with $297,000 on taxpayer-funded mass mailings, But CHECK OUT REPUBLICANS ON THIS LIST AND C
Source (CLICK HERE TO SEE ORIGINAL Paper Post at the POST CRECENT ON GREENBAY:
Rep. Steve Kagen led Wisconsin lawmakers in 2009 spending with $297,000 on taxpayer-funded mass mailings, But CHECK OUT REPUBLICANS ON THIS LIST AND COMPARE
Rep. Steve Kagen led Wisconsin lawmakers in 2009 spending with $297,000 on taxpayer-funded mass mailings, But CHECK OUT REPUBLICANS ON THIS LIST AND COMPARE
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Milwaukee mayor Tom Barrett, who is also a Democrat running to be Wisconsin governor, hits road with Milwaukee Brewers for fatherhood initiative
Source(click to read of Paper):
Milwaukee mayor Tom Barrett, who is also a Democrat running to be Wisconsin governor, hits road with Milwaukee Brewers for fatherhood initiative
OK, so Barrett isn't really taking the day off. He's using the trip to promote the Milwaukee Fatherhood Initiative, a program designed to keep at-risk fathers involved in their children's lives.
Additional information
These links will open in a new window:
♦ The P-C's politics special section
♦ Brewers news in The P-C's baseball section
♦ Sign up for news, weather and sports text alerts.
Barrett, Brewers executives, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee men's basketball coach Rob Jeter and a group of 50 fathers and their kids will fly to Minneapolis, talk fatherhood and responsibility during a breakfast with players Rickie Weeks and LaTroy Hawkins, then attend the Brewers-Twins game.
Barrett is bringing one of his children and will speak about his own family experiences. But he doesn't want the conversation to be one-sided.
"It's not a big, speech-giving thing," Barrett said Friday. "It's more about talking as a group together."
Barrett, a Democrat running for governor, made national news last summer when he was attacked leaving the Wisconsin State Fair. Authorities said he intervened in an argument and was hit with a metal object by a man who recently reached a plea agreement.
Rick Schlesinger, the Brewers' executive vice president of business operations, said Barrett's involvement in today's trip amid his responsibilities as mayor and campaign for governor shows his commitment to the fatherhood initiative.
"It shows that the mayor takes the program pretty seriously," Schlesinger said.
Schlesinger said Republic Airways CEO Bryan Bedford also will make the trip, and the company's Frontier Airlines subsidiary is donating the charter flight. Schlesinger said children will receive $1,000 savings bonds from M&I bank and the Brewers' community foundation.
Weeks said he is looking forward to the event, and credits his father's support for his success.
"He was always there," Weeks said. "It means a lot. I really don't know how it feels to not have your father around."
Milwaukee mayor Tom Barrett, who is also a Democrat running to be Wisconsin governor, hits road with Milwaukee Brewers for fatherhood initiative
OK, so Barrett isn't really taking the day off. He's using the trip to promote the Milwaukee Fatherhood Initiative, a program designed to keep at-risk fathers involved in their children's lives.
Additional information
These links will open in a new window:
♦ The P-C's politics special section
♦ Brewers news in The P-C's baseball section
♦ Sign up for news, weather and sports text alerts.
Barrett, Brewers executives, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee men's basketball coach Rob Jeter and a group of 50 fathers and their kids will fly to Minneapolis, talk fatherhood and responsibility during a breakfast with players Rickie Weeks and LaTroy Hawkins, then attend the Brewers-Twins game.
Barrett is bringing one of his children and will speak about his own family experiences. But he doesn't want the conversation to be one-sided.
"It's not a big, speech-giving thing," Barrett said Friday. "It's more about talking as a group together."
Barrett, a Democrat running for governor, made national news last summer when he was attacked leaving the Wisconsin State Fair. Authorities said he intervened in an argument and was hit with a metal object by a man who recently reached a plea agreement.
Rick Schlesinger, the Brewers' executive vice president of business operations, said Barrett's involvement in today's trip amid his responsibilities as mayor and campaign for governor shows his commitment to the fatherhood initiative.
"It shows that the mayor takes the program pretty seriously," Schlesinger said.
Schlesinger said Republic Airways CEO Bryan Bedford also will make the trip, and the company's Frontier Airlines subsidiary is donating the charter flight. Schlesinger said children will receive $1,000 savings bonds from M&I bank and the Brewers' community foundation.
Weeks said he is looking forward to the event, and credits his father's support for his success.
"He was always there," Weeks said. "It means a lot. I really don't know how it feels to not have your father around."
Barrett Campaign: Barrett unveils comprehensive plan to create Wisconsin jobs
5/20/2010
Contact: Phil Walzak
(414) 271-8050
Milwaukee – Tom Barrett today unveiled a smart, ambitious agenda to create jobs and grow our state's economy as Wisconsin governor.
Tom's detailed job creation vision will improve Wisconsin's business climate, encourage entrepreneurship at the heart of the new global economy, spur new business activity, jump-start needed construction, and develop the workforce talent to attract new businesses to our state quickly.
To achieve these critical objectives, Tom's aggressive and specific plan leverages Wisconsin's traditional strengths in manufacturing, agriculture, and outstanding institutions of higher learning to sustain growth in emerging new industries. His vision features specific plans for investments in financial capital, our colleges and universities, and workforce skills that make the difference in whether the high-paying jobs of the future come to Wisconsin or go elsewhere.
"Everyone understands that businesses create jobs, but we can build an even stronger economy in Wisconsin with a full partner in the governor's office paving the way," said Barrett. "We need ideas and action to get Wisconsin's economy moving. We need policies that will trigger the creation of jobs immediately – not vague promises to create jobs in the distant future. And we need a comprehensive plan that will build long-term economic success – not simplistic ‘solutions’ and slogans.
Tom's proactive plan features dozens of inter-related ideas to address our economic future, and is built around five core principles to create Wisconsin jobs:
Targeted tax cuts to help spur private sector job creation. Tax cuts and other incentives for businesses must be directly linked to creating jobs. As Governor, Tom will make sure that tax cuts are targeted to employers that will utilize them to actually create jobs and invest in Wisconsin. He will:
•Launch the construction projects we need to strengthen our economic infrastructure and create jobs immediately.
•Increase research & development expenditures, as well as patent and software royalties, to encourage development of the products of the future right here in Wisconsin.
•Create venture capital and angel investments, to ensure that Wisconsin entrepreneurs have the capital they need to launch new businesses.
•Make investments in bio-fuels, green buildings, and the other new technologies we need to lower our energy costs, achieve energy independence, and make us more competitive in the industries of the future.
•Invest in dairy production and processing, and farming coops, to preserve the traditional backbone of our communities.
Jump-start job creation right now. Tom understands that our first goal must be to gain back the jobs Wisconsin has lost in the national recession. His plan includes a "Jobs Now" Initiative that will start immediately to provide the kinds of assistance and incentives that businesses need to create jobs quickly, such as:
•Cutting red-tape to get new construction projects going – projects that are needed for our long-term economic vitality.
•Investing in the workforce training and skills development that will attract new economic activity and translate into new job opportunities.
•Developing a pro-active rapid response team to quickly provide services to companies looking to expand. That team will be charged with fast tracking regulatory/permit issues, job training needs, and economic development assistance.
•Creating a business-to-business connector that will establish a database linking Wisconsin suppliers and encouraging more sales for Wisconsin businesses.
Put job creation in the Governor's Office. Right now, responsibility for economic development in Wisconsin is spread across 150 programs in 25 agencies. There is no substitute for leadership from the governor, and Tom’s plan will consolidate and organize economic development in an Office of Job Creation right in the Governor’s office, reporting directly to the Governor. Not only will this improve economic development, it will send a clear message to businesses across Wisconsin, the nation and the world that in Wisconsin under Governor Barrett job creation is job one.
Overhaul and streamline the state's entire economic development toolkit to make it more efficient and effective. Tom understands that, for the private sector to create jobs, the governor's office can pave the way, and must not be a roadblock. The state must play its role effectively and then get out of the way. As Governor, Barrett will order a complete performance review of all economic development programs to identify those that work and eliminate those that don't. He will simplify regulations and streamline the regulatory process to lighten the burden on business without sacrificing protections for workers, families and our environment. And he will create ‘one-stop shops' to expedite the permitting process so that businesses can start and expand in Wisconsin more quickly and easily.
Create a state venture capital fund. Wisconsin needs more venture capital if its entrepreneurs hope to create the kind of good-paying jobs that will transform our economy to compete in the 21st Century. We are home to one of the greatest research universities in the world. We have a skilled workforce and a legendary work ethic. However, we lag the region in venture capital availability and the region lags the nation. The Wisconsin Entrepreneur’s Fund would be a fund-of-funds modeled after the best elements of programs that have demonstrated effectiveness elsewhere in the nation. It would commit up to $100 million to eight to ten venture capital funds over five years that will raise at least $500 million million in aggregate funds that will generate new businesses, investments and jobs in Wisconsin.
"The global recession has hit Wisconsin hard. Too many of our workers are looking for jobs and too many of our families are struggling to get by," said Barrett. "But I have seen the great resilience of the people of Wisconsin, and I know we will get through this. All the people need is a partner in the governor's office who has a common sense agenda to create jobs. This plan is the heart of that partnership."
To read Tom's complete plan to create Wisconsin jobs, visit www.barrettforwisconsin.com/jobs.
5/20/2010
Contact: Phil Walzak
(414) 271-8050
Milwaukee – Tom Barrett today unveiled a smart, ambitious agenda to create jobs and grow our state's economy as Wisconsin governor.
Tom's detailed job creation vision will improve Wisconsin's business climate, encourage entrepreneurship at the heart of the new global economy, spur new business activity, jump-start needed construction, and develop the workforce talent to attract new businesses to our state quickly.
To achieve these critical objectives, Tom's aggressive and specific plan leverages Wisconsin's traditional strengths in manufacturing, agriculture, and outstanding institutions of higher learning to sustain growth in emerging new industries. His vision features specific plans for investments in financial capital, our colleges and universities, and workforce skills that make the difference in whether the high-paying jobs of the future come to Wisconsin or go elsewhere.
"Everyone understands that businesses create jobs, but we can build an even stronger economy in Wisconsin with a full partner in the governor's office paving the way," said Barrett. "We need ideas and action to get Wisconsin's economy moving. We need policies that will trigger the creation of jobs immediately – not vague promises to create jobs in the distant future. And we need a comprehensive plan that will build long-term economic success – not simplistic ‘solutions’ and slogans.
Tom's proactive plan features dozens of inter-related ideas to address our economic future, and is built around five core principles to create Wisconsin jobs:
Targeted tax cuts to help spur private sector job creation. Tax cuts and other incentives for businesses must be directly linked to creating jobs. As Governor, Tom will make sure that tax cuts are targeted to employers that will utilize them to actually create jobs and invest in Wisconsin. He will:
•Launch the construction projects we need to strengthen our economic infrastructure and create jobs immediately.
•Increase research & development expenditures, as well as patent and software royalties, to encourage development of the products of the future right here in Wisconsin.
•Create venture capital and angel investments, to ensure that Wisconsin entrepreneurs have the capital they need to launch new businesses.
•Make investments in bio-fuels, green buildings, and the other new technologies we need to lower our energy costs, achieve energy independence, and make us more competitive in the industries of the future.
•Invest in dairy production and processing, and farming coops, to preserve the traditional backbone of our communities.
Jump-start job creation right now. Tom understands that our first goal must be to gain back the jobs Wisconsin has lost in the national recession. His plan includes a "Jobs Now" Initiative that will start immediately to provide the kinds of assistance and incentives that businesses need to create jobs quickly, such as:
•Cutting red-tape to get new construction projects going – projects that are needed for our long-term economic vitality.
•Investing in the workforce training and skills development that will attract new economic activity and translate into new job opportunities.
•Developing a pro-active rapid response team to quickly provide services to companies looking to expand. That team will be charged with fast tracking regulatory/permit issues, job training needs, and economic development assistance.
•Creating a business-to-business connector that will establish a database linking Wisconsin suppliers and encouraging more sales for Wisconsin businesses.
Put job creation in the Governor's Office. Right now, responsibility for economic development in Wisconsin is spread across 150 programs in 25 agencies. There is no substitute for leadership from the governor, and Tom’s plan will consolidate and organize economic development in an Office of Job Creation right in the Governor’s office, reporting directly to the Governor. Not only will this improve economic development, it will send a clear message to businesses across Wisconsin, the nation and the world that in Wisconsin under Governor Barrett job creation is job one.
Overhaul and streamline the state's entire economic development toolkit to make it more efficient and effective. Tom understands that, for the private sector to create jobs, the governor's office can pave the way, and must not be a roadblock. The state must play its role effectively and then get out of the way. As Governor, Barrett will order a complete performance review of all economic development programs to identify those that work and eliminate those that don't. He will simplify regulations and streamline the regulatory process to lighten the burden on business without sacrificing protections for workers, families and our environment. And he will create ‘one-stop shops' to expedite the permitting process so that businesses can start and expand in Wisconsin more quickly and easily.
Create a state venture capital fund. Wisconsin needs more venture capital if its entrepreneurs hope to create the kind of good-paying jobs that will transform our economy to compete in the 21st Century. We are home to one of the greatest research universities in the world. We have a skilled workforce and a legendary work ethic. However, we lag the region in venture capital availability and the region lags the nation. The Wisconsin Entrepreneur’s Fund would be a fund-of-funds modeled after the best elements of programs that have demonstrated effectiveness elsewhere in the nation. It would commit up to $100 million to eight to ten venture capital funds over five years that will raise at least $500 million million in aggregate funds that will generate new businesses, investments and jobs in Wisconsin.
"The global recession has hit Wisconsin hard. Too many of our workers are looking for jobs and too many of our families are struggling to get by," said Barrett. "But I have seen the great resilience of the people of Wisconsin, and I know we will get through this. All the people need is a partner in the governor's office who has a common sense agenda to create jobs. This plan is the heart of that partnership."
To read Tom's complete plan to create Wisconsin jobs, visit www.barrettforwisconsin.com/jobs.
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