I am sorry I was not better informed before the election. I supported Mr. Liebert and, had I known his views on ice arena repairs and the skate park, I would not have voted for him! It's just more money down the Janesville rat hole. I am afraid that people in the future will possibly see a "Lie" in his name. I look forward to better-thought-out campaign rhetoric in the future.

Ideologically, I couldn't disagree with Frank Perrotto any more than I already do. But I ask the rest of you to cut the crap. Frank served because he wanted to help. Even for those of us that disagree with him, we owe him thanks for acting on what he thought were the best interests of the city. To the incoming city council members: I have a lot of confidence in you. To Frank Perrotto: Thanks for your service, and best of luck in the future.

The ones who made comments about not having trash fees on your water bill better take another look. When we received ours in February there was trash fees put on ours. You have to look further down the page.

totellthetruth still with the union thugs? That is getting old and very tired. Those of you on the right please come up with something new as it seems you are running out of themes and arguements as this train keeps rolling.

ILUVJVL - Frank did give his opinion by staying. listening to King walker, and making ALL of the comments that he did towards Yuri. It was easy to see he supported Walker or it sure appeared that way to many of us. It would be nice if Frank could pick up his signs that are all over.

Lessoned learned???? This is why it pays to vote and make your voices heard! Congrats to all the voters, you have made things change. You have been a part of history! Remember everyone, use your manors! Lets not take the humanity out of the world!

Both Perrotto and Prosser have learned, too late, that Walker has no coattails. Savvy pols would have realized that. Politics is a game of survival of the fittest, of keeping an ear to the ground while sniffing the winds. Takes a bit of a contortionist to survive. Both made a critical mistake. They only have themselves to blame.

zoom". There are no trask pick-up fees. "

Can you explain this? I noticed no fees as well. Thought it was starting Jan 2011

"The thoughts of Perotto to Yuri should not have been put online."

I believe email communication between council members, about council business, is subject to open records laws anyway. Council members shouldn't expect those emails to be private. Perrotto should have known better, and used a more civil tone. Or just talked to Rashkin in person. It's beating a dead horse at this point. Sorry for piling on, Mr. Perrotto.

12345678 wrote: "You ALSO thought the union workers closed the local plant."

I never wrote that. I also never wrote "Janesville would be just fine without GM", or that we wouldn't experience the effects of the Great Recession. I wrote that Janesville would not collapse, like a Flint, MI. It hasn't. Keep trying.

"Water,trash pick-up fee,taxes,no $$ for streets,schools more foreclosures than ever in Janesville....."

Where to start. My water bill has stayed about the same. There are no trask pick-up fees. About one third of the school districts lost revenue has come from the State (Walker). Property values in Janesville have faired pretty well, compared to many other parts of the country.

frogger, those "mini" wards were created as the city annexed new development. I am pretty sure they will be eliminated when the city redistricts based on the 2010 census. As the City of Janesville has at large representation, it isn't necessary that each ward have roughly equal population.

No, Wisconsin lover, citizens of Janesville that exercised their right to vote got rid of Frankie for how he thinks he can act like Governor Hitler and just bully people who disagree with him!! How did that work out for Frankie? NOT WELL!!

Bye, bye, Mr. Perrotto. What did the Republicans say about about unions and their rights 2 months ago? Don't let the door hit you on the way out? Elections have consequences!! So does your big mouth and stupid comments in an e-mail!! Good riddance!!

Apparently the voters disagreed with the select few of you, and appreciate the Yuri knows how represent both sides. Those that oppose his actions share emotion in the blog that demonstrates their larger view of the whole political debate. Would your feelings be the same if you were on the other side of the political war?
What was completely inappropriate was the tone of his email to Yuri. VERY unprofessional.

I am confused with the bottom EIGHT districts. WHY so few voters.
I see the ONE person in the First Lutheran church voted for kab and billy. Not real smart ones here.
Will they BOTH get the point this time?
Okay I see now. The poll places are repeated.

I am so proud of you Sam!!!!!

I think Perotto lost because of this escapade as well. The thoughts of Perotto to Yuri should not have been put online. Yuri had his thouhts and left the speech. I don't agree with this as people mentioned you are representing us ALL. Sit your but down and listen to what he has to say. Agree to disagree but don't be a show boat.
Sorry to see the financial guy vs music man leave. Sorry but to me this is the better choice.

There is a time and a place for protesting. If you are a Janesville city council member serving as a representative of ALL of the residents of Janesville, a Forward Janesville banquet is not it.
So Perrotto, understanding the importance of acting like an adult and showing respect for the banquet and its speakers, asked Rashkin to do the same. Instead of being an adult, Rashkin retaliated by demanding an apology or threatening to post Perrotto's e-mail online.
But do you know what the worst part of this story is? That Janesville's citizens showed that they are apparently OK with immaturity and disrepect because they voted out the person trying to act like an adult in this situation.
I have always taught my kids that the thing that makes this country great is the fact that we are allowed to have an express many different views. But in doing so, we must also be respectful of others' views as well. It's part of being an adult.
I've really been shocked and disappointed with the examples the unions have been setting in all of this. They have been incredibly disrepectful of anyone who doesn't support them. I've watched news shows of the protests where they shout down those who disagree with them, seen some of the most offensive protect signs imaginable, and watched them damage and destroy public property when they don't get their way. Watching all of that blatant disregard for the rest of Wisconsin's citizens has really swung me toward Gov. Walker's side.
How are we going to teach our children to be adults if we tell them to act a certain way yet condone or even participate in these same behaviors? What a shame.

perrotto's actions served him well.

Posted on March 14 at 11:35 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
gmaof3 still thinks GM went bankrupt all because of the unions. Never mind that they had too many brands competing with each other, too many dealers competing with each other, or that Ford had the same union contracts without a bailout, and that the unions have given concessions.

GM Janesville closed because they happened to make gas guzzling SUV's when fuel hit $5/gallon, and was the oldest plant in the system. The recession simply accelerated GM's race to the bottom.

You ALSO thought the union workers closed the local plant.Again hows it working for you without GM here ? Water,trash pick-up fee,taxes,no $$ for streets,schools more foreclosures than ever in Janesville.....
Remember you were not going to see ANY difference in YOUR wallet?? Without going back further in your comments.....Really,you have seen/felt nothing with the lost of GM ? LMAO !

“It’s going to be extremely important that we listen to the city, and we try to get input as far as the services that the citizens feel are the most important,” Brunner said.
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That's a very sensible approach to city government. The city council needs to keep its focus on what's good for Janesville. Scott Walker might be good for Janesville if he persuaded GM to resume operations here. But on the contrary, he is scaring businesses away from the state, with the tremendous uproar and instability he has created with his clumsy attempts at social engineering.

Maybe Perrotto should blame himself for shootin off his mouth surrounding the Foward Janesville dinner with slimeball Walker.

C'mon, guys. I am pleased with the four candidates who won, but I really don't think it's necessary to rub it in Perrotto's face. He ran for City Council because he wanted to serve his community, which is commendable. If you don't agree with him, that is just fine. But there is no reason to be an ungracious winner.
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Frank, you and I probably don't agree on much, but thanks for your service.

12345678, my opinion hasn't changed. Not sure what comment gave you that impression.

Hey Perotto to bad you didnt have the balls to get up and leave the waste of time and money speech. Maybe then you would have been re-election. If you want you can stop by the union hall I am sure they will be happy to give you some kleenex to wipe your tears away you big poor losing cry baby

If Frank Perotto had not fired off an angry email he would have been re-elected on name recognition only. He only has himself to blame.

In fairness to the Gazette on bias- these times where business (which media is) has such a stranglehold on politics (yeah I know, It always has), they have to bend over backward to appear impartial, but impartial in favor of business.
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Of course we have the versions of media that doesn't pretend to be impartial. That is not what we're talking about

At best, the supposedly impartial media is an eunuch. We just are not going to see media such as the Gazette going after corruption in business and politics. Joseph Pulitzer is dead.

Mr Perrotto did do it to himself. He was beaten by FIVE other candidates. Face it Frank, it wasn't just your recent problem with the way another council member handled himself, voters didn't like you enough to pick five other people over you.

Perrotto was a listener and a perceptive man in tricky public meetings, and I thank him for his service. I think the point here is that unions may not be a large percentage of the population, but there are more voters than just union members in Janesville and they made their voice heard. There is likely some truth that Perrotto's attack on a fellow council member hurt his candidacy. Note that Rashkin made a statement about a state issue and did not attack a fellow Janesville resident or council incumbent. Perrotto could have expressed his disappointment more on the issue than the man, but made it a personal dispute and displayed an unattractive side of his personality.
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(A lesson, by the way, that some commenters -- myself included at times -- would do well to remember.)
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I would really like to know what it means to be "a left-leaning puppet of the unions". Sam clearly understands the difficulties faced by working-class people in this state and particularly this city. It is our hope that he will use his time on the council to help the neighborhoods and maintain Janesville's quality of life.

"eatlessmovemore" pretty much said it all. That's why I'm seriously considering leaving this town.

As for the inexperienced but seemingly nice fellow, Sam Liebert, he will have to prove he is more than a left-leaning puppet for the unions and democratic party. I really have my doubts that he will. I would like to see him prove me wrong.

"Liebert also said he would like to see the ice arena be renovated and a skatepark built."

:facepalm:

rocket21
Apr 6, 2011 at 8:32 a.m.
Suggest removal Yuri Rashkin's time will come when he is up for re-election. No intelligent person will vote for the pro-union democrat.
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Your comment is insulting, arrogant and ignorant.
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Your claim that "no intelligent" person will vote for the "pro-union democrat" is laughable.
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I am guessing by your comments, according to you I am not intelligent and that is a GOOD THING!

tele78.....Love your posts!!! Keep it up!!! Especially the Dan Conry comment! Isn't the NYPD hiring?

As much as I hate to admit it, I went and bought the paper edition to read the whole article.
When the Gazette reporter writes about Rashkin walking out on the Governor's speech in Janesville last week, she states "Rashkin joined the those outside who were protesting Walker's proposed cuts in collective bargaining rights for public employees."

Why won't the Gazette mention it's more than just the collective bargaining rights? It's about Medicaid and Badercare, the environement, our schools and every day life in Wisconsin. Everyone wants to blame the unions, teachers and public employees for this. It's not just about collective bargaining people! Wise up people. You can't believe everything the JG prints. They are a paper version of the Fox Propoganda channel.

I think its important to note what Rashkin did, he went to the dinner to support forward janesville, and went outside to support his constituency. Sounds like he supported all residents to me! He just made a statement that he did not support the practices of the governor of WI. Mr. Perotto took it upon himself to interject not only his stance on the "left" by applauding the governor, dwindling his support by those that disagree with his practices, and passed judgement, in public, on Mr. Rashkin. Whether you agree or not, Rashkin did it the right way, Perotto did not.

Zoom...What changed for you ?? You were one that said Janesville would be just fine without GM...Noticed you have seen the light??

lol...Sounds like "totellthetruth" and Perotto both are bad at not accepting the truth !!

Mr. Perrotto, unions represent about 12% of the working population, country wide, and even less of all eligible voters. The percentage probably isn't much different in Janesville, with the loss of GM. This was a Janesville election, and you got 6th place because of your abrasive attitude and unprofessionalism, not some union conspiracy.

Perrotto's comments simply justify his loss. If he can't take responsibility for the unprofessional tone of the email sent to Rashkin, he deserved to lose.

rocket21: I guess more of my friends turned out than yours. Or, better stated, more people have a different vision of a better Janesville than you.
Like Governor Walker's 'friends' say, elections have consequences.

Rocket, Intelligent people in Janesville are in the minority. I'm not intelligent (proud of it) and I'm standing with Yuri!

rocket21: I worked this election to get my union friends out to vote. The Rock County Labor Coalition recommended four candidates for Janesville City Council...they ALL won! Yuri and Frank's exchange wasn't even discussed. We won't forget our friends, and will defend them. : )

I posted on this web site when GM left town that Janesville will survive with the infrastructure and location that was in place that it will survive. I now think that I was miss judging the human factor. Good Luck. JMO

Hey Perrotto,

Sounds like sour grapes. Boo Hoo.

luvujvl--It's really not confusing at all. Of course Mr. Perotto can voice his opinion. But when that opinion is one that the majority of voters disagree with, then he cannot expect to win an election.

Looks like Frank doesn't much like democracy.

Mr. Perotto made his bed - now he's lying in it. Hopefully it's in New York - go back where you belong and take Dan Conry with you!

Sam is civic minded and fiscally conservative with the best interest of Janesville in mind. He is wise for his years. The last I checked, Janesville is not just a city of older, conservatives who are situated in their retirement, but of young people, families and hard working people who need and want a fresh prospective on Janesville. The voters decided Perotto and his right wing bullying tactics have no place in Janesville.

Congrats to Mr. Brunner and Steeber, and good luck to Sam Liebert and Deb Dongarra-Adams. You all had my vote!

Good riddance Mr Perotto!!! Buh bye!

The results were not the way I voted, however, this should be a clear voice to Briarmoon that she is not wanted.

"I'm confused - Mr. Rashkin can voice his opinion but Mr. Perotto can't?"
Sure he can...but he also needs to be aware that there are consequences for your words and actions and having a public temper tantrum during the last days of an election can be lethal to your campaign.
Remember, just because you can, doesn't mean you should!

Perrotto did voice his opinion about partisan politics many times such as: "I applaud Governor Walker..." (http://www.localvisiontv.com/Channel/Com...). Rashkin supported ALL his constituents by his actions. The people also voiced their opinions. Sore-loser Perrotto's and the Gazette's continuing attempt to lay blame elsewhere instead of acknowledging their own admitted partisanship only further demonstrate the voters wisdom. Congratulations new Council members!

I'm confused - Mr. Rashkin can voice his opinion but Mr. Perotto can't? Thank you for your service, Mr. Perotto, and good luck in the future.

I had a strong feeling that Mr. Perrotta would not be elected again. It is sad to hear his negative comments now. Sometimes in life it is far better to leave quietly so as not to appear bitter. I really believe that our newcomers will add much to a fine group that makes up the city council presently. I appreciate all that they do.

The vote was common sense, Mr. Perotto. Your words and actions lost you a lot of votes.