On YES to a PRIMARY on RECALL ELECTION!

Posted on January 18 at 5:21 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

Kio: As I understand it, both Feingold and Kohl have expressed that they are not interested...What about Barca or Erpenbach? Cullen?
+
I disagree that any Democrat running will be "defeated with ease," perhaps the Dems waited to announce a serious candidate only to force Walker to defend his position, and not provide him with opposition to rip apart during the collecting of signatures?
+

On Janesville City Council to spend more on business incubator

Posted on July 27 at 7:54 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

Not as glad as I am that he was able to see what an enormous waste of time and energy the code is. The absolute ridiculousness of it all is reminiscent of the "Spencers" issue Steeber created.

On 59 pct. disapprove of Wis. gov’s performance

Posted on July 14 at 10:19 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

I used to work at the Survey Center that conducted this poll when I was a student at UW. Let me make it clear that when you call a household, you have to screen the person who answers the phone. In this particular poll, one of the first questions is: Are you a registered voter? We also ask if that person is a resident of that address, if they plan on voting in the upcoming election, if they would consider themselves to be a Democrat, Republican, or Independent, etc...

On Who’s at fault in Rashkin-Perrotto dispute?

Posted on July 7 at 11:05 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

I hesitate to even comment on this thread, but as usual, I can't seem to hold back. Has it occurred to anyone else that the Gazette has acted ridiculously by even reporting on this? Last week a front page article, followed by an editorial today. Please tell me why or how this non-issue is deserving of this much coverage?
+
Although I can't say I'm surprised by this severe lack of journalistic integrity, I will say I'm disappointed. The amount of respect I've had for the Gazette as a whole has dwindled in recent years, but the respect I hold for the medium itself is still in tact. I expected more from the Gazette, and more specifically, from you Mr. Peck. We all should. Your position is one of power, and although I've always admired the way you've yielded it in the past, you've let me down on this. You've essentially created a news story where one didn't exist. I've often wondered if those involved in the media dictate what we as society see as news, or if it merely responds to what society has already defined as such. In this case, I believe you've created it...and inadvertently, you've generated a lot of positive press for Yuri Rashkin...which will have a ripple effect in the upcoming elections.

On “Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it”

Posted on June 28 at 10:11 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

I majored in history, and once had an excellent professor who said:
+
"The past provides no simple answer for the present. We must be on guard against anyone who claims that it does. We do not have to believe Santayana when he said that "those who fail to remember the past are doomed to repeat it." Still, those who do not remember are in jeopardy of suffering at the hands of those who say they do."
+
I think this is a very legitimate concern.

On Does city of Janesville need ethics policy?

Posted on June 21 at 2:23 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't Nielsen report that Brunner refused to list specific examples as to why this "initiative" is necessary? I wonder why both you and Nielsen are doing that for him? While the examples you and Nielsen list did indeed occur, I can't seem to understand why you both think it's appropriate to list examples that YOU feel stand out.
+

On Janesville City Council to discuss ethics policy

Posted on June 19 at 4:19 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

Seriously...out of all the real issues facing our fair city, this is what Brunner decides to stand for? The only thing I find more absurd than his apparent inability to prioritize, is Nielsen's inability to "just say no." There is no story here. None. Brunner is either too cowardly to present evidence as to why he feels this "initiative" is necessary, or he is lacking said evidence. When one takes into consideration the import of the actual problems Janesville is facing, one ought to find this "initiative" insulting. Instead of offering up a few "recent behaviors observed," Nielsen should have killed this story, because to be honest, Janesvillians should not be interested in what behaviors she felt were a priority to list. If Brunner feels comfortable enough to waste his time as our council member presenting this nonsense, then he had better be strong enough to present the reasons for which he feels it's necessary. Nielsen should not have done that for him.

While I do disagree with Rashkin on numerous issues, the truth remains that at least he stands up for what he believes in. Regardless of your political viewpoints, you have to admit that that's worth a lot more than waiting for someone else to take a controversial stand, only to use it as an opportunity to create some sort of bogus "initiative."

On Should school board silence student voice?

Posted on May 7 at 10:59 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

I don't understand the motivation behind Murray's letting the board question the student, but not letting the student question the board. Why not?
+
I think it's a great idea to have a student representative on the board, in a non-voting capacity...but I do think that student should be elected by his/her peers.

On Share your thoughts on the killing of bin Laden

Posted on May 3 at 8:46 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

I'm glad he's dead. That being said, I have an eight year old son, who wasn't even born at the time of the attacks, so it's difficult for me to explain the horror of that infamous day to him...let alone explain why millions of Americans are rejoicing over someone's death. I'm wondering how other parents have gone about explaining this to their children?

On Pay to play: Surcharges considered on top of Janesville school sports fees

Posted on April 25 at 7:27 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

luvujanesville: It may appear that it is more fair for those families to have to chip in, but it's really not. These surcharges are going to force the less wealthy students off of our sports teams, and make room for those who come from wealthier families, regardless of their playing abilities. Fair is not a word I'd use to describe that.