On Budget talks get heated

Posted on October 23 at 12:48 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

To say that any budget cannot possibly be cut is, to quote Mr. Grorud, "ludicrous." If you are that inflexible, you shouldn't be in management. I have no problem with Grorud going to Dallas, but tkaing both assistants is a "nice to have" not a "need to have."

On City council delegation prepares for Sedona

Posted on September 25 at 12:19 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

Without checking out the local scene, the council could be accused of not fulfilling its fiduciary duty to the taxpayers. I think sending 3 members is about the right number and the dollar amount is not exhorbitant to make sure the guy doesn't have skeletons in the closet.

1919 - I'm sure city residency is required of the city manager, so s/he will soon be a city resident and paying taxes in this municipality.

On Did relative's hiring cause problems at ice arena?

Posted on August 28 at 10:16 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

The City Manager's responses are Clintonesque, at best. A man of his intelligence cannot actually believe that the hiring of a relative of the Top Guy would not cause issues; to [allegedly] insert himself into the normal disciplinary process is flat out wrong.

Funny how this comes out now, after his last day on the job. Is it possible that the whispers that City Hall runs on fear were true?

On Outgoing UW leader rips business lobby’s tactics

Posted on August 21 at 11:22 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

I have disagreed with Wiley on a number of issues, but he is spot-on here. WMC paid a lot of the bills in the recent, rancorous Supreme Court election and has regularly atacked funding for UW.

If Wisconsin wants UW to remain a vital force in attacting business and training workers, it needs the tools (people, money, political support) to do so. WMC's actions and those of some of the legislature are very short-sighted.

Plus, you've got to love a guy who doesn't "go gentle into that good night."

On Criticism of "Hammy" coverage hard to take

Posted on July 22 at 11:21 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

I know both Suzanne and Mark and thought it was a wonderful tribute. Thank you.

On New search for city manager

Posted on July 17 at 9:31 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

Good for the Council to wait it out and get the right person for the job. I agree that a new City Manager should come from outside the current administration; it is time for new ideas and a new outlook, not a clone or disciple of what we have.

On JPAC executive director leaving

Posted on June 13 at 9:33 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

Laurel has done a wonderful job with JPAC. She will be missed.

On Vechinsky leaves school board

Posted on June 11 at 11:34 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

Dennis Vechinsky has served this district well. I have found his decisions and comments to be fair-sided and thoughtful. Although my knowledge of school board interactions comes only from reports in the press, I do think the Board might want to do a little soul-searching to discover if discussions or comments could have been handled more appropriately. Being a school board member or administrator takes a LOT of time and energy and questioning the motivations or integrity of either is counterproductive. We all need and want high quality public education; keep your focus on the goal, not the individuals involved.

On City's days as auto town are numbered

Posted on June 3 at 8:42 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

Very well written editorial. Janesville won't be the same in the post-GM era, but that has pluses and minuses. We are much more able to withstand this blow than we would have been ten years ago, thanks to the growth of Mercy and other non-auto centered businesses. It will take hard work, but we will survive. These facts don't mean that today was not a shot to the gut.

On More Americans are caring for their children’s children

Posted on June 2 at 8:27 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

It is too simplistic to assume child abandonment did not occur in previous generations. A grandparent of mine was a teen runaway to escape abuse at home in the late 1800s. There are many tales of 10-15 year olds being on their own after parents died and/or left without returning. What is different now is that the society attempts to assume responsibility for these kids instead of letting them drift. The grandparents raising kids are to be congratulated.