Please give us 4 examples of the "union mentality" displayed by people in the community

Every big city has a library. This would be like saying "air" is one of Janesville's greatest attributes.

I ditto the library! I moved from Janesville to Brown County a year ago and I really miss the Hedberg Library.

I agree with Rotary Botanical Gardens, and would add Hedberg Public Library, Basics, and Mocha Moment!

usaret - I just see all sides to stuff where most the time the media only emphasizes the sugar coating of it. Most people dont want to hear the negative truth so they ignore it.. I choose not to because it is real and does exist.
Example - There are what, about 60k people in Jville? How many hang out at Rotary Gardens or the Tallman house? Or the performing art center? When you really ask people from out of town what Janesville is known for you get this:
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1. GM
2. Tons of Stoplights. (relatives used to joke about a stoplight factory being here in town somewhere).
3. More Banks per capita.
4. The Cow from the Oasis.
5. The smelly dump
6. The slow lollygagging drivers.
7. Cops that target the youth.
8. The Fair that has crappy music/entertainers.
9. The Mall
10. The most mentally challenged civil engineers ever. (mall parking lot design change, woodmans parking lot, side streets on Milton ave, roundabouts...etc.)

winterstinks wrote "Sigma is saying it like it is!"

If they really believe their own drivel...

it must suck to be them.

I live outside of the city limits and like to come in to ride the extensive bike trails in Janesville. They're nicely maintained and well-planned out using available green space. Another attribute is the best coffeehouse for excellent product and atmosphere: Mocha Moments

Palmer area trails and JSOL trails were 2 of my favorites.

Sigma40: Do you complain to live or live to complain? Rarely have you ever said anything of a positive nature even if there was no reason to be negative.

billnewbie - for every 1 wonderful thing there are 2 that contradict it. Wow we have nice nature trails.....but you cant walk your dog on them during any season with good weather...or have dogs in parks. Unless you have a cookie cutter family this town sucks because that is all it caters to.

I agree with Sigma,

Overweight people
union mentality

There are many wonderful things about Janesville that should attract new employers and economic growth. Yet that growth is noticeably lacking just the same. Therefore, since it isn't the positives we lack, the problem must lie in the negatives that exist here. If we don't deal with those negatives, it won't matter how good and numerous the positives are, or whether we are adding more. Since we know there are many good, desirable economic attributes in Janesville, we had best identify the negatives and deal with them soon. The problem is that there is great resistance to even admitting that we have problems here that inhibit our economic growth. The reason for that resistance is that a lot of people have something to loose if those negatives are dealt with and will actively and vigorously fight any changes that are attempted. I doubt that their is enough political will and fortitude here to even accept the real nature of our problems. After all, look what's happening to our new Governor after he made some changes toward dealing with our problems. Those with a lot to protect are energized against those changes. If they succeed in defeating the Governor in their recall, don't expect anyone with money to invest to seriously consider Janesville as a good place for their investments.

Too bad the city council can't just pass a law dictating that the rich invest their money here, or maybe just confiscate their wealth from them to invest it themselves. Of course, for that to work, even if it were legal, there would have to be a few rich people within Janesville's jurisdiction. I guess were going to need to do something else.

I didn't add this previously, but now I feel I must. Another one of Janesville's best attributes is Tim Cullen. Go get 'em Tim!

El Jardin too.

sigma- I agree to an extent. I have been in line or said somethin to a stranger in a store and they look at you like you are an alien.
Some actully talk to you and that is great.
I love to help in the store if they cannot find something. A spice or what ever since to get somebody in a grocery store to help is immpossible. We were at Sears and three people helping one guy so good luck finding something we were looking for. NOBODY around to help so we left. Jobs- yes there are if the cheap owners would hire them. Kohls people all over to help!

Bob Keith

Interesting that someone brought up fish fry. Of course we all know fish fry is actually a Wisconsin thing and a simple pleasure; but in Janesville proper..., or very close by, these are all fish frys I have been to in the last couple of years.

There are one or two out there I have not been to yet. Some listed below are better, some offer bigger spreads, some offer humble menu options, some are cafes, some are taverns, and some are restaurants. Regardless, they all seemed to work out. It's up to you to call and seek the details.

If you are looking for the "culture" of fish fry, check out St. Patrick's School. Otherwise:

Alfresco Cafe & Lounge

Beef Brothers

Bobble Head's

Charlie's Place

The Cursing Stone

Dool's Pub

Elk's Lodge 2201

Game Day

Hanna's Best Deli & Bakery

HHFFRRRGGH Inn

Jim's Pizzeria

Kealy's Kafe (Memorial Bridge) and (Airport)

Looking Glass

Milwaukee Grill

Moose Lodge 197

My Apartment Restaurant

O'Riley & Conway's

Pit Stop BBQ & Deli

Road Dawg Saloon & Eatery

Russ's Park Place

Saint Patrick's Congregational School

Sizzlin' Grill

Steve and Holly's

Time Out Pub & Eatery

VFW Post 1621

Watering Hole

White Oak

Ive been all over the country and agree, people are rude and stuck up here. No one holds doors for people behind them. People dont smile, try to change lanes and the person speeds up to block you - even old people do this..wow. A lot of people around here just have no manners and seem to be humble all the time.

PositiveJanesville: I agree with you. Look at the story yesterday about the police officer that spends her personal time turning other peoples trash into treasure by collecting items & giving them to people in need to help alleviate some of the suffering she witnesses on the job. There are some pretty incredible & compassionate people in Janesville:) It is people after all that make a community & in my opinion are the ultimate asset.

Not on the list is a good fish fry, sit down or take out----but where?

We also have progressive police and fire departments who seem to do alot with their resources, especially compared to peer cities. We have elected officials who do the tough jobs for no pay or compensation. Tired of the Janesville bashing. Stay positive and optimistic! It will absolutely change your life!!

gpeck- so its only positive if you think so? Why are only "family" oriented attributes considered "positive"? Everything you listed is a joke except #9. Almost every other town around has one up on us on all you listed except parks.. and what difference do they make when we have such strict rules in them and they have banker hours.

The airport.

I appreciate those trying to keep this positive and suggesting such things as the Aqua Jays and the network of trails. Here are two more that no one has mentioned: we live in a relatively safe community, and we have good (and growing) access to quality health care services.
Greg Peck

I feel sorry for the bloggers! Any attempt at a positive post gets turned around, very sad. Anyway, another positive is that Janesville is a very affordable place to live and raise children. We love the iceage trail, what nice thing for our city. I love that there are so many friendly moms and mom's groups availabe for stay at home and working mamas. Check out the local chapters of MOMS Club of Janesville-East or West. There are also MOPS groups that provide support and fellowship to moms of children younger then 6. These communities within the community are awesome!

This is the most fun I've had in Janesville ever !!!
#9 wins. you forgot it's close to Rockford too. Cant wait until I have 6 lanes to get away on.
# 11 Open minded people

Don't forget all the tattoo parlors, cigarette depots, chain restaurants, etc.

The best attribute *is* actually the proximity to major highways--as to facilitate quicker exodus. Also the plethora of illegal immigrants one can higher very cheaply to pack one's belongings into the U-haul.

Not from Janesville but don't you have a nationally renowed water ski team? That's something to be proud of.

Is this list serious?

Cant forget the bars.. a reason a lot of people come to town on the weekends.

newswacko- don't forget matress stores now.
Jims pizza ! )
great margritas to chose from in order
1-Hacienda Real-blended
2-Cozumel-blended
3-El Jardin-blended

Tours of homes in the summer.

enutpenfry
Dec 1, 2011 at 3:24 p.m.

"Plentiful labor force" just sounds like the nicest spin possible on a high unemployment rate, sort of like complimenting a terrible restaurant for their ample parking."

I agree- what a weird statement!

A quality school system with quality teachers and Janesville's undiscovered gem, Rockport Park trails.

I should have added: A Grinch is not an attribute.
Greg Peck

We know a few things that would never make the list, the City Council (giving back the $193,000 they could have saved with Act 10) the Teachers Union (for not reopening contracts) and last but not least, the downtown Christmas decorations.

You should expand #9. Not only are we located right on the Interstate (soon to be expanded to 6 lines, I hope), but we’re also well served by Wisconsin & Southern RR. So we have cheap transportation available for bulk materials, raw materials, parts, and finished products, as well as ready markets nearby.

#2 is a mixed blessing. We have a cadre of well-trained, superb blue-collar workers, but not a lot of high tech types. But there is also an entrenched union mentality, which is a big turn-off to any employer looking to move in or expand.

I’m not sure how the Rock River made your list. When people talk about Janesville or Rock County, I’ve never, ever heard them rave about the river.

You’re missing the outdoor recreation opportunities. Hunting, fishing, camping, boating, even a degree of skiing, readily available in the area.

1- J.A.S.T. (Janesville School District Autism Support Team) my child has received phenomenal assistance from this team since his diagnosis at age 5 (He is now a 6th grader).

2- No matter how crappy this economy is and how tough the times may be, if you smile and /or say hello to someone in Janesville you always get a smile and hello back. You long timers might take it for granted but we moved here 6 yrs, ago from a big city and I am still amazed and pleased by this fact.

"Plentiful labor force" just sounds like the nicest spin possible on a high unemployment rate, sort of like complimenting a terrible restaurant for their ample parking.

1. The circuit (people come from all over)
2. Tony & Marias
3. Woodmans
4. The fair
5. GM plant
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In order:
1. People
2. History
3. Location
4. Work Ethic
5. Resoluteness
6. Potential
7. Amenities
8. Servant leaders
9. Sense of community
10. Media

Perhaps your next blog can help us identify the things we're not so good at.

Missing from list:

1.Auto parts stores
2.Check cashing stores
3.Vacant strip malls
4.Chain restaurants
5.Forward thinking people {sarcasm}