Inside the Beaver's Dam

tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-169842962011-07-28T06:16:35.508-05:00Inside the Beaver's DamThe Dam Insider is keeping an eye out for you, tracking the elected leaders of Beaver Dam, Dodge County, Wisconsin and beyond. <a href="mailto:daminsider@yahoo.com">Email</a> your thoughts or tips. Emails may be published unless otherwise requested. Requests will be honored.Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.comBlogger1251100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1162965353584727812006-11-07T23:55:00.000-06:002006-11-08T17:32:56.440-06:00We hardly knew thee

While it didn't last long, it certainly had an impact.The time has come for me to write the final chapter in this blog's short history. About one year ago, after contemplating the idea for months, I sat down and registered this domain. I had no expectations. I wasn't sure if anyone outside my family would ever read what I had to share. As it went, the interest level among those whom I had never

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com45tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1156798088329047932006-08-28T15:46:00.000-05:002006-08-28T15:48:08.360-05:00A speedbump no more

1st Ward Beaver Dam Alderman Warren Beske's resignation is a welcome development for those wishing to hold upward spiraling costs in check.Beske was a dedicated representative of the organized labor segment of his ward. He was always quick to criticize any idea or action that the city's labor unions disagreed with. In his parting letter to the city, Beske makes clear his lack of understanding of

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1155186151482952842006-08-09T23:59:00.000-05:002006-08-10T00:02:31.510-05:00Pensions DOA

Hey labor unions, listen up:There are ample reasons to lament the demise of pensions - days when one could work at the same job for life and leave with a tidy nest egg - but it's been clear for a while now that those days are gone. The new era requires personal responsibility for retirement.- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Editorial

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1155153831019078952006-08-09T14:26:00.000-05:002006-08-09T15:03:51.140-05:00PFC Decision Only Adds to City's Troubles

Last week's decision by the Beaver Dam Police and Fire Commission to uphold a grievance filed by a retiring police officer could lead to millions of dollars in payouts to future retirees.The decision to side with the police union, another in a string of anti-taxpayer moves by the PFC, may sets a precedent that upholds an agreement reached 10 years ago to pay 25% of a retiree's health insurance

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1154218892249533672006-07-29T19:16:00.000-05:002006-07-29T19:21:32.270-05:00Message from the Mayor

From Beaver Dam Mayor Jack Hankes, in response to recent posts about service costs and collective bargaining:There’s too much nonsense and too many factual errors in here to reply to all of it, but I’ll offer a couple of general thoughts.First, I never say we should run the city like a business. The reason is that Enron and Worldcom were businesses. I do say, however, that there is always room to

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1154023702707128982006-07-27T12:26:00.000-05:002006-07-28T07:21:42.503-05:00QEO just not cutting it

Most taxpayers have no idea how public schools are funded. Most, when they discover the truth, are incensed. Take this recent comment for example:The biggest problem is the QEO law........a mandated 4.2% raise every year??That's incredible! Anyone else here who would like a job with that kind of a guarantee? Guess it helps to have the Governor and legislature in your pocket, eh Teacher's Union?

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1153714129474899842006-07-23T23:01:00.000-05:002006-07-23T23:08:49.520-05:00The gauntlet

My last post about Beaver Dam's public school administration stirred up quite a few reactions, many apparently from teachers or school employees, including this one:"None of these public employees, based on what we are seeing in the political agendas of our current leaders, can expext any more compensation. So what is there to look forward to and live on, at the end of a career which through

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1153314655750735532006-07-19T07:46:00.000-05:002006-07-19T08:10:56.650-05:00You get what you ask for

The Troika has been in office for just over three months, and in that time four administrators have left the Beaver Dam School District.Superintendent Brian BuslerHigh School Principal Chris LigockiActivities Director Todd SobriliskyDirector of Business Services Scott EckerIs this what the residents of Beaver Dam had hoped for back in April? Apparently.From the Feb 16, 2006 Daily Citizen:He (

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1152622699772977172006-07-11T07:25:00.000-05:002006-07-11T07:58:19.940-05:00The 9-11 Debate

Monday, administrators at the UW-Madison announced they would keep part-time lecturer Kevin Barrett, scheduled to teach a course this fall on Islam. Here's the rub: Barrett is an outspoken member of 9-11 conspiracy groups that believe the US Government was behind that day's tragic events. He believes the US strategically created these events to justify launching a war on Islam in the Middle East.

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1150160695008346742006-06-12T19:33:00.000-05:002006-06-12T20:07:30.743-05:00"Money for nothing, and your summers free"

The Beaver Dam Unified School District may promote "Learning for a Lifetime," but the way things are headed, it's going to take the students a lifetime to learn what they need to know.According to the most recent WKCE (Wisconsin Knowledge and Concepts Examination) scores, Beaver Dam is a below average district. Worse, it seems the longer the students are in the district, the worse they perform

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1149073396970214202006-05-31T05:00:00.000-05:002006-05-31T06:56:26.770-05:00Striking a nerve

The recent Police and Fire Commission posting has generated plenty of reader comments:"Can't tell me Beaver Dam residents won't be paying even if consolidation occurs for dispatch. Just remember, Beaver Dam Citizens do pay taxes for Dodge County also."- Anonymous 1You got it right, we do pay taxes to both jurisdictions, making consolidation that much more necessary. McCain said it best with his/

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1148493485790860722006-05-24T11:36:00.000-05:002006-05-24T16:43:49.080-05:00Taxation without Representation?

If you live in Beaver Dam, nearly half the property tax you pay to the city is controlled by people over whom you have little or no influence. They are the Police and Fire Commission.You do not elect the members of the Police and Fire Commission. They are appointed by the Mayor, with Common Council approval, to five year terms.You can not remove them from office. Only the Common Council can do

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1147796034168950262006-05-16T10:17:00.000-05:002006-05-16T11:13:54.196-05:00Leadership?

To balance the 2006 budget, the Dodge County Board had to resort to pulling money from its reserve fund, starting down a slope that will only become more slippery as time passes.Tonight the board will consider a series of pay hikes for elected officials. If passed, it would make a taxpayer victory at the next round of labor contract negotiations awfully difficult.Here are the details:County

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1147766282815935052006-05-16T02:10:00.000-05:002006-05-16T02:58:02.886-05:00It's all about efficiency

Efficiency. It's a good word. No, it's a great word.Efficient (Adj.): Acting or producing effectively with a minimum of waste, expense, or unnecessary effort.So it involves effectiveness. What does that mean?Effective (Adj.): Having an intended or expected effectCertainly we know that anything we do requires some degree of effort or expense or generates waste, right? So efficiency also involves

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1145977031001237762006-04-25T09:04:00.000-05:002006-04-25T09:57:11.133-05:00Economic Shift and Health Insurance

We are in the midst of a slow, and often difficult, economic shift in American society, from generations of manufacturing and assembling (outsourced or downsized), through a period of programming and designing (outsourcing or downsizing), into an era of providing services ("Welcome to Wal-Mart").Until now, America held most of the trump cards (best educated, most innovative, greatest access to

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1145973818746572222006-04-25T08:59:00.000-05:002006-04-25T09:03:38.770-05:00Positive Annual Event in Beaver Dam

At the risk of coming across like the newspaper, here's an email from a faithful reader of the blog:Spring is here, and it is time again for the annual Sewing Weekend at Nancy's Notions. You can expect to see anywhere from 4,000 to 7,000 people attending this three day event. Motels within a 50 mile radius of Beaver Dam are booked solid for these visitors who come from all over the United

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1145437126193377362006-04-19T03:41:00.000-05:002006-04-19T03:58:46.210-05:00Encouraging news from Madison

The idea of limiting local government spending through some sort of Taxpayer Protection Amendment is not a perfect solution to today's problem of bloated budgets, but it is a step in the right direction.However, a proposal by Assemblyman Jeff Wood strikes a significantly closer blow to the real source of the problem: Controlling the cost of labor agreements.A recent editorial in the Beloit Daily

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1145435507216939522006-04-19T03:20:00.000-05:002006-04-19T03:31:47.236-05:00Oregon getting a good one

So Dr. Brian Busler is leaving Beaver Dam. Here's a comment he posted to this blog:In the spirit of continuous learning, I've accepted a new position as the Superintendent of the Oregon School District effective July 1, 2006. It was a difficult decision to make because of the great staff, Board of Education, and the Beaver Dam community. The Oregon School District will provide me with several

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1144753748209338282006-04-11T05:46:00.000-05:002006-04-11T06:09:08.230-05:00Moving in two directions

Last week's election results will almost certainly send the City of Beaver Dam and the Beaver Dam School District in opposite directions.Of course, the re-election of Jack Hankes will keep the city focused on the necessary task of streamlining operations from a cost standpoint, giving Beaver Dam a competitive advantage when compared to other municipalities that have yet to "get the message."As

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1144405631399083332006-04-07T05:07:00.000-05:002006-04-07T05:27:11.470-05:00Influential blog?

Comments recently posted on this blog have attempted to blame/credit (depending on your perspective) the Dam Insider for Beaver Dam Mayor Jack Hankes' recent re-election.Does this author support the majority of Hankes' political initiatives? Yes. Was it the intent of this author to help Hankes gain re-election? No.My goal in writing about the topics I do is to help decipher that which is

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1143670067445782612006-03-29T15:56:00.000-06:002006-03-29T16:07:47.626-06:00Candidates Forum

Two things are worth watching during this evening's candidates forum at the American Legion in Beaver Dam:1. I've said it for a while, "The troika of Jorgensen, Kirst and Berkvam are nothing but WEAC wolves in spending restraint sheep's clothing." Berkvam is a former teacher with an ax to grind when it comes to administrators; Jorgensen is an outspoken far-left liberal and Kirst is a former

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1143212718036078812006-03-24T08:02:00.000-06:002006-03-24T10:27:54.136-06:00Flawed argument about police, firemen, teachers...

Oftentimes public sector unions will play to our emotions when trying to convince us that their members deserve more money. "If you fail to support pay raises for teachers then you don't support children's education; If you fail to support pay raises for firefighters then you're willing to live in a community in which burning homes go unextinguished; and if you fail to support pay raises for

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1142626342223351682006-03-17T13:43:00.000-06:002006-03-17T14:12:24.483-06:00A little perspective

This graph depicts Beaver Dam's budget history and the stunning increase in the share of spending allocated toward fire and police. It may be difficult to read, but the upward sloping line on top is "Public Safety." The scale on the left is the percentage of total O&M spending allocated towards a specific sector. Public Safety received about 23% of O&M spending in 1975. By 2005 that figure

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1142009748746800112006-03-10T10:29:00.000-06:002006-03-10T10:55:48.870-06:00Cop's budget scrutinized

Members of Beaver Dam's finance committee have recently asked the city's Police and Fire Commission to examine ways to slash $90,000 from the PD's budget for 2006. According to Police Chief Gary Cox, this would result in a reduction in personnel.I'm no public safety expert, but a staff reduction doesn't have to strike right at the heart of patrol cops or detectives. Certainly, the first staff to

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1141964198636903162006-03-09T22:06:00.000-06:002006-03-09T22:17:01.740-06:00Out of gas

17 State Senators did the right thing Thursday by voting to postpone a vote on AB15, the Ethanol Mandate proposal. The move essentially kills the bill for the rest of the session, and unless there is a significant shift in public sentiment on this proposal, it will remain on the shelf indefinitely.Juneau Republican Scott Fitzgerald was one of the 17 who voted to kill the bill, although had there

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1141485677969740492006-03-04T09:11:00.000-06:002006-03-04T09:24:57.646-06:00Is there a better way?

Special assessment for street repair has always seemed out of line to me.There was a time, decades ago, when those who lived on the most frequently traveled roads in a community benefited from inflated property values, compared to homes located more “out of the way.” Means of transportation then weren't as great as they are today and being located just a block or two from the grocery store or

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1141403543325324142006-03-03T10:23:00.001-06:002006-03-03T10:32:23.350-06:00Street Assessments

This summer the City of Beaver Dam will shut down a portion of North University Avenue in order to rebuild the roadway. As is the case with street reconstruction, the homeowners along the Avenue will be billed for a portion of the work (in this case, 44% of the cost of the work). The amount each homeowner is billed is based on the amount of frontage he or she has. I received this email from a

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1141358256707180492006-03-02T21:28:00.000-06:002006-03-02T21:57:36.746-06:00One for Mayor, one for Governor. What about the County?

It would appear that a month from now Beaver Dam Mayor Jack Hankes will take a landslide victory over labor candidate Jim Yaroch. A little more than four months later, Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker will be in a tight battle with Congressman Mark Green to earn the Republican nomination and the right to face Jim Doyle in November for governor.While the contrast in these two fiscal

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1140846462729746442006-02-24T23:42:00.000-06:002006-02-24T23:47:42.730-06:00The "moron" answers back

I recently wrote a response to a comment I received on an early posting. After reading my comment, I enjoyed it enough that I thought it deserved the light of day. So, here it is, with the original comment in italics.Only a moron would say Walmart "gets it". They have single handedly wiped out more small businesses in this country than anyone can imagine.That statement right there proves that

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1140662105495952522006-02-22T20:24:00.000-06:002006-02-22T20:35:05.496-06:00Longfellow?

I really don't agree with the position taken by the Troika as they will now be know, but I can't deny the success of their campaign for Beaver Dam School Board.Unless something drastic happens, Jorgensen, Kirst and Berkvam will take seats on the board of education. There are worse candidates, yes, but from what I've seen, heard and read so far, these three don't have the answer. The school

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1140661475734558522006-02-22T19:07:00.000-06:002006-02-22T20:24:35.840-06:00Mandate!

Jack Hankes' most convincing victory in Tuesday's primary should send a strong message to organized labor and any one else who fails to understand that the world has moved into a new era:We are beyond decreasing inefficiencies in the delivery of services. We are eliminating those inefficiencies.Read that point once more.Eliminating inefficienciesDoes that mean job cuts? Perhaps.However, it mainly

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1140542476963169082006-02-21T11:16:00.000-06:002006-02-21T11:21:16.963-06:00Where in the world is Carmen...no wait...Rob Radig

This reposnse from mayoral candidate Rob Radig to questions about his whereabouts last Wednesday night and Friday noon hour:Thats! a very good question and thank you for asking. First of all I am not at all ncomfortable speaking in public, but I think its fair to say I am not quite as articulate a public speaker as my 2 opponents (if that make sense). As for the forums: The Chamber was aware from

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1140542156014221072006-02-21T11:09:00.000-06:002006-02-21T11:15:56.353-06:00Not sure where this fits in, but...

I received this email this morning and am not completely sure about the application of its message. It seems to be speaking about Jim Yaroch, but I for one have not heard any claims of nepotism with respect to him.None the less, it's an interesting email, so I decided it's worth puting out there:Nepotism????Evidently the word nepotism is being bandied about (to discuss in a casual or frivolous

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1140401076524090112006-02-19T19:49:00.000-06:002006-02-19T20:04:36.583-06:00Radig's mayoral views

Rob Radig was not at last Wednesday's candidates forum, nor on Community Comment Friday with Hankes and Yaroch, so unless you heard his Community Comment during the week or have sat down with him one-on-one, you know little about where he standson the issues.Here are some comments from Rob that I requested Thursday after not hearing him at the forum:With regards to labor contracts, I know these

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1140399680966237072006-02-19T19:16:00.000-06:002006-02-19T19:43:24.373-06:00Bauer responds to the Nichols column

In response to the recent column by Mike Nichols, Dodge County DA Steve Bauer had this to say:Now I need to commend Mike Nichols for writing a fair column. Criticism of the ultimate disposition of the Tim Nehls case by the District Attorney’s Office, as is criticism of the action of any public official, is certainly the right and duty of a journalist. I accept that criticism. What I reject is any

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1140245091479768392006-02-18T00:01:00.000-06:002006-02-18T00:44:51.536-06:00Nichols strikes again

Journal Sentinel columnist Mike Nichols wrote a follow-up Friday to an article he scribed late last month about the arrest and deferred prosecution of Sheriff Todd Nehls' brother Tim on charges that he repeatedly kicked his wife.After Nichols' first piece, I posted a series of emails from Dodge County District Attorney Steve Bauer and Todd Nehls.Nichols' latest submission reveals two items for

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1140186105691178772006-02-17T08:17:00.000-06:002006-02-17T08:21:45.710-06:00Strike up the fan club

The Dam Insider has never been accused of being *sexy* (well, maybe once or twice), but here's an email from right-thinking female admirer:I think I am in love. Other than my husband, you are the only local voice of reason in an "Out of Controll" community government.I admire you and your opinion almost as much as I admire my husband's.Thank you for telling it like it is.That's a lucky husband.

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1140063392359046352006-02-15T21:22:00.000-06:002006-02-15T23:13:55.106-06:00Primary election becomes clearer

Wednesday night's candidates forum in Beaver Dam had some interesting moments.I couldn't help but feel sorry for Mayoral candidate John Smith who announced he was dropping out of the race. No one gave gave him even an outside shot at winning, let along getting 50 votes, but he clearly has personal issues that need to be addressed before he can move forward in life, and I only hope that he's able

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1140060083304898992006-02-15T20:52:00.000-06:002006-02-15T21:21:23.393-06:00Dirt Pile

There has been quite an interesting discussion taking place on this blog in recent days regarding an alleged $13,000 pile of dirt and Mayor Hankes' actions relating to it.Here's the original comment made by an anonymous reader (By the way - I have no problem with people remaining anonymous, obviously, but it would be at least helpful and even more interesting if those who leave comments adopted a

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1139861849278798292006-02-13T14:06:00.000-06:002006-02-13T14:17:29.303-06:00Can the US afford another increase in oil prices?

Crude oil prices have tripled compared to the start of the millennium. It now costs $2.40 for a gallon of gas, and many homeowners and businesses are paying 1.5 to 2 times as much for heat this winter as they did a year ago.Despite this, the United States has not witnessed extraordinary inflation nor an economic recession. Why not?To put it simply, Americans have secured extra spending money by

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1139770844117870762006-02-12T11:40:00.000-06:002006-02-12T13:00:44.230-06:00Critical Decisions

A few weeks ago I reviewed Beaver Dam mayoral challenger Jim Yaroch's campaign website. In the past few days, Mayor Jack Hankes has launched his own website.During next week's candidates forum (Wednesday Feb 15 at the Community Theater), challengers for mayor will almost certainly question last year's contract with the city's building inspector, which generated hundreds of thousands of dollars (

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1139670973253429262006-02-11T08:23:00.000-06:002006-02-11T09:16:19.953-06:00Candidate's Background Check

When you talk about bloggers and their contribution to the public's right to know, here's an area where I think we can play a large role. Information like criminal and civil court background is available to the public, but often cumbersome to dig up. Furthermore, traditional media is reluctant to publish the information for various reasons. As a result, the wild world of weblogs becomes the place

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1139356095639471612006-02-07T17:34:00.000-06:002006-02-07T17:48:15.676-06:00In case you missed it

I posted a message here during the week end about Sheriff Todd Nehls' run-in at the Wendling funeral with that wacko Kansas church. Somehow, that post has disappeared. Perhaps the nutjobs got to me.Anyway, in case you missed it, take a look at the 5 minute video of Nehls and these protesters. It's certainly worth a watch if you haven't seen it.In the past week, the state Senate unanimously

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1138847417168051182006-02-01T19:57:00.000-06:002006-02-01T20:30:17.253-06:00Changes a'coming

"A little revolution, now and then, is a healthy thing. Don't you think?"- Marko Ramius (Sean Connery, The Hunt For Red October)There's a healthy taxpayer revolt taking place in Beaver Dam, and it continues to build momentum. The neat thing is that this movement will, before it's over, eliminte most, if not all, of the members of local government who spend freely, who support the status quo, who

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1138665699262520862006-01-30T17:59:00.000-06:002006-01-30T18:01:39.303-06:00Request for emails

I'm searching for email addresses for candidates for Beaver Dam Common Council, Mayor and School Board.If you know one of the candidates or their email, please either pass it along or ask that person to email me at daminsider@yahoo.comThanks for the help.

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1138653953624280012006-01-30T14:39:00.000-06:002006-01-30T14:46:37.126-06:00Deputy's actions defended

Dodge County Sheriff Todd Nehls left a thorough comment in response to the previous post. I believe his response deserves more attention:Deputy Kevin Homan is an outstanding Deputy Sheriff who treated this investigation just like any other Deputy Sheriff would have regardless of who was involved. The attempt to tarnish his image and question his judgment is unacceptable. Yes, there is a mandatory

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1138577699408101862006-01-29T17:03:00.000-06:002006-01-29T22:41:44.563-06:00Irresponsible Journalism

When he read Saturday's posting entitled "Did Nehls get preferential treatment?" Dodge County District Attorney Steve Bauer answered the question:Resoundingly "No!" Not by my office. Mike Nichols of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel had all the facts. I spoke with him and my assistant spoke with him. He had no story, no evidence of any favorable treatment, absolutely nothing. Yet, he used smear

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1138472569043781062006-01-28T12:17:00.000-06:002006-01-28T12:22:49.080-06:00Did Nehls get preferential treatment?

Early last month Dodge County Sheriff Todd Nehls' brother Tim was arrested for allegedly beating his wife. Until today, the only forum in which this was covered was right here Inside the Beaver's Dam. Today, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel columnist Mike Nichols published more of the details of the incident.

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1138400403001915792006-01-27T16:02:00.000-06:002006-01-29T22:49:09.006-06:00Another snow job

Last summer, Beaver Dam school district officials were caught red handed trying to pull the wool over the eyes of residents. You might remember the referendum information the district distributed. It included a table displaying the cost of the referendum to the average homeowner with figures like $49 the first year, $51 the second year, $54 dollars the third year, and so on. 99 out of 100 people

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1138374522003578702006-01-27T08:26:00.000-06:002006-01-27T15:22:52.116-06:00Stressful time in the district

As the Beaver Dam School District copes with its budget shortfall, finger pointing has reached a new high. An recent exchange in the editorial pages of the Daily Citizen between fabricated district residents alleging name calling, uber-Superintendent supporter Eric Becker and embattled Superintendent Brian Busler is evidence of that. Below is an email from a confirmed district resident who wishes

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1138144992213417602006-01-24T17:13:00.000-06:002006-01-24T17:23:12.313-06:00A Change of Heart

Wednesday night the Beaver Dam Common Council will meet in special session to vote on a deal with the firefighter's union, under which union members will switch to a Health Savings Account form of insurance, saving the city thousands of dollars a year. All city unions (including the largest group: AFSCME) except two (cops and dispatchers) had already made the switch weeks (and in some cases,

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1137957462758897732006-01-22T13:11:00.000-06:002006-01-22T13:17:42.790-06:00Shopping Centers not the answer

In response to a reader's letter last week about Beaver Dam's growth, Mayor Jack Hankes had this to say:I have a couple of thoughts about city growth, and the person who posted the comments is a lot better aligned with my thinking than (s)he knows. Just yesterday I sat in a meeting and expressed some of the same concerns. I asked a couple of developers sitting in my office a month ago "How many

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1137650236865977342006-01-18T23:49:00.000-06:002006-01-18T23:57:16.886-06:00Is growth a problem? One reader says, "Possibly, yes!"

Thoughts from a reader:For the last two years I have watched helplessly as the city slowly robs more and more township land for big box retailers and architecurally retarded strip malls. In the wake of such reckless developments comes subdivisions, which spring up like parasites on the backs of landowners who, for years, had been able to turn into their driveways without having to wait for a

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1137602471911420172006-01-18T09:39:00.000-06:002006-01-18T10:41:12.203-06:00Taxpayers doing what they seem to do best

What do taxpayers seem to do best? Well, pay taxes of course. And the actions, or inactions of three of our city's unions are adding to the burden. The firefighters, cops and dispatchers in Beaver Dam still haven't agreed to a change in health insurance (to the cheaper health savings account). Months ago, employees at the water department agreed, and last month the AFSCME workers (most city

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1137558156408286882006-01-17T22:12:00.000-06:002006-01-17T22:22:36.463-06:00DPW Director

A victory for Beaver Dam taxpayers last night as 11 of the 13 Aldermen present voted not to hire Tom Stebbins as Department of Public Works Director. Stebbins' proposed $70,000 annual salary, plus the $30,000 or more in benefit costs were simply too much to justify considering his lack of public works experience and education.It's certainly possible Stebbins would have brought leadership to the

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1137510955359838522006-01-17T09:15:00.000-06:002006-01-17T14:42:45.550-06:00Mayor's Response

The following is Beaver Dam Mayor Jack Hankes' response to an email from Beaver Dam Firefighter Doug SackettYou’ve challenged me to respond to Mr. Sackett’s letter. No challenge is necessary.Mr. Sackett is roughly correct with respect to timing of negotiations. Our first sessions were in the fall of 2004, primarily because we took several months to replace the law firm that had previously

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1137342243625163682006-01-15T10:12:00.000-06:002006-01-15T10:24:03.670-06:00Alderman Speaks Out

The Dam Insider has secured a copy of an email 1st Ward Beaver Dam Alderman Warren Beske recently distributed to members of the media and some employees at City Hall:MayorIts time that someone speaks up..I went to work Thur. morning and some employees asked "what the heck is city hall doing"I asked "why"? They started tell me what they heard on the radio.First,,They mentioned -either a 50% cut in

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1137160000021810442006-01-13T06:54:00.000-06:002006-01-15T23:59:55.676-06:00Letter from a local union member

I've pledged from the beginning of the project to allow others to have a voice on the blog, and with the publishing of this email, I'm doing just that. As a rule, if you send me and email and wish it to remain private, please indicate that and I will respect the request. Otherwise, I'll consider it a public message that will likely wind up being posted.Here's a recent email from Doug Sackett,

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1137050848587112882006-01-12T01:17:00.000-06:002006-01-12T01:27:28.610-06:00Miles apart

The Dam Insider has learned that the City of Beaver Dam and its labor unions are more than $500,000 apart in negotiations. The sides are moving towards arbitration in what has become the most expensive negotiation the city has experienced (legal fees have now topped $100,000). However, in this era of property tax limits, municipal labor unions are going to have to learn that the money pot

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1137047035438729752006-01-11T23:48:00.000-06:002006-01-12T00:23:55.483-06:00Privatize recreation department?

An idea to contract with the YMCA some or all of Beaver Dam's recreation programs (an idea first mentioned on this blog months ago) was suggested during last night's executive committee meeting. Alderman Mark Born recommended the committee look further into the possibility. Currently the city offers programs like swimming and golf lessons, along with myriad others. It's possible that the YMCA

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1136672624908836642006-01-07T16:19:00.000-06:002006-01-07T16:23:44.923-06:00Weber says it's time to step down

I recently emailed 6th ward Alderman Emmet Weber to find out why he declined to run for another term on the Beaver Dam Common Council, but will run for another term on the Dodge County Board of Supervisors. His reply:I've been fortunate to have served with dedicated citizens on the City Council for 12 years. However, the amount of time required for this commitment along with serving on the Dodge

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1136618075146692332006-01-07T01:01:00.000-06:002006-01-07T01:18:10.410-06:00Sheriff's brother arrested

The brother of Dodge County Sheriff Todd Nehls was arrested in mid-December following an 9-1-1 call as a result of a domestic incident. Timothy Nehls will be charged in Dodge County Circuit Court with Domestic Battery and Domestic Disorderly Conduct. He will make his initial court appearance at 8:30 Monday morning (1/09).Sheriff Nehls was apparently out of the County the night of the incident at

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1136569725636203912006-01-06T11:19:00.000-06:002006-01-06T16:31:38.746-06:00Is the label "lefty teacher" accurate? Seems so.

Teachers, interested to know where your monthly union dues are going? A Wall Street Journal editorial recently pointed out that the National Education Association (the national umbrella of most state's teacher's unions, like WEAC) gave $65M last year to groups like "Jesse Jackson's Rainbow PUSH Coalition, the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, Amnesty International, AIDS Walk Washington

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1136565449781392682006-01-06T09:39:00.000-06:002006-01-06T10:37:29.816-06:00Mayoral candidate has a website

Jim Yaroch, one of three men challenging Jack Hankes for Mayor this spring in Beaver Dam, has launched a campaign website.Two years ago, Hankes launched his own website just hours before the primary election, helping him generate enough support to reach the April election and defeat Tom Olson.Of course, having a website alone won't do the trick. It's the site's content that matters.The initial

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1136444085792011202006-01-04T23:30:00.000-06:002006-01-05T01:06:37.783-06:00Send him off to a home

Thoughts on tonight's Rose Bowl national championship game. Vince Young IS a GREAT player, but, at best he's Randall Cunningham, at worst he's a strong Michael Vick. Solid company, but still not worth the number one pick as Lee Corso gushed during the postgame. Still, Vince would be idiotic not to enter the NFL right now. Reggie Bush has the talent to become Gayle Sayers, while at worst he's Dave

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1136396517946540912006-01-04T11:25:00.000-06:002006-01-04T21:23:56.590-06:00Decisions, decisions

It's going to be an interesting three months in Beaver Dam leading up to the (possible) spring primary and local election.I'll offer some thoughts on the candidates in the weeks to come, but here's your opportunity to speak up.Residents, what are your thoughts on the candidates?Candidates, here's a chance for you to let others know more about you.Either leave your comments by clicking the link at

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1136354744088853012006-01-04T00:01:00.000-06:002006-01-04T00:05:44.103-06:00Been out of touch a while

Christmas, traveling to see family, and a transition to a new laptop have kept me away from the blog for the past few weeks. Thanks to those of you who have stuck with me. In the coming days, I'll be adding insightful and potentially award-winning musings to the blog.Stay in touch.Dam Insider

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1135404635245248312005-12-23T23:53:00.000-06:002005-12-24T00:10:40.683-06:00Beaver Dam needs you!

There's an open seat on the Beaver Dam School Board after Kathy Pals announced last week she's decided not to run this spring. As was explained in a post this fall, we need fiscal conservatives who support educational funding reform to step forward to fill this seat, and to challenge incumbents Jim Szopinski and Paul Uttech. (It should be noted, Szopinski was not elected, but appointed, after Joe

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1135402462421401802005-12-23T22:40:00.000-06:002005-12-23T23:43:36.836-06:00Unchecked Leftist Teachers Need Restraint

I was surfing the web tonight, looking for information about the Rainier Timber Company for a possible investment opportunity, when I came across this website. It's called a "webquest," and it's something teachers incorporate into their classrooms. It's basically a teaching tool in which students use information on the web to solve a set of problems.This webquest has been created by Francesca

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1135093053716099162005-12-20T08:42:00.000-06:002005-12-20T09:43:12.983-06:00NYC transit union out of control

NYC transit workers went on strike this morning in an ongoing battle over pension benefits....The very conditions of their job also grind them down and generate resentment, said Marian Swerdlow, a sociologist and the author of "Underground Woman," a memoir of her four years as a subway conductor. "The working conditions are more physically onerous, the treatment by managers more disrespectful,

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1135063767010492582005-12-20T01:26:00.000-06:002005-12-20T01:29:27.023-06:00Uh oh Russ

The latest zogby polls show1.) Russ Feingold is not considered a candidate among national pundits2.) Republicans want Giuliani to run3.) Democrats want Hillary ro run4.) Republicans are leading the race

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1135036600459560272005-12-19T17:49:00.000-06:002005-12-19T18:01:49.446-06:00Farmers versus Free Market

Who's going to win? Farmers or free market fiscal conservatives? The recent vote in the state assembly supporting an ethanol mandate in Wisconsin leaves conservatives wondering if their leaders have up and left Madison for good.Like with the repeal of the annual gasoline tax, a grassroots effort is building to stop passage of the ethanol mandate bill.Staff at Senator Scott Fitzgerald's office say

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1135011829473174252005-12-19T10:21:00.000-06:002005-12-19T11:05:41.200-06:00"Dictator" Hankes

Some Beaver Dam Aldermen have privately said Jack Hankes is abusing his mayoral power by blocking the hiring of Tom Stebbins for Director of Public Works. While within the letter of the law, Hankes is eliminating representative democracy and replacing it with a dictatorship, contrarians say.In an earlier post I printed a letter the Mayor sent to the Common Council that explained his reasoning in

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1134843234120620512005-12-17T12:10:00.000-06:002005-12-17T12:15:32.436-06:00Ethanol mandate moves to the Senate

The anti-free market assembly has sent AB-15 on to the Senate where its fate is unknown. The ethanol mandate bill won't be delt with until after the new year. In the meantime, it's imperative you contact your state senator and let him or her know that you want a "No" vote on the ethanol mandate bill.The folks at Wigderson Library and Pub blog are keeping track of where the Senators stand on the

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1134839239086173602005-12-17T10:55:00.000-06:002005-12-17T11:11:45.223-06:00Political tension rising in Beaver Dam

During the past 96 hours, a schism has developed within the elected leadership of Beaver Dam. Mayor Jack Hankes has issued this memo to members of the Common Council.(emphasis included in mayor's memo)Date: December 17, 2005Subj: Director of Public WorksTo: Common CouncilIt was brought to my attention Wednesday that there is a procedural misstep with the intended advance of the DPW appointment to

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1134744802924573912005-12-16T08:47:00.000-06:002005-12-16T08:53:22.950-06:00Journalistic logic

Journalists are supposed to be the members of society whose "BS monitors" are set to the highest level, but often they fall well short of that mark. Here's an example from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:Some Assembly Republicans said the DNR went too far with its competing package, and that some property owners might be forced to tear down existing piers.The DNR denies that and has estimated that

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1134681255403383942005-12-15T15:12:00.000-06:002005-12-15T15:14:15.423-06:00There's still time to make a difference on Ethanol

Call you State Representative right now and tell him or her to vote "no" on AB-15.If you're not sure who your representative is, follow this link and enter your address.A vote on this issue could come as early as Thursday afternoon or evening. It's very important to make contact TODAY!

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1134680070302250342005-12-15T14:49:00.000-06:002005-12-16T11:35:36.853-06:00Scott Fitzgerald remembers Proxmire

Dodge County's State Senator says he first met former US Senator William Proxmire when he was a teenager working at the Watertown Daily Times. Fitzgerald remembers him as a nice, plain-spoken man who just enjoyed getting out and meeting the people he represented.Proxmire once said, "I have spent my career trying to get Congressmen to spend people's money as if it were their own. But I have failed

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1134679656219928402005-12-15T14:05:00.000-06:002005-12-15T14:47:36.310-06:00Ethanol amendments to be considered

Rep. Stephen Nass (R-Whitewater) will introduce a series of amendments to AB-15 (the ethanol mandate bill) that could make the bill more palatable for fiscal conservatives.Nass has sent letters to every member of the Assembly explaining each amendment. Here are transcripts of each: (my comments are in italics)(This amendment would protect counties that reach ozone non-attainment once ethanol is

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1134668749247264502005-12-15T11:12:00.000-06:002005-12-15T11:45:50.503-06:00Ethanol Debate

Republicans who support this anti-free market bill are doing so in an effort to boost the state's economy (they believe the ethanol mandate will create job through increased demand for the corn-based fuel and the possibility of investment capital coming into the state to help develop more ethanol production facilities), diminish the nation's dependence on foreign oil, stabilize gas prices in

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1134666033726112262005-12-15T10:50:00.000-06:002005-12-15T11:00:33.746-06:00Ethanol bill on today's agenda

***ALERT***ALERT***ALERT***ALERT***ALERT***ALERT***AB15, the bill that would mandate all gasoline sold in Wisconsin to be between 9.2% and 10%ethanol is up for debate on the Assembly floor today!***ALERT***ALERT***ALERT***ALERT***ALERT***ALERT***This bill runs counter to conservative, free-market principals, eliminating the possibility of consumer choice as the gas pumps...The bill likely has

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1134513655966151532005-12-13T16:16:00.000-06:002005-12-13T16:40:56.003-06:00Prepare to pay more for Bucky

From the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:The University of Wisconsin-Madison announced today that it will require companies that produce officially-licensed university apparel to purchase 25% of their goods from factories that allow their workers to unionize.Translated:The University of Wisconsin-Madison announced today that it will require companies that produce officially licensed university apparel

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1134490935083178892005-12-13T09:42:00.000-06:002005-12-13T10:49:22.106-06:00Merry Holidays

The raging debate among politically polarized pundits over "Merry Christmas" and "Happy Holidays" is enough to make me scream "Bah Humbug!"The voices of the Wisconsin right-wing like radio hosts Charlie Sykes and Mark Belling, and Gubernatorial candidates Mark Green and Scott Walker make you think America's lawyers are perched on your front stoop with a cup pressed up against the door listening

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1134488521569191222005-12-13T09:17:00.000-06:002005-12-13T09:42:05.373-06:00More union whining

Not quite up there with fire fighters and police officers, but close, are the prison guards. In post-9/11 America, these government employees are considered more highly than a Holstein ambling down a Delhi side street. And worse, this elevated status has strengthened the union's perceived bargaining positions. No cop or firefighter really believes the mayor or common council will actually

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1134484069848014052005-12-13T08:08:00.000-06:002005-12-13T08:27:49.863-06:00Been awile

It's been a few days since my last post. In my free time I've been reading a book about economic globalization. I'm sure in the coming weeks I'll have some thoughts based on the book.In the meantime, while clicking around the internet, I stumbled upon an image of a guy that looks strikingly like Daily Citizen editor Aaron Holbrook, and shares the same name!

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1133984856861465692005-12-07T13:42:00.000-06:002005-12-07T13:47:37.456-06:00Senate passes Gay Marriage amendment

A proposed constitutional amendment that would define marriage in Wisconsin as between a man and a woman is one step closer to being voted on by residents of the state, after the measure passed the Senate moments ago on a 19 to 14 vote. The amendment is authored by Senator Scott Fitzgerald and cosponsored by his brother, representative Jeff Fitzgerald.

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1133974087900361752005-12-07T10:27:00.000-06:002005-12-07T10:48:08.140-06:00J Fitz to vote yes

Just hours after the Senate voted to repeal the state's automatic annual gas tax increase it's become clear that the issue will easily pass the Assembly Tuesday. Representative Jeff Fitzgerald has announced his support for the bill.

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1133972845938011972005-12-07T10:17:00.000-06:002005-12-07T10:27:25.953-06:00Local Senator fails to back constituents

The State Senate voted overwhelmingly Tuesday afternoon in support of a measure to allow law abiding citizens to carry a concealed weapon, a right afforded to us by the US Constitution. 18 of the state's 19 Republican Senators supported the bill. Only 14th District Senator Luther Olsen of Ripon voted no. Readers who live in the areas of Markesan, Alto, Brandon, Kingston, Green Lake and Ripon

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1133907352129331722005-12-06T16:11:00.000-06:002005-12-06T16:15:52.153-06:00Gas tax repeal will pass

A source close to the State Senate believe today's vote on the repeal of the automatic gas tax index will pass with at least 20 votes, and possibly as many as 22, the number needed to override a potential Veto from Governor Doyle. As of Monday night, four Republicans were thought to be voting against the bill, but the source believes up to three of them may change sides. Meanwhile votes on the

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1133884115174458032005-12-06T09:33:00.000-06:002005-12-06T10:42:23.710-06:00Fitzgerald to stand up for Conservative ideals

Today the State Senate will make three votes on three issues, each with a clear conservative side. Senator Scott Fitzgerald will come down on the right side with each vote.On the issue of Gas: Senator Fitzgerald announced Monday he will vote to repeal (PDF) the automatic indexing component of the state's gas tax.On the issue of Gay Marriage: Senator Fitzgerald has been outspoken on the issue of

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1133536956547891362005-12-02T09:21:00.000-06:002005-12-06T10:37:49.776-06:00Kestral Ridge needs a change in priorities

Area golfers are hoping that the new ownership group at Kestrel Ridge in Columbus signals a change in the quality of the golfing experience.From media reports, it seems Michael Eisenga and his ownership group have their sights set on improving the dining area and clubhouse. However, it's the course that needs work.Bare, patchy fairways. Sandy, uneven greens. Muddy, smelly water hazards. I

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1133536635267767422005-12-02T08:27:00.000-06:002005-12-02T10:03:55.756-06:00For some, levy limit has worked

"Thank goodness we have [levy limits]"- Beaver Dam Mayor Jack HankesI know Governor Doyle's tax freeze is an easy target for political commentators shooting from the right, and that's fair. The freeze wrongly exempts school districts and city/county borrowing, and allows municipalities to shift the taxpayer burden from tax bills to utility bills. But, when the freeze is coupled with local

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1133460226832663772005-12-01T11:59:00.000-06:002005-12-06T10:36:58.133-06:00Gard nailed to the wall

Wednesday, WISN's Mark Belling took Assembly Speaker John Gard behind the woodshed for his failure to support a bill repealing the state's automatic gas tax increase. Listen to the audio here. (mp3 audio - Courtesy of Badgerblogger.com)

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1133403454055482212005-11-30T19:49:00.000-06:002005-12-06T10:35:54.790-06:00Favre to blame?

Yes, the season's a lost cause at 2-9, but that doesn't mean we should stop assessing individual performances. Again and again this fall, we've heaped blame for the Packers' woes on injuries, the former GM, injuries, a defensive secondary with a penchant for laundry, coaching and injuries. And while we all realize that future Hall-of-Famer Brett Favre is, at times, like a man stranded on an

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1133390478712404132005-11-30T16:37:00.000-06:002005-11-30T16:41:18.763-06:00Economic Humor

TOP 10 REASONS TO STUDY ECONOMICS 10. Economists are armed and dangerous: Watch out for our invisible hand9. You can talk about money without having to make any8. You get to say, "trickle down" with a straight face7. Mick Jagger and Arnold Schwarzenegger both studied economics and look how they turned out6. When you are in the unemployment line, at least you will know why you are there5. If you

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1133280649212151312005-11-29T09:50:00.000-06:002005-12-06T10:32:13.030-06:00Contact your legislator

Will Wisconsin mandate that all gasoline sold in the state contain 10% ethanol? Debate starts up in the Assembly next month.Staff at Representative Jeff Fitzgerald's office say the matter is still being discussed and he hasn't reached a conclusion. You can share your opinion with the Assemblyman by emailing or calling his office at (608)266-2540. Tell him to "vote no on AB 15"Many Republicans are

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1133278944875036432005-11-29T09:23:00.000-06:002005-11-29T09:42:24.903-06:00Baseball Hall of Fame

Every year I enjoy going through the candidates on the Baseball Hall of Fame ballot and giving my thoughts on who should get in. Here's the 2005-2006 version (not all eligible players listed):Albert Belle - Not until he changes his name back to Joey. Actually, his numbers are tremendous, there's just not enough of them. Almost had 400 homers in just 10 seasons - he was among the first of the

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1133196370927815702005-11-28T10:23:00.000-06:002005-11-28T10:49:18.073-06:00Will downtown Beaver Dam turn around?

Here's one thing we can all agree on: Downtown Beaver Dam, like Main Street in many other small cities, is becoming economically irrelevant. But, can the problem be fixed and how? Those are the questions we will debate.Members of the City Council have started looking at those questions. The effort has led to a substantial increase in the rent paid by Weyco Group for use of the Lakeside shoe

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1133194710769996262005-11-28T09:52:00.000-06:002005-11-28T10:49:45.290-06:00CRG, not CWD in Dodge County?

It's probably refreshing to see a three letter acronym beginning with "C" in the headlines this time of year and not find a story about the deer herd and the testing of brains. Here in Dodge County hunting is covered more often by the media than politics, and perhaps rightly so. But, look for the letters CRG to start showing up, if The Daily Citizen and other media outlets do their job.CRG stands

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16984296.post-1133142682740040922005-11-27T18:16:00.000-06:002005-11-27T19:51:22.816-06:00The Mayor drops a line

Beaver Dam Mayor Jack Hankes sent an email the other day. Much of it is in response to your emails posted earlier in the week. Interesting reading:I enjoy the blog, daminsider. I can add a few comments:I too, think the city employees are courteous and helpful; they have always been that way to me. I know, too, that most have no use for my message of change, and they freely share that opinion with

Dam Insiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15439903596157700789noreply@blogger.com0