Tuesday night, I sat with a couple friends for several hours and watched the Oshkosh Common Council meeting in its entirety.
Not your average night for three people in their early 20s, but it proved to be worth our time. That's because Oshkosh local politics is more entertaining than The Colbert Report and Family Guy put together.
The real fun came when the Council heard statements from the 16 people (minus a few no-shows) who were applying to be appointed to the vacant 7th Council seat.
The process allowed any citizen of Oshkosh to apply for the position and to make a statement in front of the Council. It showed.
Despite my roommate and I kicking ourselves for not applying and giving us an opportunity to speak in front of the great Tony Palmeri, it was a wonderful night of entertainment. We heard several hopefuls delve way too far into their personal history, at least four describe themselves as "blue collar workers" and enjoyed the awkwardness of Steve Cummings' and Larry Spanbauer's spiteful presentations.
We found it a little odd that some of the Councilors seemed so impressed with Harold Bucholz's speech. He had a couple pieces of paper, printed in all capital letters, outlining his qualifications. In it, he included three personality tests (he's a "red," by the way) and declared that he doesn't watch "American Idol." This immediately made him our favorite candidate, if only for the irony.
The greatest part was during the selection. My roommate, who is headed off to Omaha, NE, for grad school in August, said that if the Council selected Bucholz, he was "never leaving Oshkosh."
I guess we're extending our lease.
Now things are really getting interesting, or what I think is the best way to describe it, "more awesome." Jef Hall, one of the applicants, is accusing Councilors Palmeri and Bob Poeschl of violating an open meetings law. I don't have the energy to explain the whole thing, but you can read about it here.
In turn, some are accusing Hall of simply being bitter about not being selected, or more likely, upset that the Council did not select former mayor Stephen Hintz to fill the vacancy. Hintz is active in the Democratic Party (and the father of state Rep. Gordon Hintz), and Hall is the chair of the county Democrats.
Does Hall have a case? Or is this just political maneuvering? Regardless, it's fun to watch.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Partisan bickering continues with stimulus bill
In the newly christened era of hope and change, the debate on how to stimulate our pitiful economy has become all too familiar.
Oddly enough, it seems generally agreed upon that there needs to be a drastic amount of government spending to get things going again. That’s the good news. The problem is not “if” to spend the $800 billion, it’s simply “how” we’re going to do it.
For the Democrats, it’s the belief in major public works programs to get people back to work – for the federal government. Republicans, naturally, are arguing for tax cuts to allow the struggling private sector to recover faster.
The unfortunate thing is, neither side is making a real effort to find the best possible solution. Each is holding on to their tired ideological histories amid concerns of being re-elected and staying true to their strict stances. Given our odd intolerance to politicians changing their opinions, it’s not surprising that everyone’s holding steady, if no more to avoid being labeled a “flip-flopper.”
Another question this whole situation brings up is the idea of big government. Do we really know that it’s a bad thing? After all, the only kind of government we’ve ever known is a limited one, and obviously a limited government will not solve many problems. Hence, we’ve developed this idea that government helps no one. Is that really the case?
However, the Democrats have won the stimulus battle, for better or worse. This means potentially bigger government, something that we’re not used to. The essential question that remains now is if the U.S. is able to adapt to real change.
Oddly enough, it seems generally agreed upon that there needs to be a drastic amount of government spending to get things going again. That’s the good news. The problem is not “if” to spend the $800 billion, it’s simply “how” we’re going to do it.
For the Democrats, it’s the belief in major public works programs to get people back to work – for the federal government. Republicans, naturally, are arguing for tax cuts to allow the struggling private sector to recover faster.
The unfortunate thing is, neither side is making a real effort to find the best possible solution. Each is holding on to their tired ideological histories amid concerns of being re-elected and staying true to their strict stances. Given our odd intolerance to politicians changing their opinions, it’s not surprising that everyone’s holding steady, if no more to avoid being labeled a “flip-flopper.”
Another question this whole situation brings up is the idea of big government. Do we really know that it’s a bad thing? After all, the only kind of government we’ve ever known is a limited one, and obviously a limited government will not solve many problems. Hence, we’ve developed this idea that government helps no one. Is that really the case?
However, the Democrats have won the stimulus battle, for better or worse. This means potentially bigger government, something that we’re not used to. The essential question that remains now is if the U.S. is able to adapt to real change.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Time is right for campaign finance reform
As we face difficult times, I can't seem to help but think about the influence that special interest groups had to get us to this point. Fair elections are much-needed in our state as special interest groups continue to throw more and more money at our representatives.
This spring we will have a race for the Wisconsin Supreme Court and both candidates will raise a great deal of money from a variety of sources. It is unacceptable to allow our judges, the ones who are supposed to make the ultimate unbiased decisions, to be corrupted and influenced by money. Most times, trial lawyers account for a huge majority of the money raised for judicial races. Does that strike anyone as a conflict of interest?
Money in politics is simply the most important issue out there today. Since 1990, the insurance and financial sectors have contributed over $2 billion to candidates and parties. During that same time, we saw a great deal of deregulation of those industries, leading to where we stand today.
When congressmen are forced to raise millions of dollars to get re-elected, they end up owing a lot of favors. It's time for Wisconsin – and the United States – to embrace public financing. These systems are already widely popular in Maine, Connecticut and Arizona, with more states on the way. With widespread campaign finance reform at all levels, we can look forward to having elections based on issues, not cash.
This spring we will have a race for the Wisconsin Supreme Court and both candidates will raise a great deal of money from a variety of sources. It is unacceptable to allow our judges, the ones who are supposed to make the ultimate unbiased decisions, to be corrupted and influenced by money. Most times, trial lawyers account for a huge majority of the money raised for judicial races. Does that strike anyone as a conflict of interest?
Money in politics is simply the most important issue out there today. Since 1990, the insurance and financial sectors have contributed over $2 billion to candidates and parties. During that same time, we saw a great deal of deregulation of those industries, leading to where we stand today.
When congressmen are forced to raise millions of dollars to get re-elected, they end up owing a lot of favors. It's time for Wisconsin – and the United States – to embrace public financing. These systems are already widely popular in Maine, Connecticut and Arizona, with more states on the way. With widespread campaign finance reform at all levels, we can look forward to having elections based on issues, not cash.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Democracy Matters -- Meeting Feb. 4
The UW-Oshkosh chapter of Democracy Matters will have its first meeting of spring semester Wednesday, Feb. 4 at 4:30 p.m. in Reeve Union 213.
If you can't make it, or have any other questions, e-mail us at uwodemocracymatters@gmail.com.
Also, check out our new blog site at www.uwodm.blogspot.com.
Democracy Matters is a campus-based project of Common Cause that advocates for fairness in campaigns and elections through spending limits and public financing.
If you can't make it, or have any other questions, e-mail us at uwodemocracymatters@gmail.com.
Also, check out our new blog site at www.uwodm.blogspot.com.
Democracy Matters is a campus-based project of Common Cause that advocates for fairness in campaigns and elections through spending limits and public financing.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Swanson running for Council
That’s according to Facebook, anyway.
Travis Swanson is the second UW-Oshkosh student to run for the office, after Ed Kastern also picked up signature papers at city hall recently. I’m not sure if Swanson has officially picked up the papers, but his campaign Web site says that they’ll be canvassing for signatures on Saturday.
As of today, five people have intentions of running for Council, in addition to current Councilors Jess King and Tony Palmeri, which will mean that there will be a primary on Feb. 17.
The interesting thing is that people directly affiliated with the university could potentially make up a majority on the Common Council. With College of Business Dean Burk Tower already in place, the spring election could see the re-election of Palmeri (Communications professor) and the election of two students (Kastern and Swanson).
Is this possible? Maybe, although anyone defeating King seems unlikely, given her popularity in the city. On the other hand, she is also a former adjunct professor at UWO, making her also partly affiliated.
Also, Councilor Paul Esslinger announced that he’ll be running for mayor for a third time against incumbent Frank Tower. I don’t see this working out for him, considering his rep for seeking revenge against past political opponents (River Mill sidewalks, anyone?).
Travis Swanson is the second UW-Oshkosh student to run for the office, after Ed Kastern also picked up signature papers at city hall recently. I’m not sure if Swanson has officially picked up the papers, but his campaign Web site says that they’ll be canvassing for signatures on Saturday.
As of today, five people have intentions of running for Council, in addition to current Councilors Jess King and Tony Palmeri, which will mean that there will be a primary on Feb. 17.
The interesting thing is that people directly affiliated with the university could potentially make up a majority on the Common Council. With College of Business Dean Burk Tower already in place, the spring election could see the re-election of Palmeri (Communications professor) and the election of two students (Kastern and Swanson).
Is this possible? Maybe, although anyone defeating King seems unlikely, given her popularity in the city. On the other hand, she is also a former adjunct professor at UWO, making her also partly affiliated.
Also, Councilor Paul Esslinger announced that he’ll be running for mayor for a third time against incumbent Frank Tower. I don’t see this working out for him, considering his rep for seeking revenge against past political opponents (River Mill sidewalks, anyone?).
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Another municipal smoking ban
This week, the village of Weston (near Wausau) Village Board passed a smoking ban that will take effect in 2010. It appears to have many of the business owners in the area up in arms, and probably for good reason.
The problem with this is that hard-core smokers, or most "regular" bar patrons, tend to avoid bars where smoking isn’t allowed. With a small community like Weston, they’ll be able to go to surrounding areas in order to be able to smoke while they drink. An unintended side effect of this is that they’ll be driving farther to get home, likely over the legal BAC limit.
I don’t understand this one. With a Democratically controlled Assembly and Senate until (at least ) 2010, why didn’t the board just wait for a statewide ban? That way, losing business from community to community won’t be a problem because there won’t be smoking allowed indoors anywhere.
Another possibility is that the village board is looking to set an example to help hurry the process of a statewide ban. Municipal governments are the creatures of state governments, but in some instances they can have strong influence on state policy.
To me, this seems like an inopportune time to be enacting an ordinance that will negatively affect business, considering the economic situation we’re in. And another question: where was the tavern league on this one? Perhaps it’s not as strong as it’s made out to be, which will help speed up the process for a statewide ban.
Banning smoking in individual communities makes no sense and is really inefficient. However, the "it hurts business" argument is irrelevant when talking about a statewide ban.
The problem with this is that hard-core smokers, or most "regular" bar patrons, tend to avoid bars where smoking isn’t allowed. With a small community like Weston, they’ll be able to go to surrounding areas in order to be able to smoke while they drink. An unintended side effect of this is that they’ll be driving farther to get home, likely over the legal BAC limit.
I don’t understand this one. With a Democratically controlled Assembly and Senate until (at least ) 2010, why didn’t the board just wait for a statewide ban? That way, losing business from community to community won’t be a problem because there won’t be smoking allowed indoors anywhere.
Another possibility is that the village board is looking to set an example to help hurry the process of a statewide ban. Municipal governments are the creatures of state governments, but in some instances they can have strong influence on state policy.
To me, this seems like an inopportune time to be enacting an ordinance that will negatively affect business, considering the economic situation we’re in. And another question: where was the tavern league on this one? Perhaps it’s not as strong as it’s made out to be, which will help speed up the process for a statewide ban.
Banning smoking in individual communities makes no sense and is really inefficient. However, the "it hurts business" argument is irrelevant when talking about a statewide ban.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Bailey in 2010 -- No change whatsoever
Well, that was disappointing.
I took a break from my job as an Advance-Titan staff writer to work as the press secretary for a Congressional candidate. The reward: A 26 percent drubbing at the hands of a 30-year incumbent. But I learned a lot, which is why I’m announcing right now my candidacy for Congress in 2010…as a joke.
As far as I know it’s never been done. I plan to gather the required 1,000 signatures and then do nothing. I will make no promises and offer no new ideas to better the life of the people. I estimate that I’ll still probably get about 30 percent of the vote.
The only problem I see is my pure and utter boredom, which is why I’ve developed a series of issues that I believe are extremely important to the people of this district. My top priorities will be:
1. Driving on the left side of the road.
For too long, we’ve been preoccupied as a nation on driving on the other side, but times are changing. Are we really willing to be stuck in the past as the world embraces the future, in particular driving like people in England? Change is something I believe in, and I think the people of this great nation are sick and tired of driving on the right-hand side. If we have to face oncoming traffic to accomplish this goal, so be it. I’m willing to seriously injure others for this cause.
2. A sweeping health care initiative.
Namely, banning all hospitals. We don’t need ‘em. They take up too much valuable space that we could be using for casinos or golf courses. I know that when I’m feeling sick, nothing makes me feel better than the thrill of hitting on 17. As your Congressman, I will fight against these greedy doctors whose selfish “life-saving” agendas are bankrupting the Americans in America.
3. Running an extremely negative campaign.
I’ll likely be running against Rep. Tom Petri, who in reality is a really nice guy and an honest person. Will I be mentioning that in my campaign? Hell no. Instead I will rely on a number of baseless attacks, using many outright lies. Try this one I’m working on: “Tom Petri hates cheese.” Probably untrue, but all of a sudden I’ve painted him as anti-cow. Who would vote in favor of that? Not me, and not Wisconsin and/or America (whichever you prefer). What do you have to say to that, Mr. Petri?
4. No more salmon.
Every arrogant self-righteous a-hole likes to order this over-priced item at posh restaurants despite the fact that it tastes like crap. Why? Because they think it makes them look sophisticated. I’ll put an end to it. I don’t think I even have to mention the whole swimming upstream thing. Salmon, your reign in American cuisine is over, along with that weird mango sauce that they serve with you.
5. Annexing the Upper Peninsula.
I think we all know that the U.P. of Michigan belongs to us. They watch the Packers, and…well actually that’s the only reason I’ve ever heard for why they should be part of Wisconsin. Good enough for me. Plus, I doubt the lower part of Michigan will really care.
6. Taking away all of your guns.
You read that correctly. I’m going to personally visit every house in Wisconsin, nonchalantly search up and down for any type of firearm while you’re in the bathroom, and take it away immediately. Then I’m going to take this stockpile of guns, melt them all down, and from the metal, make better guns. Then I’ll redistribute them back to you. That’s my promise.
7. Repealing the 25th Amendment.
We all know that the first 10 were the best, but this one really sucks. It has something to do with presidential succession. I don’t know, I haven’t read it. I think Congress must’ve gotten really bored after getting rid of Prohibition and they just wanted to write a new amendment, and this was the best they could come up with. Seriously, “when the President transmits his written declaration that no inability exists, he shall resume the powers and duties of his office”? What were they smoking?
8. Giving myself a raise.
The best thing about being a Congressman is that you don’t have a boss. So, if I want to pass a bill that gives me a bonus, all I have to do is get a majority of my colleagues to agree, all of whom will also benefit from it. Anyone want to guess how hard that’d be to accomplish? It’s like working the drive-thru at Hardee’s and whenever you feel like it you can increase you and your co-workers’ pay, and the day shift manager can do nothing about it. It sounds pretty awesome to me, and the grill guys will thank you.
There, I did something. This will be my platform for my run for Congress in 2010. Don’t expect to see me on the campaign trail or mingling with wealthy political contributors, but I will be on the ballot, which will be a victory for Democracy in itself.
I would appreciate your support on Nov. 2, 2010. Please remember to do absolutely no research on the candidates before you cast your vote. And, as the Obama campaign drilled into our heads repeatedly this past month, you can always vote early.
I took a break from my job as an Advance-Titan staff writer to work as the press secretary for a Congressional candidate. The reward: A 26 percent drubbing at the hands of a 30-year incumbent. But I learned a lot, which is why I’m announcing right now my candidacy for Congress in 2010…as a joke.
As far as I know it’s never been done. I plan to gather the required 1,000 signatures and then do nothing. I will make no promises and offer no new ideas to better the life of the people. I estimate that I’ll still probably get about 30 percent of the vote.
The only problem I see is my pure and utter boredom, which is why I’ve developed a series of issues that I believe are extremely important to the people of this district. My top priorities will be:
1. Driving on the left side of the road.
For too long, we’ve been preoccupied as a nation on driving on the other side, but times are changing. Are we really willing to be stuck in the past as the world embraces the future, in particular driving like people in England? Change is something I believe in, and I think the people of this great nation are sick and tired of driving on the right-hand side. If we have to face oncoming traffic to accomplish this goal, so be it. I’m willing to seriously injure others for this cause.
2. A sweeping health care initiative.
Namely, banning all hospitals. We don’t need ‘em. They take up too much valuable space that we could be using for casinos or golf courses. I know that when I’m feeling sick, nothing makes me feel better than the thrill of hitting on 17. As your Congressman, I will fight against these greedy doctors whose selfish “life-saving” agendas are bankrupting the Americans in America.
3. Running an extremely negative campaign.
I’ll likely be running against Rep. Tom Petri, who in reality is a really nice guy and an honest person. Will I be mentioning that in my campaign? Hell no. Instead I will rely on a number of baseless attacks, using many outright lies. Try this one I’m working on: “Tom Petri hates cheese.” Probably untrue, but all of a sudden I’ve painted him as anti-cow. Who would vote in favor of that? Not me, and not Wisconsin and/or America (whichever you prefer). What do you have to say to that, Mr. Petri?
4. No more salmon.
Every arrogant self-righteous a-hole likes to order this over-priced item at posh restaurants despite the fact that it tastes like crap. Why? Because they think it makes them look sophisticated. I’ll put an end to it. I don’t think I even have to mention the whole swimming upstream thing. Salmon, your reign in American cuisine is over, along with that weird mango sauce that they serve with you.
5. Annexing the Upper Peninsula.
I think we all know that the U.P. of Michigan belongs to us. They watch the Packers, and…well actually that’s the only reason I’ve ever heard for why they should be part of Wisconsin. Good enough for me. Plus, I doubt the lower part of Michigan will really care.
6. Taking away all of your guns.
You read that correctly. I’m going to personally visit every house in Wisconsin, nonchalantly search up and down for any type of firearm while you’re in the bathroom, and take it away immediately. Then I’m going to take this stockpile of guns, melt them all down, and from the metal, make better guns. Then I’ll redistribute them back to you. That’s my promise.
7. Repealing the 25th Amendment.
We all know that the first 10 were the best, but this one really sucks. It has something to do with presidential succession. I don’t know, I haven’t read it. I think Congress must’ve gotten really bored after getting rid of Prohibition and they just wanted to write a new amendment, and this was the best they could come up with. Seriously, “when the President transmits his written declaration that no inability exists, he shall resume the powers and duties of his office”? What were they smoking?
8. Giving myself a raise.
The best thing about being a Congressman is that you don’t have a boss. So, if I want to pass a bill that gives me a bonus, all I have to do is get a majority of my colleagues to agree, all of whom will also benefit from it. Anyone want to guess how hard that’d be to accomplish? It’s like working the drive-thru at Hardee’s and whenever you feel like it you can increase you and your co-workers’ pay, and the day shift manager can do nothing about it. It sounds pretty awesome to me, and the grill guys will thank you.
There, I did something. This will be my platform for my run for Congress in 2010. Don’t expect to see me on the campaign trail or mingling with wealthy political contributors, but I will be on the ballot, which will be a victory for Democracy in itself.
I would appreciate your support on Nov. 2, 2010. Please remember to do absolutely no research on the candidates before you cast your vote. And, as the Obama campaign drilled into our heads repeatedly this past month, you can always vote early.
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