Forward our Motto

• Get your popcorn ready (Edgewater)

  Number of comments: 0
  So, you probably already know this but Madison's Landmark Commission denied the Edgewater redevelopment plan a Certificate of Appropriateness, which means that the current Edgewater plan would have to be scaled down significantly to be approved (Good chance it would be done-for in its current form or the plan might [...]
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  Posted: December 07, 2009, 5:05am EST
  by Forward Our Motto

• Charter School in Verona

  Number of comments: 0
  Interesting news for the New Century charter school in Verona: Verona charter school considers going green.
  
  I'm curious what exactly it means for a school to go 'green.' According to the article:
  
  Being a "green" charter school means "you use the environment to teach all core subjects,"' [...]
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  Posted: December 04, 2009, 5:05am EST
  by Forward Our Motto

• Neumann vs Walker

  Number of comments: 1
  So the Wisconsin State Journal is wondering: Is Wisconsin's race for governor already down to two main candidates?
  
  Even with the entry of Tim John on the Democratic side, I think that Tom Barrett might have that one wrapped up. But I would argue that the GOP-side might [...]
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  Posted: December 03, 2009, 5:05am EST
  by Forward Our Motto

• Asian Carp Update 12/2/2009

  Number of comments: 0
  Just two quick updates on this topic:
  
  So all is not lost in the battle to keep Asian Carp out of Lake Michigan:
  
  Carp battle not over yet
  Biologist says Asian fish need right conditions to breed in lake
  
  And kudos to Milwaukee Mayor (and [...]
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  Posted: December 02, 2009, 5:05am EST
  by Forward Our Motto

• Notice Anything Funny About This Picture?

  Number of comments: 0
  From [www.wkowtv.com] Click image if it's too small:
  [...]
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  Posted: December 02, 2009, 12:30am EST
  by Forward Our Motto

• Henry Sanders Running for Lt. Governor

  Number of comments: 0
  So, Henry Sanders, who ran against David Travis in the Democratic primary in 2006 for the 81st Assembly seat, is running for Lt. Governor (as a Democrat of course). I just want to draw your attention to this part of an e-mail that was sent out on Mr. [...]
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  Posted: December 01, 2009, 5:05am EST
  by Forward Our Motto

• New Dem Candidate for Governor

  Number of comments: 0
  As you might already know, Oconomowoc businessman Tim John has announced his intention to run for Governor. He'll join Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett and Jared Christiansen in running for the Democratic nomination for governor.
  
  I don't know much about Tim John (aside from the fact that [...]
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  Posted: November 30, 2009, 5:05am EST
  by Forward Our Motto

• Happy Thanksgiving!

  Number of comments: 1
  Blogging shall resume Monday. [...]
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  Posted: November 26, 2009, 5:00am EST
  by Forward Our Motto

• Left Turn Arrow at County PD & M Please

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  Hello. Today I'm here to talk about a traffic light - the traffic light on the intersection of County M and County PD. I believe there needs to be a left-turn arrow on County PD for East-bound traffic during evening rush-hour (to make it easier to turn left onto' [...]
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  Posted: November 25, 2009, 5:00am EST
  by Forward Our Motto

• Asian Carp: Something You Can Do

  Number of comments: 1
  As you may or may not know:
  
  The decade-old battle to keep Asian carp out of the Great Lakes might be over.
  
  New research shows the fish likely have made it past the $9 million electric fish barrier on the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, a source [...]
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  Posted: November 24, 2009, 5:15am EST
  by Forward Our Motto

• A moment of your time for education...

  Number of comments: 0
  Repeating a call by Robert G from Madison AMPS (because it's a good idea):
  
  Our school-funding system is in crisis, and that crisis is leading to less education in our schools and higher property taxes on our homes. It is time to say, “Enough is enough.” We need [...]
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  Posted: November 23, 2009, 5:02am EST
  by Forward Our Motto

• Asian Carp Fail

  Number of comments: 0
  From the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Asian carp may have breached barrier This is a problem because...
  
  The fish that can grow to more than 50 pounds or more are a big deal because they are voracious feeders, overwhelming native species, and they pose a huge hazard to recreational [...]
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  Posted: November 20, 2009, 5:45am EST
  by Forward Our Motto

• AEppelTreow

  Number of comments: 0
  Hey a non-political blog post...so as a follow up to my post about hard-ciders from Wisconsin: You Forgot AEppelTreow!
  
  Here is the list of places that sell AEppelTreow products, this might be out of date: [www.aeppeltreow.com]
  
  Also, from an e-mail response from AEppelTreow about places that [...]
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  Posted: November 20, 2009, 5:00am EST
  by Forward Our Motto

• Terrence Wall - Tammy Baldwin Supporter?

  Number of comments: 0
  You know what I didn't expect? I didn't expect that Republican Senatorial candidate Terrence Wall donated to Democrat Tammy Baldwin (WI-2) and Democrat Kathleen Falk. Now, *I* think that's just great, I've happily voted for both candidates in the past. Of course, I wouldn't get very far in a Republican [...]
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  Posted: November 19, 2009, 5:30am EST
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• Lt. Governor's Speculation 11-18-09

  Number of comments: 0
  In case you were wondering, Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk (D) is not running for Lt. Governor of Wisconsin. According to the link, here are the candidates who are considering running:
  
  Sen. Spencer Coggs of Milwaukee and Milwaukee Ald. Tony Zielinski are seeking the Democratic nomination for lieutenant [...]
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  Posted: November 18, 2009, 5:15am EST
  by Forward Our Motto

• Does Terrence Wall have a Credibility Problem?

  Number of comments: 4
  David Blaska is a pretty decent conservative blogger. I disagree with him a lot, but I have to admit, the guy has the right-wing talking points down. He knows what to say and how to say it. So when he says things, you can usually bet there's a reason. This' [...]
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  Posted: November 17, 2009, 5:05am EST
  by Forward Our Motto

• Analyzing Tom Barrett's Gubernatorial Run for Governor

  Number of comments: 2
  You probably already know but Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett has announced he is running for governor. This gives the Democratic side a credible candidate, to match with the two credible candidates on the Republican side (Mark Neumann and Scott Walker).
  
  First, Barrett's strengths:
  
  1. He's got [...]
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  Posted: November 16, 2009, 5:15am EST
  by Forward Our Motto

• Mark Neumann Advertisement

  Number of comments: 0
  So, since there is nothing too exciting happening on the D-side of the WI governor's race, let's take a look at the GOP side. It's a little easier for me to analyze since I don't intend to vote for either candidate. So anyways, in my internet searching, I noticed this [...]
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  Posted: November 13, 2009, 5:31am EST
  by Forward Our Motto

• Edgewater TIF Subsidy Stays in Capital Budget

  Number of comments: 0
  Hm. Well, I kinda expected that's what would happen...however, at least some improvements were made. Check it:
  
  Ald. Michael Schumacher, 18th District, who initially offered an amendment to delete the TIF money for the Edgewater because the city has only begun its review of the project, offered the' [...]
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  Posted: November 12, 2009, 5:15am EST
  by Forward Our Motto

• You Forgot AEppelTreow!

  Number of comments: 2
  So, there is this review over at Madison.com: Fall’s fruit bounty makes for delicious cider drinks. As you might guess, it's about hard ciders. They cover the obvious ones (Strongbow and Woodchuck), but totally neglected to mention AEppelTreow Winery (Burlington, WI). I understand that they gotta review the' [...]
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  Posted: November 11, 2009, 5:55am EST
  by Forward Our Motto

• RTA Misc

  Number of comments: 0
  Misc Regional Transit Authority (RTA) Follow Ups:
  
  1. Great summary of what is going on with the RTA from the Transport Politic: Madison Gets New Transit Authority.
  
  2. The CapTimes has an article up about anti-RTA activist Bill Richardson: Retired music professor fighting commuter rail.
  
  [...]
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  Posted: November 10, 2009, 6:00am EST
  by Forward Our Motto

• RTA, Next Steps

  Number of comments: 3
  Dane County Board voted to establish a Regional Transit Authority (20-16, with 1 absent). You probably already know this. First: Yay! People have been talking about an RTA for the area as early as 1974. We are on the way to integrated transit solutions, better traffic management, and cleaner air [...]
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  Posted: November 09, 2009, 5:15am EST
  by Forward Our Motto

• Oh two other things about the Edgewater TIF

  Number of comments: 0
  Two Things:
  
  1.Jill Sixpack does some math:
  
  The Hammes Co. has scaled back its plan for the Edgewater redevelopment, from $109 million to $90 million. However, they are still asking for the full $16 in TIF funding that Mayor Dave Cieslewicz included in his capital budget.
  [...]
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  Posted: November 06, 2009, 6:15am EST
  by Forward Our Motto

• Puppet Masters?

  Number of comments: 0
  From Russell Wallace (who was at one time on the Dane Dems Executive Board and who ran for Chair of the Dane Dems):
  
  The Democratic Party of Dane County, for instance, is essentially controlled, quietly and behind the scenes, by a union, AFSCME Council 40.
  
  I have [...]
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  Posted: November 06, 2009, 5:00am EST
  by Forward Our Motto

• The Problem with Terrence Wall

  Number of comments: 3
  Terrence Wall, he's a millionaire developer, planning on running against Russ Feingold in 2010 (no website up for Wall, or else I'd link to it*). He's recently come under fire for using sneaky, but legal, means to avoid paying some Wisconsin taxes. There is the much documented fake' [...]
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  Posted: November 05, 2009, 6:00am EST
  by Forward Our Motto

• RTA Action Alert!

  Number of comments: 1
  There is this thing, it is called the Regional Transit Authority or RTA for short. It's a government body set up to manage transportation through the use of things like buses and (likely) commuter rail (whoo!). In case you are wondering why you should support it, Downtown Madison Inc has' [...]
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  Posted: November 04, 2009, 5:00am EST
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• Thing I Didn't Expect

  Number of comments: 0
  Dane County Supervisor David de Felice (District 16) is looking at the possibility of primary-ing Tammy Baldwin for her District 2 Congressional seat.
  
  Felice said:
  he's frustrated with Baldwin and the Democratic majorities in Congress because they haven't advocated more strongly for liberal health reform proposals such [...]
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  Posted: November 03, 2009, 5:15am EST
  by Forward Our Motto

• Mayor Cieslewicz is sick of your back talk

  Number of comments: 2
  Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz trashes anyone opposing the Edgewater redevelopment in his city-sponsored blog: Unreasonable Opposition.
  
  Hmmmm...is it possible that someone who feels the need to trash people for having different views is unreasonable himself?
  
  There are perfectly good reasons to oppose the 16 million dollars [...]
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  Posted: November 02, 2009, 5:15am EST
  by Forward Our Motto

• What happens if...

  Number of comments: 3
  Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett doesn't run for governor and Congressman Ron Kind doesn't reconsider? The Dems will be in some trouble, yes? Is it time to start a Draft Steve Kagen movement? Green Bay is a critical during a statewide election and Kagen is wealthy enough so that he [...]
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  Posted: October 30, 2009, 5:54am EDT
  by Forward Our Motto

• A Sports Post: Packers vs Vikings

  Number of comments: 0
  I would like to draw your attention to this LeRoy Butler quote:
  
  When Brett [Favre] comes out you do like any other opposing quarterback, you boo him. If you don’t want to boo him, don’t say anything. But if you’re going to stand up wearing Packer clothing or [...]
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  Posted: October 29, 2009, 7:59am EDT
  by Forward Our Motto

• What the heck Dane County Sheriff Deputies?

  Number of comments: 1
  So a follow-up to the RTA post from yesterday:
  
  There were:
  
  *35 who spoke in favor
  *7 who spoke against
  *29 who registered in favor but didn't speak
  *35 who registered against but didn't speak
  
  Amongst those against, there were some expected opponents of the RTA [...]
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  Posted: October 28, 2009, 5:15am EDT
  by Forward Our Motto

• Dane County RTA Takes Another Step

  Number of comments: 0
  Whoo! Progress!
  
  Two committees OK RTA creation, send issue to County Board. Here is an excerpt from the article:
  
  With votes of 3-2 and 6-2, the Dane County Public Works and Transportation Committee and Personnel and Finance Committee, respectively, voted to recommend the County Board create the [...]
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  Posted: October 27, 2009, 5:00am EDT
  by Forward Our Motto

• Quantity vs Quality

  Number of comments: 0
  When did quantity start to mean quality as far as legislation goes? Two entities, the Wisconsin Policy Research Institution (right-wing; conservative): Absent term limits, legislators getting older, less productive, more entrenched; young Wisconsinites inadequately represented
  
  And John Nichols (CapTimes, Lefty) make this same argument: Forget term limits, [...]
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  Posted: October 26, 2009, 5:00am EDT
  by Forward Our Motto

• Yes, you should be there...

  Number of comments: 0
  Did I mention this: Regional Transit Authority (RTA) Hearing Monday 10/26 @ 6:30pm.
  
  Oh, I already did? Well did I mention that the right-wingers will be there to try and derail the train? I've already seen an e-mail from the Wisconsin Club for Growth opposing the RTA (apparently' [...]
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  Posted: October 25, 2009, 2:02pm EDT
  by Forward Our Motto

• RTA Hearing Monday 10/26 @ 6:30pm

  Number of comments: 0
  Just passing along a notice:
  
  A public hearing on establishing a Regional Transit Authority, hosted jointly by the Dane County Public Works and Transportation Committee and Personnel and Finance Committee has been set for Monday, October 26 at 6:30 PM, in Room 201B City County Building (210 Martin Luther [...]
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  Posted: October 23, 2009, 12:06am EDT
  by Forward Our Motto

• Unbelievable

  Number of comments: 2
  State Rep. Jeff Wood arrested again for OWI
  
  You think he would be on his best behavior, but I guess not. He's in rehab, which I think is good. Now, I know that a lot of public figures use rehab as a way to do damage control (It's [...]
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  Posted: October 22, 2009, 6:00am EDT
  by Forward Our Motto

• Speaking of Election Law

  Number of comments: 0
  So, it looks like the Wisconsin Government Accountability Board is working on some local election laws in dealing with internet campaign ads.
  
  Hey, I was ahead of the game here. I was wondering whether a Mark Neumann Facebook ad was illegal and wishing for clearer guidelines over [...]
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  Posted: October 21, 2009, 5:55am EDT
  by Forward Our Motto

• This is Cool (farm census)

  Number of comments: 0
  You can check out the 2007 Census of farms (any property that makes more than $1,000 from agriculture) by state assembly or state senate district.
  
  Wisconsin Senate and Assembly Districts Agricultural Statistics 2007
  
  Cool eh? Well I think it's cool.' [...]
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  Posted: October 20, 2009, 5:50am EDT
  by Forward Our Motto

• No Middleton-Cross Plains Referendum

  Number of comments: 0
  In case you were wondering:
  
  There will not be a referendum for a new elementary school in February or April 2010. The Board of Education voted to stop consideration of an elementary school referendum for next spring at the October 12 school board meeting.
  
  The reason? [...]
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  Posted: October 19, 2009, 5:41am EDT
  by Forward Our Motto

• Forward Our Motto

  Number of comments: 0
  Just in case you were wondering what Wisconsin's motto is and why and where this blog draws its title from:
  
  State Motto: "Forward" Reflecting Wisconsin's continuous drive to be a national leader, the state adopted "Forward" as the official state motto in 1851.
  
  It's kind of' [...]
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  Posted: October 16, 2009, 6:00am EDT
  by Forward Our Motto

• Asian Carp Alert

  Number of comments: 0
  Passed along from the Sierra Club (you should contact your Congressperson or Senator (Herb Kohl's contact form and Russ Feingold's contact form), an invasion of Asian carp would be bad news for Lake Michigan):
  
  Asian carp, an extremely aggressive invasive species, have just reached the [...]
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  Posted: October 15, 2009, 5:50am EDT
  by Forward Our Motto

• Door County Food Thoughts

  Number of comments: 1
  Enough politics, it's time to talk about something serious, like food...
  
  Background: Door County Wisconsin is a great vacation destination. It gets a little bit crowded in the Summer, but it's not so bad in the fall. And sometime the weather holds out so you can some gorgeous days [...]
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  Posted: October 14, 2009, 5:00am EDT
  by Forward Our Motto

• So the Wisconsin State Journal's editorial board ...

  Number of comments: 0
  So the Wisconsin State Journal's editorial board is all like: Leave the Edgewarter TIF subsidy alone! :( This is in response to two budget amendments that would remove the Edgewater TIF subsidy
  
  Let's take a look at the WiSJ's arguments (in a convenient numbered list form, [...]
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  Posted: October 13, 2009, 5:15am EDT
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• Looking at a Bizarre Statewide Analysis

  Number of comments: 0
  So, the Wisconsin State Journal columnist Scott Milfred has an analysis of the upcoming Wisconsin Governor's race: Dems left with B Team if Barrett bails. There are numerous things wrong with this analysis, that I feel compelled to point out:
  
  1. The article's tone: The whole article speaks [...]
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  Posted: October 12, 2009, 5:50am EDT
  by Forward Our Motto

• Edgewater TIF subsidy on the outs?

  Number of comments: 0
  Check it:
  
  The city's financial committee will take up a laundry list of amendments to the city's long-term budget at its meetings next Monday and Tuesday, including an effort from two separate members to remove $16 million in city aid to the Edgewater Hotel redevelopment.
  
  Yay! And [...]
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  Posted: October 09, 2009, 5:59am EDT
  by Forward Our Motto

• Two Unrelated Links

  Number of comments: 0
  1. From Salon: Does Iran really want the bomb?
  
  Perhaps what Iran wants is the ability to produce a nuclear weapon fast, rather than have a standing arsenal
  
  A fascinating (and short) essay. Very interesting.
  
  2. Also this entry from the Cheese Underground about Queso [...]
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  Posted: October 08, 2009, 5:12am EDT
  by Forward Our Motto

• Two Unrelated Links

  1. From Salon: Does Iran really want the bomb?
  
  Perhaps what Iran wants is the ability to produce a nuclear weapon fast, rather than have a standing arsenal
  
  A fascinating (and short) essay. Very interesting.
  
  2. Also this entry from the Cheese Underground about Queso [...]
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  Posted: October 08, 2009, 5:12am EDT
  by Forward Our Motto

• Labor Moving

  Number of comments: 0
  I would like to draw your attention to the blog for the Madison Area Technical College Part Time Teachers' Union Local 6100.
  
  It's good stuff. Too often, I feel that labor unions don't put contract negotiation in a wider-societal context. While I could go on and on about [...]
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  Posted: October 07, 2009, 5:44am EDT
  by Forward Our Motto

• Using Random Vegetables

  Number of comments: 0
  I think that community supported agriculture (CSA) is a great opportunity to support local farmers and to get delicious local produce. But sometimes, it's tough to think of what to do with all those vegetables. So I like to use recipes that don't call for specific vegetables, that way' [...]
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  Posted: October 06, 2009, 5:33am EDT
  by Forward Our Motto

• Dane County Board Updates

  Number of comments: 1
  You might have already seen these but just in case (with commentary too!):
  
  1. Former Stoughton City Council member Denise Duranczyk was appointed to the Dane County Board to replace Supervisor Donna Vogel who resigned from the county board to take a job w/the Dane County Treasurer's Office.[...]
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  Posted: October 05, 2009, 5:39am EDT
  by Forward Our Motto

• No Tax Breaks for Newspapers

  Number of comments: 2
  So there's this in the paper: Pol seeks newspaper tax exemption:
  
  A Wisconsin state lawmaker says he wants to save newspapers even though he admits to sometimes hating reporters.
  
  Democratic state Rep. Marlin Schneider, a 39-year veteran from Wisconsin Rapids, said Tuesday he's proposing a property tax [...]
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  Posted: October 01, 2009, 5:41am EDT
  by Forward Our Motto

• Tomorrow: Save Our Services Rally October 1

  Number of comments: 0
  Rebroadcasting an additional reminder for tomorrow (aka October 1):
  
  Join the Save Our Services Rally October 1st at 5 p.m. at the State St corner of the State Capitol.
  
  The state budget passed in July slashes aid to schools, local governments, and state agencies. There is an alternative. [...]
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  Posted: September 30, 2009, 5:47am EDT
  by Forward Our Motto

• A Sports Post

  Number of comments: 0
  Just a short post today...I would just like to say that ex-Green Bay Packer LeRoy Butler, writes one of the best columns on the Green Bay Packers.
  
  I tend to think that the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel has far better Packer coverage than the hometown newspapers. Thanks to the [...]
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  Posted: September 29, 2009, 6:00am EDT
  by Forward Our Motto

• $16 Million Dollar TIF Subsidies Bad for Business

  Number of comments: 2
  Is it just me or did the 16 million dollars of Tax Incremental Financing (TIF) subsidies for the Edgewater redevelopment project go from a near-certain thing to very uncertain?
  
  Just a short while ago, it looked like the Hammes company had everything locked up as far as TIF [...]
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  Posted: September 28, 2009, 5:05am EDT
  by Forward Our Motto

• WI Governor Race Updates

  Number of comments: 2
  As you probably know, Rep. Ron Kind (D) is not in the running for governor Wisconsin.
  
  That leaves Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett as the only other speculated candidate on the Democratic-side that I would consider likely and formidable. Some think that Kind's decision not to run [...]
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  Posted: September 25, 2009, 5:05am EDT
  by Forward Our Motto

• Save our Services Rally Oct 1

  Number of comments: 0
  in Madison:
  
  [Reproduced from a flyer]:
  
  Save Our Services Rally!
  
  The state budget passed in July slashes aid to schools, local governments, and state agencies. There is an alternative. Rescind the tax cuts on corporations and wealthy people. Close the loopholes that let large, profitable companies pay [...]
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  Posted: September 24, 2009, 5:05am EDT
  by Forward Our Motto

• Unendorsing Dawn Marie Sass

  Number of comments: 2
  Current Wisconsin Treasurer Dawn Marie Sass (D) has had a rough couple of weeks in the press. And it might just be deserved. I think I've seen enough for me to decide that I will not be voting her in the future. Here's a compilation of some highlights:
  
  1.' [...]
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  Posted: September 23, 2009, 5:05am EDT
  by Forward Our Motto

• RTA Information Meeting this Saturday

  Number of comments: 0
  If you're interested in learning more about the Dane County Regional Transit Authority, you can check out this informational meeting this Saturday:
  
  RTA Information for local officials (open to public)
  
  Saturday, September 26, 2009
  8:30am - 10:30am
  Lyman Anderson Center
  1 Fen Oak Ct Madison, WI 53718
  [...]
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  Posted: September 22, 2009, 5:05am EDT
  by Forward Our Motto

• Does this Strike you as Odd?

  Number of comments: 1
  So Dusty Weis, reporting for Dane101, has a story about the Edgewater developer taking a timeout to reassess their plan for the redevelopment of the Edgewater hotel in downtown Madison: Edgewater Developer Takes a Timeout*
  
  Not exactly sure what all that means, but what I found kind of [...]
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  Posted: September 21, 2009, 5:05am EDT
  by Forward Our Motto

• What the Change from Summer to Fall Means

  Number of comments: 0
  Just for fun:
  
  In celebration of the season, I'd like to present you with this numbered list (yay for numbered lists!) of what the transition from Summer to Fall means, along with some notes about why Fall is a great season:
  
  1. Apples at Farmer's Markets.
  
  2.' [...]
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  Posted: September 18, 2009, 5:05am EDT
  by Forward Our Motto

• Hypotheticals Are Fun

  Number of comments: 4
  Advocacy is good, activism is good. However, if you are trying to influence elected officials, you need an intersection with electoral politics.
  
  Typically, elected officials, regardless of political alignment, would like to be re-elected (obvious right?).
  
  So, let's say you're trying to convince a group of county' [...]
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  Posted: September 17, 2009, 5:01am EDT
  by Forward Our Motto

• WI Governor/Lt Governor Speculation

  Number of comments: 0
  Updates! Speculation! Links!
  
  1. You probably already read this but just in case ya missed it: Chris Farely's brother is thinking about running for the Lt. Governor on the Republican side.
  
  2. I am starting to think that Dane County Board Chair Scott McDonell is planning on [...]
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  Posted: September 16, 2009, 4:55am EDT
  by Forward Our Motto

• Madison.com's Redesign

  Number of comments: 0
  Here are my thoughts:
  
  1. The website should be simple and fast. It is not. It's slow. Madison.com has always been slow and with the redesign, it still is. And it's not simple either. There is a lot of good content buried in the Madison.com website that was always [...]
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  Posted: September 15, 2009, 5:21am EDT
  by Forward Our Motto

• Report on the Southwest Community Farmer's Market

  Number of comments: 0
  So I stopped by this farmer's market Wednesday (9/9), it was a nice little market. Not the selection that the Dane County Farmer's but not the speculate either. You can get in, get some produce, and be on your way. I like this, because it makes the local food thing [...]
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  Posted: September 14, 2009, 5:13am EDT
  by Forward Our Motto

• Is this Mark Neumann Ad Legal?

  Number of comments: 4
  
  
  I'm actually asking, cuz I'm not sure my self. It's from Facebook (spotted on 9/8).
  
  Now, does that look like a campaign ad to you? It looks like one to me. If it is a campaign ad, then it needs to have a [...]
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  Posted: September 10, 2009, 4:30am EDT
  by Forward Our Motto

• I didn't even have to use my AK

  Number of comments: 0
  So, last Friday after work, I stopped at the Ace Hardware on Raymond Road to pick up a pipe wrench to do a little bit of plumbing repair. And I was mildly surprised that it wasn't like visiting Mogadishu.
  
  See, there have been some crime issues in' [...]
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  Posted: September 08, 2009, 5:31am EDT
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• Sprecher's Brewpub

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  The Madison Beer Review is reporting that there is a new unofficial Sprecher's beer bar moving into the far West Side of Madison. Good news! Hopefully the bar will have an excellent selection of other beers as well (it's not just Sprecher's beer there).
  
  Side note: If you're' [...]
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  Posted: September 04, 2009, 4:00am EDT
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• Absolutely Worth It

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  For your information: Revised Madison school budget boosts tax increase Here's the proposed increase:
  
  The owner of a $250,000 Madison home would pay $82.50 more in school property taxes this year under a proposal by city schools superintendent Dan Nerad that seeks to partially cover a projected $9.2 [...]
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  Posted: September 03, 2009, 4:30am EDT
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• Keep Your Car and Home Locked

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  Passing along a warning from the Madison police department:
  
  WEST DISTRICT RESIDENTIAL BURGLARIES
  
  Over the past month, West District detectives have detected a rash of similar burglaries...
  
  There have been around ten of these burglaries. In most cases criminals are targeting small electronics. The Madison Police [...]
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  Posted: September 02, 2009, 6:15pm EDT
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• Honey Bread

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  Have you ever been at a farmer's market and examined prices for delicious Wisconsin honey? As with most products, if you buy more, it costs less. And when you get home, have you wondered what you are going to do with 6 pounds of honey?
  
  Of course, it's' [...]
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  Posted: September 02, 2009, 12:15am EDT
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• Madison Police Can't be Bothered with your Theft Complaints

  Number of comments: 3
  Article up in the CapTimes about retail theft calls at Woodman's.
  
  From the article:
  Madison police officers have become a regular fixture at the city's two Woodman's stores, and they're not happy about it.
  
  The giant grocery retailer accounted for about 70 percent of the city's retail' [...]
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  Posted: August 28, 2009, 1:01am EDT
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• Southwest Side Round Up

  Number of comments: 4
  So I've written about crime and other issues on the Southwest side of Madison (here and here).
  
  And there's a lot more news out there. So here's a rundown of some other virtual ink that's been spilled recently and that I think is interesting (with my commentary [...]
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  Posted: August 27, 2009, 1:01am EDT
  by Forward Our Motto

• Southwest Side Round Up

  So I've written about crime and other issues on the Southwest side of Madison (here and here).
  
  And there's a lot more news out there. So here's a rundown of some other virtual ink that's been spilled recently and that I think is interesting (with my commentary' [...]
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  Posted: August 27, 2009, 1:01am EDT
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• WI Lt Governor Speculation

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  So, if the current Lt. Governor of Wisconsin, Barbra Lawton, runs for Govenor, who is going to take her place?
  
  On the Democratic side, speculation is already running wild with an editorial in the CapTimes in favor of Dane County Board Chair, Scott McDonell, running for the office. [...]
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  Posted: August 26, 2009, 1:00am EDT
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• Property Taxes or Your House Burning Down

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  The Wisconsin State Journal's editorial: Wanted: A bold city of Madison budget. But what does that even mean? Hmmmm, let's take a look and see what the Wisconsin State Journal considers a "bold" budget. First off, it calls for avoiding a too big tax hike by any means necessary [...]
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  Posted: August 25, 2009, 12:01am EDT
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• A Note to the Wisconsin State Journal

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  The Dane County Council of Public Affairs is a right-wing group.
  
  The Wisconsin State Journal seems to be either unaware or intentionally not mentioning it. Take an excerpt from this article for example.
  
  The South West Alliance of Neighborhoods and the Dane County Council of Public Affairs [...]
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  Posted: August 24, 2009, 1:00am EDT
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• Talk < Bus Fare Hike

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  Does this sound like the blog post of a man who would ram through a fare hike:
  
  [From Mayor Cieslewicz's Not a Campaign Blog]: The High Cost of Driving
  
  Look, I'm not being anti-car here. I drive. And I don't want to force anybody to do [...]
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  Posted: August 19, 2009, 9:47pm EDT
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• Google Likes Madison

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  From the CapTimes article: How did Google end up in Madison?
  
  CT: Why did Google decide to open an office in Madison?
  
  JL: If you look at the locations where Google has smaller offices, sometimes those will come into being because there's a company that Google acquired [...]
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  Posted: August 19, 2009, 11:58pm EDT
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• Madison Budget Hearing Summary

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  So, Mayor Dave Cieslewicz had the last of his listening sessions on the budget yesterday (8/17). I attended and I have a brief write up. (Editor's note: I didn't actually stay the whole time, just long enough to leave a comment and take some notes. I'm not trying to [...]
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  Posted: August 18, 2009, 1:00am EDT
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• More Governor Updates

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  Doyle makes it official: No to third term but pledges full agenda through 2010. I wonder what is part of that full agenda? School finance reform would be great...we'll see. Also I thought Gov. Doyle had an excellent quote:
  
  Speaking at a press conference this morning at his' [...]
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  Posted: August 17, 2009, 6:43pm EDT
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• Governor Doyle on the Outs?

  Number of comments: 1
  Well the word is out from Politico that Governor Doyle won't be running for re-election. An announcement is expected Monday. So, let the speculation begin...this totally opens up the field, especially on the Democrat's side.
  
  Here's a good list of potential candidates from Our Campaigns. You' [...]
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  Posted: August 16, 2009, 1:03pm EDT
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• A Minor Annoyance

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  Why is it so hard for Madison new sources to list out individual local politician's names (like for roll call votes for the city council or county board).
  
  Seriously, both the city council and the Dane County Board have individual representatives by district. So, it's important for voters to [...]
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  Posted: August 14, 2009, 1:22am EDT
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• Education Cuts

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  'Nother Education Funding Link: As state aid declines, local school levies rise
  
  Key Quote:
  
  "Our expenditures are down, our overall revenues are just slightly up," said Jeffrey Gross, director of business services for the Menomonee Falls district. "We're basically operating on the same budget as last" [...]
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  Posted: August 12, 2009, 12:45am EDT
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• Dane County 2010

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  Gosh, it feels like Spring 2010:
  
  You have this last week:
  
  Conservative [Dane] County Board members seek to freeze borrowing for land buys
  
  And you have this, this week:
  
  Progressive Dane Response to the Conservative County Board Supervisor's Proposed Land Freeze[...]
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  Posted: August 12, 2009, 12:03am EDT
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• Wait What?

  Number of comments: 0
  Madison man pleads no contest to lesser charge in Downtown homicide (from the WiSJ):
  
  A former Tennessee man who was to stand trial this week for the stabbing death of a man outside a Downtown tavern pleaded no contest Monday to a lesser charge.
  
  Under a plea [...]
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  Posted: August 11, 2009, 11:54pm EDT
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• Great Taste of the Midwest Review

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  It was great. Lots of beer, some fun people to talk to and the weather was mostly okay. It was rough for a while in the heat, but then I discovered that there was a cool breeze just above the Real Ale tent (cask conditioned beer!), which was just a [...]
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  Posted: August 10, 2009, 9:24pm EDT
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• Mayor's Public Budget Hearings

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  The Mayor of Madison is conducting public hearings on the upcoming city budget. The first one was already held downtown on August 5th, but two remain:
  
  Tuesday, August 11, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
  East District Police Station, 809 S. Thompson Dr.
  
  Monday, August 17, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
  Alicia [...]
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  Posted: August 09, 2009, 8:03pm EDT
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• Choke on It

  Number of comments: 0
  "It" being conservative policies.
  
  The crime debate in Madison rages on. And I've noticed something interesting, some of the conservative commentators, David Blaska especially, seem to be adeptly mixing public safety suggestions (more police foot patrols, human services outreach, and tighter curfews (which I disagree with but it's still' [...]
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  Posted: August 07, 2009, 11:48pm EDT
  by Forward Our Motto

• Two Education Thoughts

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  1. Some figures brought to you via Madison AMPS:
  In 2007 Portugal instituted a merit pay plan. Azores and Madeira (the graph above) and private schools were excluded. Using these as a control, the quoted study found that this merit pay plan resulted in a decline is student achievement.
  [...]
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  Posted: August 03, 2009, 9:44pm EDT
  by Forward Our Motto

• West Side Community Market

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  So I've been to the West Side Community Market twice this year, and it's been a great experience both times. In case you didn't know, it's a farmer's market held Saturdays from 7am to 1pm in the Hill Farms DoT Building parking lot.
  
  It doesn't compare to' [...]
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  Posted: August 01, 2009, 4:21pm EDT
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• Everything is Ruined Forever

  Number of comments: 1
  Or at least under the current state budget (2009 to 2011) as far as education spending goes. In case you missed it, the Madison school district is getting a 15% cut in general aid (9.8 million dollars). There was some talk of remedying it somehow, but Sondy Pope-Roberts (D-79 (where [...]
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  Posted: July 30, 2009, 8:14pm EDT
  by Forward Our Motto

• Everything is Ruined Forever

  Or at least under the current state budget (2009 to 2011) as far as education spending goes. In case you missed it, the Madison school district is getting a 15% cut in general aid (9.8 million dollars). There was some talk of remedying it somehow, but Sondy Pope-Roberts (D-79 (where [...]
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  Posted: July 30, 2009, 8:14pm EDT
  by Forward Our Motto

• But what were they wearing?

  Number of comments: 0
  FBI storms duplex on Southwest Side
  
  Whoa.
  
  No word on whether the suspect's underwear was visible or not. [...]
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  Posted: July 29, 2009, 9:08pm EDT
  by Forward Our Motto

• Dane County Board Commentary

  Number of comments: 2
  So the Dane County Board has been in the news a decent amount these days...let's see what we got:
  
  1. Sup. Carousel Bayrd has a proposal to make sure the County Board accepts open record requests by e-mail. Currently County Executive Kathleen Falk's office and the Sheriff's' [...]
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  Posted: July 28, 2009, 12:46am EDT
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• Two Great Education Links

  Number of comments: 0
  The school financing situation in Wisconsin is a mess all over, not just in Madison where the school district is getting hit with a 15% cut in state aid. Here are two articles that spell things out pretty well:
  
  Spurning sparsity by State Senator Kathleen Vinehout, who represents [...]
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  Posted: July 23, 2009, 10:37pm EDT
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• Madison is a Startup Friendly City

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  Check the Wisconsin State Journal staff article: Madison listed among best 'startup-friendly cities'
  
  That's right, Entrepreneur Magazine thinks that Madison is a great place to start up a business. I guess they didn't buy into the right-wing talking point that Madison is an anti-business hell hole, which is' [...]
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  Posted: July 23, 2009, 7:48pm EDT
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• Crime is Down in the First Half of This Year

  Number of comments: 0
  Check the Wisconsin State Journal article: Burglaries down 53% in Madison; report welcome, but concerns persist.
  
  But the most surprising figure I think is this one:
  
  A 9.8 percent drop in violent crime for the same period, including murder, rape, aggravated assault and robbery.
  
  Good [...]
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  Posted: July 23, 2009, 11:46pm EDT
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• Do you like school referendums?

  Number of comments: 0
  So, in case you hadn't heard, the Madison school district got hit with a 15% cut in state aid.
  
  Does this mean there will be another referendum? I don't know, but I know that it would be politically difficult to argue for one after the referendum in 2008. [...]
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  Posted: July 22, 2009, 11:58pm EDT
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• Crime and Distractions

  Number of comments: 0
  So here's something I don't get about how the crime debate plays out: People always jump in with suggestions that have nothing to do with actual crimes being committed. Aside from David Blaska's infamous anti-underwear crusade, you also have Alder Paul Skidmore's (District 9) proposed anti-loitering ordinance:
  [...]
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  Posted: July 17, 2009, 12:48am EDT
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• In Praise of a Traffic Light

  Number of comments: 0
  Kinda random here, but I just want to say that the timing and sensors of the traffic light at the T-shaped intersection between Raymond Road and Verona Road is very well set up. There's a lot of traffic streaming through there, and I think the light keeps traffic moving [...]
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  Posted: July 15, 2009, 1:07am EDT
  by Forward Our Motto