Here I am writing about MATC again. I am stunned by how our educators, administrative or academic, can make such irresponsible mistakes. What sort of message does this send to our communities and students? The region was not smart enough to see a scam last fall when it voted for a NEEDLESS $300 million+ dollars for facilities we will be paying for for a long long time. MATC did a great job at pulling the wool over our eyes and convince us that we needed to vote for the tax increase, why is it so hard to accurately add a variable statistic to salary increases related to the cost of living?
How many of us over the last couple of years have had their expenses increase and our cost of living go up?? It is not brain surgery - but - maybe they ought to try that (they may be good at it!).
If I made you angry - good - let's have a discussion.
Start NOW!
Friday, July 8, 2011
Sunday, April 3, 2011
MATC Teachers Are Paid More Than College Professer's
Once again, I am trying to wrap my head around the egregious spending of tax-payer dollars by MATC.
Last year they asked for $3 hundred million dollars from tax payers for expensive new buildings that they did not need - but - we gave it to them any because they did such a good job of marketing sympathy to the public. We now have to pay extra taxes to maintain the new, shiny buildings. THEN, Scott Walker comes along and decides to cut funding across the board and the first thing out of MATC's "mouth" was, "now how are we going to pay for the maintenance of all our shiny, new buildings. Should we break ground for the first building"? Sure - we'll find a way to pay for it, aka, via Dane County property tax increases.
Now, we are faced with over 100 teachers making over six figure salaries and the average making about $78,000. Yes, they can explain why they are paid so much, but do we really need to buy into it? No!
When are we going to protest these type of aggressions that, in the long run, have and will cost more to Dane County residents than Scott Walker's budget cuts? They keep asking and we keep giving like guilty parents giving their neglected children money instead of love and nurturing care. (click on the title above to read the full story from WSJ)
MATC top earners
Fourteen of the top 20 earners in 2009 at Madison Area Technical College were administrators.
Name Title Salary
1. Bettsey Barhorst President $240,094
2. Terry Webb Vice president for learner success $161,405
3. Maria Banuelos Associate vice president $157,582
4. Rebecca Baumbach Vice president $150,588
5. Kenneth McCullough IT faculty $143,978
6. David Shonkwiler Dean $143,309
7. Roger Price Vice president $143,048
8. Edward Clarke Non-instructional coordinator $142,816
9. Thomas Pomykalski Faculty $142,811
10. Abdulcadir Sido Administrative dean $142,209
SOURCE: MATC, State Journal analysis
If you are not provoked by this, you should be and are guilty of betraying your fellow neighbors.
MATC and the public schools need to find new ways to raise money and new ways to recycle buildings and new ways of thinking outside the box. I have said this before and I will say it again; soon, we will not be able to live in Madison or Dane County because the taxing entities think the property owners have deep pockets. We are not San Francisco and never will be, but the costs of not being San Francisco will be ours.
Stand up and let your voices be heard like you did at the Capitol for a month.
Start NOW!!
Last year they asked for $3 hundred million dollars from tax payers for expensive new buildings that they did not need - but - we gave it to them any because they did such a good job of marketing sympathy to the public. We now have to pay extra taxes to maintain the new, shiny buildings. THEN, Scott Walker comes along and decides to cut funding across the board and the first thing out of MATC's "mouth" was, "now how are we going to pay for the maintenance of all our shiny, new buildings. Should we break ground for the first building"? Sure - we'll find a way to pay for it, aka, via Dane County property tax increases.
Now, we are faced with over 100 teachers making over six figure salaries and the average making about $78,000. Yes, they can explain why they are paid so much, but do we really need to buy into it? No!
When are we going to protest these type of aggressions that, in the long run, have and will cost more to Dane County residents than Scott Walker's budget cuts? They keep asking and we keep giving like guilty parents giving their neglected children money instead of love and nurturing care. (click on the title above to read the full story from WSJ)
MATC top earners
Fourteen of the top 20 earners in 2009 at Madison Area Technical College were administrators.
Name Title Salary
1. Bettsey Barhorst President $240,094
2. Terry Webb Vice president for learner success $161,405
3. Maria Banuelos Associate vice president $157,582
4. Rebecca Baumbach Vice president $150,588
5. Kenneth McCullough IT faculty $143,978
6. David Shonkwiler Dean $143,309
7. Roger Price Vice president $143,048
8. Edward Clarke Non-instructional coordinator $142,816
9. Thomas Pomykalski Faculty $142,811
10. Abdulcadir Sido Administrative dean $142,209
SOURCE: MATC, State Journal analysis
If you are not provoked by this, you should be and are guilty of betraying your fellow neighbors.
MATC and the public schools need to find new ways to raise money and new ways to recycle buildings and new ways of thinking outside the box. I have said this before and I will say it again; soon, we will not be able to live in Madison or Dane County because the taxing entities think the property owners have deep pockets. We are not San Francisco and never will be, but the costs of not being San Francisco will be ours.
Stand up and let your voices be heard like you did at the Capitol for a month.
Start NOW!!
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Who Would Be Best To Run Dane County?
An endorsement I share by a good county supervisor and friend, Dianne Hasselbein:
I endorse Scott McDonell as the very best choice for Dane County Executive. He is honest, a gifted administrator and a proven leader who understands our community’s needs, strengths and challenges. He has demonstrated his vision by spearheading the efforts to bring clean energy to Dane County, by endorsing a smoke-free Dane county, and by his consensus-building actions that led to the state's first county domestic partnership registry.
In a time of deficits and high unemployment, Scott has championed tax-saving efforts, county wide. He continuously scrutinizes county spending to ensure that every county project is required, and then prioritizes to get the most from every tax dollar that is spent. His ongoing efforts made certain that county facility improvements employed efficient, green energy technologies. The results: reduced county costs and the creation of 150 new clean energy jobs.
Scott brings the right leadership we need at the right moment. As a veteran member and current Chairman of the Dane County Board of Supervisors, he will bring his knowledge and expertise to the County Executive position to listen, communicate and act in the best interests of our great community. I am confident he will use his tremendous skills to effectively collective bargain with our public employees and achieve the best contract that serves our citizenry and public workers while guarding the budget. Scott McDonell is that kind of leader.
For the right leader at the right time, join me in voting for Scott McDonell as our next Dane County Executive.
I endorse Scott McDonell as the very best choice for Dane County Executive. He is honest, a gifted administrator and a proven leader who understands our community’s needs, strengths and challenges. He has demonstrated his vision by spearheading the efforts to bring clean energy to Dane County, by endorsing a smoke-free Dane county, and by his consensus-building actions that led to the state's first county domestic partnership registry.
In a time of deficits and high unemployment, Scott has championed tax-saving efforts, county wide. He continuously scrutinizes county spending to ensure that every county project is required, and then prioritizes to get the most from every tax dollar that is spent. His ongoing efforts made certain that county facility improvements employed efficient, green energy technologies. The results: reduced county costs and the creation of 150 new clean energy jobs.
Scott brings the right leadership we need at the right moment. As a veteran member and current Chairman of the Dane County Board of Supervisors, he will bring his knowledge and expertise to the County Executive position to listen, communicate and act in the best interests of our great community. I am confident he will use his tremendous skills to effectively collective bargain with our public employees and achieve the best contract that serves our citizenry and public workers while guarding the budget. Scott McDonell is that kind of leader.
For the right leader at the right time, join me in voting for Scott McDonell as our next Dane County Executive.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
It Is Time For Mayor Dave To Go!
Since Mayor Dave has taken office as mayor of Madison - our local government has cost the tax payers millions of dollars because of poor management, needless, endless spending, expanded TIF districts (lowering tax base and increasing property taxes for us), corruption, special interest groups purchasing power, and more. He has even allowed a very senior council member remain at his post (even as former president) while this member has not legally filed his financial disclosure statements (whether he had contributions or not). It all needs to stop by the April election!
My candidate of choice to replace the mayor was Noel Radomski, but since he has thrown his support to Paul Soglin and moved out of the race, I encourage you to get to know Paul and support him as much as you can. Ask your friends to join you and please visit his website for more information: http://www.soglinformayor.com/
Paul has demonstrated strong and effective leadership in the past and made Madison the #1 place to live in America in 1996. Let's get to be #1 again.
Start NOW!
My candidate of choice to replace the mayor was Noel Radomski, but since he has thrown his support to Paul Soglin and moved out of the race, I encourage you to get to know Paul and support him as much as you can. Ask your friends to join you and please visit his website for more information: http://www.soglinformayor.com/
Paul has demonstrated strong and effective leadership in the past and made Madison the #1 place to live in America in 1996. Let's get to be #1 again.
Start NOW!
Repeal Health Care Law?!
Hi Guys and Gals. I don't know about you, but this needs to be done. I am tired of the damned conservatives taking away great accomplishments and pushing this country backward. If you agree - please act. Sign the message by clicking on the ling below. START NOW! Thank you, CDM
For 2 years, GOP leaders in Congress fought tooth and nail to oppose
health care reform. They did their best to keep tens of millions without
coverage, decrying any effort to help citizens as "socialist," "fascist"
or some other equally baffling "ist."
Now that they are the majority, their first act will be to vote to repeal
health care reform. Yet, when it comes to their own coverage, Republicans
in Congress are happy to accept government-sponsored health care.
Senator Chuck Schumer is calling the GOP on their hypocrisy, and calling
on them to give up their government-sponsored health care. We couldn't
agree more:
Write Republican leaders and tell them if they want to repeal health care,
they need to practice what they preach, and give up their own
government-sponsored health care first.
http://act.credoaction.com/campaign/health_care_hypocrites/?r_by=14825-3400167-KvvyLVx&rc=mailto2
For 2 years, GOP leaders in Congress fought tooth and nail to oppose
health care reform. They did their best to keep tens of millions without
coverage, decrying any effort to help citizens as "socialist," "fascist"
or some other equally baffling "ist."
Now that they are the majority, their first act will be to vote to repeal
health care reform. Yet, when it comes to their own coverage, Republicans
in Congress are happy to accept government-sponsored health care.
Senator Chuck Schumer is calling the GOP on their hypocrisy, and calling
on them to give up their government-sponsored health care. We couldn't
agree more:
Write Republican leaders and tell them if they want to repeal health care,
they need to practice what they preach, and give up their own
government-sponsored health care first.
http://act.credoaction.com/campaign/health_care_hypocrites/?r_by=14825-3400167-KvvyLVx&rc=mailto2
Monday, December 20, 2010
A Message From Tammy Baldwin 2nd US Cong District WI
At least we have one member of congress with some intelligence!!
___________________________________________________________________________
Dear Mr. Michaelis:
Thank you for contacting me regarding President Obama's tax compromise. It is good to hear from you.
Families in Wisconsin and throughout the nation continue to struggle with unemployment, home foreclosure, and lack of access to credit. At the same time, our nation is confronting a growing national debt. It is for these reasons that I support President Obama's proposal to extend tax cuts on income up to $250,000 a year. However, I also believe it is time to end the tax cuts for the very wealthiest Americans.
As you may know, on December 17, 2010, President Obama signed the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance, and Job Creation Act of 2010, into law. While the measure includes extensions of the middle class tax cut and unemployment benefits, which I support, it also extends tax cuts for the wealthiest at a total cost of $858 billion dollars over the next ten years. Unfortunately, the measure does not do enough to grow the economy, create jobs, or put us on track to confronting our nation's fiscal challenges. For these reasons, I did not support this legislation.
I am troubled that the measure provides a two year extension of tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans while it only provides a 13 month extension of unemployment compensation benefits. Unemployment benefits provide a critical lifeline to families suffering through no fault of their own. Unfortunately, while this measure supports our nation's richest Americans, it leaves behind those who are struggling to make ends meet.
I also find it troubling that the payroll tax provision was included in the act. In addition to being dangerous to the long-term fiscal health of our country, this measure threatens our most cherished social program, Social Security. The two percent payroll tax relief is drawn out of an employee's contribution to the program. While I support tax relief for workers during these difficult economic times, I do not believe that it should come at the expense of Social Security.
Despite concerns about the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance, and Job Creation Act of 2010, the measure includes many important provisions that may impact you or your family. Among them are:
___________________________________________________________________________
Dear Mr. Michaelis:
Thank you for contacting me regarding President Obama's tax compromise. It is good to hear from you.
Families in Wisconsin and throughout the nation continue to struggle with unemployment, home foreclosure, and lack of access to credit. At the same time, our nation is confronting a growing national debt. It is for these reasons that I support President Obama's proposal to extend tax cuts on income up to $250,000 a year. However, I also believe it is time to end the tax cuts for the very wealthiest Americans.
As you may know, on December 17, 2010, President Obama signed the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance, and Job Creation Act of 2010, into law. While the measure includes extensions of the middle class tax cut and unemployment benefits, which I support, it also extends tax cuts for the wealthiest at a total cost of $858 billion dollars over the next ten years. Unfortunately, the measure does not do enough to grow the economy, create jobs, or put us on track to confronting our nation's fiscal challenges. For these reasons, I did not support this legislation.
I am troubled that the measure provides a two year extension of tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans while it only provides a 13 month extension of unemployment compensation benefits. Unemployment benefits provide a critical lifeline to families suffering through no fault of their own. Unfortunately, while this measure supports our nation's richest Americans, it leaves behind those who are struggling to make ends meet.
I also find it troubling that the payroll tax provision was included in the act. In addition to being dangerous to the long-term fiscal health of our country, this measure threatens our most cherished social program, Social Security. The two percent payroll tax relief is drawn out of an employee's contribution to the program. While I support tax relief for workers during these difficult economic times, I do not believe that it should come at the expense of Social Security.
Despite concerns about the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance, and Job Creation Act of 2010, the measure includes many important provisions that may impact you or your family. Among them are:
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Out-of-state mining execs say "pleased to meet you" to Walker
About a month ago the Democracy Campaign's research director posted an item on our blog pointing out that some out-of-state mining company executives with hopes of developing an open pit iron ore mine in northern Wisconsin made their first-ever campaign contributions in Wisconsin this fall.
As we've continued digging into campaign finance reports, we found they also made sizeable donations to Governor-elect Scott Walker. For more on this, check out the report we issued this morning. For audio commentary on our findings, go here to listen to our podcast.
As we've continued digging into campaign finance reports, we found they also made sizeable donations to Governor-elect Scott Walker. For more on this, check out the report we issued this morning. For audio commentary on our findings, go here to listen to our podcast.
Another fine example of our Gov Elect prior to work.
Also:
Voters may get chance to weigh in on election spending
May this happen in communities all across the land.
Boy the Supreme Court skewered our country with that ruling!
DID YOU GET YOUR PROPERTY TAXES YET?
What are you going to do about preventing them from going up even more next year? Can we afford this?
There are two key elections coming up that could significantly change this and if you do nothing else (which I discourage), you can speak with your vote against your council member, county supervisor, and MAYOR!
Take action and START NOW!!
There are two key elections coming up that could significantly change this and if you do nothing else (which I discourage), you can speak with your vote against your council member, county supervisor, and MAYOR!
Take action and START NOW!!
Monday, November 22, 2010
This is how much YOUR Taxes ARE GOING UP in 2011!
The out of control spending spree Madison's Mayor and Common Council have passed will effect you this much:
The budget, approved by a 16-4 vote, increases tax collections 3.5 percent to $179.5 million, and raises taxes on the average $241,217 home by $98.41, or 5.08 percent.
Alds. Jed Sanborn, Judy Compton, Larry Palm and Thuy Pham-Remmele were the only members out of 20 that voted no (thank them!). The rest can be found on the following link and you can let them know of your feelings and DON'T FORGET TO TELL THEM WITH YOUR VOTE NEXT YEAR!! Find them at:
http://www.cityofmadison.com/Council/documents/2009publicroster.pdf
Now -if you live IN Madison and you want to keep track of how much your taxes are going to go up on your next property tax bill - here is the breakdown (so don't be surprised):
Madison City = $98 (5.08%)
Dane County = $48 (2.9%)
MATC scam = $34 (for next 20 years on top of the regular annual increase. See what you're getting, needlessly, below)**
Madison Metropolitan School District = $170 (245.1 million)
Total (excluding state taxes) = $350
This is more than an average car payment and likely about an 8% overall increase in an average home. Doesn't this make you angry? What do you want to do about it?! Start Now!!
Over-the-top spending by MATC:
** $43.1 million for a new health education center and clinic at the main Truax Campus.
** $21.7 million for new law enforcement, fire and emergency medical services facilities, most of which will be at Truax.
** $7.3 million for renovation and upgrades at MATC's regional campuses in Fort Atkinson, Watertown, Reedsburg and Portage.
** $16.8 million for a new west wing, plus upgrades to the current west wing, at the Truax campus to support transportation programs and advanced manufacturing programs.
** $34.2 million for classroom repairs and upgrades at the various Madison campuses.
** $10.7 million for the acquisition of property to make traffic improvements, add more parking, and update storm water and drainage systems.
Add to this the cost we will be burdened with for the Overture Center and the Central Library and the Edgewater Hotel (yes - that will and IS costing you because the TIF districts around it and for it take tax funds away from the pool so the decrease falls on YOU to pay for it). Mayor Dave mentions in his budget cover letter that "room tax revenues are projected to be down for 2011". Why are we so focused on rebuilding the Edgewater????
One final thought (and you need to tell the mayor about how you feel) is that our debt hole continues to deepen under Mayor Dave:
Madison's budgeted borrowing is more than three times as much as it was 10 years ago, raising questions about whether its debt payments now and in the future threaten spending on police, snow plowing and other basic services. Read more at - http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/govt-and-politics/article_a5d5f42c-bea0-11df-9006-001cc4c002e0.html
START NOW!
The budget, approved by a 16-4 vote, increases tax collections 3.5 percent to $179.5 million, and raises taxes on the average $241,217 home by $98.41, or 5.08 percent.
Alds. Jed Sanborn, Judy Compton, Larry Palm and Thuy Pham-Remmele were the only members out of 20 that voted no (thank them!). The rest can be found on the following link and you can let them know of your feelings and DON'T FORGET TO TELL THEM WITH YOUR VOTE NEXT YEAR!! Find them at:
http://www.cityofmadison.com/Council/documents/2009publicroster.pdf
Now -if you live IN Madison and you want to keep track of how much your taxes are going to go up on your next property tax bill - here is the breakdown (so don't be surprised):
Madison City = $98 (5.08%)
Dane County = $48 (2.9%)
MATC scam = $34 (for next 20 years on top of the regular annual increase. See what you're getting, needlessly, below)**
Madison Metropolitan School District = $170 (245.1 million)
Total (excluding state taxes) = $350
This is more than an average car payment and likely about an 8% overall increase in an average home. Doesn't this make you angry? What do you want to do about it?! Start Now!!
Over-the-top spending by MATC:
** $43.1 million for a new health education center and clinic at the main Truax Campus.
** $21.7 million for new law enforcement, fire and emergency medical services facilities, most of which will be at Truax.
** $7.3 million for renovation and upgrades at MATC's regional campuses in Fort Atkinson, Watertown, Reedsburg and Portage.
** $16.8 million for a new west wing, plus upgrades to the current west wing, at the Truax campus to support transportation programs and advanced manufacturing programs.
** $34.2 million for classroom repairs and upgrades at the various Madison campuses.
** $10.7 million for the acquisition of property to make traffic improvements, add more parking, and update storm water and drainage systems.
Add to this the cost we will be burdened with for the Overture Center and the Central Library and the Edgewater Hotel (yes - that will and IS costing you because the TIF districts around it and for it take tax funds away from the pool so the decrease falls on YOU to pay for it). Mayor Dave mentions in his budget cover letter that "room tax revenues are projected to be down for 2011". Why are we so focused on rebuilding the Edgewater????
One final thought (and you need to tell the mayor about how you feel) is that our debt hole continues to deepen under Mayor Dave:
Madison's budgeted borrowing is more than three times as much as it was 10 years ago, raising questions about whether its debt payments now and in the future threaten spending on police, snow plowing and other basic services. Read more at - http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/govt-and-politics/article_a5d5f42c-bea0-11df-9006-001cc4c002e0.html
START NOW!
Important Contact Links for YOUR Elected Representatives
Important websites for you to go to to contact your elected officials: Start Now!
http://www.cityofmadison.com/council/documents/2009publicroster.pdf
U.S. House of Reps: https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml
U.S. Senators: http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm
Wisconsin Legislature: http://legis.wisconsin.gov/
Or click on the title for a comprehensive Stae and US listing.
http://www.cityofmadison.com/council/documents/2009publicroster.pdf
U.S. House of Reps: https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml
U.S. Senators: http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm
Wisconsin Legislature: http://legis.wisconsin.gov/
Or click on the title for a comprehensive Stae and US listing.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
This is How The Madison Common Council Celebrates Wasting YOUR Money!!
Contact your council member and the mayor and let them know that they should not be celebrating spending/wasting hard working Madison resident's money!!!
Invite e-mail to an after budget party reads:
Subject: Council After Budget Party!
Please join Ald. Mark Clear Council President,
and ALD. Laren Cnare, Council Pro Tem,
at Madison's 119 King Street Immediately Following Adoption
of the City's 2011 Budget!
Sent: Tuesday, November 16, 2010 6:48 PM
To: Bidar-Sielaff, Shiva; Bruer, Tim; Clausius, Joe; Clear, Mark; Cnare, Lauren; Compton, Judy; Eagon, Bryon; Kerr, Julia; King, Steve; Maniaci, Bridget; Palm, Larry; Pham-Remmele, Thuy; Rhodes-Conway,Satya; Rummel, Marsha; Sanborn, Jed; Schmidt, Chris; Schumacher, Michael; Skidmore, Paul; Solomon, Brian; Verveer, Mike
Cc: Cieslewicz, Dave; Harmon, Ray; Klein, Chris; Mendoza, Mario; Piraino, Janet; Statz, Andrew; Strauch-Nelson, Rachel; All Agency Heads; Berg, Elena; Phelps, Jean
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Let The Bush Tax Cuts Expire For The Wealthy!
If we let the Bush tax cuts expire for the wealthy (or for those making over $300,000 per year) we can balance the budget / reduce the deficit within 5 years! CONTACT your congressman/woman today and tell them to let the Bush tax cuts expire for the wealthy!
The other options they are trying to pass onto middle class Americans to balance the budget is to increase the retirement age to 68 or 69, increase Medicare and Medicaid costs, and eliminate the property tax credit on homeowners. These are just a FEW of the items the new congress is trying to push through and middle class Americans should not have to bear the cost or burden of more sacrificing because congress decided to be irresponsible with tax cuts and spending (republicans and democrats alike).
Please ACT NOW!!
The other options they are trying to pass onto middle class Americans to balance the budget is to increase the retirement age to 68 or 69, increase Medicare and Medicaid costs, and eliminate the property tax credit on homeowners. These are just a FEW of the items the new congress is trying to push through and middle class Americans should not have to bear the cost or burden of more sacrificing because congress decided to be irresponsible with tax cuts and spending (republicans and democrats alike).
Please ACT NOW!!
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Recovering From Nov 2nd - Voters Choose Based on Emotion Rather Than Logic
The elction is over and the predictions were right/close. Nationally - we will be thrown back to where we were two years ago or will the republican house and speaker create more gridlock than the last two years? I don't know how this would be possible since the party of "NO" is just bigger - not better.
Locally, My biggest surprise was the choice of Brett Hulsey as representative of the 77th District (WI). Hulsey's actions have proven him untrustworthy and were even identified by the very man he replaced, Spencer Black. Manski Ran a clean, honest campaign without making up quotes or elected supporters such as Black, Baldwin, Feingold. I hope we make a better decision in the next election.
The other disappointment came from the approval of the MATC referendum (scam) that is going to cost property owners $50 - $75 every year for the next 10 years - and - that is only part ONE of the project. It now will cost the average property owner in Madison 10% more in property taxes over last year when all the taxing authorities are accounted for (City of Madison, Dane County, MMSD, MATC, State).
Some confidential sources who work at or with MATC have told me the following:
Locally, My biggest surprise was the choice of Brett Hulsey as representative of the 77th District (WI). Hulsey's actions have proven him untrustworthy and were even identified by the very man he replaced, Spencer Black. Manski Ran a clean, honest campaign without making up quotes or elected supporters such as Black, Baldwin, Feingold. I hope we make a better decision in the next election.
The other disappointment came from the approval of the MATC referendum (scam) that is going to cost property owners $50 - $75 every year for the next 10 years - and - that is only part ONE of the project. It now will cost the average property owner in Madison 10% more in property taxes over last year when all the taxing authorities are accounted for (City of Madison, Dane County, MMSD, MATC, State).
Some confidential sources who work at or with MATC have told me the following:
Barhorst has, from day one, been trying to transform MATC from a vocational/tech
institution to, IMO, a liberal arts college, a petit Oberlin or Huntington. She doesn't
even like the words 'vocational/technical', hence the rename and new logo that tries
to purge the icky 'technical'. I say 'tries' because I note that there seem to be college
staff who maybe make a subtle point by saying/writing 'Madison College' or 'MATC'.
As in where do they stand, maybe?
A colleague noted that Barhorst just loooves going on about
A colleague noted that Barhorst just loooves going on about
rather fluffy UWish liberal arts things, and ignores anything to do with, in two cases,
construction trades and fire safety...
An Employee of the college had this to say:
Please vote against this referendum. I have personal knowledge of the
wasteful spending practices of MATC. Currently they are asking for money to
expand their programs in protective services. I recently discontinued teaching
wasteful spending practices of MATC. Currently they are asking for money to
expand their programs in protective services. I recently discontinued teaching
for many reasons.
The area stakeholders including law enforcement agencies, fire and
EMS are all dissatisfied with the operations of MATC and have actually left
the system going to other institutions like Blackhawk Techinical College
even though it is a travel. This means that they are doing their trainings
elsewhere and are not looking to hire from MATC. The dean of protective
services was recently let go for many reasons and the entire department is
in turmoil. It is almost fraudulent for MATC to ask for more funding when
their basic functioning is in such disarray. I have personally communicated
with the VP, Terry Webb, at the college and my impression is that this is a
bureaucratic mess with no one really prepared to make tough decisions. The
president of the college has also been notified of these issues via direct
letters from community stakeholders and yet the problems continue to be
ignored. Please tell others to vote NO.
EMS are all dissatisfied with the operations of MATC and have actually left
the system going to other institutions like Blackhawk Techinical College
even though it is a travel. This means that they are doing their trainings
elsewhere and are not looking to hire from MATC. The dean of protective
services was recently let go for many reasons and the entire department is
in turmoil. It is almost fraudulent for MATC to ask for more funding when
their basic functioning is in such disarray. I have personally communicated
with the VP, Terry Webb, at the college and my impression is that this is a
bureaucratic mess with no one really prepared to make tough decisions. The
president of the college has also been notified of these issues via direct
letters from community stakeholders and yet the problems continue to be
ignored. Please tell others to vote NO.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Should Madison Alders Receive Full Health Insurance Coverage??
The City of Madison is considering offering the Common Council members full city health insurance benefits paid for by the City (taxpayer) at 25%, 50%, 75%, or 100%. Below is Mark Clear's proposal for the 2011 budget (We now know the % the city taxpayer will be covering):
2011 Operating Budget
Proposed Board of Estimates Amendments Amendment No. 7
Agency: Common Council, Supplemental Compensation
Page(s): 51, 13
Sponsors: Alds. Maniaci, Clear
Fringe Benefits $40,000 Total: $40,000
Levy Impact: $40,000
Provide funding for Wisconsin Retirement System pension benefits and health insurance coverage for alders effective for the Council members elected in the 2011 election. The costs above are calculated based on providing pension benefits for all 20 alders ($15,000) and health insurance coverage for 5 alders with the City (TAXPAYER) paying 75% of that coverage ($25,000).
For complete viweing of the 2011 Operating Budget go to: http://www.cityofmadison.com/comptroller/budget/2011/ex2011opbud.cfm
And don't forget to let your council member and mayor know what items are too costly or unnecessary.
The requirement for health insurance coverage being that the alders have to prove that they work 600 hours or more preparing for meetings, attending meetings, community events, etc. The average worker has to work at least 30 hours per week or 1,560 hours and full time employees typically have to work 2080 hours to be covered by their employers health insurance and pay 35-50% for the benefit. Again - the mayor and some council members think that the time is right to spend taxpayer money on a program that benefits those who already have jobs or self employed (Mark Clear) and have coverage, but, if the city's coverage is better and also includes the alder in the retirement services - what a sweet deal at a time when most of us are struggling to make ends meet. The burden of proof for working 600+ hours is going to belong to who?
Here is Mark Clear's proposal for the 2011 Operating Budget (I guess we know our answer now of the %):
Many alders DO work long and hard hours and it is appreciated by most - and we should offer something to those who don't already have insurance at a discounted rate of no more than 50%. If it exceeds this - we are paying too much. It is time to start sharing your feelings on the never-ending spending by this city's administration - AT THE BALLOT BOX next year for our mayor and some alders. We can not afford Mayor Dave and those on the council who push spending agenda items such as these (many of whom have been on the counsil 12 or more years!).
Questions the alders need to answer on the questionaire are following:
2011 Operating Budget
Proposed Board of Estimates Amendments Amendment No. 7
Agency: Common Council, Supplemental Compensation
Page(s): 51, 13
Sponsors: Alds. Maniaci, Clear
Fringe Benefits $40,000 Total: $40,000
Levy Impact: $40,000
Provide funding for Wisconsin Retirement System pension benefits and health insurance coverage for alders effective for the Council members elected in the 2011 election. The costs above are calculated based on providing pension benefits for all 20 alders ($15,000) and health insurance coverage for 5 alders with the City (TAXPAYER) paying 75% of that coverage ($25,000).
For complete viweing of the 2011 Operating Budget go to: http://www.cityofmadison.com/comptroller/budget/2011/ex2011opbud.cfm
And don't forget to let your council member and mayor know what items are too costly or unnecessary.
The requirement for health insurance coverage being that the alders have to prove that they work 600 hours or more preparing for meetings, attending meetings, community events, etc. The average worker has to work at least 30 hours per week or 1,560 hours and full time employees typically have to work 2080 hours to be covered by their employers health insurance and pay 35-50% for the benefit. Again - the mayor and some council members think that the time is right to spend taxpayer money on a program that benefits those who already have jobs or self employed (Mark Clear) and have coverage, but, if the city's coverage is better and also includes the alder in the retirement services - what a sweet deal at a time when most of us are struggling to make ends meet. The burden of proof for working 600+ hours is going to belong to who?
Here is Mark Clear's proposal for the 2011 Operating Budget (I guess we know our answer now of the %):
Many alders DO work long and hard hours and it is appreciated by most - and we should offer something to those who don't already have insurance at a discounted rate of no more than 50%. If it exceeds this - we are paying too much. It is time to start sharing your feelings on the never-ending spending by this city's administration - AT THE BALLOT BOX next year for our mayor and some alders. We can not afford Mayor Dave and those on the council who push spending agenda items such as these (many of whom have been on the counsil 12 or more years!).
Questions the alders need to answer on the questionaire are following:
Q.1
Please list your name and district number
Q.2
As explained in my email that led you to this survey, alders would be available for health insurance, under certain reporting circumstances. Do you think you hit the 600 hour annually required to qualify in the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS)? That works out to 11.53 hours a week in meetings (council, committees) and in meeting prep time (to include neighborhood and stakeholder meetings and not to exceed twice the hours spent in meetings themselves). *
Q.3
If you qualify for the 600 hours annually, would you be interested in getting health insurance through the city? *
Q.4
Part of our decision will need to be if alders are to receive insurance, at what level will the city participate. If you are interested in receiving insurance, and understanding that part of your paycheck will now go to premiums for insurance, please check all plans you would be interested in, so we may budget an amendment accordingly. *
| 25% city/75% alder | 50% city/50% alder | 75% city/25% alder | Not Interested | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Family Plan ($1,216-$1,272) | ||||
| Single Plan ($488-$510) |
Monday, October 25, 2010
Madison Common Council Walkout Shows Grade School Mentality
The "walkout/protest" to Ald. Thuy Pham-Remmele shows lack of good judgment and tolerance to issues that may have been important (and quite likely were) to Alder Pham-Remmele. It could be that some of the items Thuy added directly affected some of the alders who walked out and they did not want the item on the agenda. I sincerely hope that the residents of Madison take the time to look into council procedures and the rights of an alder that were thought to have been so disruptive. Some topics that may have been troubling and the GAG is always a good place to start: http://www.cityofmadison.com/election/candidateResources/campaignFinance/2009/2010.cfm
http://gab.wi.gov/campaign-finance/registration-local
http://gab.wi.gov/forms/campaign-finance
Remember to make your voices heard with your votes!!
In a rare if not unprecedented move, several City Council members left a meeting early in apparent protest of a colleague, breaking a quorum and ending the meeting with business still on the agenda.
The walkout occurred just before 10 p.m. Tuesday, while Ald. Thuy Pham-Remmele was asking questions on one of a series of items she had placed on an agenda for council discussion.
Pham-Remmele often places multiple items on the agenda for discussion. Otherwise, the items would be approved with others on a single vote.
Three of 20 council members had excused absences from the meeting, and when four others left, attendance fell below the 14 required for a quorum.
http://gab.wi.gov/campaign-finance/registration-local
http://gab.wi.gov/forms/campaign-finance
Remember to make your voices heard with your votes!!
In a rare if not unprecedented move, several City Council members left a meeting early in apparent protest of a colleague, breaking a quorum and ending the meeting with business still on the agenda.
The walkout occurred just before 10 p.m. Tuesday, while Ald. Thuy Pham-Remmele was asking questions on one of a series of items she had placed on an agenda for council discussion.
Pham-Remmele often places multiple items on the agenda for discussion. Otherwise, the items would be approved with others on a single vote.
Three of 20 council members had excused absences from the meeting, and when four others left, attendance fell below the 14 required for a quorum.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
MATC deserves priority this fall
Once again the Wisconsin State Journal gets it wrong. What they left out is that the $133 million is only HALF of the project. The other will total over $300 million and will add more than $45-$75 to the average property taxes. Let's ask ourselves: "When will the reckless tax increases stop?!!
Recession, in election year, is driver of tight budget, officials say
5% in more property taxes in this tough economy?! This budget is so full of wasteful spending and does not cut enough - instead - it adds. C'mon Dave - who are you fooling????
In a tough economy and election year, Mayor Dave Cieslewicz's proposed $247 million operating budget for 2011 offers the fourth lowest spending increase in 15 years.
The 3 percent property tax levy increase — slightly more than the 2.9 percent disclosed by the mayor's office on Monday — is the second lowest during that period, but it will increase taxes on the average $241,217 home by $93.45, or 4.8 percent.
The tight budget for 2011 results from three harsh economic years, not politics, said Cieslewicz, who has not announced a decision on whether to seek a third, four-year term this spring.
The election "doesn't really enter into my calculation much," he said.
Veteran Downtown Ald. Mike Verveer, 4th District, partially disagreed.
"This is an election year budget. No doubt about it," Verveer said of the low spending and tax increases. "But one difference now, we are dealing with a real recession in our community."
Small tax base, new costs
In a tough economy and election year, Mayor Dave Cieslewicz's proposed $247 million operating budget for 2011 offers the fourth lowest spending increase in 15 years.
The 3 percent property tax levy increase — slightly more than the 2.9 percent disclosed by the mayor's office on Monday — is the second lowest during that period, but it will increase taxes on the average $241,217 home by $93.45, or 4.8 percent.
The tight budget for 2011 results from three harsh economic years, not politics, said Cieslewicz, who has not announced a decision on whether to seek a third, four-year term this spring.
The election "doesn't really enter into my calculation much," he said.
Veteran Downtown Ald. Mike Verveer, 4th District, partially disagreed.
"This is an election year budget. No doubt about it," Verveer said of the low spending and tax increases. "But one difference now, we are dealing with a real recession in our community."
Small tax base, new costs
In Madison, nearly half of federal Education Jobs Fund money to go to 4K
I support quality education, but right now, Madison can not afford this. We should not be paying for other children's daycare...
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