Wisconsin Budget Impasse to End Soon

Governor Jim Doyle and the state legislature have reached an agreement to end the budget impasse. After three months of obstructionist tactics by Assembly Republicans that led to the exclusion of a few important initiatives, Wisconsin my finally pass a budget in a matter of days.

Democrats and Republicans both may celebrate victories but the 2007-09 budget regrettably does not include the Healthy Wisconsin health care reform proposal, oil company tax to help fund road construction/maintenance, and the KRM funding to start commuter rail service in southeastern Wisconsin. Rep. Jim Kreuser (D-Kenosha) will introduce an amendment in conference committee to restore KRM funding however I don't anticipate it will pass since the committee will likely split along party lines.

I predict both the Assembly and Senate will pass the compromise budget. The Assembly will split Republican votes - half yes, half no - and the majority of Democrats voting yes. The Senate will likely split along party lines with 18 Democrats voting yes and 15 Republicans voting no.

Nobel Peace Prize Awarded to Al Gore

Congratulations to former Vice President Al Gore on winning the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize. Gore shares the honor with the United Nations Panel on Climate Change for their collective efforts to educate the public about the dangers of global warming. The Nobel Prize committee noted that Gore is "one of the world's leading environmentalist politicians. He is probably the single individual who has done most to create greater worldwide understanding of the measures that need to be adopted."

The media has since reported that the Nobel Prize may prompt Gore to enter the 2008 presidential race. Doubtful.

Gore has repeatedly said how devasting the loss in 2000 was for him and his family. Perhaps that explains why he didn't challenge Bush again in 2004 and why he probably will not seek the Democratic nomination in 2008. Another reason may be that as a private citizen, Gore has accomplished more for the environmental causes he believes in so strongly. He must be aware that this will be harder to do as a president with so many other issues to tackle. Finally, Gore worked alongside and understands the Clinton machine. He may not wish to go up against Hillary for the nomination out of fear he will lose, or perhaps out of friendship for the people he worked with for eight years.

In any event, Gore has a lot to celebrate with his Emmy, Oscar, and Nobel Prize. I hope his commendable work continues on the important environmental issues since that is where the world needs Al Gore the most right now.

Pat Jursik Backpedals on Campaign Promises

Patricia Jursik can count my vote as one of many that led her to victory in the August special election for Milwaukee County Supervisor (8th District). I had great hope for Ms. Jursik to represent the best interests of our community and be a strong advocate for change. Alas, we were duped.

Before I explain, consider the following campaign promises made by Patricia Jursik, the candidate:

"I promise to monitor your property taxes as closely as I watch my own."

"I will vote to protect parks and park services."

"The county currently struggles to support buses. Whether or not you support these projects, transportation issues must be explored."

"In a representative government, we depend on our elected leaders to represent us. Please help us to elect an experienced candidate who is not only qualified but also has integrity."

"As a candidate that has had a career in problem solving and an understanding that hard work is often needed to accomplish goals, I understand there must first be a starting point: for me this starting point is to have a positive attitude that we can solve a problem and then find the ways to go about doing it."

Patricia Jursik, the candidate, made public statements supporting a public advisory referendum on property tax relief and alternate sources of funding for parks and public transit (both rely on the property tax levy and have faced significant cuts in recent years). Ms. Jursik also assured voters that she would not be a "rubber stamp" for County Executive Scott Walker. Fast forward to September 27...

Patricia Jursik, Milwaukee County Supervisor, voted with Scott Walker to uphold his veto of the public advisory referendum. Ms. Jursik justified her vote to the Board by stating "the referendum question was confusing. Let's rewrite the question." What's alarming about this statement is that Ms. Jursik has a Master's degree in addition to being a Juris Doctor. One would think a person with such intellectual capacity would comprehend simple English language. Then again, perhaps she meant that the residents of Milwaukee County lack such brain power.

Ms. Jursik may have scored points with Scott Walker and she may be content with silencing her constituents on this important issue. Milwaukee County may have to be patient and wait yet again for a voice on property tax relief and the restoration of our once-revered public services.

Whatever her reasons are is unknown. She has failed to respond to repeated requests for an explanation from me and others in our district. One thing is certain however: Ms. Jursik will have no choice but to hear our voice loud and clear on election day.

Lena Taylor Officially Running for Milwaukee County Executive

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported that Wisconsin State Senator Lena Taylor (D-Milwaukee) filed papers on Monday with the Election Commission and released a statement today declaring her candidacy to unseat Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker in the April 2008 election.

"It's time for a higher degree of leadership and a new direction. I vow to restore balance, integrity and fiscal accountability for the Milwaukee residents who depend on public service and the taxpayers who foot the bill. I will work to get our fair share of funding from Madison to improve our parks, make our transportation system more effective, and ease the burden on local taxpayers. As a member of the state's budget-writing committee, I know our challenge is to prove that we are good stewards of public resources. We need strict fiscal accountability to protect taxpayers' rights and the vital public services they pay for. The incumbent said he would clean up the pension scandal and set the highest ethical standards, but he betrayed those promises. We can do a lot better."

As County Executive, Lena Taylor will bring over one decade of community and legislative experience to county government at a time when new and representative leadership is needed to clean up the pension mess once and for all, rebuild public trust, and restore critical public services. Taylor served as an attorney, public defender, and state assemblywoman prior to her election to the state Senate. She currently serves on the bipartisan Joint Finance Committee and played a crucial role in delivering swift (14 days) recommendations to the state legislature in response to Governor Doyle's budget. While the Republican-controlled state Assembly has obstructed budget negotiations, Taylor continues to fight for the residents of her district.

County Executive Walker has long held suburban interests and his personal political ambition above the needs of Milwaukee and, in particular, low-income and minority residents. I could go on and on about his lack of leadership and ineffectiveness but more on that in later posts. Walker recently introduced his 2008 budget which calls for drastic cuts in funding for parks when county parks continue to deterioriate. Walker proposes to eliminate the UW-Extension, a program that benefits single-parent families and those with limited job skills. Walker also hopes to increase transit fares 25% (so much for the no-tax pledge) that will affect physically and developmentally disabled riders, in addition to students, workers, children and seniors that rely on public transit. Walker is on record stating that he envisions a Milwaukee County in which everyone has a car and public transit will no longer be needed. Walker and his counterpart in Racine County closed the door on further discussions with other community leaders and vetoed an advisory referendum that would have provided a voice for realistic property tax relief and funding solutions for county parks and transit service.

Perhaps the most disturbing part of Walker's budget is that he assumes he will receive the state funding that has yet to be approved. Republican lawmakers in Madison have suggested that they will "deliver" a Christmas present to Democrats: no state budget. If Walker is wrong and the Republicans package their gift, the county will be faced with additional cuts in service.

Milwaukee County can no longer afford a county executive who is willing to step on the people in a quest for higher political office, ignore the needs of his constituents, and refuse to cooperate with other leaders. Lena's announcement comes at the perfect moment when county residents continue to face real problems with no hope for a solution.

More later on the nuts and bolts of Taylor's campaign and her potential to take back Milwaukee County for the residents. Stay tuned!