Retiring Guy's Digest: 2012-09-30

Saturday, October 6, 2012

Idea Box @ the Oak Park Public Library

Idea Box webpage @ the Oak Park Public Library.

Idea Box installations @ Flickr.

From the Kansas City Public Library: John Lithgow on Reading Aloud to Children

Complaint: something that is the cause or subject of protest or outcry

As defined in sense 2a by Merriam-Webster.

Letter: Pornography shouldn’t be viewed in library. (Buffalo News, 10/3/2012)

Delivered on a soapbox and/or with a bullhorn?

Try speaking this sentence without sounding ridiculously stilted.

Buffalo and Erie County Public Library Internet Safety & Acceptable Use Policy

No Surprise That This Book was Self-Published

Yes, Jon is a Republican, in the Arkansas House of Representatives.

Friday, October 5, 2012

Scott Walker Sez

From the 10/5/2012 e-update From the Desk of Governor Scott Walker

Unlike other states, Wisconsin faced economic and political uncertainty over the last year, and our continued private sector job growth is good news.

Unlike other states? (Gotta wonder if ALEC is writing these e-updates.)

I am particularly pleased with the gains in the manufacturing sector, which make up a huge portion of our state’s economy.

Total number of nonfarm Wisconsin jobs (August 2012): 2,724,600 (Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development)

Goods producing: 525,900 (including 446,500 manufacturing jobs, a decrease of 4,500 from July 2012)
Private service producing: 1,787,600
Government: 411,200, an increase of 3,500 from July 2012.

Report: Wisconsin ranks 38th in creating new jobs.

Report says state lost 11,700 private sector jobs in June.

Library Legislative Day Video Promotions (and Related Library Advocacy Activities)

Kentucky Public Library Association. (2010)
1,238 views.

Generally, the video provides information in 3 parts

Kentucky Public Library Legislative Day (my emphasis), including the steps to contact your legislator

Find out who represents you
Buddy up
Make that call!

When you arrive at the capitol (e.g., badges are required to access legislators' offices)

D.I.Y. advice

Dress comfortable
Bring ID ("They check everybody!" Need to walk through metal detector.)
Wear yellow clothing

F.U.N. advice

Find us first (specific room in the capitol)
Understand the issues
Never accept excuses

How nonattendees can participate

Postcards (pre-printed)
1-800 message line ("You're gonna talk to a live person, a friendly person, I promise you."
Email through state website

The general format uses 5 "talking heads" with lots of quick-cut editing.

At 7:02, more time that most people would care to invest in a video explanation. (Note: Kentucky attendees set up their own appointments.)

Kentucky Public Library Association Legislative Day (2012)

A couple of familiar faces from the 2012 video, but mostly new faces are allowed to speak -- at length. The chop/chop/chop editing style has been abandoned and soothing acoustic guitar music is played in the background. It's a big improvement over the 2010 effort. Starting around the 3:30 mark, the speaker provides encouragement to those who have never attended.

Watching this video, you'll get a sense of the effectiveness of attendees wearing a particular color -- yellow, in this case. Even the ugly tie works for me!

Related advocacy stuff

California Library Association. This video explains the general advocacy resources provided by the organization. Not a promo for legislative day, but I thought the approach was instructive.

The Florida Library Association has a Friends of Florida Libraries Honor Roll Fundraising Campaign to support -- or enhance? it's not clear -- legislative advocacy activities.

Who's Running for State Office in Wisconsin 2012: 57th Assembly District (General Election Edition)

Public libraries in the 57th Assembly District
Appleton Public Library
Menasha Public Library

Academic library
Seeley G. Mudd Library, Lawrence University

The Democratic incumbent

Biography. Born Mundelein, IL, November 5, 1953; married.

Graduate Mundelein H.S. 1971; Associate Degree, Physical Therapist Assistant, Southern Illinois U. 1973; B.S. Physiology Southern Illinois U. 1977; B.S. Physical Therapy Northwestern U. 1980; Associate Degree, Natural Resources Technology, Fox Valley Technical Coll. 1986.

Full-time legislator. Retired physical therapist, last 10 years as a school physical therapist.

Peace Corps volunteer, Campino Grande Brazil 1977-78.

Member: Fox Valley Sierra Group (former chp., membership chair); John Muir Chapter, Sierra Club (former chp., outings and membership chair); Wis. League of Conservation Voters; American Physical Therapy Assn.; Wis. Physical Therapy Assn. Former member: Master Gardener, Outagamie Co.; Historic Hearthstone (bd. of dir.).

Elected to Assembly 2008; reelected 2010.

No primary opponent in 2010. Won general election with 52.5% of the vote.

Who's Running for State Office in Wisconsin 2012: 55th Assembly District (General Election Edition)

55th Assembly District

Public libraries in the 55th Assembly District
Appleton Public Library (service area)
Neenah Public Library

Academic library
Fox Valley Technical College

The Republican Incumbent

Kaufert won the August 14th primary with 65% of the vote.

State Rep. Dean Kaufert, R-Neenah, votes against Gov. Scott Walker's budget bill eliminating bargaining powers for public employees. (Appleton Post-Crescent, 2/26/2011)

Biography. Born Outagamie County, May 23, 1957; married; 2 children, 2 grandchildren.

Graduate Neenah H.S.

Trophy and Awards store owner. (All Sport Trophy and Engraving.)

Member: Winnebago Co. Republican Party; Neenah-Menasha Noon Optimists; Neenah-Menasha Elks Club; Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce; Governor’s Council on Domestic Abuse 2001-07. Neenah City Council 1985-91.

Elected to Assembly since 1990. Majority Caucus Sergeant at Arms 1997, 1995; Minority Caucus Sergeant at Arms 1993. (No primary or general election opponents in 2010.)

Wisconsin Eye interview

The Democratic Challenger: Jim Crail

About Jim. Following my Father's footsteps, I entered the United States Air Force as a pilot after graduating from Eastern Illinois University. During my time in the Air Force I flew B-52s and later the E-3 AWACS. My time in the USAF ended in 1997 after achieving the rank of Captain and as a combat veteran. I began working for United Airlines as a pilot in 1998, and still fly a regular schedule there.

Moving to Wisconsin, my wife's home state, after my service to country has been a great experience for me and my family. We've lived here since 1997, first in Appleton, and now in Greenville, where we've lived since 2001.

My wife and family is my greatest asset. My wife Debby and I met while in the USAF and we have been happily married for more than 18 years. My family consists of eight wonderful children and stepchildren. I've been blessed with two beautiful grandchildren as well.

As an active member of the Air Line Pilots Association, Council 12 I've volunteered for my union and chaired several union committees. I'm also an active volunteer for EAA in Oshkosh, and as a Track and Field and Cross Country coach in my local school district.

The Citizens United decision motivated me to become active in politics via social media. The passage of Act 10 and the controversy surrounding it further spurred me to run for the Assembly to help heal the deep divisions that currently exist in our state. My strong desire is to restore a government ''of, by, and for the people''.

You can best describe me as a pro-jobs, pro-labor, pro-education, progressive, Democrat. I believe that jobs and economic growth results from a strong, vibrant, middle class with equal opportunity for all. That ''equal opportunity'' comes from our state having strong public primary and secondary education systems. When we have those strong education systems, every student has the chance to seize the future.

Wisconsin Eye interview

The Libertarian Candidate: Richard Martin

About: Richard Martin grew up in the Fox Valley. He graduated from Appleton West High School in 1985.

He joined the Military after that, and is a 12 year veteran of the United States Army, where he he served as a medic during Operation Desert Storm, Desert Shield, and Operation Joint Endeavor. Affordable healthcare for American citizens is a high priority for him.

Mr. Martin took an interest in Politics after leaving the service. When serving our country, Rich swore an oath to uphold and defend the Constitution. He took that oath very seriously. However, upon returning home, he found that so many of the freedoms and liberties he fought to defend, were being legislated away here at home.

Rich is a very civic minded citizen and volunteers in his community. He is also a member of the American Legion, Appleton Post 38, an avid sportsman and fisherman, and is a member of the National Rifle Association (NRA).

Richard Martin, JR. is not a business owner, and is not beholden to any corporate or private interests. He is a concerned citizen who has done a great deal of research into his local and state government processes. He hopes that you will vote for him and give him a chance to work for you.

Related posts (General Election Edition).

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Presidential Debates as "Champaign Music" Time

And in some elections, you can make the same case for voting itself.

U.S. population (approximate): 314,000,000
U.S. population 55 & older (approximate): 78,000,000
% of population 55 & older (approximate): 25%

Number of viewers of 1st Presidential debate: 67,187,000
Number of viewers 55 & older: 30,811,000
% of viewers 55 & older: 46%. [Romney has majority support with voters over the age of 45 (+7 percent)]
Viewers as percentage of 55+ population: 39..5%

U.S. population 35-54 (approximate) 87,000,000
% of population 35-54 that watched debate: 23%

U.S. population 18-34 (approximate) 71,000,000
% of population 18-34 that watched debate: 15%.

In January 2008, RealClearPolitics reported that the median age of voters in the 2008 presidential election will be about 44, according to figures derived from Census Bureau findings. (U.S. median age: 36.9, but then you have to be 18 to vote.)

On the other hand.....

August 19, 2009 Seattle Times headline: Median age of voters in primary: 59.4

LINK

City of Appleton 2013 Budget

LINK

Appleton budget proposal would lower taxes 1 percent. (Appleton Post-Crescent, 10/3/2012)

See pages 239-255 for Appleton Public Library budget proposal.

Additional 2013 budget posts.

Who's Running for State Office in Wisconsin 2012: 53rd Assembly District (General Election Edition)

Public libraries in the 53rd Assembly District

Spillman Library, North Fond du Lac

Omro Public Library

Oshkosh Public Library (service area)

Waupun Public Library

Special library
Winnebago Mental Health Institute Library Media Center

An open seat.

State Rep. Dick Spanbauer cites broken system, 'extremism' on both sides in decision not to seek reelection. (Oshkosh Northwestern, 1/24/2012)

Excerpt: State Rep. Dick Spanbauer, R-Town of Algoma, decided not to seek a third term in the Assembly citing his lack of desire to continue serving in a system he said values political points more than the people of the state.

“They’re more obsessed with politics than the real reason we’re elected: To serve the people,” Spanbauer said. “Madison is different. Politics is different. Today, compromise has gone out the window and I’m coming to that point where I don’t have the patience for it anymore.”

The Republican Candidate

Michael Schraa won the August 14th primary with 61% of the vote.

Wisconsoin Eye interview

The Democratic Candidate

Ryan Flejter won the August 14th primary with 48% of the vote.

Wisconsin Eye interview

The name of Independent candidate Andrew Koerwitz does not appear on the official candidate list.

Related posts (General Election Edition).

Who's Running for State Office in Wisconsin 2012: 52nd Assembly District (General Election Edition)

52nd Assembly District

Public libraries in the 52nd
Fond du Lac Public Library
Oakfield Public Library

Academic libraries
Cardinal Meyer Library, Marian University, Fond du Lac
UW Fond du Lac Library

The Republican incumbent

Biography. Born Fond du Lac, November 22, 1966; married; 4 children.

Graduate Kettle Moraine Lutheran H.S. (Jackson) 1985; B.S. Elementary education Dr. Martin Luther College 1989.

Full-time legislator. Former teacher.

Member: Thrivent Financial for Lutherans; Americans for Prosperity; Fond du Lac Noon Rotary; Fond du Lac County Rep. Party; Redeemer Lutheran Church.

Fond du Lac city council 2005-10 (vice pres. 2006-09).

Elected to Assembly 2010.

Won 2010 primary and general elections by comfortable margins.

We have a rematch in 2012.

The Democratic challenger: Paul Czisny

Wisconsin Eye interview

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

The Green Bay Press Gazette headline writer thinks it's "surprising" that more Wisconsin voters are looking forward than behind

LINK

Funny (yeah, right!) that Gannett feels the need to use a "candid" photo of Tammy but a posed, airbrushed campaign photo of Tommy.

Next time.......

Mark Bodnick's View of a World Without Public Libraries

Will Public Libraries Become Extinct? (Forbes, 10/2/2012)

Excerpt: Nevertheless, I believe strongly that public libraries will turn into ghost towns in five to fifteen years, at which point it will become very difficult to justify funding them and keeping them open.

Accompanied by a counterpoint written by Erica Friedman, President and Founder of Yuricon & ALC Publishing.

Excerpt: Libraries will die, because they were killed by people who never used them. Visit your local library – walk in or visit online. Ask them what they do, then be prepared to be very, very impressed.

OK, now I have an excuse -- as if I need one -- to look at some of the numbers provided by the Wisconsin Public Library Service Data.

Although public library circulation in Wisconsin has declined by 1.6% since 2009, it's still 3.4% above the 2008 total.

The number of public-access Internet computers in Wisconsin public libraries has increased 32% since 2008.

Program attendance at Wisconsin's public libraries shows a steady increase since 2008 -- up 13% overall.

On the other hand, total hours of operation for all Wisconsin public libraries remain flat.

And fewer staff members are available to provide services. (A 2.3% decline since 2008.)

Then there's the fact that communities all over the U.S. are still investing in bricks and mortar.

Rendering of the new Madison (WI) Central Library

Plenty of other examples here.

And although they will remain anonymous I have friends and relatives who are advocates for public libraries even though they haven't visited one in years. Non-user does not, by default, equal non-support.

Who's Running for State Office in Wisconsin 2012: 51st Assembly District (General Election Edition)

LINK

Public libraries in the 51st Assembly District

Argyle Public Library

Blanchardville Public Library

Cobb Public Library

Dodgeville Public Library

Johnson Public Library, Darlington

Kraemer Public Library, Plain

McCoy Public Library, Shullsburg

Mineral Point Public Library

Monroe Public Library

Spring Green Community Library

Turgeson Memorial Library, Belmont

The Republican Incumbent

Biography. Born Madison, October 3, 1954; married.

Graduate River Valley H.S. (Spring Green) 1972; B.A. UW-Whitewater 1976.

Certified public accountant.

Member: St. John’s Catholic Church, Spring Green (fin. com. mbr.); Taliesin Preservation Inc. Bd. of Trustees (treas.); Wis. Academy of Science Arts and Letters (treas.); Wis. Academy Foundation Bd. of Dir. (treas.).

Elected to Assembly 2010. (With 52% of the vote.)

From his 2010 campaign.

The Democratic Challenger: Maureen May-Grimm

"Mo" defeated her primary opponent with 61% of the vote.

About

Who's Running for State Office in Wisconsin 2012: 50th Assembly District (General Election Edition)

50th Assembly District

Public libraries in the 50th:
Brewer Public Library, Richland Center
Elroy Public Library
Hatch Public Library, Mauston
LaValle Public Library
Necedah Community Siegler Memorial Library
New Lisbon Memorial Library
Reedsburg Public Library
Rock Springs Public Library
Wonewoc Public Library

Academic library
Miller Memorial Library, UW-Richland Center

The Republican incumbent

Biography. Born Baraboo, July 1, 1942; married; 3 children.

Graduate Webb H.S. (Reedsburg) 1960; B.S. agricultural economics UW-Madison 1965.

Dairy producer. Former co. sup. f/USDA, FmHA, loan officer f/PCA Madison.

Served in U.S. Army Reserve 1965-71.

Member: Wis. Fed. of Co-ops (fmr. chairman); Wis. Farm Bureau. Former member: C.A.L.S. B.O.V.; Endeavor 4-H Club (leader); St. John Lutheran Church (past pres. church council).

Town of Reedsburg supervisor 1979-1985; Town of Reedsburg chairman 1985-present.

Elected to Assembly 2008; reelected 2010.

Reelected in 2010 with 57% of the vote.

The Democratic challenger: Sarah Ann Shanahan

From Emerge Wisconsin.

Facebook.

The Libertarian challenger: Ben Olson III

From WisconsinVote.org (campaign site "not found")