Saturday, June 1, 2013
Friday, May 31, 2013
Just What You'd Expect from John Stossel
Fox’s John Stossel: Poor Don’t Need Govt. Help Because ‘No One’ Starved in Great Depression. (Americans Against the Tea Party, 5/30/2013)
Google describes Stossel as an American consumer reporter, investigative journalist, author and libertarian columnist
There seems to be an adjective missing here; fact-challenged.
Google describes Stossel as an American consumer reporter, investigative journalist, author and libertarian columnist
There seems to be an adjective missing here; fact-challenged.
Source: Digital History
Osceola Public Library Director Job Posting (with Column Graphs and Links)
Photo credit:
The deadline to apply is today!
All statistics from Wisconsin Public Library Service Data
The Osceola Public Library seeks a well-organized and energetic leader to direct the operations of their library. The library is currently planning for new, larger facility which will enhance the library’s programming and services to the community. The library is part of the Indianhead Federated Library System and MORE system.
The library serves a community of 2,600 in northwestern Wisconsin, with a service population of approximately 8500. The city is nestled in the bluffs of the scenic Saint Croix River Valley and is located less than an hour from the Twin Cities. This historic community has a vibrant downtown that complements the natural beauty of the area.
Responsibilities: The Library Director reports to a seven member Board of Trustees and is responsible for the overall management of the library. Essential duties include building and maintaining our collection, managing the library budget, supervising the library staff, developing and executing successful programming, and promoting the library within the Village of Osceola and the surrounding area.
Qualifications: Candidates must be eligible for Wisconsin Grade II certification. Three or more years of library experience or library administration experience is preferred. The ideal candidate shall also possess excellent interpersonal skills; the ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with their staff, the Board, the Village of Osceola and community organizations. Knowledge of current library practices, technology and trends is required.
Please email your resume and cover letter by May 31th to the Library Board at LibraryBoard@myosceola.com
Other library director job postings:
Franklin Public Library. (5/30.2013)
Kenosha Public Library. (5/29/2013)
Cedarburg Public Library. (5/29/2013)
Thursday, May 30, 2013
The New San Diego Central Library: 2 Years in 31 Seconds
Crossing the Chesapeake Bay Bridge
Quelling Anxiety Across the Chesapeake. (The New York Times, 5/26/2013)
Excerpt: Driving over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge stirs fear in the hearts of no small number of Baltimore and Washington residents, an anxiety that resumed its seasonal peak over the Memorial Day weekend and the start of the annual pilgrimage to the beach towns and quaint sailing harbors of the Eastern Shore.
“Everyone talks about the fear of crossing the bridge,” said Carolyn Casey, who lives in Washington with her family and has a second home near St. Michaels, Md., across the bridge.
Roads to the Future: Chesapeake Bay Bridge
Excerpt: Driving over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge stirs fear in the hearts of no small number of Baltimore and Washington residents, an anxiety that resumed its seasonal peak over the Memorial Day weekend and the start of the annual pilgrimage to the beach towns and quaint sailing harbors of the Eastern Shore.
“Everyone talks about the fear of crossing the bridge,” said Carolyn Casey, who lives in Washington with her family and has a second home near St. Michaels, Md., across the bridge.
Roads to the Future: Chesapeake Bay Bridge
2013-15 Budget Bill / Library Funding Update
On Wednesday, May 29, the Joint Committee on Finance approved funding for the Department of Public Instruction's library items included in Governor Walker's 2013-15 executive budget.
To summarize:
As shown by the green highlights in the flow chart below, Joint Finance will soon conclude its series of executive sessions. According to the Legislative Fiscal Bureau's "Budget Papers" webpage, the final session is scheduled for today, Thursday, May 30. But to use a well-worn colloquialism, "it ain't over till the fat lady sings", and I'm not 100% sure if she's waiting in the wings today.
Nevertheless, we still have a month's worth of budget process ahead of us.
Once Joint Finance has finished its business, the budget bill (Assembly Bill 40) will be submitted to the Assembly. The Senate also gets its chance to make modifications.
In other words, due diligence is still required.
A link and 2 follow-up questions.
A list of the members of the Joint Committee on Finance is found here.
Does your State Senator or Assembly Representative serve on this committee?
Any idea how often they hear from their constituents who love and value libraries?
To summarize:
- Flat funding for public library systems
- Small increases in funding for
- BadgerLink
- the 4 statewide service contracts
- Wisconsin Talking Book & Braille Library
- Wisconsin Library Services
- Milwaukee Public Library interloan
- Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC)
- Newsline for the Blind
As shown by the green highlights in the flow chart below, Joint Finance will soon conclude its series of executive sessions. According to the Legislative Fiscal Bureau's "Budget Papers" webpage, the final session is scheduled for today, Thursday, May 30. But to use a well-worn colloquialism, "it ain't over till the fat lady sings", and I'm not 100% sure if she's waiting in the wings today.
Nevertheless, we still have a month's worth of budget process ahead of us.
Once Joint Finance has finished its business, the budget bill (Assembly Bill 40) will be submitted to the Assembly. The Senate also gets its chance to make modifications.
In other words, due diligence is still required.
A link and 2 follow-up questions.
A list of the members of the Joint Committee on Finance is found here.
Does your State Senator or Assembly Representative serve on this committee?
Any idea how often they hear from their constituents who love and value libraries?
Denver Public Library Security Manager on the TV Hot Seat
Denver library failing to report sex crimes. (9news.com, 5/30/2013)
Denver Public Library policies
- Child Safety
- Access to children's area
- Parent expectations and responsibilities
- Staff responsibilities
- Computer and Internet
- DPL's role
- Internet filters
- Confidentiality and privacy
- Customers' responsibility
- Children and the Internet
- Library Use
- Protect library property
- Ensure a safe and secure environment
- Provide and comfortable land welcoming environment
- Maintain a healthy and clean environment
- Enforcement
Oregon's Multnomah County Library Behavior Rules clearly and concisely describes how staff enforce the most serious offenses that take place at any of the library's locations.
Franklin Public Library Job Posting (with Column Graphs and Links)
Photo credit: City of Franklin
The City of Franklin, located on the southwest side of Milwaukee County, population 36,000, is currently accepting applications for a dynamic and visionary leader for the position of Library Director. The 40,000 square foot library opened their new state-of-the-art facility in 2002 and houses more than 146,000 books with an annual circulation of 520,000. The annual budget is $1,300,000 with a staff of 17.7 FTE’s.
Source of all statistics: Wisconsin Public Library Service Data
Qualifications Include: a Master’s Degree in Library Science from a library school accredited by the American Library Association; a Wisconsin Grade I certification as provided under the Wisconsin Administrative Code, Sec. PL 6.03 (or the ability to obtain this within 6 months of employment); and a minimum of 5 years of increasingly responsible professional library experience including significant administrative and supervisory responsibility.
View the full job description, including qualifications and job duties.
Salary Range: $60,671 - $81,902 annually
Benefits Include: Paid Vacations, Paid Sick Leave, Personal Days, 9 Paid Holidays, Life Insurance, Dental Insurance, Medical Insurance (view Summary of Benefits Coverage here) and a Defined Contribution Pension Plan.
To be considered for this opportunity you must complete the on-line application form in addition to submitting a resume. The resume can be sent by clicking on the email link at the top of the on-line application form.
Both the application and resume must be RECEIVED by Noon on Friday, June 7, 2013 to be considered for this position. Please note that we may start the selection process prior to the cut-off date of June 7th. As such, please submit your application/resume early for the best opportunity. If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact Dana Zahn at dzahn@franklinwi.gov or 414-427-7505.
Other library director job postings:
Kenosha Public Library. (5/29/2013)
Cedarburg Public Library. (5/29/2013)
Wisconsin's Joint Finance Committee in Micromanaging Mode
Rep. John Spiros (R-Marshfield) reflects the 14-2 majority opinion.
DOA Explains SSIS Procurement Process. (Stevens Point City-Times, 2/16/2013)
Excerpt from a letter written by Wisconsin Department of Administration Communications Director Stephanie Marquis:
In addition to these steps, an independent third-party monitored the entire process and issued an extensive report. Key findings of the report include:
As a result of the procurement, transparent process, Infinite Campus, a company based in Minnesota, received the Notice of Intent to Award. Once the Notice of Intent letter has been issued, vendors have the opportunity to protest if they feel the contract award was not made in accordance with Wisconsin law. A protest for the SSIS procurement has been received by DPI, and the vendor will be provided a fair opportunity to have their concerns objectively reviewed.
Currently, it's the Wisconsin Department of Governor Scott Walker's Administration.
Wisconsin company to challenge decision on statewide student data system contract. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 2/2/2013)
And that company is Skyward, based in Stevens Point.
Hmm, contributions to Republican Mark Green in 2006 but, subsequently, nothing for Scott Walker.
DOA Explains SSIS Procurement Process. (Stevens Point City-Times, 2/16/2013)
Excerpt from a letter written by Wisconsin Department of Administration Communications Director Stephanie Marquis:
In addition to these steps, an independent third-party monitored the entire process and issued an extensive report. Key findings of the report include:
- The RFP “was drafted to identify the best possible vendor for the job at the best possible price.”
- “…the vendor with the highest total score was the clear winner. The Evaluation Team unanimously recommended that the SSIS contract be awarded to the highest scoring proposer. The vendor recommendation was fair to all vendors, and consistent with the RFP and applicable state law.”
- In addition, the selection process included “an exhaustive qualitative review of the proposals submitted against pre-written benchmarks and an objective cost component. Finally, based upon my observations, the Evaluation Committee did not appear to be subject to any outside influence on the selection process.”
As a result of the procurement, transparent process, Infinite Campus, a company based in Minnesota, received the Notice of Intent to Award. Once the Notice of Intent letter has been issued, vendors have the opportunity to protest if they feel the contract award was not made in accordance with Wisconsin law. A protest for the SSIS procurement has been received by DPI, and the vendor will be provided a fair opportunity to have their concerns objectively reviewed.
Currently, it's the Wisconsin Department of Governor Scott Walker's Administration.
Wisconsin company to challenge decision on statewide student data system contract. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 2/2/2013)
And that company is Skyward, based in Stevens Point.
Hmm, contributions to Republican Mark Green in 2006 but, subsequently, nothing for Scott Walker.
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
I Think We All Know What Bus Andre Jacque is On
Abortion bills get hearing before legislators, spur debate about access. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 5/29/2013)
People Will Tell Pollsters Anything They Want to Hear
From Retiring Guy's postcard collection
7 Startling Facts: An Up Close Look at Church Attendance in America. (Church Leaders)
1. Less than 20% of Americans regularly attend church — half of what the pollsters report.
2. American church attendance is steadily declining.
3. Only one state is outpacing its population growth.
4. Mid-sized churches are shrinking; the smallest and largest churches are growing.
5. Established churches — 40 to 190 years old — are, on average, declining.
6. The increase in churches is only 1/4 of what's needed to keep up with population growth.
7. In 2050, the percentage of the U.S. population attending church will be almost half of what it was in 1990.
Poll: America losing its religion. (Innovating for a Secular World, 5/29/2013)
Do-as-I-say-and-not-as-I-do excerpt: According to the poll, 75% of Americans said it the country would be better off if it was more religious.
Kenosha Public Library Director Job Posting (with Column Graphs and Links)
The Board of Trustees of the Kenosha Public Library seeks an energetic and experienced leader to serve as the Director of the Kenosha Public Library. The desired candidate will be a visionary for libraries of the future and for emerging library technologies. The candidate will be committed to serving the citizens of the City and County of Kenosha as an active member of our community. The City of Kenosha, a growing, vibrant and diverse community with a population of 100,000, is located in the southeast corner of Wisconsin on the shore of Lake Michigan. The Director oversees all operations of the four branches of the Kenosha Public Library and the Bookmobile, with an annual operating budget of $6 million and a capital expenditures budget. This position also serves as Director of the Kenosha County Library System, which includes the Community Library in western Kenosha County.
Reporting Relationship - Responsible to the Kenosha Public Library Board of Trustees.
DESIRED KNOWLEDGE/ SKILLS :
Public Library Operations - Thorough knowledge of the services, functions, and resources of 21st century public libraries and public library systems, as well as state and local library-related laws. Record of sound library management decisions.
Budgeting – Demonstrated knowledge of public library budgetary practices including development of a budget reflecting changing community needs, successful budget presentation to city and county entities, effective implementation of the budget, and monitoring of available resources.
Facility Management – Experience with maintenance and improvement of physical plant, grounds, and equipment in varied library facilities, including historical sites, to support changing community needs.
Technology – Proactive and positive leadership in the use of emerging technology in public libraries and library systems.
Leadership – Experience using inclusive strategic planning processes to assess changing community needs, to articulate and share an inspiring vision for the future, and to lead change initiatives for positive growth within the organization and among its stakeholders. Positive experience translating strategies into practical implementation steps and measuring results. Proven political acumen in developing effective working relationships with elected officials and community leaders.
Personnel Management – Thorough knowledge of the full range of personnel management principles and practices, as well as relevant employment law.
Interpersonal Communication/Community Relations – Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with library staff, board members and stakeholders. Respond to the public, local organizations, and the media as required to promote the library within the community.
Reporting Relationship - Responsible to the Kenosha Public Library Board of Trustees.
DESIRED KNOWLEDGE/ SKILLS :
Public Library Operations - Thorough knowledge of the services, functions, and resources of 21st century public libraries and public library systems, as well as state and local library-related laws. Record of sound library management decisions.
Budgeting – Demonstrated knowledge of public library budgetary practices including development of a budget reflecting changing community needs, successful budget presentation to city and county entities, effective implementation of the budget, and monitoring of available resources.
Facility Management – Experience with maintenance and improvement of physical plant, grounds, and equipment in varied library facilities, including historical sites, to support changing community needs.
Technology – Proactive and positive leadership in the use of emerging technology in public libraries and library systems.
Leadership – Experience using inclusive strategic planning processes to assess changing community needs, to articulate and share an inspiring vision for the future, and to lead change initiatives for positive growth within the organization and among its stakeholders. Positive experience translating strategies into practical implementation steps and measuring results. Proven political acumen in developing effective working relationships with elected officials and community leaders.
Personnel Management – Thorough knowledge of the full range of personnel management principles and practices, as well as relevant employment law.
Interpersonal Communication/Community Relations – Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with library staff, board members and stakeholders. Respond to the public, local organizations, and the media as required to promote the library within the community.
Related post:
Cedarburg Public Library. (5/29/2013)
Cedarburg Public Library Director Job Posting (with Column Graphs and Links)
Source of all statistics: Wisconsin Public Library Service Data
The Library Director reports to a seven member Board of Trustees. The successful candidate is an experienced and energetic leader with excellent communication, interpersonal and technological skills. The Board is looking for someone with the ability to manage budget challenges and to maintain positive relationships with the Board, Library staff, City staff, elected officials, Friends of the Library, and citizens.
This position oversees a staff of 15 (10.41 FTE) who are known for their responsiveness and attentiveness to the patrons. The Library has a collection of more than 80,000 items and an annual budget of $680,000. In 2012 the circulation was 203,984 and 2,500 visits were made to the library each week.
Cedarburg is a member of the Eastern Shores Library System. Cedarburg is a close-knit community approximately 20 miles north of Milwaukee. The community is proud of its schools, performing arts center, Cultural Center, four community festivals a year, and the current construction of a 25,500 square foot, two-story library facility located just north of the current library. The new Cedarburg Public Library is to open in July 2014.
The position requires a Master of Library Science degree from an American Library Association accredited institution; eligibility for grade 1 Wisconsin library certificate; five years of progressively responsible public library experience; and a minimum of three years of experience in library management and supervisory responsibilities.
The City of Cedarburg offers a comprehensive fringe benefit package, including health and life insurance. Salary range is $53,964 - $82,914 a year based on qualifications. EOE
Interested persons may obtain application materials and a full job description by visiting the City of Cedarburg website. Application deadline is Monday, July 8th.
Rep. Jeff Stone's Jobs Bills (R-Greendale)
After all, isn't that what it's all about?
Bad Package of Campaign Finance and Election "Deforms" About to be Unleashed on Wisconsin Voters. (Common Cause in Wisconsin, 5/29/2013)
Common Cause notes that there is a better alternative.
In the meantime, please do contact both your State Senator and your State Representative in support of the bipartisan electioneering disclosure, Senate Bill 166, introduced by Senators Ellis and Erpenbach, and Representative Kaufert.
Outline of Analysis of Jeff' Stone's bill by the Legislative Reference Bureau
Campaign finance
Photo credit: Wisconsin State Legislature
Common Cause notes that there is a better alternative.
In the meantime, please do contact both your State Senator and your State Representative in support of the bipartisan electioneering disclosure, Senate Bill 166, introduced by Senators Ellis and Erpenbach, and Representative Kaufert.
Outline of Analysis of Jeff' Stone's bill by the Legislative Reference Bureau
Campaign finance
- Disclosure of political activity
- Corporations, cooperatives, and other entities; limited political activity
- Communications with members of certain entities
- Communications by legislators
Lobbying
- Campaign contributions by lobbyists
Election Administration
- Proof of identification requirement
- Proof of residency for voter registration
- Poll book signature requirement
- Challenging an elector's registration during a recount
- Witnesses addresses on absentee ballot certificates
- Nominees to Government Accountability Board
- Securing ballot containers
- Party representation at the polls
- Registration
- Voting by absentee ballot in person
- Reporting of election returns by municipalities
- Fees for election recounts
- Special elections
- Scheduling of referendums
- Recounting votes cast with automatic tabulating equipment
- Residency of election officials
- Recall petition requirements
Other changes
- Prohibitions on certain expenditures by school districts
The Rah-Rah and the Reality of Rep. Kooyenga's Tax Plan
The Rah-Rah
The Reality
A Bad Idea Make Worse. Wisconsin Budget Project, 5/28/2013)
Excerpt: The new proposal would reduce state tax revenue by $752 million over the two-year budget period compared to current law, mostly by reducing income tax rates and making other changes to income taxes. It would make the income tax much flatter by reducing the number of tax brackets from five down to three, which would apply the same income tax rate for all married couples with taxable income between $14,500 and $319,500.
The Reality
A Bad Idea Make Worse. Wisconsin Budget Project, 5/28/2013)
Excerpt: The new proposal would reduce state tax revenue by $752 million over the two-year budget period compared to current law, mostly by reducing income tax rates and making other changes to income taxes. It would make the income tax much flatter by reducing the number of tax brackets from five down to three, which would apply the same income tax rate for all married couples with taxable income between $14,500 and $319,500.
Scott Walker, Poseur
Walker Says That Debate Over Stewardship Program Isn't Over. (Wisconsin Public Radio News, 5/23/2013)
Coach lets his team do the dirty work, then tries to distance himself from the outcome for which his Tea Party base heavily lobbied.
I guess this guy is running for President.
Related posts:
Tea Party sez "Jump!"; Republicans on Joint Finance ask, "How high?" (5/16/2013)
Scott Walker: "We take our responsibility of good stewardship very seriously". (5/16/2013)
Coach lets his team do the dirty work, then tries to distance himself from the outcome for which his Tea Party base heavily lobbied.
I guess this guy is running for President.
Related posts:
Tea Party sez "Jump!"; Republicans on Joint Finance ask, "How high?" (5/16/2013)
Scott Walker: "We take our responsibility of good stewardship very seriously". (5/16/2013)
Paving the Way to Wisconsin's "Lemon Law" Repeal
AB 200/AB 182: Solid red sponsorship
Wisconsin Association for Justice news release, WMC – Bad for Small Business. In Support of the Repeal of Wisconsin’s Lemon Law.
Excerpt: The Assembly Judiciary Committee will hear testimony on May 29th on proposed changes to Wisconsin’s current “Lemon Law.” The changes are heavily supported by Wisconsin Manufacturers Commerce (WMC) and Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers which represent large (out‐of‐state and foreign) vehicle manufacturers, i.e.,General Motors Corporation, Ford Motor Company, Chrysler Group LLC, BMW Group,Jaguar Land Rover, Mazda, Mercedes‐Benz USA, Mitsubishi Motors, Porsche, Toyota, Volkswagen Group of America and Volvo Cars North America.
Assembly Bill 200 (AB‐200) and Senate Bill 182 (SB‐182) would repeal Wisconsin’s current “Lemon Law,” a law that was originally created to give small businesses and consumers a way to protect themselves against vehicle manufacturers when the commercial or passenger vehicle they purchased is defective and turns out to be a “lemon.” The bill creates a special provision for commercial vehicles by extending the time for a manufacturer respond from 30 days to 120 days.
Wisconsin Democracy Campaign Follow the Money
That bass riff you hear is the opening bars of this classic O'Jays song.
General Motors
Scott Walker $4,526; Tom Barrett $600
Ford Motor Company
Scott Walker $1,350; Tom Barrett $0
Chrysler Corporation
Scott Walker $1,000; Tom Barrett, $0
Toyota Motors
Scott Walker $800, Tom Barrett $0
Mercedes Benz
Scott Walker $100; Tom Barrett $0
