Florida Republican Ileana Ros-Lehtinen is retiring from Congress and maybe there's a glimmer of hope for Democrats

As G.O.P. Bends Toward Trump, Critics Either Give In or Give Up.  (The New York Times, 10/25/2017)

Mr. Straus’s dash for the exits followed the retirement announcements of Mr. Flake, Senator Bob Corker of Tennessee and Representatives Ileana Ros-Lehtinen of Florida, Charlie Dent of Pennsylvania, Pat Tiberi of Ohio and Dave Reichert of Washington State — all members of the Republican establishment.

Source:  Ballotpedia

Source: govtrack

Related reading:
GOP Lawmaker Mocks Trump’s ‘Great Heart’ In Blistering Response To DACA Threat.  (HuffPost, 9/5/2017)

Related post:
Pennsylvania Republican Charlie Dent is retiring from Congress but don't expect Democrats to flip this seat.  (10/24/2017)
Michigan Republican Dave Trott is retiring from Congress but don't expect Democrats to flip this seat.  (10/23/2017)
Ohio Republican Patrick Tiberi is retiring from Congress but don't expect Democrats to flip this seat.  (10/22/2017)

Steve Bannon and Chris McDaniel in revenge mode in Mississippi

Look out, Roger Wicker!

Conservatives, With Bannon’s Help, Look for Revenge in Mississippi.  (The New York Times, 10/21/2017)

The slogan “Remember Mississippi” has become shorthand around here for the unshakable belief among conservative activists that Senator Thad Cochran occupies a stolen seat.

Related posts:
Steve Bannon continues to lob grenades at the GOP establishment:  The George W. Bush edition.  (10/22/2017)

Survey says (in so many words): "Pshaw" to the hogwash that Foxconn will benefit all of Wisconsin

Source: Marquette Law School Poll – October 9-17, 2017

Other Foxconn posts:

October 2017

UPDATE. Robin Vos doesn't want to count his chickens before they hatch but remains confident it's going to happen.  (10/23/2017)

Big payday for some Racine County farmers, not so much for homeowners.  (10/12/2017)

Racine County, Mount Pleasant, to Foxconn: No need to reach for your wallet.  (10/11/2017)

Incoming Quality Control Specialist at Foxconn requires high school diploma or equivalency.  (10/9/20170

In the bonus round, Tammy finds herself in a big yellow taxi mood.  (10/9/2017)

Mount Pleasant Village President welcomes average debt of $3,917.55 per person with open arms.  (10/8/2017)

Dear Politifact, Hairsplitting aside, America has a gun violence epidemic.  (10/5/2017)

August 2017

WEDC hasn't done its Foxconn homework yet and GOP committee members are fine with that.  (8/16/2017)

UPDATE. Funny how there's all this talk about Foxconn jobs that pay well below the alleged average salary.  (8/12/2017)

Reggie White:Green Bay Packers:: Foxconn:Wisconsin (Scott Walker analogy reveals his crazed desperation).  (8/10/2017)

Foxconn has been looking to replace workers with robots for at least 2 years. (8/9/2017)

Scott Walker and Terry Gou share a laugh at Wisconsin taxpayers' expense.  (8/8/2017)

Really, Ray, all this and heaven too provided by a factory to assemble display panel screens?  (8/6/2017)

That was then. This is now. The free market/small government Robin Vos.  (8/4/2017)

Bloomberg sees short-term gain, long-term pain for Wisconsin's Foxconn deal.  (8/4/2017)

Sean Duffy gets it wrong.  (8/3/2017)

Scott Walker and Paul Ryan collude on campaign digital ads for Foxconn.  (8/3/2017)

Here's some news that pains Scott Walker to his core: Foxconn considering Dane County site.  (8/2/2017)

Fast Company: Scott Walker deal a transfer of wealth from Wisconsin taxpayers to Foxconn shareholders. (8/2/2017)

Donald Trump pinches off another loaf.  (8/1/2017)

Scott Walker lets Fiserv piggyback onto Foxconn legislation.  (8/1/2017)

Calendar UPDATE. In the case of the committee hearing, 1 day is sufficient time to prepare, sez Assembly Speaker Robin Vos.  (8/1/2017) 

Rep. Bob Kulp sprinkles Foxconn fairy dust all over the Badger State.  (8/1/2017)

July 2017

Of which just 3,000 of these 'new' jobs are permanent.  (7/31/2017)

UPDATE. State Sen. Van Wanggaard on board with Wisconsin's Foxconn deep-pockets strategy.  (7/30/2017)

A Ring of Familiarity. Once upon a time in Pennsylvania.....  (7/29/2017)

Matt, it doesn't appear that 'rigorous' and 'review' are in Scott Walker's and Foxconn's vocabulary.  (7/29/2017)

Scott Walker and Foxconn steamroll environmental regulation going forward.  (7/29/2017)

UPDATE.  The luring of Foxconn intensifies in Wisconsin.   (7/20/2017)

While Wisconsin and Michigan duke it out for low-paying jobs, Foxconn announces $5 billion investment in India.  (7/8/2017)

UPDATE. Foxconn becomes pawn in Wisconsin transportation funding tussle.  (7/6/2017)

Foxconn officials eyeing sites in Michigan.  (7/6/2017)

UPDATE. Foxconn becomes pawn in Wisconsin transportation funding tussle.  (7/6/2017)

The flashing brilliance of big-money Walker donor and WEDC CEO Mark Hogan

Money source:  Wisconsin Democracy Campaign

The Secrets of Foxconn.  (Urban Milwaukee, 10/26/2017)

The details of this unprecedented deal were left for the WEDC to determine, in a contract to be negotiated with Foxconn. “During the legislative debates, Sen. Alberta Darling (R-River Hills) and other Republicans said they would leave it up to the expertise of the WEDC to create a contract,” Sen. Tim Carpenter (D-Milwaukee) says, in an interview with Urban Milwaukee. 
But no one is being allowed to see the contract. At a meeting of the state Legislature’s Audit Committee, Rep. Melissa Sargent (D-Madison) “had requested the document be made available for public review before it is executed.”

When Foxconn meets WEDC.
From the start, WEDC was never about regulation and record-keeping, according to Scott Walker himself.  (10/25/2017)
UPDATE. Kestrel Aircraft: Is this a variation of Scott Walker's Foxconn strategy? (10/22/2017)
UPDATE. In light of WEDC's abysmal track record in getting it right, it's best they take no action.  (9/29/2017)
 All told, the Kerns have donated nearly $400,000 to Republican and conservative candidates.  (8/14/2017)
WEDC at the ready to verify Foxconn job numbers.  (8/12/2017)

Latest Trump dossier news: Walker campaign team scatters for cover, issues breathless denials

As if they would ever make it easy for reporters and say ' yes' from the outset.  Stay tuned.

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker campaign: We had nothing to do with explosive Trump dossier.  (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 10/26/2017)

But media reports say it wasn't just Democrats who paid for the research in a controversial dossier that leaked out after the election. Still unnamed Republicans involved in the GOP presidential primary also reportedly paid for the opposition research and its findings, which in many cases remain unconfirmed.

William Nuhfer (1925-2017) Warren High School class of 1943

Source:  Warren Times Observer

Tim Nuhfer sat behind me in home room all 3 years at Beaty Junior High School

1943 Dragon yearbook

Gloria's high-school activities:

Bookkeeping Club (2); Junior Chamber of Commerce (2, 3);  Junior Shorthand Club (3); 

1967 Warren City Directory

• Nuhfer Lawrence A lab r522 Crescent Pk
• Nuhfer Wm jr (Doris M) lab NF h27 Locust
• Nuhfer Wm D student r27 Locust
• Nuhfer Wm J (Kath E) lab Penna. Furnace & Iron h522 Crescent Pk

1983 Warren City Directory

• Nuhfer Joseph A & Cynthia  h306 Park St
• Nuhfer Wm J Jr & Doris M; emp NF h24 Swiss St
• Nuhfer Wm J retd h522 Crescent Pk

The popularity of William as a baby name is graphed here.   Let's take a look at Timothy.

Source:  Social Security Administration

Timothy put together a strong run during the 2nd half of the 20th century.  Overall, he spent 65 years (1943-2007) in the top 100, peaking at #11 in 1960 and again in 1966-67.
___

Other members of the class of '43 (11 women, 6 men):
Martha Rasmussen Lewis.  (6/17/2017)
Gloria York Salapek.  (6/10/2017)
Louis Rizzardi.  (2/11/2017)
Virginia Anderson Thompson.  (10/17/2016)
Pauline Smith VanVolkinburg.  (8/27/2016)
Joyce Anderson Clark.  (8/24/2016)
Robert Johnson.  (3/31/2016)
Goldie Gelotte Hecei. (12/21/2015)
John Swick.  (11/29/2015)
William Weidert.  (10/16/2015)
Maxine Retterer Young.  (8/15/2015)

Donald Conaway, Jr.  (8/13/2015)
Anne Smith Rossey.  (5/8/2015)
Doris Stevenson Barirde.  (3/31/2015)
Mildred Kahle Glotz.  (9/13/2014)

Robert Dietsch.  (9/8/2014)

Anna Mae Olson Howe.  (9/2/2014)

Lois Bogart Niederer.  (5/3/2014)

Verna Mack Swanson.  (12/22/2013)

Banjo strumming time: Your kind old mother, along with the other old folks at home, are watching the evening news

Source:  TV Newser

CBS Names Jeff Glor Its Evening News Anchor.  (The New York Times, 10/25/2017)

For the current season, “CBS Evening News” is averaging 6.2 million viewers, with 1.3 million viewers in the all-important 25-to-54-year-old bracket, according to Nielsen.

2026: Where the jobs are and the money isn't

A Peek at Future Jobs Shows Growing Economic Divides.  (The New York Times, 10/24/2017)

#1 in increased number of jobs by 2026:  754,000

#2 in increased number of jobs by 2026:  426,000

Source:  U.S. News

Source:  U.S. News

Source:  U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services

Dwight Garner, rock music, and New Journalism

The first issue of Rolling Stone is dated November 9, 1967.

So let's take a closer look at this remarkable assertion.

Hunter Thompson's first 4 articles for Rolling Stone:

Fear and Loathing?  1971?  Rock music faded in importance?  

Perhaps Dwight can be forgiven since he was just 6 years old at the time, but rock was still peaking in 1971.  Give a listen if you don't believe me.



According to Rolling Stone owner Jann Wenner, Tom Wolfe received his first assignment from the magazine in 1970.

1970?  Wasn't that the year that Credence gave "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" an 11-minute workout?

Anita Miller Smith (1936-2017) Warren High School class of 1954

Source:  Warren Times Observer

 1954 Dragon yearbook

1967 Warren City Directory

• [county section] Miller Irene S 2846 W Pennsylvania Av ext

1983 Warren City Directory

• Miller Irene retd h2825 Pennsylvania Av W
• Smith Anita Mrs emp Warren State Hosp h2835 Pennsylvania Av W
• Smith Bradley & Cathy; emp Cinema h640 Hemlock Rd
• Smith Cathy clk So-Fro Fabrics h640 Hemlock Rd

The popularity of Anita as a baby name is graphed here.  Let's take a look at Bradley.

Source:  Social Security Administration

After an erratic start to the 20th century, Bradley started to make some consistent gains during the 1920s.  In 1960, he began a string of 38 years in the top 100, peaking at #47 in 1970.

Other members of the class of 1954:

Michelene Figliuzzi Colgrove.  (6/1/2017)
James Hornstrom.  (3/9/2017)
Richard Latimer.  (1/31/2017)
Guard Pierce.  (1/24/2017)
Thomas Gray.  (10/16/2016)
Franklin Ristau.  (4/21/2016)

Richard Helmbrecht.  (3/27/2016)
Luella Wert Wile.  (3/15/2016)
Edward Erickson.  (3/4/2016)
Keith Otterbein.  (7/20/2015)
Marlene Ceriola English.  (6/28/2015)

Robert Johnson.  (8/10/2014)

Lois Egger Anderson McDanel.  (6/23/2014)

Phillip Stewart.  (2/20/2014)

The malevolent conservatism and clownish inhumanity of Glenn Grothman

Reported in Grothman Supports Welfare Reform.  (KFIZ, 10/24/2017)

Sources:
The Real Benefits of SNAP.  (Snap to Health!)
Assessing the Economics Benefits of Public Housing (Econsuit Corporation)
EITC and Child Tax Credit Promote Work, Reduce Poverty, and Support Children’s Development, Research Finds.  (Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, 10/1/2015)

Other Grothman posts:

Jul-Oct 2017
Glenn Grothman sets a ridiculously low bar regarding hurricane aid to Puerto Rico.  (10/24/2017)
Glenn Grothman demands that a border wall be built.  (8/31/2017)
Here's something on which Glenn Grothman and I agree.  (8/10/2017)
Glenn Grothman wants us all to die.  Or not to fly.  (7/20/2017)
Short-term memory loss and The Glenn Grothman 24/7 Clown Show.  (7/15/2017) 
Steady drip-drip-drip inside Glenn Grothman's head vs. steady drip-drip-drip of evidence Russian collusion.  (7/13/2017)

Jan-Jun 2017
Glenn Grothman gives a big thumbs up to Pennsylvania's congressional districts.  (6/22/2017)
Glenn Grothman on the Paris Accord:  The blithering goes on.  (6/7/2017)
Dear Glenn Grothman, Not that anyone is listening to you.  (6/5/2017)
Oh, yeah, I just bet he does.   (6/1/2017)
It's bromance time for Glenn Grothman, sez Greg Gianforte seems like a good guy.  (5/26/2017)
Grothman dons his clown suit again.  (5/1/2017)
At Glenn Grothman's groan-inducing town hall.  (5/2/2017)
51 U.S. House members implore Trump to legalize LGBT discrimination.  (4/27/2017)
At KFIZ, everybody loves a clown.  (4/17/2017)
Wishful thinking: Glenn Grothman does a little Mick Jagger at the podium during Sheboygan listening session.  (4/11/2017).

Glenn also loves to run into the reassuring arms of Vicki McKenna; she normalizes his nuttiness.  (3/28/2017)

Dear Glenn Grothman, You won't find any answers to your IRS questions at WatchragTrying to have it both ways,   (3/10/2017)

Glenn Grothman serves up a big bowl of mush.  (3/6/2017)

Self-proclaimed fiscal conservative and thorough hypocrite Glenn Grothman goes all out for The Wall.  (2/26/2017) 

What DO they think of Glenn Grothman on Capitol Hill?  (1/31/2017)
Not a Muslim ban, Glenn Grothman? The numbers indicate otherwise.  (1/31/2017)
On the other hand, some might say we do need Congressmen, but we can not have the wrong Congressmen.  (1/2/2017)

2016
The conservative values of Glenn Grothman, straight shooter and exemplary public servant.  (10/30/20176
GOP donor and Neenah realtor pens letter to editor, praises Glenn Grothman.  (10/28/2016)
Well, Glenn Grothman, looks as though Donald Trump and Paul Ryan won't accompany Mr. Gumpy on his outing.  (10/20/2016)
Meet the 3 Stooges who introduced Donald Trump at yesterday's rally in Green Bay.  (10/18/2016)
Likely to be other reasons why Trump and Glenn Grothman's relationship might be "less than perfect".  (10/13/2016)
Glenn Grothman raises GOP specter of black bogeyman Al Sharpton.  (7/14/2016)
Recommended reading from Glenn Grothman.  (3/3/2016)
Once again, Grothman does the blah blah blah.  (1/13/2016)

2015
Tea Party alert: Glenn Grothman supports increase in federal gas tax.  (12/29/2015)
Glenn Grothman's moving service.  (11/16/2015)
Glenn Grothman: Still trying to get to 'yes' with Paul Ryan.  (10/18/2015) 
Dear Glenn Grothman, Breaking up is hard to do.  (10/17/2015) 
He's a guy, and has access to 'all machines that one would need'.  (9/29/2015) 
Meet the Members of the Republican Study Committee: Glenn Grothman (R-WI, 6th District).  (8/18/2015)
What about seeing the light, Representative Grothman?  (8/11/2015)
Glenn Grothman's gibberish in full flower.  (7/1/2015)
Rep. Glenn Grothman puts corporate personhood first.  (6/23/2015)
Glenn Grothman Finds His Voice in Washington, D.C. (6/19/2015)
Glenn Grothman goes seriously bland on us.  (5/12/2015)
Glenn Grothman's lips are zipped.  (4/9/2015)
Glenn Grothman Speaks the Language of the Godfather of states' rights.  (1/13/2015)

2014
Glenn Grothman, Quiet Man.  (10/12/2014)
Tom Petri returns the favor to Glenn Grothman.  (9/5/2014)
Wisconsin's 6th Congressional District primary: Less than 12% of voters paid attention.  (8/24/2014)
Hey guys and gals, Scott Walker is not 100% convinced that Glenn Grothman can win the 6th CD. (8/23/2014)
Career politician Glenn Grothman moves one step closer to Wisconsin's 6th Congressional District general election.  (8/22/2014)
To the tune of $692,000.   (8/14/2014)
Glenn Grothman:  A man without a mandate.  (8/14/2014)
Glenn Grothman to Tom Petri: Thank you for your 35 years of service.  (8/1/2014)
Duey Stroebel can't be bothered with fundraising, looks to buy seat instead.  (8/1/2014)
Clearly, "common-sense bills" and "Grothman" should never be used in the same sentence.(7/9/2014)
Two career politicians pledge limited service in the U.S. House of Representatives.  (7/8/2014)

Glenn Grothman, Affirmative Action, and the demographics of Wisconsin's 6th Congressional District.  (4/28/2014)

It happened right here at the former PDQ on Airport Road in Middleton

Source:  Felony OWI 5th Offense (City of Middleton CIVICSEND)

Photo by Retiring Guy

UPDATE: Randy Hopp, guilty as charged

Ex-library board member guilty of stealing campaign signs in Elgin.  (Elgin Courier-News, 10/24/2017)


4/8/2017 update, " Randy Hopp mug shot and library board election results", starts here,.

Reported in Gail Borden candidate accused of stealing hundreds of campaign signs.  (Daily Herald, 4/6/2017)

Related reading:
Illinois Public Library District At of 1991.  (Illinois General Assembly)


Original 4/6/2017 post, "Welcome to the Elgin Illinois archives of campaign yard signs" starts here.

Reported in Library candidate charged in campaign sign theft: police.  (Courier-News, 4/5/2017)

Related articles:
UPDATE. Randy Hopp's objection only serves to shine a light on his negatives.  (1/7/2017)  
UPDATE. Randy Hopp participates in tangle at candidates' debate.  (10/15/2016)
Randy Hopp not running for a library board seat this year, now shooting for Kane County Board.  (2/26/2016)
Randy Hopp may continue to use the Gail Borden Library, but he will not be serving on the board.  (4/9/2015)
The Randy Hopp saga returns.  (1/8/2015)
Randy Hopp is no longer a Gail Borden library trustee.  (5/27/2013)
Elgin Library trustee Randy Hopp not yet fit to stand trial .  (5/23/2013)
Sign this guy up for anger management classes.  (1/19/2012)
Library board member from hell is here to stay. ( 6/19/2011)
Add Elgin Community College to the list of places where Randy Hopp is banned.  (5/2/2011)
Gail Borden's 'board member from hell' is back in the news again.  (3/26/2011)
Crossing t's and dotting i's aren't enough for this library board member. (1/15/2011)
The strange saga of Randy Hopp, library trustee.  (5/23/2010)

Siding with Wall Street, GOP continues to fill the swamp

Source:  Acme License Maker

Consumer Bureau Loses Fight to Allow More Class-Action Suits.  (The New York Times, 10/24/2017)

“Tonight’s vote is a giant setback for every consumer in this country.”  The overturning of the rule, with Vice President Mike Pence breaking a 50-to-50 tie, will further loosen regulation of Wall Street as the Trump administration and Republicans move to roll back Obama-era policies enacted in the wake of the 2008 economic crisis. By defeating the rule, Republicans are dismantling a major effort of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the watchdog created by Congress in the aftermath of the mortgage mess. [emphasis added]

On the Republican side, Lindsey Graham (South Carolina) and John Kennedy (Louisiana) were the only senators to vote 'nay'.

From the start, WEDC was never about regulation and record-keeping, according to Scott Walker himself

Source:  Governor Scott Walker Chairs the First Meeting of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation Board,   (Scott Walker Office of the Governor)

The unsurprising outcome

Foxconn contract contained 'nuclear bomb' that left taxpayers exposed, WEDC board member says.  (Wisconsin State Journal, 10/25/2017)

Gov. Scott Walker and the Republican-controlled Legislature created the agency in July 2011 to drive job creation in the state. Between then and September 2016, there were 192 awards that had been awarded and run their course, including 24 with expected job creation or retention results, the audit found. 

The audit found the agency couldn’t be certain about the number of jobs created or retained as a result of those awards. It also found the agency can’t be certain about the accuracy of jobs information in its online database because it didn’t verify the information submitted by tax credit recipients, and didn’t contractually require grant and loan recipients to submit detailed information on job retention and creation.  [emphasis added]

Other WEDC posts:

2017
UPDATE. Kestrel Aircraft: Is this a variation of Scott Walker's Foxconn strategy? (10/22/2017)
UPDATE. In light of WEDC's abysmal track record in getting it right, it's best they take no action.  (9/29/2017)
Dynamic Recycling CEO Miles Harter donates $3,075 to GOP candidates, company will get up to $535,000 in state income tax credits.  (8/14/2017)
 All told, the Kerns have donated nearly $400,000 to Republican and conservative candidates.  (8/14/2017)
WEDC at the ready to verify Foxconn job numbers.  (8/12/2017)
VF Corp. in Wisconsin: That was then, this is now.  (4/4/2017)

2016
Scott Walker: Wisconsin is open for business 'for the people who truly need it'.  (8/31/2016)
Scott Walker and WEDC: The Hillises giveth, and the Hillises taketh.  (8/29/2016)
UPDATE: Apparently, WEDC CEO Mark Hogan is willing to do Scott Walker's bidding til heat is on.  (7/14/2016)
Does this sound like openness and transparency in government? (7/14/2016)
The best and the brightest: Scott Walker-appointed WEDC CEO Mark Hogan.  (5/9/2016)
Welcome to North Mendota Energy and Technology Park (Brought to you by WEDC).  (5/3/2016)
Samantha Kerkman's "good night for Wisconsin" doesn't see the light of day.  (2/17/2016)
Dear Scott Walker, WEDC is the agency that received the scathing, damning, critical audit.  (1/14/2016)

2015
Robin Vos sez, "They don't want rebranding because they think WEDC's brand is OK."  (12/30/2015)
WEDC board members say, "Gee, maybe we should start vetting requests for financial assistance." (12/14/2015)
Scott Walker's growing list of things worth considering: U.S.-Canada border wall, wreaking havoc in Washington, tougher penalties for WEDC fraud   (9/8/2015)
Todd Jensen, former WEDC underwriter, provides the recipe for the current agency disaster.  (8/9/2015)
We know Scott Walker didn't graduate from college, but apparently he hasn't been paying attention to anyone but himself since kindergarten.  (6/25/2015)
4:24 p.m. Friday WEDC news dump.  (6/20/2015)
The stink of WEDC follows Brenda Hicks-Sorensen to Nebraska.  (6/16/2015)
Scott Walker tries to run, but there's no place to hide.  (5/26/2015)
No matter how you slice it, Alberta, it's still stinky cheese.  (5/23/2015)
Joint Finance Republicans to Scott Walker:  "You're Fired!".  (5/21/2015)
Chairman of the Board of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation -- Nice work if you can get it.  (5/20/2015)
It's story time.  (5/18/2015)
From the pay-to-play archives: The William Minihan-Scott Walker connection.  (5/17/2015)
What's wrong with this Scott Walker headline?  (5/16/2015)
Chairman of the Board Scott Walker's BIG, BOLD idea.  (5/8/2015)
Based on WEDC's previous track record, this is what came to mind when I saw first saw this headline.  (4/2/2015)
Apparently, being the CFO of WEDC is not much of a resume-builder.  (3/13/2015)

2014
WEDC's revolving door.  (9/12/2014)
Here's how the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation is "Reinventing Economic Development".  (8/24/2014)
Company looks to expand its business geographic focus?  (8/14/2014)
Scott Walker and the horrible, terrible, no good, very transparent day.  (7/28/2014)
Kestrel Aircraft: All these incentives, but no construction, no jobs.  (7/13/2014)
The Eaton Corporation/WEDC timeline of shame.  (7/10/2014)

2013
Wisconsin featured in report on privatized state economic development agencies.  (10/25/2013)
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation pledge: Following the money.  (7/23/2013)
Incompetence rewarded.  (5/9/2013)
And while we're at it, let's take a look at WEDC 's core values. (5/9/2013)
WEDC Public Information Officer Resigns After 1 Month on the Job.  (5/9/2013)
Plenty of time for messaging but none for fixing what ails WEDC.  (5/9/2013)
Previous WEDC audits?  What previous audits?  (5/8/2013)
Are you seeing a trend yet?  (5/8/2013)
Echoes.  (5/7/2013)
Get me rewrite.  (5/4/2013)
Legislative Audit Bureau Report on Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation: The "Cliff Notes" Version.  (5/3/2013
"Tales of woe never end at WEDC."  (4/25/2013)

Eau Claire City Council: The votes are in on the breastfeeding ban

7 members vote 'yes', 1 votes 'no', 3 abstain.

Source:  City of Eau Claire (with text boxes added)

Eau Claire City Council passes "breastfeeding ban" legal action may follow.  (WQOW, 10/24/2017)

Eau Claire's tax dollars at work.  The Eau City Council spent more than two hours debating Tuesday on an ordinance that would restrict children from joining members on the dais.

From the Madison Public Library clippings files: Then and now, West Mifflin, Capitol Square

April 1977

Photos by Retiring Guy

October 2017

Coincidentally, the Capitol Square just underwent a reconstruction during the past 2 years.

Other clippings files posts:
Typewriter art.  (10/9/2017)
"Houses on stilts".  (10/9/2017)
City's first skywalk opens in 1966.  (10/9/2017)
Proudfit and Regent streets widening.  (9/30/2017)
Northport connector.  (9/30/2017)
Regent Street extension beyond Rosa Road, another bad idea left on the drawing board.  (5/27/2017) 
Drake Street extension, a bad idea left on the drawing board.  (5/26/2017)

Dear Scott Walker, Even your biggest fans know you're a slacker when it comes to your jobs promise

Source:  Marquette University Law School poll

In a key area -- collar counties -- of your support.

Twit Speaker on Twitterer-in-chief

Reported in Trump meets with Republicans as Corker slams him for ‘untruths,’ ‘debasing’ the country.  (Washington Post, 10/24/2017)

Actually, Mr. Speaker, Twitter is a big problem, one of the clearest indications of Trump's unfitness for the office of the Presidency.  

The New York Times, 10/23/2017

The directive, issued via Twitter, underscored a growing fear among Republicans and business lobbyists that Mr. Trump’s bully-pulpit whims could undermine the party’s best chance to pass the most sweeping rewrite of the tax code in decades. [emphasis added]

Chemical industry insider is now another fox inside the EPA henhouse

Why Has the E.P.A. Shifted on Toxic Chemicals? An Industry Insider Helps Call the Shots.  (The New York Times, 10/21/2017)

For years, the Environmental Protection Agency has struggled to prevent an ingredient once used in stain-resistant carpets and nonstick pans from contaminating drinking water. 

The chemical, perfluorooctanoic acid, or PFOA, has been linked to kidney cancer, birth defects, immune system disorders and other serious health problems.

Related post:
Get me rewrite UPDATE. Scott Pruitt: Americans deserve an expose of my deep ties to fossil-fuel industry.  (7/12/2017)

Larry Gardner (1943-2017) Warren Area High School class of 1961

Source:  Warren Times Observer

1961 Dragon yearbook

1967 Warren City Directory

• [county section] Gardner C Russell Clarendon
• [county section] Gardner L L RD1 Clarendon

1983 Warren City Directory

• Gardner D Russell & M Valerie; retd h1259 Dutchman Run Rd
• [county section] Gardner Craig Rt 2 bSugar Grove
• [county section] Gardner Larry L r1581 Scandia Rd

Larry enjoyed a great run during the middle third of the 20th century, spending 40 years (1934-1973) in the top 50 and peaking at #10 in 1947 and 1949.  My brother Larry was born in 1952.

Source:  Social Security Administration

Other members of the class of '61:
Karen Jewell Ahlgren.  (4/9/2017)
Robert Berlin.  (3/22/2017)
James Zaner.  (6/3/2016)
David Thomson.  (4/20/2016)
William Anderson.  (3/10/2015)
Barbara Gorton O'Bier.  (1/3/2015)
Charles Grinnen III.  ((7/15/2014)
Ronald Hultman.  (6/24/2014)
Patricia Martin.  (2/17/2014)