Audio: Evansville Schools: Enrollment:

Audio: Evansville School Dist: January 9, 2012: Discussion of enrollment for upcoming school year, several options on Sage funding for k-3. Discussion of enrollment trends.


MP3 File

Agenda: Special Evansville Council Meeting: TODAY

Common Council Special Meeting Thursday, February 2, 2012, 6:30 p.m. City Hall, 31 South Madison Street, Evansville, WI AGENDA 1. Call to order. 2. Roll call. 3. Approval of agenda. 4. Motion to defer the reading of the minutes of the January 10, 2012, regular meeting until the February regular meeting. 5. Citizen appearances. 6. Discussion of City Attorney memo regarding the January vote on confirmation of the mayoral appointment of City Engineer. 7. Review of mayoral appointment process. a. Use of position-specific expertise for practicality and efficiency. b. Confirmation process is not either/or. c. Next steps in cases of non-confirmation. 8. Justification for request for proposals for municipal engineering services. 9. Motion to waive the seven-day notice on mayoral appointments. 10. Motion to confirm the mayoral appointment of Town & Country Engineering, Inc. as City Engineer. a. Selection committee overview. b. Presentation by Town and Country Engineering c. Other relevant information. d. Council discussion and action. 11. Adjourn. Sandra J. Decker, Mayor Requests for persons with disabilities who need assistance to participate in this meeting should be made to the Clerk’s office by calling 882-2266 with as much advance notice as possible. Please turn off all cell phones while the meeting is in session. Thank you.

I and E Club Meeting Feb 8th Features Eric Larsen:

I&E Club Meets Feb. 8, Features Local Entrepreneur Larsen Mark Feb. 8 on your calendar, and learn how a local computer programmer created a business and earned contest honors. The Evansville Area Inventors & Entrepreneurs Club hosts Eric Larsen, who created the box office software Expresso Ticketing. It’s a product that offers a high-end ticketing sales experience to small-sized venues. He also entered and earned honors at Accelerate Your Business Contest, designed to foster economic development in Rock County. Larsen will be speaking at the meeting set for Wednesday, Feb. 8, at Creekside Place, 102 Maple St., Evansville. Everyone is invited to the meeting, which is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be available, courtesy of Evansville Farmers Market. The local group—which will be hosting an indoor market Saturday, Feb. 25 at Creekside Place—is accepting applications for vendors. See evansvillefarmersmarket.org or their Facebook page for more information. For more information about the I&E Club, contact Sue Berg at 608-882-0986 or suebergsolutions@gmail.com, or John Gishnock III at 608-314-6656 or john.g@formecology.com. Or go to www.linkedin.com and search, under “groups” for Evansville Area Inventors and Entrepreneurs Club.

Audio: Evansville Schools: Enrollment:

Audio: Evansville School Dist: January 9, 2012: Discussion of enrollment for upcoming school year, several options on Sage funding for k-3. Discussion of enrollment trends.


MP3 File

Attn Baseball Fans !!!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact Info: Jon Frey, 608-575-4359 “STRIKE OUT FOR BASEBALL” EVANSVILLE HOME TALENT 7TH ANNUAL BOWLING FUNDRAISER The Evansville Home Talent Baseball Team has set the dates for their 7th annual 9 pin tap bowling tournament fundraiser “STRIKE OUT FOR BASEBALL”. The dates are Saturday, March 10 and Saturday, March 17 at the Evansville Bowl, 108 E Main Street in Evansville. Each date has two bowling shifts at 4:30 pm and 8:00 pm. Cash payout to top ten bowlers with a $20.00 entry fee. Reserve you lane by contacting tournament manager, Jeremy Rasmussen at 608-290-2664 or emailing him at jeremyr2@gmail.com. For more information and raffle prize list visit the team’s website at www.evansville.hometalent.org.

Google TV is Beginning

If you search any of your favorite topics in Evansville on Google, you will notice that video from the Evansville Observer is included in the search results. If you click these you will go to the video in high quality google video reader. I have not got the video to work fully yet on my old computer, but the download works fine. This has resulted in video downloads increasing by ten times---citizens have searched before for these topics, but have not seen all the video that was available. Google TV and Apple TV will both provide full access to The Evansville Observer video library. Enjoy.

Audio: Evansville Retail Market Analysis: 1/26/2012+

Audio: Evansville Retail Market Presentation: Community center: Presentation plus commentary by participants


MP3 File Last night at the presentation of the Retail Market Study at the Community Center in Evansville, the participants saw in the first opening paragraph of the findings of the consultants the possible change of theme that might help Evansville market itself---the fact that Evansville has and has had for decades a competitive pricing advantage over Madison for affordable homes. Historic is nice as a backdrop, but the center of the message is that families can thrive here in an affordable setting. This message is even more timely in difficult times. Click on the audio to download the complete discussion. Be patient as the group takes a while to examine this. Enjoy.

School Beat: 2007: Enrollment Decline

2007: Supr. Carvin reveals enrollment decline: Final numbers will be on third Monday of Sept count as well as open enrollment final numbers. Enrollment decline gives district some "breathing room."

"What's In YOUR Trunk?"

What's in YOUR Trunk?": The Weight Reflections Recenly I have been attending a weight management class as part of a planned weight loss over the next year or so. I would like to lose about fifty pounds----I got some new eyes with catarect surgery, some better hearing with some new hearing aids, and I am determined to get back to the youthful look of yesteryear----and January is the month of the year that everybody has the same idea---have you been to the Evansville Health Club lately. There is a "Body Transformation Challenge" with the "Blue Team" and the "Black Team". I take my hats off to these folks----in fact, I am sponsoring a person on the "Black Team". I check in weekly to see how the team competition is coming. Check it out.... Anyway. last week, my instructor started out the class by asking the Question: "What's In Your Trunk?" This headline shocked me a bit. I had just buried my beloved "heavy chey" in Minneapolis that my daughter had been driving, and I know vividly the last review of the trunk----I had it loaded with a spare water pump, starter and lots of other parts that I thought for sure would fail...and I wanted to be prepared. When the problem came, it was diagnosed by the big city folks as "electrical" and I had to put the car out of its misery while I could still afford to.... Right in the middle of my quick mental review of "My trunk", my instructor told us what was in her trunk---some tennis shoes, yaktrax, sweats, some party beverages, some snacks for the road to avoid the drive throughs etc. yes even some wine just in case a party broke out. So, in short, planning for party and fun and health. Then I thought about my own "trunk", my stomach that I had been storing up with candy bars just in case I needed a burst of energy in crisis. I could see that all my "trunks" needed to be revamped. So I will just ask you the question: "What's in YOUR trunk?"

Univ. of Wisconsin and Sweatshop Labor

The UW has been a leader in the prevention of sweatshop labor in the manufacture of its apparel. Will it also be a leader in the prevention of sweatshop labor of the shops right next door to the apparel workers---namely the computer component manufacturers----Addressing the Apple labor is the next step. Stay tuned.

Evansville Retail Market Research Presentation, TOMORROW, Jan 26, 2012: 5:30PM

City of Evansville Special Meeting Retail Market Research Presentation Thursday, January 26, 2012, 5:30 p.m. Creekside Place, 102 Maple Street, Evansville The City of Evansville is hosting a presentation by Madison consulting firm Ady Voltedge on retail market research and analysis in our community, including recommendations and implementation strategy. A majority of the Evansville Common Council and the Economic Development Committee may be present and actively participating in the meeting. A majority of any City Committee—including but not limited to Redevelopment Authority, Plan Commission, and Finance Committee—may be present and actively participating in the meeting. No formal action will be taken by the Common Council or any City Committee during the meeting. Requests for persons with disabilities who need assistance to participate in this meeting should be made to the Clerk’s office by calling 882-2266 with as much advance notice as possible. Please turn off all cell phones while the meeting is in session. Thank you.

Audio: Evansville Council Defies Mayor

Audio; Evansville Common Council: 1/10/2012: Council defies Mayoral appointment as well as recommendation of selection committee of new City Engineer; Defies Wietecha recommendation.


MP3 File

Audio: Evansville Schools: Enrollment:

Audio: Evansville School Dist: January 9, 2012: Discussion of enrollment for upcoming school year, several options on Sage funding for k-3. Discussion of enrollment trends.


MP3 File

School Board Met Tonight; Key Meetings Coming Feb 13th and Feb 27th

EVANSVILLE COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT Board of Education Regular Meeting Agenda Monday, January 23, 2012 6:30 p.m. District Board and Training Center 340 Fair Street Note, public notice of this meeting given by posting at the District Office, Levi Leonard Elementary School Office, Theodore Robinson Intermediate School Office, J.C. McKenna Middle School Office, High School Office, Evansville School District Web Site: www.evansville.k12.wi.us, and by forwarding the agenda to the Evansville Review, M&I Bank, Union Bank & Trust and Eager Free Public Library. I. Roll Call: Dennis Hatfield Kathi Swanson Eric Busse John Rasmussen Tina Rossmiller Sharon Skinner Nancy Hurley II. Approve Agenda. III. Budget Finance – Chair, Eric Busse - A. Action Items: 1) Approve Girls Swimming Co-Op With Edgerton. 2) Approve Staff Changes: Teacher Resignation. B. Discussion Items: 1) 2011-2012 Budget Update. 2) 2012-2013 Budget Process Update. 3) Update on Evansville Education Foundation. 4) Update on New Employee Handbook. 5) Update on District Office Staffing Plan. C. Develop Budget Finance Draft Agenda for February 27 Meeting. IV. Policy – Chair, Nancy Hurley - A. First Reading of Policies: 1) Policy #225-Evaluation of the District Administrator. 2) Policy #225.1-Colleague Assessment Questionnaire. 3) Policy #231-Recruitment and Appointment of District Administrator. 4) Policy #232-District Administrator (Job Description). 5) Policy #233-Resignation and Release of District Administrator. B. Develop Policy Agenda Draft Agenda for February 27 Meeting. V. Board Development – Chair, Kathi Swanson - A. Report on January Wisconsin Association of School Boards Convention. B. Strategic Planning Update. C. Update on District Administrator Search. D. Board Evaluation Process. E. Develop Board Development Draft Agenda for February 27 Meeting. VI. Future Agenda – Chair, Kathi Swanson - A. Develop February 13 Regular Board Meeting Agenda. VII. Executive Session – Under Wisconsin Statute 19.85(1)(e) to Discuss Evansville Education Association (EEA) Negotiations. Mission Statement: The Evansville Community School District, in active partnership with families and the community, will provide a positive learning environment that challenges all students to achieve personal excellence and become contributing citizens of the world community.

Evansville Public Works Committee did NOT support Selection Committee decision to select new City Engineer

Public Works Committee Regular Meeting Tuesday, December 27th, 2011 at 6:00 p.m. DPW Shop, 535 South Madison Street, Evansville, WI MINUTES 1. Call meeting to order @ 6:06pm. 2. Roll call; Todd Culbertson, Mason Braunschweig, Dave Wartenweiler, Dave Sauer & Sandy Decker. Cheryl Fuchs was absent. 3. Motion to approve the agenda as presented by Culbertson, seconded by Braunschweig, passed unanimously. 4. 10. New Business- a. Discussion to committee regarding the engineer RFP and subsequent interviews. i. The process was explained to the committee and it was presented to the committee for the committee’s opinions. Wartenweiler expressed the opinion that he was very comfortable with Sauer as engineer and he would hate to see the city go a different way. Todd expressed the fact that he had no comparison and that he had no problem deferring to the committee. 09pm by Culbertson seconded by Braunschweig, passed. Mason Braunschweig, Chair Public Works Committee

"Local Hospital President Explains...": Tales From Normal, Mn.: FICTION

Local Hospital President Explains Millions in Salary: Tales From Normal, Mn.: FICTION The local hospital titan from Normal,Mn announced in a startling press release that his current salary of three million dollars is NOT excessive when one considers that he is the head of 15 different shell organizations that the corporation has been split into---and he further reassured the locals that because he capitalizes his salary, it never affects patient costs---he treats it just like a building expense... And furthermore.....he is in charge of all accounting of the organization. NICE,

Repost:2008: The Deregulation of Wall Street: The Traders Little Book:

Tuesday, February 5, 2008 "Cold Calling Cowboy"----The Wild West ; The Deregulation of Wall Street Over the past thirty years there has been a transition from a structured investment environment to one that is "deregulated"---it has been marked by the end of the era of salaried brokers with higher commissions and research, to a world of $7 trades and computer simulations. It has been a movement from wise older traders to young, churn and burn robots. "Where has been the saving,?" you might ask. I like to compare the situation to the airline industry. Years ago, when airfares were higher, and Northwest Airlines had ZERO debt, the transportation industry and financial services industry was seen as a public sector, where the government had a say in an organized and supervised code of conduct for all participants----those days are gone. When I fly, I always feel more comfortable when I know there has been maintanance done on the engines. The cheapest fare is not consoling if I see flames coming from the engines. Ditto for the financial services industry. When investment just becomes a transaction, when people just become a transaction, and when "churn and burn" becomes the overriding element in business, the customer always loses. Consequently, I reject the notion that nostalgia for the good old days of regulation is senile and old fashioned. I believe it just makes economic sense for the investor. Recently a lone French trader for a bank, using "proprietary trading funds", in the throes of breaking up with his girlfriend, took enormous options risk and....despite the bank even knowing about his risks, but not understanding it or choosing to ignore it for fear they would impede some gains, caused a 7 billion dollar loss. Imagine what would happen worldwide if just a dozen or so financial professionals broke up with their girlfriends. Yes. Girls that is something to consider. You may think you are just breaking up....but you might just be causing a global catastrophe. Be True to your man....o.k. In summary. The incredible catastrophe of ENRON was not just ENRON. The real catastrophe was that as a nation we have modeled our financial institutions on ENRON. And we have the major tactic of DELAY, the verb, not the noun. Posted by Evansville Observer at 1:20 PM

States Facing "Death Spiral"

All across the United States, states, counties, and even cities, and some we might know.....are facing a situation where their local property taxes are 20% above the rest of the country, and at the same time they are considering raising taxes further....at the same time they are facing large declines in job formation...and in fact people are...(whisper it) "leaving." Jobs in government leaving...jobs in the private leaving. National leaders are talking about how much they love to fire people. Governors are refusing to spend even a little to generate job growth..... This puts the individual property owner in a pickle of a situation.....nobody will buy the homes for sale....nobody can afford to buy them if they wanted to....and so people are frozen in place without the stable employment situations that make stable home ownership possible.....Folks are frozen in place... I call this the "Death Spiral." Sound familiar?

OpEd: Utility rate Cases that rely on Past natural gas rates MISLEAD:

Evansville is currently proposing a electric utility rate case to the PUC of Wisconsin based on a return on investment based on OLD natural gas rates needed to generate that electricity....HUH? the whole natural gas environment has been set on its ear with the vast supplies of natural gas that has been discovered due to fracking. Anyone following the natural gas developments knows that supply is up, inventory is up, and gas demand is down bigtime due to warm weather. Those who project the future costs of utilities based on the past are practicing organized deceit. Make a note of it.

Audio: Evansville Council Defies Mayor

Audio; Evansville Common Council: 1/10/2012: Council defies Mayoral appointment as well as recommendation of selection committee of new City Engineer; Defies Wietecha recommendation.


MP3 File

Audio: Evansville Schools: Enrollment:

Audio: Evansville School Dist: January 9, 2012: Discussion of enrollment for upcoming school year, several options on Sage funding for k-3. Discussion of enrollment trends.


MP3 File

CapTimes: UW joins with other colleges for bulk E-book purchase

http://host.madison.com/ct/news/local/education/campus_connection/campus-connection-uw-madison-joins-forces-to-bulk-purchase-e/article_3116d5c0-41f8-11e1-985b-001871e3ce6c.html Now that colleges are making the switch to E-books purchased in bulk, the next question is when high schools will follow. The Sooner the better.

Audio: Community Devlopment Block Grants in Evansville

Audio: Common Council: The Evansville Observer asks the question. The Eager Economy Store will begin paying its loan back in 2013.


MP3 File

School Budget Deficit Requires Preemptive Layoff Notice:

With all the unknown variables, and the looming deadline for layoff notice on March 1, schools that want to be fiscally prudent have to issue a preemptive notice of layoff to all their employees----At the recent meeting, the School Board in Evansville reviewed cuts of $17,000, when the deficit is over 1.5 million. Supr. Carvin said that she felt the deficit would be make up for by "attrition." The inference from this was that no layoffs would be necessary. That is fiction.

Audio: Evansville Council Defies Mayor

Audio; Evansville Common Council: 1/10/2012: Council defies Mayoral appointment as well as recommendation of selection committee of new City Engineer; Defies Wietecha recommendation.


MP3 File The Appointment Recommendation by the Mayor and the Selection Committee was the result of two "L's": LISTENING and LOGIC. If one attended all the meetings over the past five years in the City of Evansville, and then, after reflection, asked what if there would be ONE action, above all others, that would assure that for the next 50 years this city would avoid the pain and problems of the past, what would that action be? The Mayoral appointment was the answer to that question.

Audio: "The Survey": Tourism 1/11/2012

Audio; Evansville Economic Development: Tourism Subcommittee: Meeting 1/11/2012: Some overview and details on the status of the Tourism survey conducted online and some on paper.


MP3 File

Video: "I just knew she'd Understand" Doc of Rock

Video: "I Just Knew She'd Understand": original lyrics and arrangement by Doc of Rock, Prof. Den Cooper; performed at the Doc of Rock Soul Sessions, River Falls, Nov. 4, 2011

Audio: "The Survey": Tourism 1/11/2012

Audio; Evansville Economic Development: Tourism Subcommittee: Meeting 1/11/2012: Some overview and details on the status of the Tourism survey conducted online and some on paper.


MP3 File

Evansville Observer Salutes Albany Media Club

Albany Schools now has a Media Club, that in cooperation with a company called Play-on-Sports is filiming school events for web viewing. They have begun with some sports events and are expanding their scope. Bravo!!! Click on the link for their website and clips. I wish Evansville Schools would do the same. What a wonderful idea. The link is : www.wiaa.tv/albany

OpEd: Professional Conduct is the key for the future of Evansville Engineering services

In a stunning action tonight, the Evansville Common council disregarded the recommendation of the selection committee that recommended a new City Engineer. The Mayor of Evansville, Sandy Decker, who had attended many of the meetings of Public Works over the past few years that dealt with the enginnering difficulties facing Evansville, summed it up----the future of Evansville requires a firm not a person...it requires professional conduct. The Evansville Observer could not agree more. The just moments appointed new council member of the fourth ward abstained from the vote. The other post of the fourth ward voted against. It is hoped that with some education of what is at stake, the decision can be revisited in the future. Evansville has become the poster child for BAD engineering and BAD development planning. It is time for a change. The recommendations of the Mayor and Administrator were courageous and deserve citizen support.

Evansville School Board disregards Open Enrollment Math

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nmzjwak_mjY&context=C3c7e828ADOEgsToPDskLJQTobsRYHKvT9HhDvQ25z The Evansville School Board on Monday night disregarded the input of former President Michael Pierick and adhered to the advice of Mr. Busse that seemed to say that any decline in gross revenue and gross state aid income was a bad deal===as Mr. Pierick pointed out in ALL cases currently, Evansville loses a little bit on each and every Open Enrollment student it takes, and if a district is , just for example 1.5 million dollars in the red, it would be prudent for it to consider that breaking even matters.

Audio: Evansville Council Defies Mayor and Administrator:

Audio; Evansville Common Council: 1/10/2012: Council defies Mayoral appointment as well as recommendation of selection committee of new City Engineer; Defies Wietecha recommendation.


MP3 File

Video: Evansville School Board Talks budget: 1/11/2012

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKnf44c4zGE&feature=plcp&context=C32490c3UDOEgsToPDskLJQTobsRYHKvT9HhDvQ25z

Click on the link for the video in Utube. Enjoy.

Audio: Evansville Schools: Enrollment:

Audio: Evansville School Dist: January 9, 2012: Discussion of enrollment for upcoming school year, several options on Sage funding for k-3. Discussion of enrollment trends.


MP3 File

Audio: Evansville School Dist: Budget

Audio: Evansville School Board: Jan 9, 2012: Business Manger reviews the budget


MP3 File

WEAC: Teacher Non-renewal notice; Wisconsin

http://www.weac.org/wcea/RESOURCES/non-renewal%20season.pdf

Progress on Tourism Study noted:

City of Evansville

Economic Development Committee Subcommittee on Tourism

Wednesday, December 14, 2011, 2 PM

Creekside Place, 102 Maple St., Evansville, WI

 

MINUTES

1. Call to order at 2:07 p.m.

2. Roll call. Present:  Berg, Farnsworth, VanDerHaegen.  Guests:  Sandy Decker, Jim Brooks; Todd Culbertson, Ed Francois, Sandy Larson, Dr. Jeff Richards, Paul Warren.  Absent:  Ardisson, Hamby.

3. Motion to approve agenda:  Farnsworth/VanDerHaegen.  Unanimous.

4. Minutes to waive the reading of the minutes of the November 9, 2011, meeting and approve them as printed.  Farnsworth/VanDerHaegen. Farnsworth/VanDerHaegen.  Unanimous.    

5. Introduction of ad hoc committee members:

Kyle Allen, Allen Realty

Todd Culbertson, Rock ‘N Rollz / Alderperson / Parks

Ed Francois, Francois Oil

Sandy Larson, Larson Acres

Dr. Jeff Richards, ProSpine Chiropractic

Paul Warren, Dave’s ACE Hardware

6. Citizen appearances.  None.

7. Update on tourism surveys from Sue Berg.
1. As of Dec. 14, 130 total responses:  16 from visitors, 114 from residents.  13 visitor online surveys; 99 resident online surveys. Resident responses exceed standard 2% market response rate (100 responses), based on population of 5,012.   Committee consensus recommends closing resident survey due to adequate responses.  
2. More visitor responses are desired.  Target goal is 36.  Berg will send updated news release to Evansville Review and Thrive newsletter, encouraging visitor participation.  City and Chamber web sites will be asked to pull down resident survey and emphasize visitor survey.
3. Tourism members will be emailed links to the online survey results.

8. Tourism inventory sheets.
1. Committee members listed additional tourism assets.  Committee consensus was to continue adding items independently.  Berg will update the inventory sheets, and email them to committee members.  Inventory sheets are due to Berg Jan. 4.   

9. Other resources 
1. The Rock County Tourism Guide has been updated, and Berg proofread the relevant pages. Advertising opportunities:  Brooks shared that the weather channel on Charter offers a one-year package with reduced rates for advertising on the crawl.  Information will be forwarded to Berg.  Berg is updating text and calendar information for the Rock County (tourism) Guide. 
2. Berg reviewed the first draft of the required tourism research summary. 

10. Set next meeting dates.  The next meeting is set for 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2012. 

11. Motion to adjourn at 3:20 p.m.  Farnsworth/VanDerHaegen.

Common Council Meeting Tuesday will feature new proposed ordinances on Duplex and Conditional Use

12. Introduction of New Ordinances

A. First Reading of Ordinance 2012-01, Amending Chapter 2 of the Municipal Code, Relative to Charges for Non-Sufficient Funds. [Sponsors Brooks and Braunschweig].

B. First Reading of Ordinance 2012-02, Amending Chapter 130 of the Municipal Code, Relative to Duplex Standards in R-2 District, Duplex Definitions, and Duplex Regulations. [Sponsors Braunschweig and Brooks].

C. First Reading of Ordinance 2012-03, Amending Chapter 130 of the Municipal Code, Relative to Conditional Use Permit Applications. [Sponsors Braunschweig and Brooks].

Background Briefing: The Iranian Crisis 1979-1981: Deja VU?

http://middleeast.about.com/od/usmideastpolicy/a/me090413a.htm

Take time to brief yourself on the Iranian criss that derailed the Carter Presidency----maybe some politicos are dusting off their skills for a Crisis Part II.....Stay tuned.

Evansville School Board Meets Monday: Jan 9, 2012

EVANSVILLE COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

Board of Education Regular Meeting Agenda

Monday, January 9, 2012

6:30 p.m.

District Board and Training Center

340 Fair Street

Note, public notice of this meeting given by posting at the District Office, Levi Leonard Elementary School Office, Theodore Robinson Intermediate School Office, J.C. McKenna Middle School Office, High School Office, Evansville School District Web Site: Evansville.k12.wi.us, and by forwarding the agenda to the Evansville Review, M&I Bank, Union Bank & Trust and Eager Free Public Library

6:00 Two board members are available to listen to the public on a drop in basis.

I. Roll Call: Dennis Hatfield Kathi Swanson Eric Busse John Rasmussen

Tina Rossmiller Sharon Skinner Nancy Hurley Board Rep. Hertina Kan

II. Approve Agenda.

　

III. Public Announcements/Recognition/Upcoming Events:

 School Crossing Guards Appreciation Week – January 9-13

 Wisconsin Association of School Board Convention – January 18-20

 Open Enrollment Application Period – February 6-24

 Kindergarten Orientation Meeting – February 23, 6:00 pm

 Kindergarten Screener – March 14, 15, and 16

 Back to School Days - August 15 and 16, 2012

 Donation of $1,000 to both Music and Band Departments by Don and Mary Cornwell

 Joe Francis, Buildings & Grounds Director, Nominated for School Safety Coordinator of the Year Through Wisconsin School Safety Coordinators Association

 Following Students Graduated From Youth Options Nursing Assistant Program During the First Semester: Through Blackhawk Technical College – Alexandria Resendez and Brianna Dallman; Through MATC – Mallory Phalin, MaKenzie Abey, and Emily Templeton

　

IV. District Administrator Report – District News and Strategic Planning.

　

V. High School Board Representative Report – High School Events.

　

VI. Information & Discussion:

A. Update of 2012-13 Budget Draft.

B. Enrollment/SAGE.

C. School Board Election Update.

D. District Administrator Search Process Update.

E. Wisconsin Association of School Boards (WASB) Resolutions.

　

VII. Business (Action Items):

A. Approval of Open Enrollment Class Limits.

B. Approval of Evansville/Albany Wrestling Co-Op Contract.

C. Approval of Evansville/Albany Football Co-Op Contract.

D. Amend February 24, 2011, Special Board Minutes.

　

VIII. Consent (Action Items):

A. Approval of Policies: #553-Media Equipment Loan; #553 Form-Media Loan Agreement; and #831-Weapons on School Property.

B. Approval of December 12 Regular Meeting Minutes.

C. Approval of November Reconciliation Report and Bills.

　

IX. Set January 23, 2012, Regular Meeting Agenda.

　

X. Executive Session – Under Wisconsin Statute 19.85(1)(e) to Discuss Evansville Education Association (EEA) Negotiations.

Mission Statement:

The Evansville Community School District, in active partnership with families and the community, will provide a positive learning environment that challenges all students to achieve personal excellence and become contributing citizens of the world community.

Vision Statement:

Creating a culture of excellence in:

 Academic achievement

 Character development

 Pursuit of arts, athletics, and other activities

 Community engagement

 Highly effective staff

This notice may be supplemented with additions to the agenda that come to the attention of the Board prior to the meeting. A final agenda will be posted and provided to the media no later than 24 hours prior to the meeting or no later than 2 hours prior to the meeting in the event of an emergency.

Persons needing special accommodations or more specific information about the agenda items should call 882-5224, Ext. 3387, at least 24 hours prior to the meeting.

Posted: 1/5/12

New Wind Siting Bill Introduced

For immediate release

January 5, 2012

Contact: Mojgan Hall, 608-266-3512 Mojgan.Hall@legis.wiscosin.gov

STATE SENATOR FRANK LASEE INTRODUCES BILL ENABLING LOCAL COMMUNITITES TO ESTABLISH THEIR OWN SETBACK REQUIREMENTS FOR WIND TURBINES

Madison, WI – State Senator Frank Lasee (R) of De Pere, WI introduced a bill allowing local communities to create their own minimum setback requirements for wind turbines. Current law doesn’t allow local communities to establish distances from property or homes that 500 feet tall wind turbines can be located.

Local communities should be able to create their own rules for public safety," Lasee said. "We shouldn’t leave it to bureaucrats in Madison to make these decisions that affect home values and people’s lives. Madisonites aren’t the ones living next to the turbines.  Having a statewide standard for the setback of these 500 feet tall wind turbines doesn’t take into account the local landscape.  Local elected officials are most familiar with their area to set the correct setback distances and best represent their local constituents.”

"Over the last several months, I have spoken with numerous Wisconsin residents who have complained about wind turbines," Lasee added. “These complaints range from constant nausea, sleep loss, headaches, dizziness and vertigo. Some have said the value of their properties has dropped on account of the turbines.” 

Representative Murtha (R) of Baldwin, WI adds: “There have been many concerns raised about wind farms all over the state of Wisconsin.  This bill will finally give local communities the control they have been asking for when it comes to deciding what is right for their communities and families.”

Officials and spokespersons for local communities and organizations support Senator Lasee’s bill.

Rick Stadelman, Executive Director of Wisconsin Towns Association said:  “Local governments are responsible for protecting the public health and welfare of their communities.  Arbitrary state standards limiting setbacks and noise levels of wind turbines take away the authority of local officials to protect their community.  One size does not fit all.  This bill allows local officials to exercise local control to protect the interest of their community.”

Steve Deslauriers, spokesman for Wisconsin Citizens Coalition said:  “In order for wind development to be good for Wisconsin, it must be done responsibly and not in a fashion that sacrifices the health of those families forced to live within these wind generation facilities.  Good environmental policy starts with safeguarding Wisconsin residents and we thank Senator Lasee for submitting this bill.”

“Wind turbine siting must be done at the local level as the population varies greatly, county by county, township to township.  It is our goal to protect families within our township.  This bill gives us the authority to do that.” Tom Kruse, chairman of West Kewaunee Township said.

Dave Hartke, chairman of Carlton Township added:  “Carlton Township supports LRB-2700 because it places the authority for wind turbine siting at the local level where it belongs.  As town chairman, I am always concerned for the health and safety of our residents.”

“We applaud Senator Lasee for introducing this bill.” Erv Selk, representative of Coalition for Wisconsin Environmental Stewardship said.  “We have long thought that the Public Service Commission setbacks were not adequate to protect the people that live near the Industrial Wind Turbines.” 

Senator Lasee said, “It’s about time we as legislators return local control over this important issue to the elected officials that know their area best instead of un-elected bureaucrats in Madison.”

Evansville Eager Library Book Sale Coming Feb 3-4

http://twitter.com/#!/EagerFreePL/statuses/153871496605995008

Click on the post for the latest.  Subscribe to their feed to always be informed.

Hawking Discovers the greatest mystery in the Universe: Yahoo

http://news.yahoo.com/women-mystery-british-physicist-hawking-135814776.html

What a breakthrough discovery.  Click on the post for the latest.

Video: 2008: Floodplain Memories: City never thought .....

Video: 2008: Cut from famous "Living in the Floodplain meeting": Wietecha says Evansville never thought that flooding was a potential problem...No elevation data in the file...nada

Citizens Shocked that budget cutbacks mean they will pay more: Tales From Normal, MN.: FICTION

http://talesfromnormal.blogspot.com/2012/01/citizens-shocked-that-budget-cutbacks.html

Click on the link for the latest.

Video: Assessment on cases of Foreclosure

Video: Nostalgia: 2008: Cautionary tale: When buyer purchases a home at foreclosure, there is a specific procedure to amend the assessed valuation. A year delay may be expected. Check your local city.

Background: 457b Pension Plans: Governmental: Evansville Finance will discuss Thurs

http://www.money-zine.com/Financial-Planning/Retirement/457-Plans/

Video; RockNetRoots: Wisconsin Lit a Fire Clear down to the Swamps of Georgia.

http://rocknetroots.blogspot.com/2012/01/video-wisconsin-lit-fire-seen-clear.html

The fire has been lit.  Click on the post for a classic.

Blogs: Chasin the news Weighs in on "The Survey"

http://chasinthenews.wordpress.com/2012/01/04/did-you-get-a-survey/

Blogs: Wisconsin Wit: "The Sky is Falling"

http://wisconsinwit.wordpress.com/2011/12/07/the-sky-is-falling/

A short and timely summary of modern journalism...Click and enjoy.

Mailbag: Occupy the Corporations Writes:

Only a few weeks remain until the two-year anniversary of the Supreme Court’s disastrous Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission ruling.

If you haven’t already, sign up today to host or attend an action on or around January 21.

Want to plan an action but aren’t sure how to start?

This Thursday, January 5, we will be joining other organizations to host a training by phone for people interested in planning or helping to plan an event around the anniversary. To attend, join us at 8 p.m. Eastern (7 p.m. Central, 6 p.m. Mountain, 5 p.m. Pacific, 4 p.m. Alaska, 3 p.m. Hawaii) by calling (209) 647-1600 and entering 458936# when prompted for a passcode.

An action can be as simple as holding signs and gathering petition signatures in front of your local branch of Bank of America or Chevron, two of the mega-corporations masquerading as people and holding outsized influence over our politicians.

Or you can conduct a citizens’ “investigation” to expose the true nature of the supposed “persons” that claim to have a constitutional right to buy greater access to our elected officials than us. Check out Occupy the Corporations for more tips, ideas and resources.

Sign up now to help “Occupy the Corporations: Expose the Impostors!” on January 21, and build the movement for a constitutional amendment to return democracy to the people.

More than 100 actions are planned around the country already!

People from coast to coast — and more than 40 national and statewide organizations including Greenpeace, 350.org, People For the American Way, Move to Amend, California Church IMPACT, and others — will take action demanding a constitutional amendment to end corporate dominance over elections and restore our democracy to We the People.

Regardless of what form your action takes, you’ll be part of a movement that has been gaining momentum at a remarkable pace, from the grassroots to Congress.

Now it’s time to step out into the national spotlight and make it clear that the American people strongly and overwhelmingly oppose the auctioning of our democracy.

Sign up now to attend or host an action on January 21.

Send a loud and clear message that the days of money and entrenched power deciding our elections are near an end!

We look forward to joining you on January 21. Let’s make this one “anniversary party” that corporate America won’t soon forget!

Thanks for all you do,

Jonah Minkoff-Zern, Aquene Freechild and Mark Hays
Democracy Is For People Campaign, Public Citizen

inventor Fun Coming January 11th; Creekside Place

Inventors Wanted Jan. 11

Open a can of creativity and come to the third annual Wacky Invention Contest! Set for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11, the contest is hosted by the Evansville Area Inventors & Entrepreneurs Club.

Usually hilarious, the event is free and open to everyone. Guests will have to beat the clock to turn a box of junk into a treasure, and then promote it to a panel of judges for bragging rights. Past “successes” include the Universal Space Tricycle and the Mass Marshmallow Roaster. Even the team trophies are creative!

The meeting will be hosted at Creekside Place, 102 Maple St., Evansville. The contest Jan. 11 is part of the I&E Club’s annual holiday party. It’s also a chance to support the club through raffles, and guests are encouraged to bring loose dollars.

Hors d’oeuvres will be served, and a cash bar for soda and adult beverages will be available. RSVPs are appreciated. Contact Sue Berg at 608-882-0986 or suebergsolutions@gmail.com, or John Gishnock III at 608-314-6656 or john.g@formecology.com.

ReplyReply All

Move...duluthphillips chair folde...Spam

Blogs: Wisconsin Wit: "At the Front"

http://wisconsinwit.wordpress.com/2011/12/22/at-the-front/

A short look back to Review Community Development Block Grants in Evansville: NOSTALGIA

Notice of Public Hearing: Feb 13, 2007, CDBG Community Development Block Grant

Publication Date: January 24, 2007

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Regarding City of Evansville CDBG Projects

A public hearing will be held on Tuesday, February 13, 2007 at 6:30 P.M., at the 3rd floor Council Chambers of the Evansville City Hall located at 31 S. Madison Street, Evansville, Wisconsin, 53536, to obtain citizen comments regarding two proposed Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) applications in the City of Evansville. The first grant would be used to help fund restoration of the Eager Building located at 7-9 East Main Street. The second grant would be used to extend sanitary sewer and water service along Cty M to serve the proposed biodiesel plant. Participants will be given an opportunity to comment on housing, public facilities, and economic development needs in the City of Evansville.

Any persons having questions about this public hearing or the projects, or needing special accommodations on order to participate in the hearing, please contact Jim Beilke, City Clerk, City of Evansville at (608) 882-2266 during regular business hours.

Jim Beilke

Happy New Year 2012: A New Beginning: (Doubleclick to enlarge)

Apple TV coming in 2012? It will feature Evansville Observer Itunes Video:

The speculation is that Apple TV will be launched in 2012----this was a very important priority for
the late Steve Jobs.  All of the Itunes items will be content on the new TV---that means for Evansville that all of the video of city meetings, all of the fun nostalgia, all of the featured lectures on The Evansville Observer will be available on Apple TV.  All in HD quality.  I just cannot wait.

2012 May bring new hit to Home Prices in Minnesota: StarTrib

http://www.startribune.com/local/136487578.html

Iowa Picks Corn---not Presidents: CBS

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-57349637-503544/jon-huntsman-iowa-picks-corn-not-presidents/?tag=re1.channel

Forget Iowa.  Does not matter. Never has...Click on the post for the story.

4th Ward Alert: Ben Laddick is circulating papers

Currently the 4th Ward needs an alderman to represent citizens.  Ben Laddick is circulating his papers.  Contact him if you wish to sign his petition.

Video: My Governor is a Jedi (comedy)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0C9ZO1mt-dE

Click on the post for the latest.

Maibag: MoveOnOrg writes re Petition to prevent Gov from cutting Pensions

I'm writing because I want to make sure that everyone in Evansville sees this urgent petition opposing Governor Scott Walker's effort to gut the retirement pensions of Wisconsin public employees.

The petition was started by Kathleen Marsh, a MoveOn member from Townsend, Wisconsin, and already nearly 15,000 Wisconsinites have signed. Will you sign the petition and help reach the goal of 20,000? Just click here:

http://www.moveon.org/r?r=268995&id=34309-2996462-n5QpD8x&t=1

You can check out the original email about this petition below.

–Steven

---

Dear Wisconsin MoveOn member,

Scott Walker wants to radically alter the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS), our public employee pension system in Wisconsin. He plans to turn this 97%-funded, defined benefit system into a high-risk defined contribution system.

If he gets his way, his investment house buddies will cash in big, while Wisconsin retirees will lose the safety and security of one of the best retirement funds in the country.

That's why I created a petition on SignOn.org to Governor Walker, as well as the Wisconsin State House and Senate, which says:

Scott Walker: Keep your hands off the Wisconsin Retirement System!

Will you sign the petition? Click here to add your name, and then pass it along to your friends:

http://www.moveon.org/r?r=268995&id=34309-2996462-n5QpD8x&t=2

Video: John Mourning Speaks: On land Purchase

School Beat; Ad Hoc Committtee: 9-10-2008: John Mourning speaks on purchase of land; on high risk of attempting to define ten years out the details of an educational system that is rapidly changing away from brick and mortar. Today, December 2011 the issue of what the educational system will look like in an era of declining enrollments and rising class sizes and full utilization of digital resources is on the front burner.

Libraries makin the move to Ebooks: Will Evansville follow?

http://www.gazettextra.com/news/2011/dec/28/libraries-stock-digital-editions-popular-titles/

Click on the post for the story in the Janesville Gazette today.  There is  a move to grow the digital books as opposed to stacking the books high to the ceiling.  It is no longer a space game....not the biggest library, but the one with the most digital resouces.  Stay tuned.

Home Prices Lower in Major Cities: Yahoo

http://news.yahoo.com/survey-home-prices-down-most-major-us-cities-140426459.html

Click on the post for the article in yahoo.  Should be interesting to see what the first quarter 2012 brings.

OpEd: After Scott Walker---What next for Wisconsin?

In a dialogue recently with a fellow resident, I mentioned that Minnesota had taken a big loss of jobs with the closing of the Ford plant in St. Paul---the home of the Ford 150.  Scott Walker was not the governor of Minnesota.

He agreed, but quickly added:  "This is a matter of priorities. The priorities will change."

Yes.  The new after Scott Walker will be about sacrifice and cuts----and the principle of ability to Pay will be the core----progressive taxation was the heart of the progressive movement in Wisconsin. The first quarter of 2012 may be stunning....the cuts will continue----and the pain will continue, because it took decades for the structural imbalance of Wisconsin finances to take their toll---those who think a mere change in the governors mansion will produce a miracle are mistaken....a total reversal of governance in all branches of government is required.

Former Evansville City Administrator Recommends Evansville Observer to citizens

(Ednote: Bill Connors posted this on Linkedin during the holidays.)

(The Observer) provides a tremendous service to the people of Evansville through his Observer blog. He makes it easy to keep up on what is happening in the community, school district, and city government. When I was the city administrator, I frequently posted messages or responses on the Observer as an effective way to communicate with the city's resdents.” December 14, 2011

Public Works meets Tuesday 12/27/011

http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=507455321654754974#editor/target=post;postID=7678723765905810721

Local Editors Visualize What is "News"

http://talesfromnormal.blogspot.com/2011/12/local-editors-visualize-what-is-news.html

Click on the post for this breaking story.

Mailbag: Hurley writes: Evansville Schools Administrator Search Information

Hello Friends,

I know this is an extraordinarily busy time of year, but I wanted to let you know that the Evansville School District will begin its search for a new District Administrator as soon as school restarts in January, and the School Board would like to get as much input as possible. As you know, our District faces many challenges in the year ahead, and the Board wants to do all it can to find the very best fit for a new Administrator. Focus Groups will be held with the Board, staff, students, and the public at large on Tuesday, January 3 and Thursday, January 5. Each session will last about a half hour, and participants will be asked to answer 7 specific questions.

Some sessions are scheduled with specific persons or groups and some are Open Sessions for anyone to attend. Below are listed the dates, times, and places for relevant sessions.

Tuesday, January 3

Open Session 9:00 a.m. District Board and Training Room

Open Session 3:00 p.m. District Board and Training Room

Open Session 5:00 p.m. District Board and Training Room

Rural Townships 5:30 p.m. District Office Conference Room

Clergy/Daycares 5:30 p.m. District Board and Training Room

K-5 Parents 6:00 p.m. District Board and Training Room

6-12 Parents 6:30 p.m. District Board and Training Room

Thursday, January 5

Retired Teachers/Seniors 9:00 a.m. District Board and Training Room

City Officials/Former Board Members 9:30 a.m. District Board and Training Room

ECP/Chamber 10:00 a.m. District Board and Training Room

Open Session 1:30 a.m. District Board and Training Room

If you’re interested in attending one of these focus groups please contact Kelly Mosher at the District Office either by phone at 882-3387 or by email at mosherk@evansville.k12.wi.us. Kelly will need your address, telephone number, and email address so she can confirm with you the date, time, and location of your session and send you the questions to look at before the group meeting.

You can find more information on the District Administrator search by looking under What’s New on the district’s home page. Click on District Administrator Search Update. If you would like to give your input on the DA Search but can’t attend a focus group you can still provide feedback through the Community Survey, which should be posted on the district’s Web site in the near future.

I hope you’ll consider giving us your input. Thanks for getting through this email. Have a wonderful holiday. Hope to see you in the New Year.

Movie: Catch the Culture: Terry Whipple speaks

Click on the post for a memory from the Economic Development conference in Evansville.

Video: 2008: Merry Christmas Musical Bonus--

Musical Debut: 2008: George Wollinger and Jacob Wollinger----Christmas Day---St. Paul's Church--Evansville, Wi.

Video: 2009: I & E Club: Dr. Carol Scovotti

Video: 2009:Dr. Carol Scovotti; "Killer Mistakes in Marketing Small Business----

Evansville Observer video now on Youtube: Check it out.

Selected videos from the Evansville Observer are now on Youtube. Click on the post for the channel. If you go full screen, Youtube fully displays the video and audio quality. Enjoy.

Nostalgia: Memories of the Candidates Debate: 2006: Mason Speaks on Possible Pipedreams

(Ed note: This is a copy of the original post of 2006)

Last night at the Bauer Haus was a mayoral forum that consisted of two parts---first a 10 minute presentation by each candidate, and then a short question and answer period where each question asked was answered by each candidate.

The first question was asked by Mason Braunschweig, 590 W. Main, an aldermanic candidate in the April election. He asked " What would you do as Mayor to reduce taxes?"

There was a moment of silence since it may have been a long time since the prospects of reducing actual spending has been in view. Both Sandy Decker and Mike Anderson responded that they felt the city budget was in order and so no area that could sustain big cuts. Karen Aikman, the current Finance Chair, responded that yes Evansville taxes were high, but the thing to concentrate on was developing more commerical and industrial tax base which might provide some relief to homeowners. The key was not to concentrate on absolute cuts but on having the homeowner tax burden shrink relative to the total taxes paid.

If any candidate wants to add to this description, feel free to do so.

The comment line is open.
Posted by Evansville Observer at 2:05 PM Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook
4 comments:
Mason B. said...
The question was fair and so were the answers...mostly.

A popular answer is that if we bring in commercial industries and businesses then we can help reduce the tax burden felt by the citizens. That is all well and good, but what if the courtship of a large scale industry is a pipe dream? What if we have spent too much on the downtown restoration that we have little left to offer in incentives to a new industry here in Evansville? I am not saying downtown restoration is a bad thing, I am saying you can stretch a dollar only so far.

I understand that my queries call for speculation based upon premises that have been created by the local government in place, however I think the local government must realize that we cannot have our cake and eat it too!

I like the idea of grant applications and requests. I hate that this idea is not already been abused by our local government.

As for the presumption that there is no fat to trim in Evansville, well I find that a little hard to believe. I know an awful lot of money goes to the police department. How many costs are associated with ridiculous internal investigations or flipped squad cars in this city?

I have yet to attend a city council meeting or a committee meeting where someone requests money and has been turned down. Maybe it is time to check the little "drops in the bucket," because they have certainly accumulated.

10:55 PM

Shooting in the courthouse in Grand Marais, Minn: Mpls Star

Click on the post for the latest. They had a sign on the door. yo.

Rich People DON'T Create the Jobs: Yahoo: Blodgett

Click on the post for the story.

Changes Coming for Evansville: Gazette

City Administrator Dan Wietecha will be leaving...

Click on the post for the article in the Janesville Gazette by Gina Duwe.

OpEd: Evansville needs a strong City Administrator: Not "Billy bob"

Years ago there was a referendum where the city of Evansville residents decided...decided that we needed...and at the time very desperately...a strong city manager...that the weak decentralized way of doing things...a way that I term "billy bob" was not going to work..it had led to multiple disasters...

Now more than ever we need a wise experienced city manager that can stand and represent the interests of Evansville citizens and not just the few. Stay tuned.

President Obama proposes continuing cuts to Social Security funding source to......WHAT?

Click on the post for the latest.

Wisconsin Turns American History on its head: Tales From Normal, Mn.: Fiction

Click on the post for the latest.

Minnesota May get snow today beginning about Noon.

Click on the post.

Yahoo: Finance: Relax ...Markets will act

Do not worry about the politicians--the markets will act. Click on the post.

Water and Light meets tomorrow: Higher water rates on the agenda

Click on the post for the full agenda.

Gazette; Parkview votes to close two schools:

Gina Duwe has the scoop. Click on the post for the full story in the Gazette.

City of Evansville Meetings Feed

Check out the Evansville City meetings podcast link....lots of audio and video going back to 2005.

Click on the post.

Dateline Europe: "Lets Just Talk about possible solution and then....do nothing...and other funny stories"

This story is in development. Stay tuned.

Mailbag: Tammy Baldwin Writes:

The Obama Administration recently finalized a new effort to help distressed homeowners avoid foreclosure. The new plan allows those with government-backed mortgages to refinance their existing loans with a lower interest rate and lower monthly payments. This is welcome news for those who qualify. To find out if you qualify for this new program or other existing programs, click here.

Since the housing collapse began in 2007, too many families have lost their homes in foreclosure, some as the result of potentially criminal behavior by mortgage lenders. Middle class families struggle to refinance mortgages with artificially high interest rates. Small businesses struggle to get the credit they need to grow, and high unemployment persists. I understand these frustrations and I know that economic recovery will not occur until the housing market recovers.

Many factors led to the current housing crisis. One of these factors was the actions of Wall Street firms making huge gambles in the housing market. Big banks made billions in risky loans which were chopped up and sold off to unsuspecting investors and pension funds as low-risk investments. These false claims were then backed up by the very ratings agencies who were supposed to protect these investors. In the years leading up to the collapse of the market, Wall Street reaped billions in profits. When this house of cards collapsed, middle class Americans were left holding the bag.

Now, having been bailed out by U.S. taxpayers, most of these institutions have returned to business as usual, reaping huge profits and paying big bonuses.

The U.S. Department of Justice and State Attorneys General initiated lawsuits against some of the worst offenders, including Citibank, JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, Bank of America and Ally Financial. These suits are currently in settlement talks and there are reports that the big banks may be granted immunity from both civil and criminal penalties in exchange for a relatively small payment. If this reported deal is allowed to proceed, once again, big banks could be let off the hook and homeowners would be left holding the bag.

I am leading an effort in Congress to see that those families who were victimized by unscrupulous and illegal activities by banks and mortgage companies are made whole.

Earlier this month, I wrote to Attorney General Eric Holder opposing any settlement that grants large mortgage servicers immunity for their wrongdoing while offering no significant help for struggling homeowners. To read my letter to Attorney General Holder click here.

I also introduced a Congressional Resolution (H.Con. Res. 85), expressing that it is the sense of the House of Representatives that any action taken by the Department of Justice should hold mortgage servicers fully accountable for fraudulent behavior, and adequately compensate victims harmed by the servicers’ wrongdoing. Read my resolution here.

Over the past few years, I have heard from homeowners throughout Wisconsin whose lives have been turned upside down by the collapse in housing, and the loss of jobs and retirement savings. I will pursue every avenue to see that those who were wronged are allowed a remedy.

If you or someone you know is a distressed homeowner seeking assistance, you will find a number of resources on my website. As always, my staff also stands ready to assist if at all possible. You may contact my Wisconsin office at 608-258-9800. I look forward to being of service as I continue my work to address Wisconsin’s economic challenges.

Sincerely,

Tammy Baldwin
Your Member of Congress


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