Waukesha County Board debate... from the blogger's own mouths
The next four days will be interesting for political junkies to observe the going ons surrounding the debate over reducing the size of the Waukesha County Board. Before I give my take, I thought it would be interesting to look at the development of the story, from a blogging perspective.
The debate began when the Legislature and Governor Doyle agreed to make it easier for boards to reduce their size by lifting some of the restrictions previously mandated. Jenna at right off the shore comments on the bill signing and Vrakas' interest in taking advantage of it.
The idea quickly took off. Milwaukee Talk Radio spent time on it and then James gives us a hint that the County Supervisors aren't going to go along with the change quietly. As with any story that receives time on the radio, politicians begin to fall all over themselves to pose for holy pictures in support of the idea.
The debate of the issue officially begins. A conservative surprises many by arguing against the proposal. A liberal agrees. One of the giants in the blogosphere joins in and lays the foundation for supporting the downsizing.
Dean fills us in on the proposal that County Executive sends to the Board. The supervisors, not suprisingly, react with anger and threats to the Executive.
As the rhetoric between Vrakas and the Board escalates, so does the public debate. Talk radio predictably begins personal attacks on the Supervisors, calling them "hacks" and "incompetant". The bloggers ratchet up their posts.
Mike fills us in on the next big turn in the story, a split between two special interest allies. Patrick clears up the split with an explanation of the Waukesha Taxpayers League's referendum plans. Meanwhile, the belittling continues.
Patrick slips farther into whatever world he is living in.
A few detractors of the change do remain. A voice from the North talks of their bad experience with downsizing and a local newcomer to the blogging world speaks out against the idea without fear of reprisal. Strangely, a few days later, he stops writing altogether. Hmm....
The debate takes a turn again when conservative stalwart CRG speaks up against the downsizing. The response was swift. Charlie Sykes says the group's 15 minutes of fame are over. The very next day, James explains to us that all is well again. Perhaps Mr. Kliesmet read Charley's marching orders wrong.
Tim Rock joins the pitiful game of personal attacks with a pathetic picture. No, I didn't laugh.
Patrick regains his senses long enough to inform us that the County Board is beginning to sense that the writing is on the wall. Mike, James and Patrick call for renewed efforts to get signatures before the Board can act.
Meanwhile, Grumps wonders why he is being recruited.
Three hours of reading. So who is right and who is wrong? I'll give my take... soon.
The debate began when the Legislature and Governor Doyle agreed to make it easier for boards to reduce their size by lifting some of the restrictions previously mandated. Jenna at right off the shore comments on the bill signing and Vrakas' interest in taking advantage of it.
The idea quickly took off. Milwaukee Talk Radio spent time on it and then James gives us a hint that the County Supervisors aren't going to go along with the change quietly. As with any story that receives time on the radio, politicians begin to fall all over themselves to pose for holy pictures in support of the idea.
The debate of the issue officially begins. A conservative surprises many by arguing against the proposal. A liberal agrees. One of the giants in the blogosphere joins in and lays the foundation for supporting the downsizing.
Dean fills us in on the proposal that County Executive sends to the Board. The supervisors, not suprisingly, react with anger and threats to the Executive.
As the rhetoric between Vrakas and the Board escalates, so does the public debate. Talk radio predictably begins personal attacks on the Supervisors, calling them "hacks" and "incompetant". The bloggers ratchet up their posts.
Mike fills us in on the next big turn in the story, a split between two special interest allies. Patrick clears up the split with an explanation of the Waukesha Taxpayers League's referendum plans. Meanwhile, the belittling continues.
Patrick slips farther into whatever world he is living in.
A few detractors of the change do remain. A voice from the North talks of their bad experience with downsizing and a local newcomer to the blogging world speaks out against the idea without fear of reprisal. Strangely, a few days later, he stops writing altogether. Hmm....
The debate takes a turn again when conservative stalwart CRG speaks up against the downsizing. The response was swift. Charlie Sykes says the group's 15 minutes of fame are over. The very next day, James explains to us that all is well again. Perhaps Mr. Kliesmet read Charley's marching orders wrong.
Tim Rock joins the pitiful game of personal attacks with a pathetic picture. No, I didn't laugh.
Patrick regains his senses long enough to inform us that the County Board is beginning to sense that the writing is on the wall. Mike, James and Patrick call for renewed efforts to get signatures before the Board can act.
Meanwhile, Grumps wonders why he is being recruited.
Three hours of reading. So who is right and who is wrong? I'll give my take... soon.
posted by jyd at 12:15 AM
1 Comments:
Don't misunderstand my motives for sharing James' letter. A significant percentage of my insignificant traffic comes from the counties by the lake.
I'm in favor of most anything that gets folks off their fannies and into local involvement. Maybe, if some of these folks get involved in the board debate they'll stick around for a zoning discussion or a budget meeting.
It's just poking a stick at the bear but in a benevolent manner;)
Post a Comment
<< Home