The BID/Open Record scandal is just getting bigger... Alderman Patton gets a pass.
Still no word of any logistic answers... It is very much like Wayne's World 2 now... The naked Native American told Mayor Scrima in a dream that everything will work out fine in the end. (Allegedly...) ;)
What is coming up. (Before one takes the New Day money, the Common Council needs to see where the money is from first!)
I did not know that...
The Task Force agenda is out. I guess the "downtown zoning" issue came out of nowhere and is likely another Mayoral payback for the "watchdogs" since the "excessive complaint" agenda item failed and I do not know what this is going to solve. As much as to the delight of the pro FFNL crowd to see this, it is still fishy on its real intent. If Kendal Lofts can park on first floor and no retail, the Hekkers likely can too because parking structure is an acceptable use (qq) in the B-2 zoning code, like it or not when the rules were re-interpreted... I won't be there to hear the angle parking presentation for obvious reasons, I hope some of my neighbors will represent me well... At least the task force does not have any power to make anything official until we get back to the Common Council round anyway....
Actually, Mayor Scrima did tell me in person once that he does not want to put Norm, Lynn, or Vicky on BID board too, I was quite confused when he went 180 on that. I liked it when Shawn became BID president after the whole thing with Karen which is another story to itself, and now it is really a mess.
Good Stuff.
History Lesson 9 of 9
SOUND OFF
POLICE BLOTTER
One (No.9) out of 10 ain't bad...
By the way, this is where we had dinner last night. Only because it was next to where everyone was meeting. The beer tapper system was really interesting, it was almost like a pump with the tip extended into the glass. I had a Duncan's IPA with recommendation and I was not disappointed. ( I usually do not drink IPAs.)
My frat brother Pete was trying to get me to rent a kilt which he reserved 2 weeks ago for the wedding. He did not know I am super cheap ( $75 pounds for rental!) and it is way too complex for me... ( I was also told that underwear is a must unless you are one of the real Scots.)
I wish I took some pictures as I walked down the Royal Mile late last night. It went from sidewalks full of club going youth to just a few figures in the dark with lonely street lights and old stone buildings. I saw this tiny place serving pizza and fried food, so I went in for some fish. I was reading the newspaper clipping on the wall and I guess Prince William ordered from this place once... The fish was actually pretty good, they deep fried it right in front of me.
I have an appointment with a Thai massage therapist few blocks away tomorrow, my body is not doing so hot... this ought to be interesting... ( and PAINFUL!!!)
Wedding is this afternoon and an extended hours bar permit was given out as well... (2 pm to 3 am!!!???) No blogging likely tomorrow.
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Friday, March 30, 2012
Tourist photos
This is how I ended a drunken night: Fish with salt / vinegar and Irn Bru... Instead of Ponza I guess...
Dave (groom to be) and Pete... A mini Psi Sigma Chi frat brothers reunion...
He had me with the sleeping dog...
Yummy Haggis...
They have a lot of primates here, Jane Goodall helped established a research center within the zoo.
I've finally found what Sabrina is looking for...
The zoo is fantastic here, even though it was quite expensive to get in. Most of the animals seemed happy with plenty of room to roam. I am pretty glad I had a chance to see it.
Dave (groom to be) and Pete... A mini Psi Sigma Chi frat brothers reunion...
He had me with the sleeping dog...
Yummy Haggis...
They have a lot of primates here, Jane Goodall helped established a research center within the zoo.
I've finally found what Sabrina is looking for...
The zoo is fantastic here, even though it was quite expensive to get in. Most of the animals seemed happy with plenty of room to roam. I am pretty glad I had a chance to see it.
3.30.12 Update
We saw the pandas! We arrived just in time before the open slots were all sold out. Okay, they were no Kung Fu Panda, they sleep about 20 hours a day this season. At least one of them looked like a Yoga Panda.
Slow news day so little work for me to update...
Kendal Lofts a Go.
Another mayoral recall... it is what is IN!
History Lesson 9 of 10
SOUND OFF
POLICE BLOTTER
Okay, more zoo pictures later!
3.30.12
The train trip to airport was quite a journey once again, but we arrived in time to get on the flight. The Edinburgh hotel is right off the royal mile and the cab driver was talking about how old buildings were costing too much to repair, blah, blah, blah, and his house was only built in 1830's... 1830! I thought the West Ave house I remodeled was one of the older ones in Waukesha, and that was built in 1911...
I walked out to get something to drink but I walked the wrong way. It was quite spooky walking though all these history in the dark. I did find the Starbucks for my sister and eventually I did find the supermarket. ( By the way, someone please tell Sabrina from Moxie that I have yet to find the candy she requested...)
I am sitting in the hotel lobby writing this because they want 5 pounds for daily internet access and the Wi-Fi signal is not good at the room, but the room is quite nice here ( because my sister picked it out instead of me)... I should hook them up with my friend from EthoStream to push them to Five Star rating...
The Guitar Town/BID scandal continues... Once again, why?
A key election to shape the Common Council...
Too soon?
(Update: It is 4AM in Wisconsin. Unlikely I will be getting the rest of the post out until later... Thank goodness for Starbucks... Free Wi Fi.)
(Update: It is 4AM in Wisconsin. Unlikely I will be getting the rest of the post out until later... Thank goodness for Starbucks... Free Wi Fi.)
Gotta go... I have a date with some pandas...
Thursday, March 29, 2012
3.29.12
( What can I say, everything reminds me of Waukesha...)Blackheath, London is not as Waukesha-like as Greenwich in term of street layout, but it is still a small urban town with similar shops and issues. Graffiti were seen along train routes, large amount of discarded cigarette butts/ empty beer bottles at certain corner of town, trash bags on the street waiting to be picked up, residents' garbage bins put out on side walks early, cars lined up waiting for the few pay parking slots to open up, but they do have coin operated/ self -cleaning toilet stations on the street. No, it is nothing like Galena, IL.
There will be no thoughts of closing street here because the traffic is that busy, and no options of diverting traffic to side streets; there are no street parking on the main street in town. People do walk a lot, but the culture of using public transportation is here. There are signs on the side streets that distinguish residential parking permit and business parking permit; perhaps that is an idea for Downtown Waukesha: Have Five Points street parking for visitors only and create a new class of business parking permits for side streets or certain lots...
( People around the world are living with same or "worse" situation without drama, why can't we?)
This is where I was with my niece yesterday... I can say that Divino Gelato is sweeter and which I prefer. I tried several flavors like Salted Caramel and Pina Colada before I settled on Peanuts.
I contributed to that Mega Millions Mania...
Now the building does not look so big on the Far West End.
Anything new on Waukesha Guitar Town? Still a secret on the logistics? Why? If you put things in perspective, it is really a shame this project has that political muddling to it and it could have been so great for Waukesha if we had taken our time to do it right. We will never know the potential it could have reached if the project is handled professionally with no disrespect to artists and volunteers.
Some Aurora's closing.
No" secondhand" tattoo, thank goodness...
Is one of them a potential Smart People?
Good story
Good stuff
History Lesson 8 of 10
Wiggy's column.
SOUND OFF
POLICE BLOTTER
Secret weapon testing? (Under Seige 2?)
Batting Cages a home run.
Note the 666 on picture 6 lower left corner... ????
Cute!
Flying to Scotland later today... Likely I will be seeing the pandas in the zoo there... Oh, the wedding too...
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
3.28.12
Even though the flight was not packed, I was not able to get much sleep on the Red Eye. BUT sun is shining in London town and I made it after 1.5 hours of changing trains... I so miss my car.
Wiggy is award winning!
Dean had a good comment:
Wiggy is award winning!
Dean had a good comment:
Dean Reply:
March 27th, 2012 at 12:57 pm
I don’t have any problem with the Mayor running the New Day Fund, once he is no longer Mayor.
While he is in office, there is enough potential for conflict of interest that he should have no involvement.
I sympathize with your sentiment, and recognize that the Mayor has put a significant amount of his own money into the fund. I would also acknowledge that the New Day Fund has more potential to do good works for the city – more than it would have had the Mayor just returned half his salary, which was his implied campaign promise. However, it was his choice to structure it this way. It was also his choice to tout transparency, openness, and a servant’s attitude, which he still talks about today. When push came to shove, he obstructed and the Inner Circle went into attack mode. I agree that he could come out on top if he simply apologized. From what we have seen so far, I would not expect one to be forthcoming.
By the way, the task force meeting had been rescheduled... Rumor has it that there will be more attempts to "punish" the former Scrima supporter #1, but what is the point when she is not even gonna be there!? I think by now the public had seen through the advisory nature of this task force and it could be just a delay tactic for FFNL/street closing regulation decision, score-setting for anyone not following the company line, or just another attempt of Scri-Drama. What is the end goal I wonder?
SOUND OFF -Now people are firing back...
History lesson 7 of 10
Here is your answer, Mayoral Drama Club.
Beautiful weather here, but construction is going on next door which kills any hope of a peaceful nap... I guess I will tough it out until tonight as a way to deal with the time difference...
Gonna go pick up my niece next, she will be excited to see me!
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Deep thoughts from the road
Ten people on the flight, three were the crew; I guess Toronto is definitely not a Spring Break hot spot...
Note to self: No to Alterra Curry Chicken Wrap, unless you are a fan of baby food.
Looking for real sugar in cans of Coke Diete (french) is a really dumb move...
P.S. Did not research Toronto weather... When the flight attendant asked me if I have a coat, I knew I was in trouble... The walk of shame from the plane to the door in thirty degree weather while wearing short sleeves and shorts was punishing enough.
However... Free Wi-Fi is priceless...
3.27.12
One more for the road... I will update when I can (find Wi-Fi).
Wiggy has some reading to do.
Hotel Waukesha has a new home.
Sarah's old post about Meiji.
Good stuff.
Someone worked with Les's exhibit in Milwaukee told me once that Les was a pack rat like me, he had houses full of promotional items, posters, flyers... Local musician Bob also told me once that Les used to steal car batteries as a youth on Whiterock for his inventions...
Gregg writes more good stuff.
Update on People's.
History Lesson 6 of 10
SOUND OFF
POLICE BLOTTER-Jumbo pack!
Still nothing about Guitar Town sponsor package or anything logistic-wise other than artists' working progress.
Watchdogs on bars, housing mix, graffiti, and extra TVs.
I do not know when is the next "Task Force" meeting but April 1st is coming up for a recommendation on FFNL/street closure.
Not sure what this means but Kendal Lofts will go in front of Plan Commission tomorrow.
Good luck with Waukesha drama and city hall/BID scandals... I am outta here!
Wiggy has some reading to do.
Hotel Waukesha has a new home.
Sarah's old post about Meiji.
Good stuff.
Someone worked with Les's exhibit in Milwaukee told me once that Les was a pack rat like me, he had houses full of promotional items, posters, flyers... Local musician Bob also told me once that Les used to steal car batteries as a youth on Whiterock for his inventions...
Gregg writes more good stuff.
Update on People's.
History Lesson 6 of 10
SOUND OFF
POLICE BLOTTER-Jumbo pack!
Still nothing about Guitar Town sponsor package or anything logistic-wise other than artists' working progress.
Watchdogs on bars, housing mix, graffiti, and extra TVs.
I do not know when is the next "Task Force" meeting but April 1st is coming up for a recommendation on FFNL/street closure.
Not sure what this means but Kendal Lofts will go in front of Plan Commission tomorrow.
Good luck with Waukesha drama and city hall/BID scandals... I am outta here!
Monday, March 26, 2012
Not again!
Sunday, March 25, 2012
3.25.12
Today is a rare day off for me, my main objective today is to pack for my trip.
Ms. Kool and I did go out for lunch and we decided to go to Meiji on JJ. We were too early, so we went to check out another new store on Bluemound: Asian American Grocery is across from Kopps and I had been eye-ing it out for a while. There were plenty of goodies, but you do need to check the expiration date here and there. It is nothing like a store in Chicago or Milwaukee, but I'll take it!
When we finally made it into Meiji, we were pleasantly surprised. The place is huge! I looked over to the Hibachi part of the restaurant, there were like 5-6 double stations, and I was in awe of how many (cooking) hood are in there. There are some serious money in this place! We decided to go Chinese instead of sushi, and I picked out four authentic dishes, two of them were appetizers. They were spicy but tasty, we felt like we were in LA or any west coast city eating this. Ms. Kool was very happy, I was very happy. Even though their traditional menu is not as extensive as Peking House, we did like the dishes they made and the flavor was more complex than Peking from dish to dish.
We will go back again to try the rest of the two menus... By the way, even though the place is named after a Japanese emperor whom started the modernization of Japan, I was speaking Chinese with the waitress... That corner of Waukesha will be an interesting spot in a few years, with THE CORNER coming near and La Fuente coming in the former Steak and Shake building...
Isn't it nice I don't have to talk about Mayor Scrima or Main Street for once, I even get to walk my dogs today! Sometime my funny sense of justice does get me in trouble, but I do look forward to the new Freeman website that had been hinted for a while. I can too ride into sunset like Huck... Or maybe not... ;)
I am all packed and ready to go... After this Tuesday, the postings will likely not be in the morning but late in the evenings until I come home. ( Let's hope angle parking does not get rushed through while I am out of town...) Thank you for reading and sorry for any inconveniences...
Ms. Kool and I did go out for lunch and we decided to go to Meiji on JJ. We were too early, so we went to check out another new store on Bluemound: Asian American Grocery is across from Kopps and I had been eye-ing it out for a while. There were plenty of goodies, but you do need to check the expiration date here and there. It is nothing like a store in Chicago or Milwaukee, but I'll take it!
When we finally made it into Meiji, we were pleasantly surprised. The place is huge! I looked over to the Hibachi part of the restaurant, there were like 5-6 double stations, and I was in awe of how many (cooking) hood are in there. There are some serious money in this place! We decided to go Chinese instead of sushi, and I picked out four authentic dishes, two of them were appetizers. They were spicy but tasty, we felt like we were in LA or any west coast city eating this. Ms. Kool was very happy, I was very happy. Even though their traditional menu is not as extensive as Peking House, we did like the dishes they made and the flavor was more complex than Peking from dish to dish.
We will go back again to try the rest of the two menus... By the way, even though the place is named after a Japanese emperor whom started the modernization of Japan, I was speaking Chinese with the waitress... That corner of Waukesha will be an interesting spot in a few years, with THE CORNER coming near and La Fuente coming in the former Steak and Shake building...
Isn't it nice I don't have to talk about Mayor Scrima or Main Street for once, I even get to walk my dogs today! Sometime my funny sense of justice does get me in trouble, but I do look forward to the new Freeman website that had been hinted for a while. I can too ride into sunset like Huck... Or maybe not... ;)
I am all packed and ready to go... After this Tuesday, the postings will likely not be in the morning but late in the evenings until I come home. ( Let's hope angle parking does not get rushed through while I am out of town...) Thank you for reading and sorry for any inconveniences...
Saturday, March 24, 2012
3.24.12
I hope it is "United Way" someday.
I'll take it.
What to do with the reward money...
Are we talking about taser or rubber bullet shotgun?
This is kinda funny. A sitting mayor needs to advertise to tell you how "great" things are in the city (again)...
(...and don't mention "parking" to him during Plan Commission when it comes to Kendal Lofts... Or the connections of the "Smart People" to New Day Fund, Guitar Town and Plan Commission. It is a secret... The real question should be who will be appointed in the varies commissions come April... )
Brush collection days...
SOUND OFF-Clarke Hotel is likely not too happy with Freeman right now. I think the hotel will be fine as the wedding season coming.
POLICE BLOTTER-Cupcake!
Darryl's column
BASEBALL!!!
Zep plays with Tunnel Vision idea.
A Public Art opportunity?
If I remember it correctly, that is in honor of the first female Hispanic immigrant in Waukesha and now connects to a lot of Hernandezs in the city. I should ask Ame again.
Erik did some digging and report back. I still miss Jennifer's beer battered cod.
The shop ordered homemade soup from RiverMill Foods yesterday for lunch and I liked both kind I ordered. I had the Stuffed Green Pepper and Yucatan Lime. We also got a cheesecake sample pack for Jason's birthday and it was such a bad, bad idea... Now we want the giant cheesecake six pack instead of the bite size ones...
Have a great weekend! I have some packing to do...
I'll take it.
What to do with the reward money...
Are we talking about taser or rubber bullet shotgun?
This is kinda funny. A sitting mayor needs to advertise to tell you how "great" things are in the city (again)...
(...and don't mention "parking" to him during Plan Commission when it comes to Kendal Lofts... Or the connections of the "Smart People" to New Day Fund, Guitar Town and Plan Commission. It is a secret... The real question should be who will be appointed in the varies commissions come April... )
Brush collection days...
SOUND OFF-Clarke Hotel is likely not too happy with Freeman right now. I think the hotel will be fine as the wedding season coming.
POLICE BLOTTER-Cupcake!
Darryl's column
BASEBALL!!!
Zep plays with Tunnel Vision idea.
A Public Art opportunity?
If I remember it correctly, that is in honor of the first female Hispanic immigrant in Waukesha and now connects to a lot of Hernandezs in the city. I should ask Ame again.
Erik did some digging and report back. I still miss Jennifer's beer battered cod.
The shop ordered homemade soup from RiverMill Foods yesterday for lunch and I liked both kind I ordered. I had the Stuffed Green Pepper and Yucatan Lime. We also got a cheesecake sample pack for Jason's birthday and it was such a bad, bad idea... Now we want the giant cheesecake six pack instead of the bite size ones...
Have a great weekend! I have some packing to do...
Friday, March 23, 2012
3.23.12
I was talking to someone about tunnel vision the other night. It seems to be a shared trait in downtown Waukesha. It is a good quality when you are an entrepreneur, the single-minded drive can take you far, but it is very bad when it comes to a community. When you have a group with shared tunnel vision, or "drinking the kool-aid" saying it not so nicely, then it is a tyranny of the mass. There will be no change from the vision or the company line, and then comes the wishful thinking and bully tactic to get one's way. What happens when you have more than one group with tunnel vision? What happens when you have politicians with tunnel vision? Power is a funny thing, it corrupts absolutely...
(I am starting to have visions of people getting dragged to town square as counter-revolutionary during the Cultural Revolution... Free thinking is the enemy, questioning authority is treasonous...)
I am still waiting to hear about sponsor package and proposed location by the tattoo shop. Terrible customer service I tell you if they are trying to sell me a giant guitar with two months to go ... I certainly do not want to be put in a spot like Pay or "Else" later when my fund is allocated elsewhere already. However, I will still be proud to have some of the artists I know and recommended in the project, don't get me wrong, but if I ask more questions then I am anti-Waukesha and anti-Les Paul? Or am I just "Downright Silly like Da Wiggy".( You can put that on a shirt!)
(Years ago I took a historical tour in Philly, there were these little plaques on side of buildings, some buildings had them, some didn't. The story was that those were plaques you buy to "support" the fire fighter companies (Unlike these brave modern day fire fighters.) . If you did not have it and your house was on fire, the fire fighters would come but they would watch it for a while... perhaps you would suddenly find "support" in your wallet, or your house would burn to the ground as they watched... History (or urban legend?) has a funny way of repeating itself and yet people with tunnel vision tend to find a way to justify a "shake down"...)
What do I care if I am voted off the island like Mr. Reilly... ;)
...but then I will be kicking myself when Waukesha Guitar Town turns out just like Waynestock...
Interesting bedtime story...
(Holy crap, I AM Jerry Springer...)
Conspiracy theorist in me thinks the public is given a neat and simple answer...
Yes, I would, with pink goo on the side, please... ;)
Good stuff... Everyone should at least attend one of the Honor Flight homecomings once.
Good stuff and thanks for supporting local art.
Good stuff and a dream comes true.
... and more good stuff.
This is coming near by the way.
New poll places.
SOUND OFF-Here comes the anonymous sound off again, still following the script. (Note the "Jim" calling again.) ("ELECT"? Are they fearing Wiggy will head up the mayoral recall? Wiggy is not interested in public office.)
POLICE BLOTTER
This is just terrible...
This is a sad ending... Bill and I had a conversation years ago about drunk people fell off boats while peeing, his theory was that the sudden change of body temperature can affect one's balance. I hope this is the case instead of the more sinister Smiley Face Killer scenario.
Wow, how do I end the blog post this way... Sorry that I did not make it to Bodway's and both Wisconsin teams lost... I was working late.
P.S. Ms. Kool reported that Time Warner did come out to "fix" the Turbo Internet and discovered the last technician installed a device to "Slow Down" the speed... Huh? Yet I am having problem connecting again... I better go find a reliable Internet connection now!
(Years ago I took a historical tour in Philly, there were these little plaques on side of buildings, some buildings had them, some didn't. The story was that those were plaques you buy to "support" the fire fighter companies (Unlike these brave modern day fire fighters.) . If you did not have it and your house was on fire, the fire fighters would come but they would watch it for a while... perhaps you would suddenly find "support" in your wallet, or your house would burn to the ground as they watched... History (or urban legend?) has a funny way of repeating itself and yet people with tunnel vision tend to find a way to justify a "shake down"...)
What do I care if I am voted off the island like Mr. Reilly... ;)
...but then I will be kicking myself when Waukesha Guitar Town turns out just like Waynestock...
Interesting bedtime story...
(Holy crap, I AM Jerry Springer...)
Conspiracy theorist in me thinks the public is given a neat and simple answer...
Yes, I would, with pink goo on the side, please... ;)
Good stuff... Everyone should at least attend one of the Honor Flight homecomings once.
Good stuff and thanks for supporting local art.
Good stuff and a dream comes true.
... and more good stuff.
This is coming near by the way.
New poll places.
SOUND OFF-Here comes the anonymous sound off again, still following the script. (Note the "Jim" calling again.) ("ELECT"? Are they fearing Wiggy will head up the mayoral recall? Wiggy is not interested in public office.)
POLICE BLOTTER
This is just terrible...
This is a sad ending... Bill and I had a conversation years ago about drunk people fell off boats while peeing, his theory was that the sudden change of body temperature can affect one's balance. I hope this is the case instead of the more sinister Smiley Face Killer scenario.
Wow, how do I end the blog post this way... Sorry that I did not make it to Bodway's and both Wisconsin teams lost... I was working late.
P.S. Ms. Kool reported that Time Warner did come out to "fix" the Turbo Internet and discovered the last technician installed a device to "Slow Down" the speed... Huh? Yet I am having problem connecting again... I better go find a reliable Internet connection now!
Thursday, March 22, 2012
"Butt Heads" of Downtown Waukesha
If you live or work here for a while, you know what I am talking about. There are a group of people, male and female, that would open up the cigarette receptacles even if you put screws on and pick out cigarette butts and "reuse" them.
BUT this is beyond our control when we find this as they pick through it. All we can do is cleaning it up.
3.22.12
Sarah posted this on Twitter yesterday, it is quite interesting... (actually from Hotel Waukesha)
I don't remember Dutchland but Jennifer's. I can think of quite a few other places too like China City, Benny's, Rose Sub, Charlene Kay's, Bits of Britain, Banditos, Coco's, T Rex... and some other detail here.
Sonia gave me this... it makes me hungry... I think we sure can export the heck out of this resource. I remember reading that at places there are so many of them and so few fishermen catching them, the fish will jump into the boat at times.
Someone also asked me to post this email that is going around town:
I would still urge the Watchdogs to step back a little: you are not fans of certain bars, everyone knows it but as we thank you for the clean up effort, sometime too close of a "watch" is giving ammo to your opponents, it was few hours after the St Patty's Day activities after all... We do have bigger issues at hand. Some also said no bars in downtown sells Ice House beer in cans. The debate goes on here.
There are also confirmations out that there will be 18 FFNL dates "TO OCTOBER". There will be 6 stages (Allo! Chocolat, Martha Merrell's, Steaming Cup, Mia's, Magellan's and Poppin' on Broadway.)
Is this what Ronsta mean about Escape to the East End? Patch did get ahead of Freeman on this story... UPDATE: Okay, I was wrong. See Comments.
Arrangement of flowers is quite an art. (Ms. Kool informs me that they are our neighbors...)
A bigger Spring cleaning coming.
There were a discussion online and then came this. A lot of speculation out there I was told...
Alderman Paulsen against the world.
Has to find another place now...
SOUND OFF- Here comes the scripted play via anonymous Sound Off: Questioning Guitar Town=Anti-Waukesha/Les Paul. Is it really too much to ask about the sponsor package and location/liability issue? I like to know and make an informed decision. (Before my trip would be very nice.)
POLICE BLOTTER
Wiggy's column- No firework yet.
A mystery... (reminds me of the ending of the movie Red State.)
Big games tonight... See you at Bodway's...
Bonus thoughts for the day:
Jason and I were discussing meaning of life over beer the other night, and he said something really stayed with me. Empathy and Compassion are different, because Compassion brings someone up from the lows if one allows and work at a higher, positive level. Empathy means you go down to the dumps with that person and now you are both in the lows. I guess we all need some compassion for each other at certain point...
I don't remember Dutchland but Jennifer's. I can think of quite a few other places too like China City, Benny's, Rose Sub, Charlene Kay's, Bits of Britain, Banditos, Coco's, T Rex... and some other detail here.
Sonia gave me this... it makes me hungry... I think we sure can export the heck out of this resource. I remember reading that at places there are so many of them and so few fishermen catching them, the fish will jump into the boat at times.
Someone also asked me to post this email that is going around town:
Meghan,
Our "Working for Waukesha" volunteers cleaned up downtown and the mess in the parking lot behind HOG and Magellan's
There's now a smelly mess from their leftover cabbage YUCK (see attached)
There were beer cans, bottles, cups and glasses everywhere.
Likewise, there were cigarette butts galore...way too many for our volunteers to pick up
Shouldn't bars be responsible to clean up after their patrons?
Tom
Tom
There are also confirmations out that there will be 18 FFNL dates "TO OCTOBER". There will be 6 stages (Allo! Chocolat, Martha Merrell's, Steaming Cup, Mia's, Magellan's and Poppin' on Broadway.)
Is this what Ronsta mean about Escape to the East End? Patch did get ahead of Freeman on this story... UPDATE: Okay, I was wrong. See Comments.
Arrangement of flowers is quite an art. (Ms. Kool informs me that they are our neighbors...)
A bigger Spring cleaning coming.
There were a discussion online and then came this. A lot of speculation out there I was told...
Alderman Paulsen against the world.
Has to find another place now...
SOUND OFF- Here comes the scripted play via anonymous Sound Off: Questioning Guitar Town=Anti-Waukesha/Les Paul. Is it really too much to ask about the sponsor package and location/liability issue? I like to know and make an informed decision. (Before my trip would be very nice.)
POLICE BLOTTER
Wiggy's column- No firework yet.
A mystery... (reminds me of the ending of the movie Red State.)
Big games tonight... See you at Bodway's...
Bonus thoughts for the day:
Jason and I were discussing meaning of life over beer the other night, and he said something really stayed with me. Empathy and Compassion are different, because Compassion brings someone up from the lows if one allows and work at a higher, positive level. Empathy means you go down to the dumps with that person and now you are both in the lows. I guess we all need some compassion for each other at certain point...
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
3.21.12
The silence on Main Street is deafening... What is up with Guitar Town? Aside from some artists' progress, we still have no firm detail on the locations, nothing yet on promised sponsor package, no more mentions of ill planned re-branding, BID money washing/ appointment scandal, and the already questionable New Day Fund which faces the annual disclosure coming in April. (Shall we find out who were the "donors" and what "interest" they have in the city, not mentioning all the conflict of interest issue going across the board on the New Day Fund, Guitar Town and City Hall.) We were handed a great thing by Gibson but somehow we were told to rush it but with no good explanation. The downtown elders are all in but what was the carrot? At what price the downtown became Mayor Scrima and his Smart People's playground? Is it gonna come down to a last minute Scri-Drama and if anyone or Common Council does not support it, then the PR blame will fall on the "naysayers"?
It will take some courage by all the downtown players to stand up, come clean, and say NO MORE SECRETS. The questions are legit and the public are not getting answers. The power players who are being led by promises can easily become the fall guys just as fast; it is wake up time. Why not ask the the betrayed former Scrima supporter whom went door to door for him? It will be an advantage for some if we fight among ourselves and lose sight of the big picture, we stop talking about the looming water issue, the falling apart of a city infrastructure on a tight budget, the many layers of truth about Lori-Gate and ultimately the many failings of the Mayor's Office.
Why would a former judge come out and attack Wiggy when Wiggy has law on his side? Obstruction of Open Records Law is not silly. While the argument is set up by an anonymous Sound Off? Name calling will only make Wiggy dig harder and harder if no one learn yet. By now the whole town can see the fear they have for Wiggy and here comes the bullying tactic? BTW, Who is/are running the Mayor's Office anyway?
We desperately need someone to run the city professionally full time again, and likely someone with experience, well qualified and NOT good at googling the "past".
Gregg's column.
At least someone is getting a new sign or two.
I might need it someday...
Hey, the top cop wants to talk to you... What did you do this time?
Sorry for a late posting time. Internet was kicking my behind all morning. Thanks Time Warner Cable Turbo Speed! ( Nothing but trouble since we upgraded... I have to drive to work to finish this blog. Ms. Kool will have a fun day working with NO Internet while she works with Internet phone...)
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
3.20.12
Slow news day, but it is a good time to announce that this blog will be somewhat affected a week from now as I will be traveling. I have no idea what kind of access to Internet I will have but I will try to have something posted at different time of the day as what everyone is used to. Sorry for the inconvenience.
Nice recovery...
Chief Jack just said NO!
The City of Carroll is being built...
Fundraiser coming.
SOUND OFF-There is that "RECALL" word again.
POLICE BLOTTER
Congrats!!! It's my frat brother!
More and more secret...
BTW, word on the street is that Mr. Bodway is not a fan of this, especially after another "noise" confrontation that did not make the blotter last week. Forget Peace on Main for a minute, how about Peace on West End? Hate breeds hate and I do not like where this is going...
P.S. Still no word on the sponsor package. Is that a secret too? The needless secrecy of Guitar Town project logistics is quite puzzling.
Nice recovery...
Chief Jack just said NO!
The City of Carroll is being built...
Fundraiser coming.
SOUND OFF-There is that "RECALL" word again.
POLICE BLOTTER
Congrats!!! It's my frat brother!
More and more secret...
BTW, word on the street is that Mr. Bodway is not a fan of this, especially after another "noise" confrontation that did not make the blotter last week. Forget Peace on Main for a minute, how about Peace on West End? Hate breeds hate and I do not like where this is going...
P.S. Still no word on the sponsor package. Is that a secret too? The needless secrecy of Guitar Town project logistics is quite puzzling.
Monday, March 19, 2012
A few thoughts
I did not wake up early enough to participate in the clean up. I do have to apologize and give thanks to all. Being the morning after St. Patty's is kinda hard. I do hope I contribute a little as I attempted to power wash the awning and the result is remained to be seen. ( It was another Al Bundy moment.) Time is at a premium these days and once again, I thank you and I apologize.
From the previous post, you know there is an air of vindictiveness from the Mayor's office and the whole bunker mentality. I truly hope this will not chain reaction to create further chaos on the street. When everyone is looking over their shoulders and pointing fingers at neighbors, we are divided and the controlling party wins. Did I really like the fact the city asked me for a $950 survey so I can remodel a downtown building? It is a cost of doing business and with in the scope of rules and regulation. With the question on 10-20 parking spots during Plan Commission, some can argue it is the cost of being on the Mayor's bad side for asking questions but it passed. I did not decide to do the 453 project for a politician that will come and go, I know this building will be here a long time and it will become another contributing element of a renewed downtown. People at BID get it, my neighbors get it, my readers get it and let's all take a deep breath and step back a little.
Wiggy is still running into walls, and I have to mention that Lynn did everything to comply and there were no issues. Sooner or later, there will be a public outcry on all these tactics to obstruct open record laws...However, I do wonder if all of Alderman Patton's deleted emails are still sitting online somewhere and it just takes one of us to assist... As much as I would like to donate $25 for Wiggy to get these records so all can see, I know this is now a matter of principle.
Peace on Main will take some leadership, and it will be up to Common Council to end all these madness...
Bonus: a re-introduction of Hotel Waukesha.
From the previous post, you know there is an air of vindictiveness from the Mayor's office and the whole bunker mentality. I truly hope this will not chain reaction to create further chaos on the street. When everyone is looking over their shoulders and pointing fingers at neighbors, we are divided and the controlling party wins. Did I really like the fact the city asked me for a $950 survey so I can remodel a downtown building? It is a cost of doing business and with in the scope of rules and regulation. With the question on 10-20 parking spots during Plan Commission, some can argue it is the cost of being on the Mayor's bad side for asking questions but it passed. I did not decide to do the 453 project for a politician that will come and go, I know this building will be here a long time and it will become another contributing element of a renewed downtown. People at BID get it, my neighbors get it, my readers get it and let's all take a deep breath and step back a little.
Wiggy is still running into walls, and I have to mention that Lynn did everything to comply and there were no issues. Sooner or later, there will be a public outcry on all these tactics to obstruct open record laws...However, I do wonder if all of Alderman Patton's deleted emails are still sitting online somewhere and it just takes one of us to assist... As much as I would like to donate $25 for Wiggy to get these records so all can see, I know this is now a matter of principle.
Peace on Main will take some leadership, and it will be up to Common Council to end all these madness...
Bonus: a re-introduction of Hotel Waukesha.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Is that a threat?
"And for those things to come to light, we would be wise to focus on the good and look out for others so that others will look after us." Mayer Scrima
Someone asked me, is that a veiled threat to the media and "Bloggers and Troublemakers"? I already know what is like to be on the "Naughty List"... The message was pretty clear during the Plan Commission...
Someone asked me, is that a veiled threat to the media and "Bloggers and Troublemakers"? I already know what is like to be on the "Naughty List"... The message was pretty clear during the Plan Commission...
Saturday, March 17, 2012
3.17.12
Are you ready for corn beef and cabbage!? I am!
I bought just about all the Guinness Truffles from Allo! Chocolat yesterday for the shop and it was a big hit with the customers. Most of them said they were too pretty to eat but glad they did. Roger sent a message to say there will be 100+ more for sale today... Don't miss out on the Sweet of the Week!
( How about that response explaining the pro FFNL position, Mr. Igielski? We had established the fact that "Truffles are delicious". ) :)
Another downtown biz owner asked me about the rumor of WTC leaving town on the street, I told him it is Scott from American Tattoo, not us.
(We are booked well into mid April, it is a good problem to have when we are scrambling to find time for our customers.)
Sorry to hear about this. I think I tattooed one of her grand kids when he turned 18...
Number One!
This can be interesting or maybe not...
WTC is working on it in our own ways... It is tough when we are all foodies...
I still use that Sentry a lot. How about a Dave and Buster's?
Psst, the mayor wants to talk to you...
SOUND OFF- Wiggy's "Pillar of Truth" is still swinging...
POLICE BLOTTER
Yeah, how about that sponsor information about Guitar Town? It is overdue...
:) Have fun out there today, stay safe.
I bought just about all the Guinness Truffles from Allo! Chocolat yesterday for the shop and it was a big hit with the customers. Most of them said they were too pretty to eat but glad they did. Roger sent a message to say there will be 100+ more for sale today... Don't miss out on the Sweet of the Week!
( How about that response explaining the pro FFNL position, Mr. Igielski? We had established the fact that "Truffles are delicious". ) :)
Another downtown biz owner asked me about the rumor of WTC leaving town on the street, I told him it is Scott from American Tattoo, not us.
(We are booked well into mid April, it is a good problem to have when we are scrambling to find time for our customers.)Sorry to hear about this. I think I tattooed one of her grand kids when he turned 18...
Number One!
This can be interesting or maybe not...
WTC is working on it in our own ways... It is tough when we are all foodies...
I still use that Sentry a lot. How about a Dave and Buster's?
Psst, the mayor wants to talk to you...
SOUND OFF- Wiggy's "Pillar of Truth" is still swinging...
POLICE BLOTTER
Yeah, how about that sponsor information about Guitar Town? It is overdue...
:) Have fun out there today, stay safe.
Friday, March 16, 2012
3.16.12
No word from the pro FFNL/street closing side. I still hope Mr. Igielski will present a response as a civil reply to Mr. Barta's position. Would the FFNL organizers voluntarily trim the frequency to 14 for the 2012 application? Why not? We eagerly await for something to demonstrate their willingness to negotiate and accommodate the affected businesses. (By the way, don't miss the Guinness Truffle special at Allo! Chocolat... Truffles are delicious...)
The other day some of us were talking about starting a friendly pool of seeing when the first alcohol related arrest will be on Saturday. Last year was 7:00 AM I think... Don't be THAT person just so you can say you predict it correctly...The WTC crew are booked solid but we will paint the town green after work too... Maybe we will be watching this most excellent band later? Mr. Nipple Gate and the Danger Girls approve.
...Then wake up early next morning for this!
Rooftop dining soon?
Did someone sign Mayor Scrima up for this yet? It is FREE. Some people came and expressed amazement on the Mayor's antic but I got some "Thank You" too. I did go water the three private parking spots in hope of them grow into twenty.
SOUND OFF- Wiggy has another fan... BUT it is the Sunshine week however... If Guitar Town becomes Guitar Gate, it is not Wiggy who failed all the hard working volunteers. (Thank you, BTW.)...
Meanwhile, it is getting really serious here...
Three "chamber of commerce" in Waukesha!?
POLICE BLOTTER
Good stuff
Today is the LAST DAY to sign up for the Riverwalk for Breast Cancer at $20! Join our team!!!
The other day some of us were talking about starting a friendly pool of seeing when the first alcohol related arrest will be on Saturday. Last year was 7:00 AM I think... Don't be THAT person just so you can say you predict it correctly...The WTC crew are booked solid but we will paint the town green after work too... Maybe we will be watching this most excellent band later? Mr. Nipple Gate and the Danger Girls approve.
...Then wake up early next morning for this!
Rooftop dining soon?
Did someone sign Mayor Scrima up for this yet? It is FREE. Some people came and expressed amazement on the Mayor's antic but I got some "Thank You" too. I did go water the three private parking spots in hope of them grow into twenty.
SOUND OFF- Wiggy has another fan... BUT it is the Sunshine week however... If Guitar Town becomes Guitar Gate, it is not Wiggy who failed all the hard working volunteers. (Thank you, BTW.)...
Meanwhile, it is getting really serious here...
Three "chamber of commerce" in Waukesha!?
POLICE BLOTTER
Good stuff
Today is the LAST DAY to sign up for the Riverwalk for Breast Cancer at $20! Join our team!!!
Happy Birthday, Lyra!
Six was a good year for me... but I never did get a rocket! So jealous...
P.S. Sorry that I missed the time to call, I fell asleep...
Thursday, March 15, 2012
3.15.12
Pretty funny at Plan Commission last night. Mayor Scrima was a little irritated. It was very clear that I am on his Naughty List. At least I am not the evil one...
james wigderson
Any day you get called "evil incarnate" can't be all bad.
However, I do need to thank the entire Plan Commission for giving me the chance to fix up a downtown building, even if it was kinda hostile from the mayor. Thank you so much for letting me invest in downtown Waukesha. The warm reception (and the attempt of score-setting) from the mayor makes me want to do it again and again...
(For a minute I remembered that I am a minority, so I quickly left the city hall parking lot and I told my architect Jose to do the same...) ;)
There was an impromptu debate on FFNL/ street closing when I was eating my lunch at a local establishment, and there were some ideas that came out of it. I guess it won't hurt to try: Since Mr. Barta and Mr. Igielski are both readers of this blog, would you both agree on a number here at least? Would 14 be a good middle ground for 20 and 8? That is every Friday in JUNE, JULY, and AUGUST and not before or after. Can I have you both on record to agree on that so we can all start to move on?
Escape to East End is slowly shaping up. Ronsta and Adam are going to start a late Monday night foodie get-together at different East End establishment each week...
It is a plan.
Can you help?
I agree with Erik. Going on both sides of the river makes sense.
If you are wondering about the T-T bar, it was "tabled" last night, no pun intended
I was told that I missed a lively WDBA meeting... Peace on Main already exists in a smaller scale, it is a concept we practice daily and strive toward in our own ways... I am a believer.
By the way, do you know Magellan's has BIG salad? When I say big I mean big. For $9-9.50, it is a huge plate of goodies! I am a fan...
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
3.14.12
The BID committee meeting went well, two out of three grants requests were approved, the sign grant is still pending on the design and what happens tonight at the Plan Commission. It should be quite a meeting with Thumpers up for approval. I will put all the rumors to rest that 453 project is not going to be a nudie bar, I know certain biker gang member is deeply disappointed. ( It is not allowed in B-2 zoning anyway.)
This will move my prediction of the next city administrator being male closer to reality.
Man on the Street came in to tell me Guitar Town will present the sponsor package to public by Friday. I was able to point Kya to the right person for some technical answers. Looks like I irritated some people however...
Gregg is ready...
A lot of history there...
Downtown Cleanup coming...
For more street debate, please go here.
Darryl agrees that Mayors are dramatic people...
SOUND OFF
POLICE BLOTTER
The lamb stew is really good...
A shout out to Carol for doing a lot of cleaning up of downtown on her own... Thank you. Sabrina likes a shout out for Moxie's new lip tattoo line and hair chalk line... I am not modeling that for them... They gave me some hair oil so I put a whole bunch on top of my head, and Holly ended up had to wash it out when I turned into one of those sad birds from Exxon Valdez spill... How would I know the proper way of applying hair oil? I am a guy!
Also, a shout out to Mr. and Mrs. HBR for being the newest homeowners in Waukesha! Congrats!!!
BONUS: Erik has a thought. You know, the first version of the WTC mural had elements of ghost signs of Waukesha past. However, I do have to drive by to look at that building because I do not think we are allowed to paint over bricks.
This will move my prediction of the next city administrator being male closer to reality.
Man on the Street came in to tell me Guitar Town will present the sponsor package to public by Friday. I was able to point Kya to the right person for some technical answers. Looks like I irritated some people however...
Gregg is ready...
A lot of history there...
Downtown Cleanup coming...
For more street debate, please go here.
Darryl agrees that Mayors are dramatic people...
SOUND OFF
POLICE BLOTTER
The lamb stew is really good...
A shout out to Carol for doing a lot of cleaning up of downtown on her own... Thank you. Sabrina likes a shout out for Moxie's new lip tattoo line and hair chalk line... I am not modeling that for them... They gave me some hair oil so I put a whole bunch on top of my head, and Holly ended up had to wash it out when I turned into one of those sad birds from Exxon Valdez spill... How would I know the proper way of applying hair oil? I am a guy!
Also, a shout out to Mr. and Mrs. HBR for being the newest homeowners in Waukesha! Congrats!!!
BONUS: Erik has a thought. You know, the first version of the WTC mural had elements of ghost signs of Waukesha past. However, I do have to drive by to look at that building because I do not think we are allowed to paint over bricks.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
3.13.12
453 project is going in front of the Plan Commission tomorrow, but today I will be meeting with one of the BID committees to present the plan. I hope they will like the idea of an integrated bike rack around the existing sign and perhaps even integrate the giant guitar there.
Speaking of Guitar Town, I wonder whom I need to contact about the sponsorship package. I have yet to be contacted and I believe I was the first few to express interest in a giant guitar to Lynn. I have a list of questions that I hope to find answers. Kya (Jennifer), the giant guitar artist we hope to sponsor, has a lot of questions for me but I am not in the loop. I pointed her to Clear Verve, I hope Susan can answer all her questions and work her into the marketing campaign. Kya had shown me what her plan is for the giant guitar and she is actually going to redesign the rack holding the guitar. She is quite concerned with the security of it but once again, I am not in the loop to tell her anything. I don't quite understand the secrecy, if we are talking about secret celebrity guests (likely not Ke$ha), I can understand that, but there are a lot of logistic details that are not available ( with 2.5 months to go) for no apparent good reason... Perhaps that is a question Susan can answer.
...or I should entertain the possibility that I am no longer in consideration for sponsorship for knowing Wiggy, you know, the troublemaker and blogger who ruins EVERYTHING... ;) ( or worst yet, I might be on the naughty list!)
Yeah, if that is the case, the sun will still come out tomorrow, it will be a New Day...
"Perfect!" Brien said.
This might be the first step to open the files of Lori-Gate. There seems to be a street perception that any female public figure needs to watch one's back around Mayor Scrima. It is actually kinda alarming.
A hint of "The Wall" except it is not a school anymore. Fail.
Copycat!
SOUND OFF
POLICE BLOTTER
Wish me luck today and tomorrow! 453 project is going after the Thumpers' "T-T bar" agenda item at Plan Commission, it might be a tough act to follow... ( I shall wear my rubber ducky tie...)
Speaking of Guitar Town, I wonder whom I need to contact about the sponsorship package. I have yet to be contacted and I believe I was the first few to express interest in a giant guitar to Lynn. I have a list of questions that I hope to find answers. Kya (Jennifer), the giant guitar artist we hope to sponsor, has a lot of questions for me but I am not in the loop. I pointed her to Clear Verve, I hope Susan can answer all her questions and work her into the marketing campaign. Kya had shown me what her plan is for the giant guitar and she is actually going to redesign the rack holding the guitar. She is quite concerned with the security of it but once again, I am not in the loop to tell her anything. I don't quite understand the secrecy, if we are talking about secret celebrity guests (likely not Ke$ha), I can understand that, but there are a lot of logistic details that are not available ( with 2.5 months to go) for no apparent good reason... Perhaps that is a question Susan can answer.
...or I should entertain the possibility that I am no longer in consideration for sponsorship for knowing Wiggy, you know, the troublemaker and blogger who ruins EVERYTHING... ;) ( or worst yet, I might be on the naughty list!)
Yeah, if that is the case, the sun will still come out tomorrow, it will be a New Day...
"Perfect!" Brien said.
This might be the first step to open the files of Lori-Gate. There seems to be a street perception that any female public figure needs to watch one's back around Mayor Scrima. It is actually kinda alarming.
A hint of "The Wall" except it is not a school anymore. Fail.
Copycat!
SOUND OFF
POLICE BLOTTER
Wish me luck today and tomorrow! 453 project is going after the Thumpers' "T-T bar" agenda item at Plan Commission, it might be a tough act to follow... ( I shall wear my rubber ducky tie...)
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Few quotes
Wiggy:
The biggest threat to GuitarTown isn't me, or Vicky Hekkers, or Jeff Barta, or Shawn Reilly, or even a Koolfool blogger asking questions. The biggest threat is Jeff Scrima. 2-22-12
EatWisconsin:
I know it will get you on the naughty list if you dare question any aspect of Guitar Town (I support it 100 percent) but I think there are legitimate questions about the secrecy, the rushing through, and what the ultimate goal is (rebranding?). 2-22-12
Wiggy:
Obviously controlling the message is more important to Scrima than having the truth revealed about the questionable circumstances surrounding the GuitarTown project. However, since Scrima has revealed his intentions to obstruct open records requests into the matter, serious questions surround the GuitarTown project. (So much for his promises of transparency.) As the project had almost unanimous support from the community, the obvious question is why is there so much secrecy surrounding the project? (2-16-12)
Mayor Scrima:
Team,
Blogger James Wigderson is making inquiries into the Gibson GuitarTown Project for the purpose of causing trouble. (2-15-12)
Wiggy:
it’s my understanding that the cost of rebranding the city was too much for this project (if it sees any returns), but this “rebranding” was in the works even before GuitarTown. (3-9-12)
Dolly:
Guitars Need Tuning
The more I read about the Guitars the more confused I get. I see THREE possible scenarios and I'm wondering what this is:
1. This project is a PRIVATELY sponsored and funded endeavor by the newly incorporated GT Steering Committee.
2. This is a PUBLIC project that will become Waukesha's new identity and is overseen and funded by at least SOME tax payer dollars.
3. This is a Private/Public partnership.
If it is #1 - Private:
- They need to get approvals from City Committees (Public Art, Public Works, etc) ...check
- They are free to raise funds, select artists, sponsor events any way they choose without answering to the public...check
- They can funnel their invoices through the BID.... whoa!!
- They can re-brand the City's Downtown .... whoa!!
- This organization accepts FULL responsibility for all financial and liability issues.... ??
- If there are fund raisers involved, they are accountable only to themselves.
If it is #2 - Public:
- They need to get approvals from City Committees..check
- They need to get approvals from Common Council...whoa!
- They can funnel their invoices through public organizations - but need PRIOR approvals...whoa!
- The City is on the hook for financial and liability issues... ???
- Any fundraisers must be fully disclosed, audited and fully transparent with full accountability.
If it is #3 - a Public/Private endeavor:
I could be wrong... but I'm thinking that since the City has already hopped in bed with the private entity (#1) via the BID (#2) and more intimacy will follow.... then there probably SHOULD be more scrutiny. There already ARE tax payer dollars being doled out through the BID's staff involvement and commitment of future involvement... (2-23-12)
The more I read about the Guitars the more confused I get. I see THREE possible scenarios and I'm wondering what this is:
1. This project is a PRIVATELY sponsored and funded endeavor by the newly incorporated GT Steering Committee.
2. This is a PUBLIC project that will become Waukesha's new identity and is overseen and funded by at least SOME tax payer dollars.
3. This is a Private/Public partnership.
If it is #1 - Private:
- They need to get approvals from City Committees (Public Art, Public Works, etc) ...check
- They are free to raise funds, select artists, sponsor events any way they choose without answering to the public...check
- They can funnel their invoices through the BID.... whoa!!
- They can re-brand the City's Downtown .... whoa!!
- This organization accepts FULL responsibility for all financial and liability issues.... ??
- If there are fund raisers involved, they are accountable only to themselves.
If it is #2 - Public:
- They need to get approvals from City Committees..check
- They need to get approvals from Common Council...whoa!
- They can funnel their invoices through public organizations - but need PRIOR approvals...whoa!
- The City is on the hook for financial and liability issues... ???
- Any fundraisers must be fully disclosed, audited and fully transparent with full accountability.
If it is #3 - a Public/Private endeavor:
I could be wrong... but I'm thinking that since the City has already hopped in bed with the private entity (#1) via the BID (#2) and more intimacy will follow.... then there probably SHOULD be more scrutiny. There already ARE tax payer dollars being doled out through the BID's staff involvement and commitment of future involvement... (2-23-12)
Richard:
The Breaking Point?
This thing seems to have really spun out of control. I don't see it as nasty people stirring up trouble, but rather well-intentioned people trying to cover up their errors.
I have to ask myself: What would a rational, honorable grown-up do? The answer is quite simple. The mayor comes out with a statement: I was so excited about Guitar Town and the positive impact it will have on this City, I didn't think through the process in its entirety. I am sorry I put the cart before the horse. I should have done it differently and I will be more careful in the future. Please join me in celebrating the honor of being chosen as a Gibson Guitar Town.
Then the others in cahoots come clean and say: We knew this was happening and also got more caught up in the idea than the mechanics of it. We agree it is wrong to be officers of the BID and members of Guitar Town. It IS a conflict of interest and we will recuse ourselves from any BID dealings with Guitar Town.
What then could people say? (3-9-12)
This thing seems to have really spun out of control. I don't see it as nasty people stirring up trouble, but rather well-intentioned people trying to cover up their errors.
I have to ask myself: What would a rational, honorable grown-up do? The answer is quite simple. The mayor comes out with a statement: I was so excited about Guitar Town and the positive impact it will have on this City, I didn't think through the process in its entirety. I am sorry I put the cart before the horse. I should have done it differently and I will be more careful in the future. Please join me in celebrating the honor of being chosen as a Gibson Guitar Town.
Then the others in cahoots come clean and say: We knew this was happening and also got more caught up in the idea than the mechanics of it. We agree it is wrong to be officers of the BID and members of Guitar Town. It IS a conflict of interest and we will recuse ourselves from any BID dealings with Guitar Town.
What then could people say? (3-9-12)
Where is this going? At what point Gibson will step in and say enough is enough? At what point Common Council will step in and say enough is enough? At what point community members fearing their own reputation being tarnished will step in and say enough is enough or just step away? (Not mentioning legal consideration.) At what point this will implode or fall through the web of lies it has to constantly build on?
It is truly a shame when a perfectly great project get messed up by a politician's other agenda (rebranding) or the constant effort to hide the (possible) skeleton in the closet. (Mayor's "private" New Day Fund?)
Isn't this ironic?
Isn't this ironic?
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