wisconsin citizens involvement

Very interesting take on America's problems

2012-02-04T06:41:00.001-06:00

Kiel School Board tackles 'intelligent design'

2012-02-01T09:22:00.001-06:00

Kiel School Board tackles 'intelligent design'

Battle shaping up in freshman science lessons

http://www.sheboyganpress.com/article/20120201/SHE0101/202010445/Kiel-School-Board-tackles-intelligent-design-?odyssey=mod|defcon|text|FRONTPAGE

Although the mention of intelligent design or creationism in public school science classrooms has been struck down by federal courts, the Kiel School District is considering how to present freshmen with a "balanced" view of the various theories of the origin of man.

The Kiel School Board will discuss those alternate theories at its meeting tonight, though no action is planned.

The issue kicked off last fall, when Kiel resident Patty Kubetz sent the School Board a letter asking why only evolution is presented to freshmen science students.

The question ended up on the board's list of possible future discussions and ignited the indignation of the Madison-based Freedom From Religion Foundation, which wrote the School Board a letter warning that the inclusion of creationism in public schools is illegal.

Kubetz, who home-schools her own children, said she is not trying to coax the school district into teaching intelligent design or creationism. Rather, she said, she just wants to make sure students are made aware that there is more than one way to consider how man came to exist.

"My concern is we're only teaching evolution, we're not teaching any of the other ideas of the origin of life out there that are common," Kubetz said. "People believe different things. All I'm asking is that you mention them; I'm not asking they be taught. Maybe it'll get some kids thinking, 'Why do I agree, why do I disagree?'"

Kubetz's husband, Randy Kubetz, is a member of the Kiel School Board, and the Kubetzes run a website called Wisconsin Citizens Involvement, which encourages community involvement and supports constitutional values and states' rights.

In 2005, a federal court in Pennsylvania ruled that it was unconstitutional for teachers in the Dover School District to read a brief statement introducing intelligent design in a freshman biology class.

Undeterred by that history, Kubetz has prepared a statement she hopes will be read to future Kiel freshmen: "Evolution, as a theory of the origin of life, is only one of many theories you may have heard of. Some of the most widely believed include evolution, intelligent design, creationism or the theory that life began as a series of catastrophic events, namely the Big Bang. We are studying evolution."

Though she acknowledges her family's strong Christian background, Kubetz said her interest in having this statement read is independent of her religious faith and doesn't believe it would violate the Constitution.

"I see this as a local issue, I don't see it as federal or even a state issue," Kubetz said. "I don't think the case in Pennsylvania has anything to do with this. I've worded it very carefully so we're not trying to teach it. It is my personal belief that we have a creator (but) I am not looking for that to be taught in the school system. That's for parochial schools, people who choose to home school."

Currently, the Kiel School District follows Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction guidelines on all curricular standards including science, said Superintendent Louise Blankenheim, adding that the board's inclusion of this issue at a meeting is no different than how it handles any community concerns.

"It's not something the board itself has determined to include as part of the agenda," Blankenheim said. "They're just responding to a letter from a community member. This is how they react to any type of topics brought to their attention."

Although Blankenheim declined to comment on whether she believes mentioning intelligent design in class is appropriate, she allowed that strong feelings on either side make the topic worthy of at least a discussion.

"It's very personal to people, very value-laden, but I also know I'm very comfortable with our current science curriculum and we are meeting the science standards," she said. "I'm very comfortable with how it's being handled here at Kiel."

Annie Laurie Gaylor, co-president of the Freedom From Religion Foundation, said she hopes the School Board will put the issue to bed as quickly as possible.

"We would urge them not to waste the public's time debating such an overtly unconstitutional provision," she said. "There's nothing to be gained by it. It's kind of shocking, actually. With the economy the way it is, there's no point in championing a losing battle and jeopardizing taxpayers' money and jeopardizing students.

"It isn't just the legality, it's the harm to students," Gaylor said. "(Schools) have a duty to educate, not to proselytize."

Kubetz said she only wanted to open up the discussion, and the outcome will depend upon the will of the community.

"If the community does not want it, all they have to do is come to the meeting and say 'I'm in support of it,' or 'I'm not in support of it,'" Kubetz said. "If more people are not in support of it, I will drop it. I'm not going to fight for something the community doesn't want. I'm simply getting the ball rolling."

— Reach Janet Ortegon at 920-453-5121

What is the debt and where does the money come from?

2012-01-30T12:04:00.001-06:00

Kiel science curriculum debate

2011-12-22T06:53:00.001-06:00

http://www.fox11online.com/dpp/news/local/fox_cities/kiel-science-curriculum-debate

text of the interview:

KIEL - Patty Kubetz is teaching her two children math. Kubetz homeschools her children and says she gives them a well-rounded education. Her husband Randy serves on the school board and Patty says she's concerned about the education of the children in the public school system as well.

"This isn't just about teaching my children this is about a bigger community," said Patty Kubetz.

Patty Kubetz wrote a letter to the Kiel School Board, asking them to consider adding creationism and other alternative theories on the origins of man to the high school freshman science curriculum that currently teaches just evolution.

Recently, the Madison-based Freedom From Religion Foundation sent a letter to the school board, threatening legal action if the board moves forward with what the Freedom From Religion Foundation calls "an unlawful attempt to inject creationism into public schools."

"This is unconstitutional to be teaching these creationism theories in the schools and the district and the school board need to know this," said Freedom From Religion Foundation attorney Patrick Elliot.

School board members and the school district administrator declined our requests for an interview, but in an email to FOX 11, the school board president said, "We receive myriad of concerns ranging from naming rights of facilities to lean manufacturing methods. In an effort to exercise responsiveness to our local taxpayers, we carefully consider concerns with due diligence."

Randy Kubetz says he's frustrated the Freedom From Religion Foundation is getting involved in what he calls a local issue.

"It has nothing to do with Madison, we don't tell them how to run their schools or their towns so they should leave other districts alone," Randy Kubetz said.

But Elliott says the issue goes far beyond one school.

"It's very unwise for schools to be teaching religion along side science classes," said Elliott.

But it's an issue Patty Kubetz is willing to fight for.

"It's indoctrination, we're teaching our kids that evolution is the only way out there and it's not that, even scientists are now arguing that," said Patty Kubetz.

Any changes made would affect only the high school freshman science curriculum and would not take effect until the 2013-14 school year.

2011 City Rankings - Wisconsin Elementary Schools

2011-11-16T08:40:00.005-06:00

The Kiel School District ranks for Standardize tests

City Rankings on State Standardized Tests

Elementary: Kiel Ranked 154th out of 318 Cities
Middle: Kiel Ranked 71st out of 270 Cities
High: Kiel Ranked 138th out of 197 Cities

The city rankings were calculated by taking the standardized tests used by Wisconsin to determine the proficiency level across varying grades and subjects for schools in the state. These school percentile ranks were then averaged for all elementary schools in each city and ordered from highest to lowest.

Source: http://www.localschooldirectory.com/city-schools/Kiel/WI

Kiel Student population lowering

2011-11-16T08:32:00.000-06:00

Source: http://www.localschooldirectory.com/district-schools/2828/Kiel-Area-School-District/WI

Grade Number of Students
5th Grade 88
6th Grade 104
7th Grade 108
8th Grade 92
9th Grade 94
10th Grade 118
11th Grade 128
12th Grade 125

Kiel Administration Salaries for 2011

2011-11-16T07:46:00.002-06:00

Below are the administrative staff members and their 2011 pay:
Source:
http://dpi.wi.gov/lbstat/newasr.html

Name	Position	Prorated Salary	Prorated Benefits
Louise Blankenheim	District Administrator	$116,000.00	$43,655.00
Deborah Sixel	Director of Instruction/Program Supervisor	$88,100.00	$38,326.00
Chad Ramminger	Principal	$83,063.00	$37,261.00
David Slosser	Principal	$92,482.00	$39,252.00
Heidi Smith	Principal	$39,250.00	$18,148.00
Heidi Smith	Principal	$39,250.00	$18,148.00
Dario Talerico	Principal	$97,417.00	$40,245.00
John Wolfenberg	Assistant Principal	$23,239.25	$9,838.25
John Wolfenberg	Assistant Principal	$23,239.25	$9,838.25
Dawn Mueller	Director of Special Education and/or Pupil Services	$48,754.02	$23,900.22

2011-11-11T12:33:00.000-06:00

Some big numbers

2011-11-09T16:56:00.003-06:00

$7.8 billion Which is what Fannie Mae has asked the US government for as a next bailout. No end in sight.

$112 billion Is what Fannie Mae has cost the taxpayer so far.

$169 billion The tally for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac combined to date.

$220 billion The number the US government claims baling out the pair may cost you by 2014.

Another big chart:

Joe Friday and Bill Gannon school Obama

2011-11-04T13:27:00.000-05:00

Great video to watch and learn.

Ask your grandparents what they were doing as youths

2011-11-03T08:37:00.002-05:00

Frightening chart

2011-11-02T16:49:00.001-05:00

This chart is scary. Notice the deflation of the dollar since 2000 and the price increases in commodities.

Doing more for the community

2011-11-02T04:43:00.002-05:00

Ben and Elaine baked cookies for the Kiel Police Department to show appreciation for their service.

A national issue that would affect us here

2011-06-22T09:25:00.000-05:00

On June 9, 2011, President Obama signed his 86th Executive Order, and almost nobody noticed.

(For the record, Obama is on par to match President Bush’s 291 orders executed during his two terms in office. The National Archives defines an Executive Order this way; Executive orders are official documents, numbered consecutively, through which the President of the United States manages the operations of the Federal Government.)

President Obama’s E.O. 13575 is designed to begin taking control over almost all aspects of the lives of 16% of the American people. Why didn’t we notice it? Weinergate. In the middle of the Anthony Weiner scandal, as the press and most of the American people were distracted, President Obama created something called “The White House Rural Council” (WHRC).

Section One of 13575 states the following:

Section 1. Policy. Sixteen percent of the American population lives in rural counties. Strong, sustainable rural communities are essential to winning the future and ensuring American competitiveness in the years ahead. These communities supply our food, fiber, and energy, safeguard our natural resources, and are essential in the development of science and innovation. Though rural communities face numerous challenges, they also present enormous economic potential. The Federal Government has an important role to play in order to expand access to the capital necessary for economic growth, promote innovation, improve access to health care and education, and expand outdoor recreational activities on public lands.

Warning bells should have been sounding all across rural America when the phrase “sustainable rural communities” came up. As we know from researching the UN plan for Sustainable Development known as Agenda 21, these are code words for the true fundamental transformation America.

The third sentence also makes it quite clear that the government intends to take greater control over “food, fiber, and energy.”

The last sentence in Section 1 further clarifies the intent of the order by tying together “access to the capital necessary for economic growth, health care and education.”

The new White House Rural Council will probably be populated by experts in the various fields that might prove helpful to the folks who live and work outside of large urban areas, right? Well, Tom Vilsack, the current Secretary of Agriculture, will chair the group, but let us review the list of members appointed to serve on this new council – according to the order, the heads of the following groups have been appointed:

(1) the Department of the Treasury; Timothy Geithner
(2) the Department of Defense; Robert Gates
(3) the Department of Justice; Eric Holder
(4) the Department of the Interior; Ken Salazar
(5) the Department of Commerce; Gary Locke
(6) the Department of Labor; Hilda Solis
(7) the Department of Health and Human Services; Kathleen Sebelius
(8) the Department of Housing and Urban Development; Shaun Donovan
(9) the Department of Transportation; Ray LaHood
(10) the Department of Energy; Dr. Steven Chu
(11) the Department of Education; Arne Duncan
(12) the Department of Veterans Affairs; Eric Shinseki
(13) the Department of Homeland Security; Janet Napolitano
(14) the Environmental Protection Agency; Lisa Jackson
(15) the Federal Communications Commission; Michael Copps
(16) the Office of Management and Budget; Peter Orszag
(17) the Office of Science and Technology Policy; John Holdren
(18) the Office of National Drug Control Policy; R. Gil Kerlikowske
(19) the Council of Economic Advisers; Austan Goolsbee
(20) the Domestic Policy Council; Melody Barnes (former VP at Center for American Progress)
(21) the National Economic Council; Gene B. Sperling
(22) the Small Business Administration; Karen Mills
(23) the Council on Environmental Quality; Nancy Sutley
(24) the White House Office of Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs; Valerie Jarrett
(25) the White House Office of Cabinet Affairs; and such other executive branch departments, agencies, and offices as the President or Secretary of Agriculture may, from time to time, designate. Chris Lu (or virtually anyone to be designated by the 24 people named above)

It appears that not a single department in the federal government was excluded from the new White House Rural Council, and the wild card option in number 25 gives the president and the agriculture secretary the option to designate anyone to serve on this powerful council.

Within the twenty-five designated members of the council are some curious ties to Agenda 21 and the structure being built to implement it:

Valerie Jarrett from the White House Office of Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs served on the board of something called Local Initiatives Support Corportation (LISC). LISC uses the language of Agenda 21 and ICLEI as their web page details their work to build “Sustainable Communities.”

Melody Barnes head of the Domestic Policy Council – Former VP at George Soros-funded Center for American Progress.

Hilda Solis from the Labor Dept – in 2000 received an award for her work on “Environmental Justice.”

Nancy Sutley head of the White House Council on Environmental Quality – Served on the board of the Los Angeles Metropolitan Water District and was one of the biggest supporters of low-flow toilets that are now credited with costing more money than expected while causing some nasty problems.

Is it possible that concerns about 13575 are just typical anti-government paranoia? Let us review the mission and function of WHRC:

Sec. 4. Mission and Function of the Council. The Council shall work across executive departments, agencies, and offices to coordinate development of policy recommendations to promote economic prosperity and quality of life in rural America, and shall coordinate my Administration’s engagement with rural communities.

“Economic prosperity” and a better “quality of life,” that all sounds fairly innocent and well-intentioned. But continuing deeper into the order we find the council is charged with four directives:

(a) make recommendations to the President, through the Director of the Domestic Policy Council and the Director of the National Economic Council, on streamlining and leveraging Federal investments in rural areas, where appropriate, to increase the impact of Federal dollars and create economic opportunities to improve the quality of life in rural America;

The vague language here sounds non-threatening. But, is there a hint here that a “rural stimulus plan” might be in the making? Will the Federal government start pumping money into farmlands under the guise of creating “economic opportunities to improve the quality of life in rural America?” It is difficult to discern as the language is so broad.

We continue with the functions of the WHRC:

(b) coordinate and increase the effectiveness of Federal engagement with rural stakeholders, including agricultural organizations, small businesses, education and training institutions, health-care providers, telecommunications services providers, research and land grant institutions, law enforcement, State, local, and tribal governments, and nongovernmental organizations regarding the needs of rural America;

Virtually every aspect of rural life seems to now be part of the government’s mission. And while all of the items in (b) sound like typical government speak, you should be alarmed when you read the words “nongovernmental organizations” (NGOs). NGOs are unelected, but typically government-funded groups that act like embedded community organizers. And NGOs are key to Agenda 21′s plans.

Continuing:

(c) coordinate Federal efforts directed toward the growth and development of geographic regions that encompass both urban and rural areas;

That one sounds very similar to the language found in the United Nations plan for sustainable cities known as Agenda 21. Managing the population in both rural and urban areas, with a focus on controlling “open spaces.”

(d) and identify and facilitate rural economic opportunities associated with energy development, outdoor recreation, and other conservation related activities.

This function of Executive Order 13575 ties energy development with outdoor recreation and “other conservation related activities.” When did outdoor recreation become a conservation related activity?

Aside from the content of this order and some its vague intentions, the timing of the signing should also be considered. Later this month, Washington DC is hosting a meeting of the Agenda 21 operatives who are members of ICLEI:

Washington, D.C. – ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability USA (ICLEI USA) and U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) today announced the launch of the National Press Club Leadership Speaker Series to be held on June 28. The event’s inaugural keynote speaker will be the Honorable Sha Zukang, Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20), whose keynote address, The Road to Rio+20, will explain the role of key global and national stakeholders, and the impact and vision of this historic conference.

As Secretary-General of Rio+20, Ambassador Sha Zukang will convene high-ranking leaders from government, the private sector and civil society to chart a pathway to accelerate the implementation of sustainable development decisions and the green economy through the creation of an institutional framework and inclusive participation.

The United Nations has pushed their sustainable development program for almost twenty years. The UN’s “social justice” blueprint called Agenda 21 requires governments to control almost all aspects of an individual’s life, but has recently met with substantial resistance in America. Since The Blaze covered this topic and the story appeared on Glenn Beck’s Fox TV program, we have been inundated with reports from around the country about efforts to remove ICLEI and Agenda 21 from local governments.

Carroll County, Maryland: Starting in February, 2011, all five newly elected county commissioners, led by Richard Rothschild, voted to become the first county in the nation to end the ICLEI contract.

Amador County, California: The Mother Lode Tea Party lead the successful effort to remove ICLEI form Amador County.

Montgomery County, Pennsylvania: Activists Ruth Miller and Maggie Roddin have raised awareness that lead to the removal of ICLEI.

Edmond, Oklahoma: Molly Jenkins motivated 200 people to attend the city council meeting and demand action against ICLEI.

Las Cruces, New Mexico: continues to debate the issue, but rational voices are gaining momentum in the community.

Spartanburg, South Carolina: City Councilman Roger Nutt successfully directed the effort against the program and Spartanburg became the 6th community to kick out ICLEI in a vote of 6-0 by City Council (with one abstention).

There have also been anti-ICLEI rallies held in several cities this week, with more planned in the near future:

June 27, 11:30am-3:00pm
Exeter, NH, Exeter High School
June 27, 5:00pm-8:30pm
Galveston, TX, Galveston Convention Center
June 27, 8:30am-5:00pm
Ocean Shores, WA, Quinault Beach Resort and Casino
June 30, 1:00pm-5:00pm
San Francisco Bay Area, CA, TBD
June 30, 10:00am-5:00pm
West Long Branch, NJ, Monmouth University

There appears to be a developing, grass-roots movement to reject programs like Agenda 21. It remains to be seen if these groups might also reject a Washington-based control over rural lands, like the council created by Executive Order 13575.

Notes on Planning Commission Meeting 3/21/11

2011-03-22T10:02:00.003-05:00

Notes on Planning Commission Meeting 3/21/11 Patty Kubetz

I attended the Planning Commission Meeting last night. There was a lively discussion on several topics.

First was the potential sale of Lots 12 and 13 to Kiel Vet Clinic for expansion and various other uses. The plan presented includes expansion for more large animal treatment areas, expanded parking lot (allowing large trucks with trailers in and out of the lot), a boarding and daycare area, a crematory, an outdoor dog run, and a possible pet cemetery. The plan was approved, and will go before the Council at the April 12, 2011 meeting.

Second was the potential rezoning of Lots 8 and 9 in the Rockville Industrial Park for an assisted living facility similar to the one on Tekla Place in Kiel. The developer, Mike Check, along with the potential buyers, presented their plan to the Commission. They want to purchase both lots, have them re-zoned for residential use, and build an assisted living facility on the lots, with the possibility of expansion in the future. The Commission approved the rezoning; now it goes before the Council. This will be addressed at the April 5, 2011 Council Meeting.

The next item was the potential leasing of land from the City of Kiel to AT&T for a cell phone tower. This tower would be placed in a small area behind Tri-County Building Supply. The numbers that Dennis Dedering presented were $500 a month for 30 years. I raised my hand to comment and had the following information I shared with the Commission.

1) Aesthetic value. With the wanted/needed improvements to the City buildings (Fire Station, City Hall, Shopko Development, etc.) why would anyone want to have this 200 foot tower as one of the first things people see as they drive into Kiel from Sheboygan or Plymouth?
2) Financial value. $500 a month may seem like a good deal now, but with inflation realistically skyrocketing in the future, that $500 will be worth less and less as time goes on.
3) Health issues. This is of high interest to me, as I have seen and heard so much anecdotal evidence pointing to the dangers of the radio frequency waves (RF) and electromagnetic frequency waves (EMF). I was able, before the meeting, to print a copy of two studies done on the effect of radio frequency waves on humans and animals to back up my own stories. I presented this to the Commission, and there were those who listened with an open mind. The information I presented is as follows:
1. We currently have 4 cell towers in the City of Kiel.
2. We currently have 19 antennas in the City of Kiel.
3. There have not been many studies done on the health risks of the towers to humans and animals. While cell phone industry spokespeople continue to assert that the towers pose no health risks, nearly all scientists in this field would disagree, at the very least claiming that no such assurance can be given.
4. A study done in Germany found that the risk of cancers increased by 3.38 percent in the people living near the tower. Looking at the first 5 years, there was no significant risk , but for the following 5 years, the risk increased to 3.38%.
5. A study in Israel found a 4.15 percent increased risk of a variety of cancers in people living near a cell phone tower. Seven out of eight cancer cases were women.
6. A study in Germany, published in 1998, showed the effects of the RF waves/EMF waves. The herd was pastured near a cell phone tower. The resulting stress on the herd caused a “measurable drop in milk yield.” Relocating the herd restored the milk production. Moving them back to the original pasture recreated the problem.
7. I included several cases that I am familiar with near my mom's home in Bonduel, WI. One farmer, living across the road from a tower, reported that his previously healthy dairy herd had breeding problems, increased somatic cell counts, and decreased milk production within 4 months of the tower being erected. He placed a large sign with words to the effect of “Cell Phone Towers Killed My Farm” along the highway for a number of years.
8. A family living across the road from a tower lost their 21 year-old daughter to brain cancer within 4 years of the tower being erected. Now, several years later, they are facing losing another daughter to brain cancer as well.
9. Four miles south of the previous family, another family is dealing with multiple cases of cancer in their family, again, across the road from a cell phone tower.
4) I asked that the Commission take into account all the information before making a decision such as this, especially as they approved an assisted living facility not even a mile from the proposed tower site. As a final note on this, the Rockville subdivision is home to a large number of families with children. EMF and RF waves seem to cause the most destruction in children, as their bodies aren't fully developed. There have been tenuous ties made between families that have children who are autistic and the tower placement/exposure. The EMF and RF waves work against the body in the areas of weakness in each individual. That is one of the reasons that the studies don't show how dangerous the EMF and RF waves really are—they don't affect everyone in the same way.

The Commission agreed that, since the tower was only a proposal and they had no firm details or request from AT&T, that the issue would be tabled. I will continue to watch this and do all I can to protect the health of the citizens of Kiel.

The Commission approved the renewal of all of the Conditional Use Permits. There were a few minor changes, such as the incorrect name for one development, that will be addressed at the City Council Meeting on 3/22/11.

The Commission looked at a Certified Survey Map of the acreage east of Cemetery Road. A brief discussion on what to name the proposed street was tabled until such time as a business is actually located there.

Dennis gave a brief updated on the Shopko Development. Things seem to be moving along as they should at this point. The Planning Commission Meeting Public Hearing for TID Creation will be held on April 5, 2011 at 6:00pm. The Council Meeting will follow at 7:00pm.

The meeting then adjourned.

Please vote April 5th

2011-03-16T14:43:00.002-05:00

Please vote on April 5th and choose my wife and I

America is a Constitutional Republic...NOT a Democracy

2011-03-16T08:44:00.001-05:00

How often have you heard people refer to America as a Democracy? When was the last time that you heard America referred to as a Republic? There is a very good reason that our Pledge of Allegiance refers to our country as a Republic and there is a very good reason that our Declaration of Independence and our constitution do not even mentioned the word "democracy". Many people are under the false impression that our form of government is a democracy, or representative democracy. This of course is not true.

Our Founders were extremely knowledgeable about the issue of democracy and feared a democracy as much as a monarchy. They understood that the only entity that can take away the people's freedom is their own government, either by being too weak to protect them from external threats or by becoming too powerful and taking over every aspect of life. The Founders were deliberately doing everything in their power to prevent having a democracy here. This quote is from John Adams in 1814 "Remember, democracy never lasts long. It soon wastes, exhausts, and murders itself. There never was a democracy yet that did not commit suicide."

A Constitutional Republic does have some similarities to a democracy in that it uses a democratic processes to elect representatives and pass new laws, etc. The critical difference lies in the fact that a Constitutional Republic has a Constitution that limits the powers of the government. It also spells out how the government is structured, creating checks on its power and balancing power between the different branches. The goal of a Constitutional Republic was to avoid the extremes of a tyranny or dictator. However in the past few decades these checks and balances have been thrown off kilter by giving the Presidents given more power through signing statements. We also have "czars" that are not elected or even answer to congress.

In a Republic, the sovereignty resides with the people themselves. In a Republic, one may act on his own or through his representatives when he chooses to solve a problem. The people have no obligation to the government; instead, the government is a servant of the people, and is obliged to listen to its owner, We the People. Many people and politicians have seemed to have lost sight of that fact.

America today seems to be far from the Constitutional Republic our forefathers brought forth to us. The power seems to have switched from the people to the Government. The Founders believed that our rights were given to us from Natures God, not through regulations of the Government. They also believed that people might get things wrong, but "We the People" are smart enough to fix them and get it right.
I am asking again to have people to get involved in their government. To do this you need to take time to hold elected officials responsible by going to your school boards and city council meetings. Voice your opinion as the taxpayer; as the boss of those we have elected and of the people who work in the public sector.

Randy Kubetz
Wisconsin Citizens Involvement

City Council Meeting Notes 3/8/11

2011-03-15T10:47:00.002-05:00

City Council Meeting Notes 3/8/11

I attended the March 8, 2011 Planning Commission and City Council meetings. Sorry about being late in getting the notes out.

The Planning Commission Meeting centered around the proposed Shopko Development at the corners of Hwy 67 and Rockville Road in Kiel (across from McDonalds). The Planning Commission approved their portion of the proposed Shopko plan after discussion with a representative from Shopko, a lawyer for Shopko, a representative from the construction company, (Smet Construction), the lawyer representing the sellers of the land in question, and Phil Cosson, the executive VP of Ehlers, (Kiel's financial lawyer).

The representative from Shopko, Mr. Pete VandenHouten, (sp?) CEO of Shopko, explained that the store they're looking to build would be about 35,000 square feet, with about 75% of the merchandise found in the larger Shopko stores in the bigger cities. There would also be a pharmacy and they would tailor the merchandise selection to cater to the area. Pricing is the same as the larger stores—same ads would go out to the public as the larger stores use.

The acreage needed by the Shopko store would be approximately 4.4 acres but Shopko would purchase 7 acres. Smet Construction assured the Planning Commission that they have interested parties interested in building/leasing the additional land from Shopko with a 5 year lease, with options to continue leasing in 3-5 time increments of 2-5 years. They are looking at a long-term investment in the City of Kiel.

Tom Ungrodt, lawyer for the sellers of the acreage, said his clients are willing to annex the remaining land to a TIF and to the city. That way, the entire parcel will be in the City of Kiel and the City has First Option to Buy the property in the future. The City of Kiel and Shopko would jointly purchase approximately 17 acres along Hwy 67/Rockville Road. The house that is currently on the property would then belong to the City. (Noises were made about the possibility of building the Police Station there and remodeling City Hall—that's for another discussion.)

Phil Cosson, from Ehlers, spoke to the creation of a mixed use TID to finance this venture with Shopko. A Public Hearing was set for April 5, 2011 at 6pm for the TID creation. In order for the TID to be mixed use, the 3 industrial lots currently held by the City would be part of the TID, as well as the annexed land held by the sellers.

The TID would be created to offset the costs of the land purchase by the City ($250,000); the water, sewer, street and storm sewer development ($500,000); and the Development Agreement between Shopko and the City of Kiel ($20,000). With the additional finance related expenses, the TIF would have to cover approximately $840,000. Shopko is estimating that their development would bring an approximate worth of $2,500,000 to the community.

The City Council Meeting was immediately following the Planning Commission Meeting. The Boy Scouts attended the Council Meeting.

The Council set the Public Hearing for the creation of the mixed use TID to finance the Shopko development and purchase of the land adjacent to the Shopko property. The Public Hearing will be on April 5, 2011 at 6pm.

The Council approved the Right of First Refusal to Windwalker, Inc. in regards to lot #3 in the Rockville Industrial Park.

The Council approved an additional $6,000 worth of soil borings at the Stoelting property to determine exactly how much soil needs to be removed to clean up this site. Annette Weissbach is requesting the additional borings be done, with the City incurring the costs. Mike Check, the developer, wanted to know if the TID covers the cost of the additional borings, as he doesn't want to have to pay the difference. (A personal observation here, the City has already incurred over $40,000 for legal fees, and is taking on another $6,000 in debt, without knowing positively that Ms. Weissbach will purchase the land.) There are grants available from the WDNR and Department of Commerce, but until those grants come through, the City is liable for the cost.

The City approved a bid for the completion of the construction on the Vollrath property at 503 9th Street in Kiel. The bid was from Homestead Enhancements, LLC in the amount of 13,800. This was to complete the roof on the addition, the siding and soffit on the addition and the installation of all windows necessary on the addition. The request for bids was published and only one bid came in. The cost will be added to the taxes for the property owner.

The last issue that came before the Council was a complaint about a resident allegedly repairing cars in his garage. The complaint came from the person who first instigated the fence issue last summer. The complainant stated that they have pictures of vehicles being dropped off, and vehicles in the yard, and “large trucks” dropping vehicles off. Dennis Dedering stated that he has spoken with the property owner and that the Police Chief has also observed the property. At this time, no action will be taken, but Council members are encouraged to drive by to observe whether this activity is a nuisance.

Respectfully submitted by Patty Kubetz

Price of local electricity goes up

2011-03-03T13:42:00.002-06:00

If you have noticed that the price for electricity was $.087 per KWH in January and is now at $.092 per KWH for February and March. This is not the price increase that will be going in affect in the near future.

I asked City Administrator Dennis Dedering and he said "The electric rate increase has not taken place, our costs for purchasing the power has gone up slightly. We are hoping to not have changes for purchased power over the next couple of years, if the federal government does not impose regulations which could impact costs for power."

So be aware of the 5% increase in electrical costs and price of gasoline. The cost of energy continues to climb but we are told that there is no inflation.

By: Randy Kubetz

Wisc Gov’t E-mails Reveal Plot to Stall Budget Repair Bill While New Union Contracts Signed

2011-03-03T13:37:00.000-06:00

So you say it is a fair game between the government, the unions and the taxpayers?

UWM profs considering strike action tomorrow?

2011-03-01T07:02:00.000-06:00

UWM profs considering strike action tomorrow?
by Vicki McKenna on Tuesday, March 1, 2011 at 5:47am

I am an instructor at UW-Milwaukee . Should any of the following information be used, I respectfully ask to remain anonymous.

According to a series of exchanges with colleagues across campus from various departments, there is a strong possibility of a campus-wide (and possibly a UW system-wide) strike beginning on Wednesday, March 2nd. I am attaching a copy of email communications that I received via a campus listserv from 2/22 to 2/28 in which the possibility of a “failed semester” was discussed and the potential impact on our students was debated. While it remains to be seen whether the strike is ultimately “called,” there are disturbing comments in these emails that reveal a crass disregard for our students, their families and their economic situations; likewise, there is (as one would expect with academics) an attitude of self-serving intellectual superiority that seeks to pit students against their own families. While this attitude has long been assumed, some of my colleagues revealed this as an actual sympathetic strategy to gain potential student allies and pit them against their families (many of whom are – unbeknownst to them - financing this attempted wedge) all for the sake of scoring political points.

Sadly, it appears as though many of my colleagues at UW-Milwaukee will attempt to accomplish their goals by “any means necessary” with little thought to the collateral damage to our students. This is why I am bringing this information (and potential appeal to inform the public) directly to you. Given that many Wisconsin taxpayers choose to spend precious resources financing the tuition of their children, I believe some external pressure can be exerted on the university by the families themselves. In addition, attention should be brought to the public at large about the potential for this egocentric move at great expense to the students that many of these “professionals” claim to serve. Much like the K-12 teachers who walked out on their students during the early days of this public debate, the UW system educators would illegally abandon their contracts and their students. Unlike the K-12 teachers, this strike could have more dire consequences for individual students and their families in terms of financial aid ramifications, delayed graduations and careers, etc. Below I have included a sampling of the troubling comments of my colleagues that reveal the dismissive nature of their aims as well as the potential impact on our students:

● From 2/25: “In yesterday's meeting, Rodney brought up the possibility of a "failed semester" if there was a strike. I have searched Chapter 36 and Chapter 227 (and google, of course), and asked my UWM mentors, but can't find a mention of this term. Rodney, can you (or anyone else -- Connie Jo? Winson?) direct us to the documents explaining "failed semesters," who declares them, under what circumstances, etc.?”

● From 2/25: “Let us remember what an outrage such an event would be. Our students come here seeking a better life through the education we provide. A failed semester would only occur if we denied them our classes…A strike under such circumstances would not only be an outrage against the students but also counter-productive to the goals of continuing the growth of UWM.”

● From 2/25: “It is my understanding that our MGAA (GTA, RA, PA, etc) current contracts have a specific "no strike" stipulation, rendering it against the law. However, these contracts expire on March 13. If, under the current radical restructuring to promote the upward redistribution of wealth, new contracts are not created and/or unions are broken, there could conceivably be no more stipulation against strike. This is all worth fact checking, as I am certainly no expert in this matter….If TAs (etc) strike, will we cross the picket lines? And also, how will we, as their teachers, handle their absences from our seminars, labs, etc? In my understanding, our "not crossing picket lines" would mean that we, too, are on strike. Collective actions only work as a collective, and are sometimes thrust upon us by outside forces, and yet, we certainly have serious duties and responsibilities to *all* current students, both present and future.”

● From 2/25: “If it is any comfort as we cry in our porridge... from my vantage point, I believe most of our students know. Many are also getting conflicting messages from home, and they are grappling with the issues. I am so very very impressed with their sincerity and sense of fairness.”

● From 2/26: “I think it is important to frame the so-called "failed semester" argument as a possible red herring. As an instructor, I certainly care about my students and place their learning environment as one of my top priorities. In this framing, I do not see an absolute separation between my working conditions (including my collective bargaining rights and contract) and my work. I therefore see my efforts to defeat Walker's budget and budget "repair" bill as in line with preserving and improving the educational environment for my current AND future students. Another point that should be made in regards to the claim of "outrage" that a labor action may have: what this discussion is not accounting for is the vast numbers of students here and elsewhere who support their teachers and oppose Walker's budget bills. The "failed semester" concern presupposes that our students would not be our allies were they to be educated on the real effects of it, that they would not take a stand with their university's workers who provide the educational environment they deserve. To treat students only as consumers of education or to treat them patronizingly as "students" rather than potential allies is a disservice to them. I'm not one to resort to historical judgement, but if we were to lose this struggle for collective bargaining rights and the quality of education they ensure, a possible historical reexamination of our efforts would not judge us dignified for "respecting" our students' "investments" in education, but judge us harshly for refusing to build alliances with the very people whose support we need and indeed already have.”

● From 2/26: “You will do what you want but please understand there are real consequences for your potential allies. There are several thousand students who expect to graduate this May - some with jobs lined up that require them to have a degree - others with plans for grad school, med school, or other professional schools where again a degree is necessary. A "failed semester" will likely not result in a degree being completed for these people. I don't even want to begin to ponder if there are financial aid paybacks that students will need to make in a "failed semester". I also worry about the visa status of our foreign students in such a case. So please do not idealize the consequences of a labor action because some students are going to be severely impacted.”

● From 2/26: “What I understand are the "real consequences" of allowing a tyrant and extortionist like Walker to determine the choices faculty and students must make about their fundamental values as members of the human community. Education is more than amassing enough credits to land a job--I don't even want to ponder the cost to our culture of accommodating a bankrupt moral policy just so faculty and students won't be disrupted. This is not about idealization--this is about hard choices, social responsibility, and a vision of education that goes beyond self-serving credentials. I believe we are now at war for the very soul of Wisconsin, its working people, and the integrity of its university system--business as usual isn't acceptable, and sacrifices will have to be made by EVERYONE if we hope to preserve our common dignity and academic freedom.”

● From 2/26: “I think the concept of "failed semester" may not have an exact definition but I think its meaning is reasonably clear. A colleague described it as follows:

Under any definition it involves denial of classes to enrolled students. If applied to a situation of, say, epidemic, war, or asteroid collision, it would be understandable that those classes would be cancelled in such numbers as to render the semester educationally meaningless.

Everyone has an oar in the water on this and everyone has an agenda both here and in Madison. There may be eventual winners but I believe it is our students who will end up the losers in a prolonged labor action regardless of who wins.”

● From 2/27: “… I don't think a teaching staff walkout is likely to have much of an impact on the people who *temporarily* have charge of our government. They haven't listened to 150,000 plus. They don't appear to care at all about education or having an educated public in Wisconsin, so why would a walkout by instructors phase them? A walkout will only hurt our students and their families. Yes, so will this appalling budget "repair" bill, but we can undo some of that damage by working to recall these "officials" and then changing this retched bill. Laws can be changed. In fact, this will be easier to do than undoing the damage done to public opinion if there is a lengthy teaching staff walkout. And, Lee, I do think you have a point that many of our students support us, but they likely won't continue to do so if supporting us ends up hurting their education, their pocketbooks, and their futures. I think our energy would be better served working to recall these officials. This is where I plan to spend my energy.”

● From 2/27: “In my mind, a “failed semester” is not an option. Such a situation would be a public relations disaster that would undo the progress that we have recently made in the eyes of the general public. I believe a ”failed semester” would further galvanize the public’s anti-educational and anti-intellectual views. A “failed semester” would irreversibly harm this institution. It would greatly harm our public image, it would hinder the future of our students by keeping them from making timely and meaningful progress towards their degrees, it would hinder our ability to recruit quality students and new faculty to our programs, it would obstruct our probationary faculty from timely developing their scholarly records, it would damage our future research potential by preventing timely completion of currently funded projects, and it would be a financial disaster to our students, their families, our staff, this university, and to us personally. Our current state government has no intentions of listening to our concerns and demands. Walker and the media are very good at framing us as irrelevant, insignificant, and out of touch with the needs of the populace. A “failed semester” would be used to emphasize their current views.”

● From 2/27: “If this means the semester doesn't count or doesn't finish, would the students get "Incompletes?" What would that do to financial aid students? Would they then be required to stay for an extra semester and finance their own education? Would they have to immediately pay back this semester's loans (as if they had failed?) This is something that I feel I need to know before possibly assessing the situation. If it means that the semester doesn't count but that students still have to foot the bill for it (as well as a make-up semester), I can't imagine that they would readily stay "allies" for very long.”

● From 2/28: “So let's make our positions clear. What do advocates of caution propose to do on the hypothetical Thursday above? Do we cross picket lines in order to teach our classes? Do we pick up the grading responsibilities of TAs? Their teaching responsibilities? Do we muddle through, making our own copies, filing our own documents, etc. in the absence of office support staff? Do we empty our own garbage cans, clean up messes in dirty classrooms, etc. in the absence of custodial staff? I submit: an answer of "yes" to any of the last four questions would make us scabs, and reserve for us a special place in one of Hell's innermost circles. The first question ("Do we cross picket lines to teach?") is trickier; a range of possibilities, some of which already mentioned, can be contemplated. Holding classes off-campus or on-line are options; these avoid a literal crossing of picket lines, but arguably amount to the same thing. (Anything we do to mitigate negative consequences of a job action--the very point of which is to bring about negative consequences--tends to undermine its aims.) Delaying instruction--pushing it into the summer, issuing incompletes, etc.--is another option; I have no idea the feasibility of this. I'm sure other possible courses of action are available; I second someone else's call for creative thinking on this question. My position is this: I won't cross picket lines unless it's clear I'll be fired otherwise; I won't be a scab under any circumstances.”

● From 2/28: “I'm not too sure just what's at risk of changing here except losing part of our summer if things are handled badly. You really can't be a "scab" laborer in a situation where there is no legal right to strike--and even union employees don't have that right. And, I don't know about you, but I already pick-up coverage for TA's I supervise when needed, do my own copies--when digital alternatives escape me, and empty the trash cans in my office--and have often found myself lugging overflowing trash cans to dumpsters behind our building. It would be nice if occasionally we had some changes that actually improved on the SOP of our workplace. So, the very last thing I want to see is anything that forces me to cut into what little time I have in summer because a probably well intended but ultimately ineffectual protest sandbags time already allotted to the spring term and forces it into summer.”

● From 2/28: “I share the concerns some of you have voiced about the negative effects a work stoppage might have on our public image and on our students. But I ask you to also consider what a positive message we might send our state (and one another) by peacefully and respectfully standing together to protect education and civil rights. When academics stand with and fight for the rights of nurses, prison guards, janitors, and road crews; when we risk our jobs and our public image to demonstrate our commitment to our students and our state, we show the public a side of us that they may not always see. We lead. We dare. We teach….The walk-outs at Michigan stand out as my most memorable, lively, and meaningful days on that campus. This is because we didn't stop doing our jobs when we opted not to enter the buildings… Some students supported us and some didn't, and that was A-OK. Because most of all, what they learned was that the political process isn't the job of some stale strongmen in Washington but the responsibility of each citizen, to pursue according to the better angels of his or her nature, through direct action, and with courage.”

In addition, there is evidence in these emails of UW-Milwaukee employees who are in violation of the UW System’s prohibition against “engaging in political activities” during work time and/or using university resources. In this case, the resources that are being used are (possibly) university computers, (clearly) the listserv, and (clearly) the email communications mechanism. Two employees in particular who appear to be in violation are Peter Blewett (a lecturer in the English Department who also serves MPS board VP) and Cathy Kaye (Director of the ESL program who also serves as the UWM TAUWP chapter President). Blewett has used UWM resources to forward his work at MPS. In the emails I’ve included, Blewett’s most recent MPS resolution. Earlier in the public debate, Kaye was openly organizing protests and performing union activities. Then, someone publically “reminded” the listserv that it was a violation to do this. However, after this warning and the formal “reminder” dated 2/22 from Rodney Swain (Interim Dean at the UWM College of Letters and Science), Kaye changed her tactics but still attempted to use UWM resources to organize. Below you will see her email; Kaye’s reference to a “lunch gathering” is in regard to a planned “tuition protest” at Spaights Plaza that is being promoted by SDS (Students for A Democratic Society) on 3/2.

See this link: http://www.studentsforademocraticsociety.org/?q=2011%2F2%2F16%2Fall-out-education-rights-call-protest-march-2nd-2011:

Wisconsin Capitol protesters disrespect the Veterans Memorial

2011-02-28T07:57:00.000-06:00

Outgoing NEA farewell speech

2011-02-25T07:34:00.001-06:00

Transcript of speech:
“Despite what some among us would like to believe it is not because of our creative ideas. It is not because of the merit of our positions. It is not because we care about children and it is not because we have a vision of a great public school for every child. NEA and its affiliates are effective advocates because we have power.”

“And we have power because there are more than 3.2 million people who are willing to pay us hundreds of millions of dollars in dues each year, because they believe that we are the unions that can most effectively represent them, the unions that can protect their rights and advance their interests as education employees.”

“This is not to say that the concern of NEA and its affiliates with closing achievement gaps, reducing dropout rates, improving teacher quality and the like are unimportant or inappropriate. To the contrary. These are the goals that guide the work we do. But they need not and must not be achieved at the expense of due process, employee rights and collective bargaining. That simply is too high a price to pay.”
Video of speech:

Two-Thirds of Wisconsin Public-School 8th Graders Can’t Read Proficiently—Despite Highest Per Pupil Spending in Midwest

2011-02-22T09:23:00.001-06:00

Two-thirds of the eighth graders in Wisconsin public schools cannot read proficiently according to the U.S. Department of Education, despite the fact that Wisconsin spends more per pupil in its public schools than any other state in the Midwest.

In the National Assessment of Educational Progress tests administered by the U.S. Department of Education in 2009—the latest year available—only 32 percent of Wisconsin public-school eighth graders earned a “proficient” rating while another 2 percent earned an “advanced” rating. The other 66 percent of Wisconsin public-school eighth graders earned ratings below “proficient,” including 44 percent who earned a rating of “basic” and 22 percent who earned a rating of “below basic.”

The test also showed that the reading abilities of Wisconsin public-school eighth graders had not improved at all between 1998 and 2009 despite a significant inflation-adjusted increase in the amount of money Wisconsin public schools spent per pupil each year.

In 1998, according to the U.S. Department of Education, Wisconsin public school eighth graders scored an average of 266 out of 500 on the NAEP reading test. In 2009, Wisconsin public school eighth graders once again scored an average of 266 out of 500 on the NAEP reading test. Meanwhile, Wisconsin public schools increased their per pupil expenditures from $4,956 per pupil in 1998 to 10,791 per pupil in 2008. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics inflation calculator the $4,956 Wisconsin spent per pupil in 1998 dollars equaled $6,546 in 2008 dollars. That means that from 1998 to 2008, Wisconsin public schools increased their per pupil spending by $4,245 in real terms yet did not add a single point to the reading scores of their eighth graders and still could lift only one-third of their eighth graders to at least a “proficient” level in reading.

The $10,791 that Wisconsin spent per pupil in its public elementary and secondary schools in fiscal year 2008 was more than any other state in the Midwest.

Neighboring Illinois spent $10,353 per student in 2008, Minnesota spent $10,048 per student; Iowa spent $9,520 per student. Among Midwest states, Nebraska was second to Wisconsin in per pupil spending in its public schools, spending $10,565 per student.

Of these nearby states, only Minnesota did slightly better teaching reading to its public school students. In 2009, 39 percent of eighth graders in Minnesota public schools earned a rating of “proficient” or better in reading, and the average eighth grade reading score in the state was 270 out of 500.

In Illinois, only 32 percent of eighth graders earned a rating of “proficient” or better in reading, and the average eighth grade reading score was 265 out of 500. In Iowa, only 32 percent of eighth graders earned a rating of “proficient” or better in reading, and the average reading score was 265 out of 500. In Nebraska, only 35 percent of eighth graders earned a rating of “proficient” or better in their public schools, and the average reading score was 267 out of 500.

Nationwide, only 30 percent of public school eighth graders earned a rating of “proficient” or better in reading, and the average reading score on the NAEP test was 262 out of 500.

The National Assessment of Educational Progress explains its student rating system as follows: “Basic denotes partial mastery of prerequisite knowledge and skills that are fundamental for proficient work at each grade. Proficient represents solid academic performance. Students reaching this level have demonstrated competency over challenging subject matter. Advanced represents superior performance.”

In other words, despite the $10,791 that taxpayers were paying to educate students in Wisconsin public schools, two-thirds of eighth graders in those schools showed at best only a “partial mastery of prerequisite knowledge and skills that are fundamental for proficient work” at that grade level.

In fiscal 2008, the federal government provided $669.6 million in subsidies to the public schools in Wisconsin.

http://cnsnews.com/news/article/two-thirds-wisconsin-public-school-8th-g

LETTER FROM MADISON STUDENT TO PRINCIPAL AND SUPERINTENDENT

2011-02-22T08:05:00.000-06:00

Senior at Madison Memorial High School

Dear Mr. Dahmen, Dr. Nerad:

I would like to inform you on behalf of many students whom I have communicated with to say, We are concerned with the many days which the teachers have not been in school and the students have been restricted from attending school.

I am fully aware how the teachers feel but, what about the STUDENTS?

It is not fair to us the we might have to make up lost instructional days. Us students did not have a CHOICE on whether or not we could attend school this past week?

How is it our FAULT that we were not in school for four days?

Students should not have to make up school because the majority of teachers REFUSED to show up and do their JOB. I feel like the teachers have been SELFISH and have not taken into consideration how the students FEEL.

I know that I do not want or see why I have to make up any missed school time on behalf of the teachers and I do not plan to. I was ready to attend school but the teachers chose not to be present and you decided to not open up our school.

Thank you for taking the time to read my words, You should take into consideration about how we are affected and how we feel about making up school.

Thank You,

***** ****

P.S. I decided to write this because the students were shut out of school again on Monday February 21, 2011. I am in school to be taught not talked to regarding what teachers have done. I know what they and you have done, you have kept me and other students from attending school.

Any excuse will be valid just like theirs, RIGHT?

2010 Salary info for Kiel School District

2011-02-17T23:40:00.003-06:00

from http://dpi.state.wi.us/lbstat/newasr.html website

To get salary, you need to add Prorated Salary to Prorated Fringe

Deborah Sixel	Sixel	Director of Instruction/Program Supervisor	$86,322.00	$36,536.00
Dawn Mueller	Mueller	Director of Special Education and/or Pupil Services	$47,565.15	$22,756.89
John Lewis	Lewis	District Administrator	$106,700.00	$9,700.00
Heidi Smith	Smith	Principal	$37,523.00	$17,115.50
Dario Talerico	Talerico	Principal	$95,507.00	$26,424.00
John Wolfenberg	Wolfenberg	Assistant Principal	$22,693.75	$9,361.75
David Slosser	Slosser	Principal	$90,668.00	$37,426.00
John Wolfenberg	Wolfenberg	Assistant Principal	$22,693.75	$9,361.75
Heidi Smith	Smith	Principal	$37,523.00	$17,115.50
Chad Ramminger	Ramminger	Principal	$81,434.00	$35,536.00

Letter to Rep Kestell and Sen Leibham

2011-02-17T22:20:00.001-06:00

From the Wisconsin Constitution:

“Organization of legislature; quorum; compulsory attendance. SECTION 7.

Each house shall be the judge of the elections, returns and qualifications of its own members; and a majority of each shall constitute a quorum to do business, but a smaller number may adjourn from day to day, and may compel the attendance of absent members in such manner and under such penalties as each house may provide”

Order the missing representatives to return and have the courage to vote NO if they are so inclined. I would strongly consider demanding they return to the job or face an immediate RECALL. Wisconsin provides the ability to recall members. Another possible option is to demand they come back or be declared that they have “vacated their office”.

It is time for adults to make the hard decisions. Collective Bargaining is NOT a right guaranteed under the Wisconsin Constitution or the US Constitution.

Randy Kubetz
Wisconsin Citizens Involvement

Question for the City Hall/Fire Station

2011-02-16T20:39:00.003-06:00

School Board meeting tonight, Feb 14th

2011-02-14T08:57:00.003-06:00

MISSION STATEMENT OF THE KIEL AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
The mission of the Kiel Area School District is to provide an opportunity for each student to receive a comprehensive, personal, future-focused education in a safe, supportive environment for the purpose of achieving excellence in their life-long pursuits, through a partnership of family, school, and community.
M E M O R A N D U M
TO: Board of Education		FROM: Dr. Louise Blankenheim
RE: February Regular Board of Education Meeting		DATE: February 11, 2011
REGULAR BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
Middle School Large Group Room
Monday, February 14, 2011
7:00 p.m.
AGENDA WITH COMMENTS
I	CALL TO ORDER
II	DECLARATION OF POSTING***
III	PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
IV	ANNOUNCEMENT OF EXECUTIVE SESSION**
	The Board will vote to convene into executive session to discuss the contract of the AD/AP and evaluate the District Administrator. This meeting is authorized pursuant to section 19.85(1)(c) of the Wisconsin Statutes. The Board may reconvene into open session to possibly take action on an item discussed in executive session.
V	WELCOME OF VISITORS AND SPECIAL GUESTS
VI	*APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA/CONSENT AGENDA WITH IDENTIFICATION OF ITEMS TO BE TAKEN OFF THE CONSENT AGENDA FOR DISCUSSION AND/OR SEPARATE ACTION
VII	COMMUNITY CONCERNS, PUBLIC COMMENT, AND PUBLIC CORRESPONDENCE (Participants may be limited in time to address the Board of Education and injurious comments about Individuals will not be allowed)(15 minutes for each topic)
VIII	RECOGNITIONS
	None at this time
IX	PRESENTATIONS
	None at this time
X	DISTRICT ADMINISTRATOR/BOARD COMMUNICATION
	The Board approved the replacement of the technology infrastructure at an estimated cost of $285,000 along with the use of fund equity if needed. The actual cost of the project was $291,219.65 which was $6,219 above the estimate. Instead of using the fund equity, this amount was covered by dollars available from unexpended funds. On Tuesday, February 22^nd at 3:30 p.m., in the Middle School Large Group Room I will be presenting the ideas generated by each budget reduction committee. This meeting will be open to all staff and community members. Attached is the 2008/09 School Performance Report data. Dr. Blankenheim will review this information in more detail at the meeting.
XI	BREAK
XII	ITEMS PULLED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA FOR DISCUSSION BEFORE--IF NEEDED--ACTION
XIII	CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
	ACTION ITEMS
	A. Minutes
	B. Finance
	C. Professional Growth Requests
	D. Retirement of Staff
	Mike Seefeldt (4th grade teacher)
	NON ACTION ITEMS
	E. Resignations of Staff
	Kari Migacz (MS student council advisor) Gary Mueller (assistant track coach)
	F. Employment of Staff (All hiring procedures have been followed)
	Jamie Arenz (head girls track coach) Ryan Rabe (HS Music Long-term sub)
	G. Gifts to the District
	The following items were donated to the Middle School Phy. Ed. Department for Fuel Up to Play 60 Food Tasting Week: 15 lbs of string cheese from Foremost Farms Breads and bagels from Natural Ovens 8 lbs of cheese from Land-O-Lakes The services of the facilitator for the Community Engagement Meeting held on Monday, February 7, 2011, were donated to the District by LTC.
	H. Committee Reports and Meeting Dates
	Cynthia Schmahl enclosed a report on the January 24, 2011, Personnel Committee Meeting. Steve Walber enclosed a report on the January 6, 2011, Finance/Transportation Committee Meeting. Dan Karls enclosed a report on the January 10, 2011, B&G Committee Meeting.
	I. Substitutes
	Darci Bergelin (teacher) Andrea Cmejla (teacher) Deborah Holt (teacher) Rebecca Kempfert (teacher) Robert Krucky (teacher) Tavia Manz (teacher) Matthew Pfister (teacher)
XIV	BOARD REPORTS ON OUT OF DISTRICT MEETINGS AND CONFERENCES
	Steve Walber will update the Board on the January 17, 2011, Legislative Breakfast Meeting he attended. Board members who attended the state school board convention on January 19, 2011, will share what they learned.
XV	DISCUSSION ITEMS
	Facilities Vision for the District
XVI	COMMUNITY FEEDBACK ON AGENDA ITEMS POSTED FOR THIS MEETING (Participants may address the Board of Education about items posted on this agenda)
XVII	FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
XVIII	INTERVIEW CANDIDATES FOR SCHOOL BOARD VACANCY
	Doug Davidson Russel Fritsch Patty Kubetz Victor Schueller
XIX	OATH OF OFFICE
	School Board Clerk, Scott Lieburn, will administer the Oath of Office to the newly appointed school board member.
XX	The Board will vote to convene into executive session to discuss the contract of the AD/AP and evaluate the District Administrator. This meeting is authorized pursuant to section 19.85(1)(c) of the Wisconsin Statutes.
XXI	The Board may reconvene into open session to possibly act upon an item discussed in executive session

Please vote in the primary on Tuesday. Feb 15th

2011-02-14T08:21:00.002-06:00

Please vote for me in the primary on February 15th to the Kiel school board.

I support Scott Walker in his reform of the unions. It will help local municipalities balance their budgets. Asking people to pay for their own retirement and a percentage of their health care is not out of line and we all do that in the private sector. There needs to be a real change in local government to keep taxes from inflating.

by: Randy Kubetz

All these charts are in inflation adjusted dollars ... frightening how bad it has gotten

2011-02-14T07:58:00.002-06:00

City Council meeting 01/25/11

2011-01-26T06:53:00.002-06:00

Mayor Robert Werdeo Jr. to order at 6:00 P.M.

Pledge of Allegiance.

Roll Call.

The was 5 members present with 1 missing.

Minutes – January 11, 2011.
Council agreed to accept that meeting minutes from previous meeting.

BBC, LLC custodian agreement.
Contract to use private company for cleaning services for the city was tabled because of Union's are fighting city to make this a union position. The locations for cleaning are the Fire Station, Community Center, Historical Bessler Home, Stoelting House, and Library. The private company cost is $40,000 less than it would cost for a union position. This is tabled until the union meets with the council. I asked and this will be done in open session and the public will be allowed to be involved.

Auditing - 3 year agreement, Schenck SC.
This is the company used by the city for years. The cost will be $30,950 for 2011, $31,900 for 2012 and 32,900 for 2013.

Economic Development Corporation presentation.
This is an organization for Manitowoc County that sells the city for business to come to the area. The costs for this organization is coming from TID 2 and 3.

APPA Legislative Rally, Dennis Dedering, Washington DC.
Dennis Dedering will be attending this event Feb 28th through March 2nd. He said this will be paid for by the Public utilities. From what I understand this event is all about power. I read the handout and they are pushing renewable energy and climate change. I hope that our city does not get sucked into the failure of global warming and the renewable energy failures.

Operator’s licenses.
Two operator licenses were approved.

Operator’s license – Brooke Weber.
Chief Funkhouser wrote a letter to the council that after performing a background check on Brooke. He found prior convictions after she staed on her application that she had none. So the council agreed with the chief and disallowed the bartenders license.

Any other matters that lawfully comes before the Council.
The garage razing was brought up. There is a garage what was too close to the property line so they city requested it be moved or be razed. The city inspector stated that the garage was 1 foot off of the property line when it needed to be at least 3 feet off the property line. The home owner finally moved it 2 feet over to come in compliance with the city. The neighbor now says that the garage was right on the line and now that it is moved it is still not far enough over. The home owner complied with what the city asked and from the stand point of the city it should be settled.

Adjournment.

Meeting attended and notes by Randy Kubetz

Debt Chart

2011-01-23T21:38:00.001-06:00

This chart tells us everything. Can anyone doubt we have a problem?

Editorial for Jan 28th newspaper

2011-01-21T09:17:00.001-06:00

I have heard people tell me teachers don't make enough money and others tell me they make too much. I also hear that they work too many hours and buy items for the classroom. I figured I would put a little perspective into salaries. I would like think that most people appreciate teachers, as I do, and also the military. Here is a quick comparison between the two professions:

Teachers do work many hours, just like anyone on a salary does in private business. They pay for some items and do help out kids who can not afford basic classroom items from their own pay. For this the average salary of a Wisconsin teacher is a little over $46,000. The average salary for school administrators is $130,000. This is just base salary and not counting benefits like health care and retirement.

Soldiers work 24/7 as they are always on duty. They put their lives on the line each day. I read that many soldiers paid for their own armor for their protection in the Gulf War. I picked an E-5, or a Sergeant, as comparable salary which is under $27,000. I then chose an officer pay to equal that of administrators. Average salary of a Captain is $80,000. This is the base salary and you have to work 20 years before you can earn any retirement pay.

For purposes of full disclosure, I served in the Army in the early 80's. Back then I was paid about $8,000 each year. I never complained about my salary since I love my country and I chose to serve. If you ask most teachers and military people, they will tell you they love their jobs and they do not complain about the job they chose.

We all have a choice of career and we all have the ability to leave the job if we don't think pay is fair, unless you sign a contract like in the military and you have to finish it out.

Randy Kubetz

Wisconsin Citizens Involvement

City Council Meeting 1-11-11

2011-01-12T10:55:00.002-06:00

City Council Meeting 1-11-11

I attended the City Council Meeting on Tuesday. The following items were discussed and voted on:

Officer Jeremy Kamp was recognized as Employee of the Year by vote from his peers. He has acted as our school liaison, keeping a police presence in our school and providing our students with an opportunity to interact with the police. This has led to cases being solved and students being more open when crimes are committed. We commend Officer Kamp for his outstanding work.

Pat Keltesch was sworn in as Municipal Court Clerk in accordance with the changing state law. It is my understanding that she has previously been in this position, but with the law change, she now must take an oath.

The Council voted to pass a resolution authorizing an initial resolution to finance General Obligation Bonds in the amount of $1,645,000 to pay for the Fire Station project. Two other resolutions were also approved in conjunction with this; Directing Publication of Notice to Electors, and Providing for the Sale of $1,645,000 General Obligation Fire Station Bonds. This authorizes the finance company to send out bids to financial institutions to buy these bonds. The bids received will be presented at next month's Council Meeting.

The Wage Resolution was presented, listing the wages for each of the positions within the city government. This Resolution provided for a 2% increase for personnel. This was addressed by Randy in his notes last month.

Chief Funkhouser explained the route for the Amy Krueger Memorial Ride—an ATV ride that would be held the same weekend as the Ice Sculpture festivities. This was approved pending the group's signed letter of permission from each of the private property owners affected. This was brought before the Council because the ATV's used need to cross Broadway to park in the City parking lot near Header Inn.

There will be a Public Hearing regarding the revision of Chapter 13 Municipal Utilities—Sewer Services. This Hearing will be on February 8, 2011 at 6:00pm.

There were two other Resolutions brought before the Council—both honoring community members who have achieved Eagle Scout badges in Boy Scouts. Both of these young men are to be commended for their service and accomplishments.

There have been several complaints about sidewalks not being shoveled within the 72-hour time frame after a snowfall. These citizens, if the City has to remove the snow, will have to pay the City for the service.

There have been numerous complaints about dog feces being left on people's sidewalks and yards. If the owner of the home knows who the people are, the City Police can and will get involved. If you have pets, it is your responsibility to pick up your animal's wastes.

I also asked about the Electrical Contractor position that was advertised. The petition we signed was sent to the appropriate people. Now comes the waiting game, as we see what the unions do about this. Many thanks to all those who signed this petition and are getting involved!

letter to the school board

2011-01-12T07:31:00.001-06:00

I would like to petition the school board to add to it's agenda a topic of discussion of the open meetings law and maybe work with the citizens to allow open communication with the public. You did mention that you hold subgroups to discuss topics at separate meetings but as you know people work and are busy with other tasks to attend all these separate meetings. I am disabled and it will be difficult for me to make all these meetings.

This is the law off the state site: http://www.doj.state.wi.us/dls/OMPR/2010OMCG-PRO/2010_OML_Compliance_Guide.pdf

This is a portion of the open meetings law:

4. Citizen participation.
In general, the open meetings law grants citizens the right to attend and observe open session meetings of governmental bodies, but does not require a governmental body to allow members of the public to speak or actively participate in the body's meeting. Lundquist Correspondence, October 25, 2005. There are some other state statutes that require governmental bodies to hold public hearings on specified matters. See for example, Wis. Stat. § 65.90(4) (requiring public hearing before adoption of a municipal budget) and Wis. Stat. § 66.46(4)(a) (requiring public hearing before creation of a tax incremental finance district). Unless such a statute specifically applies, however, a governmental body is free to determine for itself whether and to what extent it will allow citizen participation at its meetings. Zwieg Correspondence, July 13, 2006; Chiaverotti Correspondence, September 19, 2006.

Although it is not required, the open meetings law does permit a governmental body to set aside a portion of an open meeting as a public comment period. Wis. Stat. §§ 19.83(2) and 19.84(2). Such a period must be included on the meeting notice. During such a period, the body may receive information from the public and may discuss any matter raised by the public. If a member of the public raises a subject that does not appear on the meeting notice, however, it is advisable to limit the discussion of that subject and to defer any extensive deliberation
to a later meeting for which more specific notice can be given. In addition, the body may not take formal action on a subject raised in the public comment period, unless that subject is also identified in the meeting notice.

I highlighted the portion of the law that allows a government body to determine participation at meetings. I would like to ask you to allow questions during discussing items that deal with spending and tax dollars From what I have read it is up to the board discretion which means to me that you can set the rules, so why not set them so they work with the people instead of against us?

Thank you for your time and I will wait for a reply,
Randy Kubetz

Rules on meetings

2011-01-12T06:58:00.005-06:00

I am doing some research on State of Wisconsin meetings held for the public.

From our State site: http://www.doj.state.wi.us/dls/OMPR/2010OMCG-PRO/2010_OML_Compliance_Guide.pdf

This is the part of the compliance that deals with citizens participation:

4. Citizen participation.
In general, the open meetings law grants citizens the right to attend and observe open session meetings of governmental bodies, but does not require a governmental body to allow members of the public to speak or actively participate in the body's meeting. Lundquist Correspondence, October 25, 2005. There are some other state statutes that require governmental bodies to hold public hearings on specified matters. See for example, Wis. Stat. § 65.90(4) (requiring public hearing before adoption of a municipal budget) and Wis. Stat. § 66.46(4)(a) (requiring public hearing before creation of a tax incremental finance district). Unless such a statute specifically
applies, however, a governmental body is free to determine for itself whether and to what extent it will allow citizen participation at its meetings. Zwieg Correspondence, July 13, 2006; Chiaverotti Correspondence, September 19, 2006.

Although it is not required, the open meetings law does permit a governmental body to set aside a portion of an open meeting as a public comment period. Wis. Stat. §§ 19.83(2) and 19.84(2). Such a period must be included on the meeting notice. During such a period, the body may receive information from the public and may discuss any matter raised by the public. If a member of the public raises a subject that does not appear on the meeting notice, however, it is advisable to limit the discussion of that subject and to defer any extensive deliberation
to a later meeting for which more specific notice can be given. In addition, the body may not take formal action on a subject raised in the public comment period, unless that subject is also identified in the meeting notice.

Understanding TID and TIF

2011-01-10T08:08:00.002-06:00

Open this PDF to get a better understanding of TID's (tax incremental district) and TIF's (tax incremental financing). It does a good job explaining Wisconsin's TID process and how projects are funded.

http://www.cows.org/pdf/rp_tif.pdf

National Debt keeps climbing now at $14,000,000,000,000.00

2011-01-04T09:45:00.006-06:00

National Debt keeps climbing

It took just 7 months for the National Debt to increase from $13 trillion on June 1, 2010 to $14 trillion on Dec. 31. It also means the debt is fast approaching the statutory ceiling $14.294 trillion set by Congress and signed into law by President Obama last February.

So we need to decide to either cut spending or keep going with the status quo which will lead to larger debt for our families.

In the christmas spirit ... the 3 ghosts

2010-12-23T07:28:00.002-06:00

The ghost of Christmas Past: Debt was at 5.6 trillion dollars
http://www.usdebtclock.org/2000.html

The ghost of Christmas Present: Debt is at 13.9 trillion dollars
http://www.usdebtclock.org/index.html

The ghost of Christmas future: Debt predicted to be 24.4 trillion dollars!!!!
http://www.usdebtclock.org/2015-current-rates.html

Which states will we be bailing out first, not necessarily in this order .....

2010-12-21T00:14:00.003-06:00

The average shortfall for the 2010 fiscal year (July 1 2009-June 30 2010) is 24.3% of the total budget.

The biggest gaps of shortfalls are: California: 49.3% , Arizona: 41.1%, Nevada: 37.8%, Illinois: 37.7% , New York: 36.1%, Alaska: 30.0%. These are the states that will fail soon and require a bailout which will cause our states to fail.

Please expect major inflation in the coming months .... you have been warned ..... stock up now on food and other necessaries!

School tax increases

2010-12-21T00:03:00.001-06:00

To the editor,
I am sure everyone has gotten their property tax bill already. I knew that the taxes always go up year to year, but I was amazed to see the percentage increases. I attended the city of Kiel budget meeting and I was impressed how they try to be budget conscious. Our mayor, Mayor Werdeo, even took additional cuts to make sure the city's taxes only went up 2% instead of the predicted 3%. Our mayor and council members are normally very concerned and careful when spending our tax dollars.

Now I see the City of Kiel School District raised our taxes 13.1%. I knew it was going up but it does not hit home until I get the actual bill. My wife attended the school board budget meeting and they seem to not put any effort or be that concerned about spending everyone's money. When I see my tax dollars going to the school going up over $200 I get a little concerned. I have not gotten any cost of living adjustment for 2 years now while and I know many others who have not gotten raises or their hours were cut. We are all doing more with less, why can not the government?

I know we will get excuses from board members, or they will say "run for the board," so that is what my wife and I plan on doing. I ask my fellow City of Kiel citizens to go to the district office and fill out nomination papers for the spring election. Instead of just complaining about it, get up and do something about it. This is why we started our group, Wisconsin Citizens Involvement. We attend council meetings and board meetings. I think it makes a difference as we can let our voices be heard where it counts, in front of our elected officials.

So please again, register for the school board and even the city council if you feel they are not doing the job you want them to do. Being a citizen in this country is our duty which many of us, including myself for years, have taken for granted. Remember the elected officials are our employees, we pay their salaries and we have the right and responsibility to replace them if they are not doing the job.

Randy Kubetz
Wisconsin Citizens Involvement

Fed's Quantitative Easing to Starve Middle Class Americans

2010-11-09T06:20:00.000-06:00

November 3, 2010

The Federal Reserve today announced that they will be implementing $600 billion in additional quantitative easing by the end of June 2011. The Federal Reserve will maintain its current policy of reinvesting principal payments from its security holdings and will expand its balance sheet by an additional $75 billion per month. The total announced balance sheet expansion was $100 billion higher than the public consensus of $500 billion. The Federal Reserve will continue to hold interest rates at record low levels of 0% to 0.25%, where they have been for nearly two years.

Quantitative easing is nothing more than the Federal Reserve printing money and creating inflation. This quantitative easing steals from the purchasing power of the incomes and savings of all Americans. While Americans are distracted by the mainstream media with daily debates by the Democrats and Republicans about taxes, U.S. taxes have almost no where near the effect on the lives of middle class Americans as does the Federal Reserve's monetary policy and quantitative easing. Instead of millions of Americans attending "tea party" events in Washington with Glenn Beck and Sarah Palin, they should be marching outside of the Federal Reserve building in New York chanting "End the Fed".

As highlighted in NIA's new documentary 'End of Liberty', which just surpassed 170,000 views in three days, prices of nearly all agricultural commodities have been spiraling out of control in recent months just in anticipation of today's quantitative easing announcement. In the past 60 days alone, cotton prices are up 54%, corn prices are up 29%, soybean prices are up 22%, orange juice prices are up 17%, and sugar prices are up 51%. Meanwhile, the Dow Jones has only gained 9%.

The Federal Reserve is doing everything in its power to push stock market prices up so that the government can take credit for an "economic recovery", but as NIA has been warning for years, inflation gravitates most towards the goods that Americans need most in order to live and survive. There is nothing that Americans need more than food. The agricultural commodity price increases of the past two months will begin to make their way into all supermarkets nationwide during the next few months. Americans who have been struggling just to make their mortgage payments, will now be forced to stop paying their mortgage in order to buy food. Instead of hoping to get the latest Apple gadget for Christmas this holiday season, American children better be grateful if their parents are able just to put food on the table.

After the financial crisis of late-2008/early-2009 when the Federal Reserve implemented its first round of quantitative easing, the Dow Jones rallied by 74% from its low of 6,469.95 in March of 2009 to a high of 11,257.93 in April of 2010. By the Dow Jones rallying, the U.S. government was able to take credit for creating an "economic recovery", despite the fact that unemployment remained near multi-decade highs. NIA released a documentary on May 13th called 'Meltup', in which we said, "The truth is, our economy is not recovering, prices are rising only due to inflation." NIA proclaimed in 'Meltup', "If stocks were to see a nominal decline one last time, we will likely see Bernanke shoot up his largest ever dose of quantitative easing."

On July 19th, with the Dow Jones having declined by 11% from its April high down to 10,073.68, everybody in the mainstream media was talking about the threat of deflation. NIA released an article on July 19th entitled, "Double-Dip Recession Does Not Mean Deflation" in which we said, "NIA believes the Federal Reserve is quietly getting ready to implement 'The Mother of All Quantitative Easing'." NIA went on to say, "NIA fears that come this October, Bernanke is likely to shoot up his largest ever dose of quantitative easing."

Today, NIA's prediction for the most part came true. The Federal Reserve announced massive quantitative easing ($600 billion) and our timing was almost perfect (we missed October by a few days). This isn't quite what we consider to be the "The Mother of All Quantitative Easing", but don't worry, the Fed will announce additional quantitative easing soon if the slightest hint of deflation reappears.

Current U.S. price inflation based on the consumer price index (CPI) is 1.5% and the Federal Reserve wants to see this number increase to 2%. The truth is, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) uses geometric weighting and hedonics to artificially manipulate this number lower than the real rate of inflation in order to keep American's social security payment increases as low as possible so that politicians in Washington have more of your money to spend. Based on the way the U.S. government previously calculated price inflation before the BLS's latest tactics to manipulate the CPI as low as possible, NIA believes current year-over-year price inflation is at least 5%.

No human being alive, especially Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, is smart enough to perfectly manage the rate of price inflation by printing money. By expanding the balance sheet by $600 billion, NIA believes the real price inflation rate will rise above 10% in early 2011. Once Americans realize just how rapidly their dollars are being debased and losing their purchasing power, it could cause a rush out of the U.S. dollar and trigger hyperinflation as early as year 2012.

America no longer has a free market economy. For everybody on Wall Street to be so fixated on the words that come out of Bernanke's mouth, it shows that the economic system we have is extremely fragile and vulnerable to collapse at any time. With prices of assets soaring in recent months just in anticipation of Bernanke's quantitative easing announcement, it shows that the world's financial system is already flooded with trillions of dollars in excess liquidity. Unless the U.S. government immediately implements dramatic spending cuts across the board, NIA believes the world is going to lose confidence in the U.S. dollar and it will be impossible for the U.S. to survive past the year 2015 without the U.S. dollar becoming worthless.

The fact that the Republicans took control of the House of Representatives last night is completely meaningless. If the U.S. government is to implement the spending cuts necessary in order to prevent hyperinflation, Americans will be faced with a second Great Depression, which NIA believes is a necessity and much better than the alternative. However, the Republicans will not risk being held responsible for the next Great Depression, because it will ensure Obama gets reelected in 2012. Therefore, NIA predicts that nothing is going to change with the Republicans taking over the House.

The only good news that came so far this week is that Rand Paul was elected to the U.S. Senate. NIA predicted in our top 10 predictions for 2010 that Rand Paul would win both the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate in the State of Kentucky and the U.S. Senate seat and we are very proud that Rand Paul was victorious. NIA considers Rand Paul to be the true leader of the Tea Party movement because he fully understands the hyperinflation that awaits as a result of the Federal Reserve's actions.

NIA hopes to see Rand Paul filibuster any attempts by the U.S. Senate to raise the ceiling on our national debt. There is no reason to have a national debt ceiling if every time we reach it, Congress raises it. NIA prays that Rand Paul proposes a Balanced Budget Amendment in 2011, because this should be our government's top priority if it wants to restore confidence in the U.S. dollar and prevent a complete societal collapse.

NIA would like to apologize for the minor technical problems in the last two minutes of NIA's new 1 hour and 14 minute documentary 'End of Liberty', during the time in which NIA's President Gerard Adams was speaking. This small audio problem was caused by YouTube and out of our control. To make up for this, NIA's President will be featured in an exclusive NIA video later this month explaining in detail the hyperinflationary crisis that is ahead and how NIA members can prosper while the rest of America goes broke. As you know, NIA's President made a 378% return on his investment in silver call options that he suggested to you in February. He believes there will be many more opportunities similar to this for NIA members to become wealthy in the years ahead as the rest of America goes broke.

The most important thing for you to do to help your family members and friends survive the upcoming hyperinflationary crisis is to help them become educated to the truth. Tell them to become members of NIA for free and ask them to read our articles and watch our documentaries. If they have any questions about the U.S. economy or inflation, they can browse through our comprehensive 'NIAnswers' database and if their question hasn't already been answered by us, they can submit it to us to be added to the database. NIA will soon be announcing its most important new 'NIAnswers' of the past several months. Also, on December 7th, NIA will be releasing its latest update to its review of the major online sellers of gold and silver bullion.

NIA Projects Future U.S. Food Price Increases - frightening report

2010-11-09T06:04:00.003-06:00

November 5, 2010

The National Inflation Association today announced the release of its report about NIA's projections of future U.S. food price increases due to the massive monetary inflation being created by the Federal Reserve's $600 billion quantitative easing. This report was written by NIA's President Gerard Adams, who believes food inflation will take over in 2011 as America's greatest crisis. According to Mr. Adams, making mortgage payments will soon be the last thing on the minds of all Americans. We currently have a currency crisis that could soon turn into hyperinflation and a complete societal collapse.

"For every economic problem the U.S. government tries to solve, it always creates two or three much larger catastrophes in the process," said Adams. "Just like we predicted this past December, the U.S. dollar index bounced in early 2010 and has been in free-fall ever since. Bernanke's QE2 will likely accelerate this free-fall into a complete U.S. dollar rout," warned Adams.

NIA projects that at the average U.S. grocery store it will soon cost $11.43 for one ear of corn, $23.05 for a 24 oz loaf of wheat bread, $62.21 for a 32 oz package of Domino Granulated Sugar, $24.31 for a 32 fl oz container of soy milk, $77.71 for a 11.30 oz container of Folgers Classic Roast Coffee, $45.71 for a 64 fl oz container of Minute Maid Orange Juice, and $15.50 for a Hershey's Milk Chocolate 1.55 oz candy bar. NIA also projects that by the end of this decade, a plain white men's cotton t-shirt at Wal-Mart will cost $55.57.

NIA's special U.S. food price projection report is now available to download for free by clicking here.

The report highlights how despite cotton rising by 54%, corn rising by 29%, soybeans rising by 22%, orange juice rising by 17%, and sugar rising by 51% during the months of September and October alone, these huge commodity price increases have yet to make their way into America's grocery stores because corporations have been reluctant to pass these price increases along to the consumer. In today's dismal economy, no retailer wants to be the first to dramatically raise food prices. However, NIA expects all retailers to soon substantially raise food prices at the same time, which will ensure that this Holiday shopping season will be the worst in recorded American history.

link to this report: http://inflation.us/foodpriceprojections.html

link to a full pdf report full with deeper explaination: http://inflation.us/2010inflationreport.pdf

Please be aware of the coming price inflation

2010-11-08T07:56:00.007-06:00

Sugar Monthly Price
Month Value
May 2010 $15.11
Jun 2010 $16.31
Jul 2010 $17.70
Aug 2010 $18.60
Sep 2010 $22.68

I just wanted to place a quick article about food prices. The cost has gone up quite a bit of late but are set to even go higher with the FED buying our own debt. They just bought over $600 billion last week and add that to the $1.7 trillion they bought earlier in the year, we are set for the dollars value to lower. This means to you; those who remember the inflation of the 70's; much higher food prices and also commodities like gas, tires and anything made with oil. There is even talk of a possibly depression by those in the know in financial markets.

Please do your homework and prepare to tighten up the belts even more. You can do this by stocking up on food while the prices are still low. Please let your friends and neighbors know about this and to keep an eye on prices and prepare.

Kiel City Council Agenda Items 11/2/10 (Long!)

2010-11-03T11:20:00.003-05:00

Kiel City Council Agenda Meeting

The agenda for the November City Council meetings was set last night. While I can't explain everything in the detail it was presented, here are the highlights.

As of December 1, 2010, landfills will no longer accept electronic equipment. The City Council is looking into ways that this issue can be addressed, including getting quotes/ideas from other townships for a recycling program. EarthWise Recycling from Sheboygan expressed interest in becoming a type of middle manager for the recycling of these articles. They charge a fee for TVs, computer monitors, microwaves and printers. Most other electronic items are free.

The City is looking into the possibility of purchasing a street sweeper to replace the one that has had repair issues this last year. The one roaming our streets (big orange sweeper) is on loan and the cost would strain the budgeted amounta for this item. They are looking at a 1994 Elgin Sweeper from New Franken. This sweeper, from what I understand, has 15,700 miles on it (not sure on the hours used) and the seller is asking $23,500 for the machine. A new one would cost over $200,000. With between 22 and 23 miles of city streets that need sweeping periodically through the year, a purchase like this is being looked at as an option.

Dennis Dedering said that he would have quotes for city snow removal ready for next weeks' City Council Meeting.

Mary Christel requested the board's approval for a non-combustible shelter, built by any of the clubs or groups in town, to be placed on the top of the sledding hill. The City would haul and store this shelter, as it does with the skating shelter.

The Wastewater Treatment Facility is looking to hire a new employee. This person would be considered an operator/mechanic with some lab duties as necessary. It sounded like they would prefer someone with certification, but if the right person applied, they would train. This position would cost approximately $85,000 which includes all benefits. The possible hire date would not be until after January 1, 2011.

The WWTF is seeking Council approval to start looking at a design to treat the wastewater biologically, rather than with chemicals. They have done a test run which showed that the phosphorus level is at 1.4. The DNR regulations require a phosphorus level of 1.0 if treated with chemicals or a level of 2.0 if treated biologically. The savings on chemicals would be approximately $70,000 per year.

The WWTF is drawing up a 10-year plan to present to the DNR to increase their points that the DNR then assigns to grants and/or stimulus monies. This plan looks at priorities for the city's needs and the possibility of expansion.

The sewer work is a top priority. The City of Kiel has approximately 250 sewer sections (manhole to manhole). They currently have 50 sections televised for leaks, clogs, and other problems, leaving 200 sections yet to be televised.

The other project that the WWTF is looking at in the future is the possibility of treating the methane gas from the WWTF to run a generator which would then sell the excess power back to the grid or to sell the methane gas (treated) as a natural gas, to large consumers such as industrial or commercial customers. It seems that, with treatment, methane gas can be used in place of natural gas. An interesting option.

Next on the agenda is the Electric Rate Study. I'll admit, this one was a little confusing, so bear with me, please.

The first item discussed was the hydro project. Of the five steps to get the hydro project going, two of them have been completed.

Approval from all the members of the Public Service Commission (PSC) has been done.
A purchase agreement with the seller of the hydro-electric project has been completed.
The PSC has to approve buying the energy produced
The Federal regulations must be met
The Financing has to be approved.

Electric rates are set to go up sometime between February and April. There has not been a rate filing by the City of Kiel since 2002, and the last two years, the income has been in the red—negative. The PSC determines how much an increase will be and when. The City has no say in that. Right now, we are approximately 25% below New Holstein electric rates. We are looking at a potential increase of anywhere between 5.0% and 5.7%. The City can file for a rate increase every year, every other year, or as needed. We are thankful that the City has not “adjusted” our rates in the last years, but all good things come to an end.

The retirement of the City custodian as of the end of the year was another topic of discussion. The custodial position covered some maintenance and janitorial work, as well as lawn cutting, trimming, and snow removal. As this position is responsible for not only City Hall, but the Police Station, Fire Station, Library, Stoelting House, Historical House, and the Community Center, a thorough job description is needed. The last job description written up for this position was in 1971. It was discussed whether to split this position into two part-time positions—one janitorial and one maintenance/snow removal or to see if someone would be able to cover the entire position as the current custodian has in the past.

Chief Funkhouser's report was uplifting. He thanked the Council for allowing him to attend a conference and accept an award. He spoke about the honor and recognition Kiel Police have received at the national level and also brought up the fact that 80% of police departments are made up of less than 20 people, of which we are one.

The Sleigh Bell Run is scheduled for December 4th. The police will be closing off Sixth Street for the safety of the walkers/runners in this event.

In the case of Ryan Zellner, all three counties involved are consolidating their cases into one case. I understand Mr. Zellner is to appear before a judge sometime in the next 4-6 weeks.

The “Round-About Jumper” as he's being called, was also talked about. The officer who witnessed the event was at McDonalds responding to a suspicious car. He heard the car coming south on Hwy 67. He was approaching the round-about at a very high rate of speed (eyeball was approximately 90mph) and didn't touch the brakes until he was in mid-air. The officer said the vehicle cleared the sapling at the top of the round-about and crashed down, breaking a large piece of cement from the curb. The driver took off on foot, but was traced to a medical facility (but missed by minutes) and turned himself in the following day. He admitted to consuming 5 cans of beer, so alcohol was a factor.

Other police business included addressing two cars in impound. The Chief will have to work with a lawyer to get clear titles on these so they can be scrapped out—neither of them are in working condition.

Thefts from cars continue in both Kiel and New Holstein. A laptop was stolen from a car in the River Terrace Subdivision, and other items have been reported missing from unlocked garages and vehicles. Make a point to lock your vehicles if parked outside and to lock garages in the evening.

Five minors were arrested during the Kiel Homecoming festivities for drugs. Some, if not all, were charged with selling drugs inside the High School. Three students have already been expelled from the High School, with the other two facing the same charges.

Kiel Picnic Committee has asked that the City extend the area to include all of the Fifth Street area between the Sts. Peter and Paul UCC and the businesses on the other side of this street for an additional band area. The Council recommended that a more formal plan for this request be presented.

Addressing Joint Dispatch, the need to maintain console updates and certification was mentioned.

On Friday, in remembrance of Sgt. Amy Krueger and the Fort Hood massacre, there will be a silent run from the Police Station to the Fire Station and past the three schools. Council members agreed unanimously to this and will take part if at all possible.

There have been no complaints regarding the Smoking Ban that the State enacted. There have been many positive comments from bar/tavern owners in appreciation for the work done between the City Council, Police, and the owners.

Another State approval that hasn't been mentioned all that much is the allowing of 4-wheelers on the road for snow removal use. The drivers of this equipment must be at least 16 years old, the vehicles must have a snowplow attached, the vehicles must have a flashing light visible for 300 yards and the operators must be within two miles of their residence.

The Kiel Police Department was approved for a taser grant. This will allow the police to obtain, train and use these non-deadly tools in keeping the peace. Kiel and New Holstein are the only two cities in the immediate area that don't have tasers at this time.

Last, but definitely not least, the City Hall Building was addressed. According to last year's quotes, it would cost over $1.3 million to remodel the first floor of the building and upgrade the electrical and wiring. To demolish and rebuild would be $2.7 million and offer better utilization of the space. The Council does have the right to make this decision without going to referendum because more than 50% of the space is used for Public Safety i.e. the Police Station and EMS. However, it was agreed that something of this magnitude should go before the people. The spring election will include this referendum with cost numbers for a complete remodel vs. a demolition and rebuilding in the same location.

There is a lot going on and a lot to stay on top of. We'll do our best to keep everyone informed. If anyone has differing numbers or information on the items in this post, please let me know—I can only report what I heard and understood—and my hearing isn't the greatest sometimes!

Kiel Area School Board Annual Meeting

2010-10-26T09:45:00.002-05:00

Annual School Board Meeting
October 25, 2010

The annual School Board meeting began with the call to order and the Pledge of Allegiance. Dr. Louise Blankenheim and Ruthie Rumpff spoke about the School District's Mission Statement, focusing on “future focused education.”

The discussion then moved to the Budget and the School Levy increase for 2010/2011. The information discussed prompted audience members, including myself, to question further and share concerns about the numbers being discussed.

Student enrollment has dropped off, from 1,452 in 2008/2009 to 1,407 in 2009/2010 and 1,394 in 2010/2011. This decline has resulted in less money from the state, which funds 59% of our students education. (Property taxes make up 31.5% and local grants cover the remaining 9.5% of the amount.) The student enrollment looks to continue to drop off as there are approximately 139 High School students in the graduating class this year (2010/2011) and only 90 Kindergarten students enrolled this year.

Among the issues discussed were the fact that the school district has to spend to the maximum to receive the maximum. This formula, put in place by the Board of Education at the state level, makes no sense when it comes to budgeting in a fiscally responsible manner. The Kiel School District set aside $686,057 so the budget would not run short last year. The state looked at that and said “you didn't spend that amount, we're going to give you that much less this year.”

When asked what portion of the health insurance was paid by the union teachers/staff, the answer was 5%. In the private sector, health insurance co-pays range from 15% to 50% and beyond. While this is negotiated by the Teachers Union and the School Board, there is very little room to negotiate. The unions aren't willing to settle for less, even if some of the teachers agree. They come back with the threat of arbitration which leads to expensive hearings and, most times, an increase in the terms for the teachers. The binding arbitration laws that are in place have so stifled our school district, and our city government, that it's nearly impossible to fight the unions and win. I did bring up the idea of communities joining together to fight the unions for better negotiations, especially when it comes to the teacher contracts, but I was told that “it's very difficult to work together.” If we don't stand together, we'll fall apart, and pay the taxes regardless.

The tax levy increase of $6,102,011 was approved. This increases our current levy amount of $860 per $100,000 of a home's value to $912 per $100,000 of a home's value, an increase of $52. While this may not seem like a great amount, consider that, with the approval of the Fire Station upgrades and additions, our taxes will go up approximately $52 as well. An increase like this on our taxes in these trying economic times is adding insult to injury.

I realize that sacrifices need to be made, but when the idea of having local businesses look at the schools to see what needs have to be addressed, and then getting the community involved in deciding what needs have to be addressed in a referendum is shot down with little or no discussion in favor of having an independent study of the district and its needs done (and at a significant cost), one has to wonder where the priorities of the School Board really lie. The referendum is in our future, and the study that the School Board is requesting proposals for is meant to “sell” it to the citizens of this city and school district.

Another topic of discussion was the request from the School Board to authorize the sale and/or disposal of school property if determined appropriate by the Board. This was denied and left as an open issue pending change of the language prohibiting the school from selling land or buildings without the community's approval. It didn't sound like this issue would be addressed until next year's Annual Meeting.

Other concerns were brought up as well. We all know that our young people need to be aware of what is happening in the world. However, we are a School District of a State of the United States. We are not a School District of the World. We need to teach our students about our own history, laws and citizenship (and its responsibilities) first, and then look outside our borders.

Curriculum replacements and upgrades are something every school district looks at and needs to be aware of. We were very unhappy with some of the curriculum being used and the lack of the fundamentals being taught to our children. I asked that when any curriculum comes up for review, that I, along with other parents, be able to research it, read and critique it. Even if we aren't utilizing Kiel Area School District for our children, we still want the best education for all of the students attending the schools.

I walked away from the meeting last night with an understanding of where the School Board is coming from, but with a very skeptical view of just how serious they are about cutting costs and minimizing the effect on the taxpayers. We need more people to get involved. The Valders School District had their Annual Meeting last week and had over 200 people there. We were lucky to have 30 people, including School Board members and District personnel.

October Meeting Notes

2010-10-15T10:39:00.001-05:00

Meeting Notes for October Meeting

Call to order

Pledge of Allegiance

September Meeting Notes—none—only one person showed up besides us

Current issues discussed:

Voting transportation. Wisconsin Citizen's Involvement is offering rides to anyone who cannot get out to vote (just within the city limits of Kiel.) Call an elderly neighbor, check with friends. We need to make the voting accessible to all who will accept that responsibility.

Speaking up in churches. Our duty to God underlines our duty as citizens. As a Judeo-Christian country, we do need to keep politics apart from religion, but we need to support each other in our community in a Christian manner. This, to me, includes helping those less fortunate in providing an opportunity to perform their civic duty. Keep politics out of church, but offer rides to those needing it. Don't support any political candidate or party—keep it neutral.

Attending City Council meetings and School Board meetings. This is important because we need to be able to address our local government as much as possible on the issues that affect us. Do you have an opinion on the current fence issue? Do you have an opinion on who serves on the Library or School Board? How about the Binding Arbitration issues we face as a community? The only way we can make this known is to attend meetings. Boring they may be, as our 3rd graders say, but we need to keep our officials accountable to us—we hired them!

Take responsibility for our city. This falls on our shoulders. Too many times we are left wondering why ordinances are changed or new ones put in place. We need to shoulder the responsibility of being a citizen of this city, county, state, and country. We live here but it isn't without its cost. That cost is getting involved. Talk about politics with whoever you can engage in a respectful manner. Don't force your opinions down someone's throat, and don't let them do it to you. Listen to their opinions, and offer your own. Leave it at that. Do research your facts so you know they are the truth. Only the truth matters.

Open discussion. The floor was opened to those attending. Issues ranged from: the recent example of the stock market just prior to the crash that caused the Great Depression overlaid on the current stock market swings; the possibility of violence if the Republicans win the mid-term elections; the state of the state; the attitude of those in positions of authority and the lack of wanting to step outside our comfort zones to run for office for fear of failure.

Our next meeting will be on November 18, 2010. It will be at 6:30pm at the Stoelting House, Kiel, WI. Any questions or comments, please e-mail or call us at 920-894-1410.

Three Articles Well Worth Reading

2010-10-15T09:44:00.002-05:00

You Thought I Was Kidding
"The definition of freedom is the absence of coercion or constraint in choice or action. Most North Americans claim to love freedom, yet I am constantly amazed at how easily we are willing to give it away for what government tells us is “your own good.”"
http://canadafreepress.com/index.php/article/28711

Dems' Demons: Voters Who Pay Attention
"The question in Wisconsin, as elsewhere, is whether the voters want more political cleverness of the kind that has gotten this economy into its present predicament."
http://www.investors.com/NewsAndAnalysis/Article.aspx?id=550293&p=2

Three Things Government Cannot Do
"Governments can provide certain services -- like protection of private property or defense from foreign enemies. Governments can also, through taxes, fees, and regulations, redistribute wealth and control some aspects of the goods and services that come to the market...Everything else that we are told that governments can do for us is fanciful fiction. "
http://www.americanthinker.com/2010/10/three_things_government_cannot.html

Editorial for Herald Times Reporter, Sheboygan Press and Tri-County News

2010-10-14T09:52:00.001-05:00

Wisconsin Citizens Involvement, a local independent citizens group, (www.wisconsincitizens.blogspot.com) would like to support Jack Lechler (I) for the State Assembly District 27 seat. His opponent Steve Kestell (R) has been in this seat for 10 years and it is time for change. We believe Jack will bring new ideas to our state that is now $2.5 billion in debt and over 230,000 unemployed workers which Steve has been part of. Jack is running an independent campaign without any special interest money. On the other hand Steve Kestell has received $51,010.00 from special interest groups. This can lead a candidate to support laws or to introduce laws that help those who helped finance your campaign. Look at our current President who received millions of dollars from the unions and how he supports laws that bail the unions out or help them profit.

Some of the issues Jack supports are Term Limits which is needed to keep corruption to a minimum. Putting the control back in our local governments to allow the citizens decide what is best for the community, not the State legislature in Madison. Providing an ID to vote to help stop voter fraud. The last is to stop the train project cold in it's tracks.

Please elect an independent voice to our State Assembly and vote for Jack Lechler on November 2nd.

October Meeting Date

2010-10-12T11:48:00.001-05:00

The October meeting for the Wisconsin Citizen's Involvement group will be on October 14, 2010 at 6:30pm at the Stoelting House in Kiel.

Any questions can be directed to Patty or Randy at 920-894-1410.

Please come and get involved!

Support Jack Lechler (I) for the State Assembly District 27 seat

2010-10-08T12:54:00.002-05:00

Wisconsin Citizens Involvement, a local citizens group, (www.wisconsincitizens.blogspot.com/) would like to support Jack Lechler (I) for the State Assembly District 27 seat. His opponent Steve Kestell has been in this seat for 10 years and it is time for change.

Jack will bring new ideas to our state that is now $2.5 billion in debt and over 230,000 unemployed workers which Steve has been part of.

Please elect an independent voice to our State Assembly and vote for Jack Lechler on November 2nd.

Whether you vote democratic, republican or independent party - remember to vote.

2010-10-05T08:26:00.006-05:00

We need to get out and vote and use this right that was fought so hard for by these very courageous women.

Remember the timeline of voting rights in the United States:

1776 –White property owning males have the right to vote

1792 –New Hampshire eliminates property qualifications for voting

1856 –Some property qualifications in North Carolina are eliminated

1869 –Fifteenth Amendment to the Constitution is passed giving African American males the right to vote

1870 –Fifteenth Amendment is ratified expanding the franchise to freed slaves and other African Americans

1920 –Native Americans who abandon their tribes earn the right to vote

1920 –The Nineteenth Amendment adopted in 1919 is ratified, giving women the right to vote

1923 –Asian Indians are given the right to vote

1924 –Non-citizen Indians born in the United States are declared citizens and given the right to vote

1943 –Chinese citizens are given the right to citizenship and the right to vote

1960 –Congress passes the Civil Rights Act of 1960

1965 –The Voting Rights Act is passed

1971 –the 26th Amendment is ratified, giving 18 year-olds the right to vote

Tuesday, November 2nd VOTE!!!!!

Debt mounts in States

2010-10-04T07:41:00.004-05:00

As you can see in the chart that our state taxes raise and so does our debt. Doyle raised taxes in 3 of the 4 categories listed.

We need to get involved to fight this and stop trying to ignore it. If we continue to ignore the problems then the government will continue to "FIX" the problems and put us deeper in debt.

Also if you want to see our state debt click here:
http://www.usdebtclock.org/state-debt-clocks/state-of-wisconsin-debt-clock.html

This shows us that we are now $50,675,306,764.00 in debt as a state which is $8,825 per citizen or $35,300 for a family of 4.

November is Coming ......

2010-09-27T10:36:00.001-05:00

Great video that shows the people are done with the D's and R's

Make Mine Freedom (1948)

2010-09-18T03:13:00.000-05:00

READER OPINION-It's our Republic we need to stay involved in it

2010-08-30T00:51:00.001-05:00

This is an opinion piece I wrote for the Tri-county newspaper.

To the editor,
Wisconsin Citizen's Involvement would like to thank all three candidates who participated in the Question and Answer Forum on August 19, 2010. We would also like to thank all of the people who took the time to come and listen to what the candidates had to say. Without this type of information, how can people decide on which candidate is the best to vote for?
I would like to see more people take the time to get involved in government issues. I know previous generations of my family have done so. My great-grandparents left an oppressive government in Czechoslovakia to come to the one and only free country on Earth-the United States of America. If we don't get involved soon, the freedoms we currently have will no longer be there for future generations. I don't want to be the generation that loses that dream of my great-grandparents and our fore-fathers. That is why we started our group and are getting involved.
This also ties into immigration. We do need to have immigration to renew the feeling of gratitude for the freedoms we have. This only happens when we have legal immigrants who work for their citizenship and then they can truly appreciate our country. Those who bypass this system do not have the same appreciation and love for our country. I remember hearing stories from my grandparents on the love of our country and the appreciation for the opportunity to succeed. They did not have any guarantees they would succeed, just the dream of the freedom to do so. They also assimilated into the country and their community. They learned English and did not make others bend to their heritage and language.
Also remember, we are a Republic, not a Democracy. There is a huge difference, and that is why my family fled Europe. If you want to keep this Republic and freedom, please get involved.

Glenn Beck rally

2010-08-29T21:01:00.003-05:00

We attended the rally. It was amazing to see the amount of people there.

Video of the event:
http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/295231-1

Some pictures of the crowds, taken by others.

The candidate forum video

2010-08-25T08:08:00.002-05:00

Thanks to Wisconsin Eye for taping the session.

This is a link:
http://www.wiseye.org/wisEye_programming/campaign10/ARCHIVES-CPN10_GOV.html#3919

It is in 2 parts and requires Windows media player to play. The video is very small and hard to see.

Pictures from candidate forum on 4-19-2010

2010-08-20T15:05:00.002-05:00

Thanks again for the three candidates: Steve Kestell, Randy Meyer and Jack Lechler. We also thank all of you who came to the forum.

This is why we are involved, will you?

2010-08-17T05:29:00.003-05:00

This is a video that will explain why we got involved. I hope you get others to get involved as well. If we don't fight for our rights and constitution we will no longer be America, we will be like Europe. By the way, didn't our own families run from Europe to be in a system that you can succeed or even fail. I know my great grandparents came for that reason and I will fight to keep that dream alive for my children and future generations!
link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wusgcG4rfo&feature=player_embedded

No August Meeting

2010-08-10T16:50:00.002-05:00

There will be no meeting of the Kiel Patriots/Wisconsin Citizen's Involvement in August. We are traveling to Washington DC with our children to take part in the Defending the American Dream Summit and Glenn Beck's Restoring Honor Rally. We will update the blogs when we return. Thanks for understanding.

Paying for the cost of freedom a citizens duty

2010-08-07T05:36:00.004-05:00

8/6/2010 8:24:00 AM

To the editor,
When  we think of the cost of freedom, our thoughts generally turn to our  military personnel who are serving, have served, or have paid the  ultimate price. How many also think of the cost we, as citizens, also  bear? I'm talking about the civic duty we owe to our  country, state, community and our fellow Americans. We owe it to our  children, parents, military, and ourselves, to be as involved as  possible in the preservation of our "inalienable rights" as the  Constitution states.

This  debt is one we deepen when we don't know enough about our candidates,  don't take time to learn about the issues we vote on or have our  representatives at every level of government vote on for us. It deepens  when we don't educate ourselves and others on the real issues, the truth  behind the news headlines, the real state of our country, state and  community. Look at the last presidential election; many people did not  take the time to research the candidates. Many people just voted for a  slogan, "Change." Ask yourself how that is working for America. When we  aren't willing to give of ourselves a small portion, when we give others  the authority to make our decisions for us without our input, we become  willing slaves to whatever that authority decides is best. Have you  quietly handed your responsibilities as a citizen of this nation to  someone else because you "didn't have time," "didn't know enough,"  "don't have an interest in it," or "don't care?" Be honest with  yourself.

This once-great nation needs "We the  People" now more than ever. It matters not if you affiliate yourself  with the Republicans, Democrats, or no party at all. There is more to  your civic duty that marking a box on a ballot or pulling a lever. What  does the candidate stand for? Does the candidate listen to you? Who does  the candidate represent-their party or you? Have you spoken with them?  Ask yourself these questions and find the answers-and don't just get the  information from one. Be aware of who you're getting your information  from, get it from the original source.
This is your  call to action. Many of you are probably wondering how to get involved.  Attend City Council and School Board meetings, attend debates and  discussion forums, learn who your candidates are and what they stand  for, and especially important, educate yourself and others. The library  is free and has many resources available.

Only by exercising our Constitutional rights will we retain them. Get involved at any level you can. You can make a difference.

Wisconsin  Citizen's Involvement, a local non-profit, non-partisan citizens group,  will be sponsoring a Question and Answer Forum with the three  candidates running for District 27 Assembly Seat. Watch for more details  in this and next week's paper. Visit their blog at http://wisconsincitizens.blogspot.com/ to find out more about the group and for more information on the upcoming forum.

Press Release

2010-07-28T10:19:00.001-05:00

Press Release
Wisconsin Citizen's Involvement
920-894-1410
freedom4choices@yahoo.com
July 28, 2010
For immediate release

Wisconsin Citizen's Involvement, a local non-profit, non-partisan citizens group is sponsoring a Question and Answer Forum with the three candidates running for the District 27 State Assembly Seat which includes the townships of Sheboygan Falls, Sheboygan, Mosel, Plymouth, Rhine, Herman, Greenbush, Russell, New Holstein, Forest, Brothertown, Charlestown, Schleswig, Marshfield and Calumet. This event will be taking place on August 19, 2010 at 7:00pm at Kiel High School Auditorium. The public is welcome to attend.

“We feel that it is important to know who the candidates are, what they believe in, and who they represent—their constituents or their party,” says Patty Kubetz. “We are working with all three candidates in setting up this Forum, and striving to educate ourselves and our community so that the best decisions can be made by the voters.”

The group is founded by Randy and Patty Kubetz, from Kiel, Wisconsin. They meet once a month to discuss current issues and to work toward local citizen involvement. The group's members get involved by attending City Council and School Board meetings, working with Constitutional-minded candidates, volunteering time and energy to help campaign, working get fiscally responsible, common-sense people elected to office, supporting State's Rights and holding elected officials accountable.

Watch for more information in the coming weeks. If you would like to submit a question for the candidates, Randy or Patty can be reached at freedom4choices@yahoo.com or 920-894-1410.

Visit their blog at http://wisconsincitizens.blogspot.com/ .

Invitation to a Q & A Forum with the Candidates

2010-07-28T10:18:00.001-05:00

Wisconsin Citizen's Involvement

Invites You to a Question and Answer Forum with the Candidates for District 27 Assembly Seat

Date: August 19, 2010

Time: 7:00pm

Place: Kiel High School Auditorium
210 Raider Heights
Kiel, WI 53042-1747

E-mail your questions to freedom4choices@yahoo.com
or call Patty or Randy at 920-894-1410
by August 16, 2010.

Wisconsin Citizen's Involvement is a non-profit, non-partisan citizens group promoting community involvement and supporting Constitutional-minded candidates.

http://wisconsincitizens.blogspot.com/

The Cost of Freedom

2010-07-28T10:16:00.000-05:00

The Cost of Freedom by Patty Kubetz

When we think of the cost of freedom, our thoughts generally turn to our military personnel who are serving, have served, or have paid the ultimate price. How many also think of the cost we, as citizens, also bear?

I'm talking about the civic duty we owe to our country, state, community and our fellow Americans. We owe it to our children, parents, military, and ourselves,to be as involved as possible in the preservation of our “inalienable rights” as the Constitution states.

This debt is one we deepen when we don't know enough about our candidates, don't take time to learn about the issues we vote on or have our representatives at every level of government vote on for us. It deepens when we don't educate ourselves and others on the real issues, the truth behind the news headlines, the real state of our country, state and community. Look at the last presidential election; many people did not take the time to research the candidates. Many people just voted for a slogan, “Change.” Ask yourself how that is working for America. When we aren't willing to give of ourselves a small portion, when we give others the authority to make our decisions for us without our input, we become willing slaves to whatever that authority decides is best. Have you quietly handed your responsibilities as a citizen of this nation to someone else because you “didn't have time,” “didn't know enough,” “don't have an interest in it,” or “don't care?” Be honest with yourself.

This once-great nation needs “We the People” now more than ever. It matters not if you affiliate yourself with the Republicans, Democrats, or no party at all. There is more to your civic duty that marking a box on a ballot or pulling a lever. What does the candidate stand for? Does the candidate listen to you? Who does the candidate represent—their party or you? Have you spoken with them? Ask yourself these questions and find the answers—and don't just get the information from one. Be aware of who you're getting your information from, get it from the original source.

This is your call to action. Many of you are probably wondering how to get involved. Attend City Council and School Board meetings, attend debates and discussion forums, learn who your candidates are and what they stand for, and especially important, educate yourself and others. The library is free and has many resources available.

Only by exercising our Constitutional rights will we retain them. Get involved at any level you can. You can make a difference.

Wisconsin Citizen's Involvement, a local non-profit, non-partisan, citizens group, will be sponsoring a Question and Answer Forum with the three candidates running for District 27 Assembly Seat. Watch for more details in next week's paper. Visit their blog at http://wisconsincitizens.blogspot.com/ to find out more about the group and for more information on the upcoming forum.

Meeting Notes July 2010

2010-07-23T09:55:00.000-05:00

Thank you to everyone who attended our July 22, 2010 meeting.

We began with the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Ben and Elaine Kubetz.

We briefly went over the discussion notes from our June meeting.

First on our agenda was a discussion on whether or not to support a call to action by Jack Lechler regarding a "Town Hall" type debate with the three candidates running for the 27th District Assembly seat. As a group, Wisconsin Citizen's Involvement decided that we would call Representative Steve Kestell, Candidate Randy Meyer, and Candidate Jack Lechler to set up a public discussion forum. Mr. Lechler was kind enough to call the school and we tentatively have the week of August 16th available for the candidates to meet.

We discussed which candidates to support in the upcoming primaries/election season. Republican U.S. Senate candidate Ron Johnson, running against Russ Feingold, current Democratic incumbent, was given our support. We will be contacting Mr. Johnson's campaign to see if he'd be interested in coming to our area in the near future.

There was a lively ongoing discussion on immigration and the fallout from the recent government action against Arizona. We also touched on how immigration affects us as taxpayers, and the country as a whole.

Mr. Lechler mentioned that he had met with the new Kiel Area School District Superintendent. I have sent a letter of invitation to Ms. Louise Blankenheim to come to our next meeting. I will follow this up with a personal invite when I meet with her in the next week or so.

We discussed the recent vote by Kiel Mayor Werdeo regarding the wage increase for the wastewater treatment employees. With our economy in such dire straits, we need to be watching every penny, at every level of government. We discussed meeting with the mayors of the surrounding communities to see if they would be interested in working together to fight the union arbitration and wage increase demands. I will be sending out letters by next week Wednesday.

Mr. Lechler brought to our attention one of the many letters he had received since announcing his candidacy for the Assembly seat. This particular letter was from Ms. Julaine Appling, with Wisconsin Family Action. He gave me a copy of this letter, and I will be contacting Ms. Appling in regards to some of the past issues we have discussed.

Our next meeting will be on August 26, 2010 at 6:30pm at the Stoelting House in Kiel. We hope you can attend. Remember, if you don't use your voice, you lose it!

This video says it all

2010-07-10T20:16:00.000-05:00

If this does not bring a lump to your throat and maybe a tear to your eye, well you are a heartless progressive.

Great video for those who love our country

2010-07-08T07:58:00.000-05:00

Political cartoon from 1930's

2010-07-06T07:42:00.003-05:00

As we all know history seems to repeat itself. This cartoon from 60 years ago applies to today's government.

Police get overtime while being suspended!

2010-06-25T14:16:00.001-05:00

Who ever said the unions are not ruining America. Checkout this clip talking about police getting overtime payments while they are suspended!

http://www.breitbart.tv/union-rules-suspended-cops-get-overtime-pay/

We need to do something as citizens to stop the madness.

Progressive ratings for Wisconsin representitives

2010-05-25T08:22:00.003-05:00

Progressive Patriots - Net Congressional Score - May 14, 2010

Office Dist Name Party Rating
U.S. Senate Sr Herbert Kohl Democratic 46
U.S. Senate Jr Russell Feingold Democratic 74
U.S. House 1 Paul Ryan Republican -31
U.S. House 2 Tammy Baldwin Democratic 59
U.S. House 3 Ronald Kind Democratic 14
U.S. House 4 Gwendolynne Moore Democratic 40
U.S. House 5 F. James Sensenbrenner Republican -45
U.S. House 6 Thomas Petri Republican -23
U.S. House 7 David Ross Obey Democratic 10
U.S. House 8 Steven Kagen Democratic 24

These are the rating of Wisconsin Representatives. The lower the rating the more constitutional they are and the higher numbers are the most progressive anti-constitutional they are. Russ Feingold is the most progressive member Wisconsin has with a 74. I was shocked that Sensenbrenner with a -45 was the most conservative and beat out Paul Ryan with a -31.

When you go to http://www.votesmart.org/ and enter in your zip code. It shows all the representatives and from there Click on the persons name. Then click on Ratings to see the persons ratings for all sorts of groups. This is interesting and informative on where the candidates stand. Thanks to Randy for pointing out this information.

If you do not know what a progressive is look here for a definition http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_12640.cfm and form your own opinion. We believe that progressives are anti-constitutional people and believe in social justice instead of equal justice.

Written by Randy Kubetz
email me here: kielpatriots@gmail.com

Meeting Notes 5/20/2010

2010-05-24T18:33:00.001-05:00

Our May meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by an overview of last month's meeting. We recognized Guy Grube, City Council Member, and Cynthia Schmahl, School Board President, for coming to our April meeting.

We were joined this month by Randy Meyer, Mayor of the City of Sheboygan Falls, and Steve Kestell, State Representative of the 27th Assembly District.

A lively discussion of current news items followed.

The legislature recently signed into law in Arizona regarding illegal immigration, and the legality of it, was our first topic. Input from meeting attendees was positive regarding the law. If you have time, read the 16 pages of this law. I am not a lawyer, yet it seemed pretty airtight and legal to me. Read it and make your own determination, don't depend on the media to interpret it for you.

Several recent stories of students being disciplined and/or mocked for displaying, drawing, and defending the United States Flag. Further discussion ensued regarding the state of our education system. Steve Kestell informed us that Kiel Area School District receives roughly 2/3 of its money from the State of Wisconsin. We have, by allowing the State to pick up more of the education tab, given them more power and jurisdiction over our children and what and how they are being taught. I briefly touched on an issue we recently had to address with Zelanis Elementary and the difference of opinion on Earth Day.

Another story in the news (Fox News covered it, but I don't know if any other network did.) was that of SEIU (Service Employees International Union) and National People's Action busing 700 people from 20 different states to "protest" outside private homes. One of those was Greg Baer, Deputy General Counsel, Bank of America. This gentleman was at a Little League game with his 12 year old son, leaving his 14 year old son at home alone. The teen was so frightened when the angry mob surrounded the home that he hid and called his dad. The police were called, but refused to respond, saying that a police presence would "likely incite violence." Mr. Baer ended up parking a few blocks away and then walking back to rescue his son. He was treated to verbal abuse and total lack of respect. This man has been a life-long Democrat and a ranking official in the Clinton Administration. The protesters were completely out of line.

We have a right to protest. What I found so disturbing about this news item was that: #1. The police didn't respond, #2. These people were trespassing on private property, #3. There was no respect for family or children.

When we protest, we need to show respect. When we protest someone's actions, or business, we have to leave family out of the picture. We have the right to PEACEFUL protest, not scaring innocent children and harassing family members.

We need to put pressure on our State Representatives to end media arbitration. When teachers and city workers have a guaranteed raise each year, the economy doesn't seem quite so bad to them. I don't have a bone to pick with teachers, heaven only knows how hard they work to educate our children, but the teachers unions are getting too big, and don't have the best interests of the people they are supposed to represent at heart.

Mention was made that our voices are being heard. The “Motor Voter” bill which would automatically register anyone who gets a drivers license for voting, opening the door for massive voter fraud, was soundly defeated thanks to all the calls, letters, e-mails and communication with our legislative representatives. The “Global Warming” bill which would expand the governmental rules and regulations to reduce emissions from factories and automobiles and making many other regulatory changes that would further paralyze Wisconsin's economy and job market.

Our next meeting will be held on June 24, 2010, at 6:30pm at the Stoelting House in Kiel. Come if you can, and bring your concerns and join the discussion. Anyone is welcome.

Have a happy and safe Memorial Day.

Do Not Blame Barack

2010-04-19T20:59:00.000-05:00

I found this inspiring and thought-provoking article on a website called American Thinker. You can visit them at http://www.americanthinker.com/

The article is entitled Do Not Blame Barack, by Selwyn Duke, and the link to it is below:

http://www.americanthinker.com/2009/10/do_not_blame_barack.html

The article is a bit lengthy, but so worth reading!

City information

2010-04-17T13:56:00.002-05:00

Just to let you all know I posted the city council meeting minutes at this attached site:
http://kielpatriots.blogspot.com/2010/04/my-first-kiel-city-council-meeting.html

We plan on keeping this main blog for state news and other information for everyone. We will post Kiel council meeting info at the http://kielpatriots.blogspot.com site. We would like people from other local communities to start their own blogs and we can link to it off of the main page. This is our first stab at putting this information out. Please attach comments or e-mail us with ideas and suggestions.

Let's all get involved and take back our governments.

Randy Kubetz

READER OPINION-Reader offers call to action, and local option

2010-04-17T13:22:00.002-05:00

This is the article Patty wrote for the newspaper in case you did not see it.

4/16/2010 12:04:00 PM
READER OPINION-Reader offers call to action, and local option

To the editor, A Call to Action Have you heard? The State of Wisconsin closed its 2008/2009 books with a $2.71 billion deficit in its general fund. This according to Todd Berry, President of Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance. In an article titled "The $2.7 billion state deficit no one told you about" in the Conservative Digest, he further states that this is the fifth consecutive year that the GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Practices) shortfall exceeded $2 billion and the ninth that it has topped $1 billion. Pew Trusts recently named Wisconsin one of the ten states most in "fiscal peril."

We're in the midst of a recession. The situation isn't getting better. Unemployment isn't going down, jobs aren't coming back and people all over this state are hurting. Nearly 1 in 10 people are out of work. Yet, we have a governor who is not listening to the people when it comes to cutting back on some of the funding, earmarks, and pet projects. Doyle has already purchased the trains for his high- speed train project, an $810 million federal government handout that will cost us, the citizens of Wisconsin, billions for the upkeep and maintenance. He has been pushing the global warming bill, which will increase costs (at a minimal guesstimate of $16 billion a year) to each and every one of us. Why do I bring these issues up? Why do I want to remind anyone of the difficult times we're living in and the problems we have? Because we can do something about it! You see each of us has a duty to do what we can when we can. Part of that duty is getting out to vote. We only had a 22% voter turnout on April 6, 2010. Does this make it okay for the 78% who didn't vote to complain about how bad things are going? I think not. If you don't use your voice, you lose it. We have become complacent about the government and the idea that we can't change anything. If we don't vote, don't attend City Council meetings, School Board meetings, or get involved in our community, how can we expect the mayor or the School Board to know what we want, expect, or are concerned about? When we get involved at a community level, the ripple effect is far-reaching. You can find people who want to make a difference working together to deal with the difficult issues head-on. One of those groups is right here in Kiel. Calling themselves "Wisconsin Citizen's Involvement," these local citizens are supporting candidates with Constitutional values, supporting officials who have shown exceptional leadership, and attending meetings to make their concerns known. If you're interested in the group, visit their blog at http://wisconsincitizens.blogspot.com/ to see their updates and learn how you too, can get involved. They meet once a month, their next meeting will be held on April 22, 6 p.m. at the Stoelting House in Kiel.

Patty Kubetz

link: http://www.tcnewsonline.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=12183&SectionID=10&SubSectionID=18&S=1

Some pictures from the tea party

2010-04-08T06:56:00.002-05:00

There were about 800 people braving the icy day. You can click on the pictures to get a full size shot.

Link to the pictures:
http://s809.photobucket.com/albums/zz14/kielpatriots/Green%20Bay%20Tea%20Party%204-7-2010/

Tea Party Express Visit

2010-04-07T21:34:00.002-05:00

What an exciting day! We had the opportunity to join up with the Tea Party Express as it made its stop in Green Bay today. While the weather wasn't exactly cooperative, we did see about 1,000 people out to support the efforts of this amazing grass-roots movement.

Mark Block, from Americans for Prosperity (fightbackwisconsin.com) and and Linda Hanson from Wisconsin Prosperity Network (www.wisconsinprosperitynetwork.com/) were there to kick things off.

Herman “The Terminator” Cain was also a speaker at the event. He had three things we need to remember, and I'd like to share them with you.

1.Stay connected—small groups connected to larger ones—all the way to Washington
2.Stay informed—know your facts and do your research
3.Stay inspired—visit some of the web sites listed on the side here, and know you're not alone

The Tea Party Express buses were about 30 minutes late, but the speakers and entertainment were so motivational and passionate about our great country and taking it back, it was worth it! We were treated to the following:

Diana Nagy , Singer/songwriter

Amy Kremer, Director, Grassroots & Coalitions, Tea Party Express

Mark Williams. Chairman, Tea Party Express

Ron and Kay Rivoli, Rivoli Revue International Recording artists

David Jaget, www.rightnetwork.com/

Dustin Stockton, Western Representation PAC

Mark Neumann, Candidate for Governor, markforgov.com

Rebecca Kleefisch, Candidate for Lieutenant Governor

Darla Dawald, National Director, ResistNet.com

David Saucedo -- Polatik

Debbie Lee, President, America’s Mighty Warriors

William & Selena Owens, motivational speakers, TeaPartyExpress.tv and TeaPartyJournal.net

If you go online and do a search on any one of these people and their organizations, you will know you are not alone in the fight against the government. We need to stand together and support the right candidates, support the Constitution, support each other and get our friends and family to get off the couches and get involved.

I have to share this more personal note. My second-grade daughter came up to me and asked if she could do a “Book Talk” (book report) on “this little book.” I took one look and just smiled—she was holding the pocket-sized United States Constitution! What could I say? She'll be doing that for her talk on April 15.

Thanks for taking the time to read all of this—we appreciate all the support you have given us, and look forward to seeing you again on April 22.

Weekly Update 4/4/10

2010-04-06T13:26:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone! I hope you are getting out to vote and getting others to do the same. I know it's an off-year, but we need to get people involved.

I don't have much more of note this week. I was, however, doing a little research on citizenship and found these inspiring quotes:

“All that is needed for the triumph of evil is for good people to do nothing.”
— Edmund Burke, British statesman and philosopher (1729 - 1797)

“Freedom in its raw form is selfish—doing only what feels good. Yet, a free society is dependent on individuals who will sacrifice or compromise in order to do what is good for all of society. A good American disciplines himself to live within the laws of the country and will sacrifice to protect the Constitution on which our freedom is based.”
—Jana W. Yeates of Manassas, Va.

Many thanks for the phone calls and comments on our meeting. It is wonderful to see so many people wanting to get involved in whatever way they can.

I sent out invitations for our next meeting to the Kiel City Council Members, School Board Members, the mayor and our district and county representatives. I'm hoping you can all come and bring a friend.

Our next meeting will be held April 22, 2010, at the Stoelting House, 309 Indian Hill, Kiel, WI 53042 from 6-8pm

Hope to see you there.

First Meeting Follow-Up

2010-03-29T16:11:00.007-05:00

First of all, we would like to thank everyone who was able to attend our first meeting. We had a surprise guest with Senator Joe Leibham stopping in to share his thoughts and lend his experience. Thank you Joe!

The overall concern seems to be that people, if unaware of what is going on, even at a local level, can be led. This is too sadly true, and we, as citizens of this state, need to make a difference, starting when and where we can. If this is a School Board meeting, a City Council meeting, a County Board meeting, it really doesn't matter, as long as we are involved.

We need to attend School Board meetings to make our concerns known, especially about the governmental mandates being handed to us regarding education and our children. We can get involved in classroom monitoring, at any level, and volunteering our assistance where it is needed.

We need to attend City Council meetings. We need to let the Council members know our concerns about controlling costs are, urge the Council Members to look at finances first, and to consider the ideas that come from the citizens. There are many ways to get involved here, from calling the Council members, to writing the Mayor, to writing a letter to the editor.

We need to attend County Board meetings. This is our county too, and even though we're tucked away in the corner, we still have a voice. If anyone is able to go to the County Board meeting this evening, 3/29/10, please post your input here.

If anyone has ideas about our blog, please don't hesitate to make those suggestions. We want to make this available to everyone who is interested, and make this your place to connect too.

I am in the process of writing an article describing our group and what we are hoping to accomplish. This article will be in the Tri-County News. I am also hoping to get someone from the Tri-County News to cover our next meeting.

More info will be posted on Monday, April 5, 2010. Happy Easter!