Doesn't the school district of Janesville recieve ($1,200-1,800) for EVERY student that school choices to Janesville for hockey (or any other reason)from the district of opt out EVERY year the student attends? Milton will be paying Janesville (for hockey kids) this amount for dozens of kids which will be THOUSANDS and THOUSANDS of dollars for kids that school choice to Janesville. And now with Jr. Hockey? All of the students in the Janesville district benefit from this income. The districts of Milton/Janesville should come to some kind of agreement to consolidate the hockey program and split the cash otherwise Milton is going to see a huge impact from this loss of income due to hockey families.

Has the hockey league went to business owners in this area and asked them to sponsor this idea, before coming and asking the tax payer to pay $229,000 ?
This is just an idea!

Shouldn't we be offering this money as tax incentives to businesses to hire more people? I could not have said it better myself!

Lets see now, the players are staying with host families? so they are not really new families to our community but just here to suck off our taxes so they can play hockey? Where are these minors families? Why are they not moving to our community after all we are supporting their kids hockey fantasies? Should they not live here and contribute to the tax rolls to help? Can our kids get Gym credits to watch them practice during the middle of the school day? Will these most favoured children be held to the same standards as their peers? Shouldn't we be offering this money as tax incentives to businesses to hire more people?

I would vote for the $1.50 per taxpayer to be put to better use. For example, it is "tonight" not tonite and in order to "hear" yourself whine you would actually have to be here not there.

I wonder if Mcdonald & Gustafson law office would like to be a proud sponsor of this idea?

doseman95: I'm not going to ask you again! I think you know what I would ask of you!

We didn't record your vote, because you or someone from your computer's address has already voted. ya right lamonte

spacejam- I think I found out why your against this.Have you ever been to a hockey game of this caliber? You see I won't have a "good" time, I'll be having a GREAT time, the time of my life!!. Enjoying world class hockey. It's super fast paced. Very few stoppages, crushing hits, speed, finese, and the sound of that mighty horn blowing as Bucky puts another puck in the net. To bad there isn't anything in Janesville like this for you to enjoy.

I'd say the same few whiners that drove the high # of comments up on this blog are probably the same whiners who were voting against the poll on this same subject.You know the poll you could vote for more than once.I cant wait for this team to start.Some people whine just to here themselves whine.You know who you are.

and I will keep saving. I hope you have a good time!

Watch out for the snow storm tonight. And drive carefully.

Right and it works even better WHEN THE ECONOMY GETS BETTER

Since there's no hockey in Janesville tonite, I'll be driving to Madison to watch the Badgers play Denver at the Kohl center. I'll be spending my money in another community, stimulating their economy, while you debate over a $1.50. Sure wish there was an opportunity to watch professional or college level hockey in Janesville. Oh...and I won't be alone. You wouldn't beleive the number of Janesville residents I'll see at the game tonite.

And if the economy gets worse, can't help it.

You people can ohh and ahh all you want about trying to come up with reasons we NEED this hockey team. I have other priorities and if it's put to a vote, I will vote NO. Maybe in the future when the economy is better, not now.

spacejam - even the experts can't predict when the economy will get better, and what defines better? With that "lets wait and see if it's better tomorrow" logic, we would never get anything done. The reality is that we have the opportunity to upgrade an assest, and bring something positive to this town.

Like we always do. We enter partnerships. The city does it all the time. The council does their best to weigh the risks and benefits, and make an informed decision. Theres no guarantee that when the city creates a TIF district and cuts tax breaks to companies, they'll get a return on that investment. Those companies are free to leave whenever they want.

When will it ever be a good time?
WHEN THE ECONOMY GETS BETTER

dido aleast we agree to disagree
How can we make this work with out either side on the short end of the stick?

And that's why we'll never agree spacejam. This is a NEED not a WANT. I'll admit that the timing is not perfect, but when will it ever be?

you missed the point again

Nobody is asking you to fund the Junior A team. They have a group of LOCAL investors. Your being asked to update a 20+ year old facility. The benefits outweigh the small increase in tax burden. Does the fact that LOCAL investors are willing to put up their personal money to bring something positive to Janesville mean anything to you?

Sorry spark not sark

sark: your asking for a WANT not a NEED

I'm here asking how you think we can make it work. The taxpayers own the building and probably wouldn't mind putting it up for use. But don't expect them to pay more! Neither of you have given any other ideas to fund this, besides what the tax payer already pays for. Give me a break

spacejam-so anytime the city needs anything for public facilities, we should count on someone donating the money. Ok.

spacejam- sorry. freudian slip.

so your telling me that if someone was to donate all or even some of the money it wouldn't work? GET LOST

spacejam-Public facility=public taxes. You mentioned the historical district. That's great. It's a nice thing. I don't get money to improve my house, nor am I being invited to stay over night and enjoy their benefits. But, I'm not going to complain about it, because I understand it.

doseman95: sorry about the typo,I'll trade ideas coments whatever, but let's not get personal. OK

Spacecadet- To answer your question. It will not work without taxpayer support. The facility as it stands does not meet the requirements of the NAHL. Game over.

Doseman95 and spark: You tell me why this idea is more deserving than others who would like more money?

spacejam - You must be looking at the opertional budget for the rink. That's the money BUDGETED to run the place yearly. Again...do you think staff work for free or electricity is free, no they cost money. That's why the city has a budget!!!! I know this will shock you, but sometimes things go (wait for it) OVER BUDGET!!! Do you have a direct line to mother nature to complain when it snows and the snowplowing budget gets blown up by millions. Check out those numbers on the budget once. The reason the rink goes over budget is because it's OLD and poorly maintained. The older the things are the more exspensive it is to fix them. I know for a fact that just the bateries for the zamboni(that's the machine that re surfaces the ice) cost $50,000 to replace.

spark: I'll ask you AGAIN!!!!How can WE make this work without putting the TAB on the tax payers!

doseman95: I'll ask you AGAIN!!!!How can WE make this work without putting the TAB on the tax payers!

By the way spacejam, did it ever occur to you that a lot of that money that is being spent on and OUTDATED facility is totally being wasted because the place is not up to speed with technology? The so called $270,000 sure the hell hasn't been spent on updating anything there.

spacejam- When is the last time you were at the ice arena?

SarahB- read a little deeper in the posts. spacejam accused me of the same thing, and my reply to you is the same. I am in healthcare taking care of patients who have cancer.
spacejam- ever watch those TV commercials where they tell you "if you don't call in the next ten minutes, this offer will disappear". Do you believe them? Apply that logic here. The "burden" you speak of is on the hockey team to promote the team, get people in to watch the games, make a profit, and keep the team viable and in Janesville for years to come. Your precious tax dollars are in the facility itself. You can come on down and use the building, just like every other taxpayer. You should try it.Skating is quite a good work out, and whenit's 95 this August, guess where it's a cool comfortable 50??????

You act like nothing has been put into this place! Let me remind you, if you notice under the Leisure services, in recreation division
Element Costs: 2006 the ice skating center $270,429, in 2007 $279,238 People this is what has already been spent on the place, and this is only two of many past years. Let the taxpayers note going over budget in 2007 and probably in 2008! I got these facts from the 2008 city budget. You will be surprised at all of the other cost's and cost that went over budget! How can WE make this work without putting this tax burden solely on the taxpayers?

When the hockey league presented this to Janesville they stated if the taxpayers of Janesville don't accept this that they have a couple other cities to go to! Yes they offer the league and it is still not clear who would collect the profit either!
Like I said earlier, how can WE make this work without putting the burden solely on the taxpayer? Keep in mind the Historical Soc. would like some money?? The Senior Center would like some money just to name a few of MANY! How would you tell them your more deserving?

doseman95: LOL! You are smooth! Are you in sales?

Thank you spark!!!! I thought mine was the lone voice on this. WELL SAID!!

Everyone- this is simply a chance to update our public ice rink that has needed it forever. The city should have done this 20 years ago and failed to do so. If the rink would have been updated when it should have, these changes wouldn't even be needed. Now that times are tougher out there, it makes this look like a waste, when indeed it's not. Janesville is already lacking, let's not take away something that's been here forever.

SarahB- You hit the nail on the head. The proposed Junior A team is privaetly funded. They are simply asking the city to upgrade the rink to meet the NAHL league requirements so they can play here. It's a great partnership between a sports team and the towns. It's no different then the Green Bay Packers or the Milwaukee Brewers getting help from the towns and counties that surround them.

Doseman95: Thanks for the correction. I took the Janesville number from a previous posting and that is why I looked into the Beloit numbers. I was shocked by the "80" number given in the other post. You are correct about the Beloit facility. However, if I remember correctly, when I watched a few junior hockey league games in Mason City, IA, (in the 1990s) that rink was not all enclosed either. The games were OK to watch but not up to the level I'd been led to expect. I have nothing against a team coming to Janesville as long as it is funded privately.

SarahB - Your numbers are WAY off. Youth hockey in Janesvilee has over 90 kids just in the initiation program. All total it closer to 250 kids when you include the travel teams. Beloit was never an option for this team because they only have ice thru the begining of March. These Junior teams play well into April. Beloit's facility is an outdoor picnic pavillion in the summer. When winter comes, they hang some canvas on the sides, make ice, and call it a rink.

Thanks to this great stimulus package that our new President is providing us. The one with a whopping $500 credit on my taxes that I won't even really notice. Or the one that I can't really spend to help boost the economy. After the tax for this team and arena update, should still leave me a bunch left. What better way to spend this great stimulus package than on my own city. Now, if the package was really worth something and was actually going to provide a change, like say giving everyone a check with an effective amount, that might actually do something, I would donate even more.

Point taken spark, know lets hear or see some positive ideas that you have to make this work!!!!!!!!!

Some of you are missing the point. We already have a facility here. We're not building something new to spoil the children. This is a facility that has been around for a very long time and needs updating. Either that or it's going to inoperable at some point. When I was going to school, the UW Whitewater hockey team even used the ice arena for all their games. And dkush21, some of what you are saying is true about the facilities, but times have changed my friend. This isn't the good 'ol days. And ya, I didn't get a lot of things I wanted as a kid, but I had a place to skate. The same place volunteers now have to manage because the city of parks can't even pull it off. I don't even have kids that play hockey and I want to support the ice arena getting updated.

spark: Just wondering if when you were growing up, anyone ever telling you that you can't always have what you want? Yes, most of us do try to give our children the best we can. What we don't realize is that when we spoil our children and try to give them everything, we are setting them up for a big fall. And to your point about having to have facilities for sports, not necesarily. Some of our best baseball and football players played out in the parks, fields, etc. Generations have done it in the past.

Youth hockey participation numbers are 80. I anticipated it would be much higher than that. Beloit has double that number of kids playing in a city with about half the population. Also, somebody mentioned that Beloit declined on the chance to have this junior league team. Does anybody know why?

spark: We all have our own passions and hobbies. I don't expect to put the burden of my passions and hobbies on the taxpayers. If you and others are so passionate about hockey, you should all get together and raise the money somehow. Don't put the burden on the taxpayers! Do some kind of fundraiser. If the taxpayer was to pay for everyone's desire, the taxpayer would have no money left to pay for their homes, bills, etc.

spark: Let's direct our energy towards how we can make this work with out putting this burden solely on the tax payer, instead of proving or disproving this idea. I'll start
Donations maybe sponsors?

spark: You may find this had to believe, but I do agree with a lot of what you have to say. When the economy gets better I will support this idea along with the list of many others.

Spark: I'll trade ideas with all-day-long, but lets not get personal. ok?

spacejam- I just provided you of the facts you didn't have. Why the hockey box and outdoor rink was really eliminated. As far as the solution to the problem. It really isn't a problem in my eyes because I don't mind paying a little tax on something like this.

spark: All's I said was the city got rid of it, ok. If you have been reading the entire posting I have a lot of facts that I can prove. You in turn have little or no facts. Please come up with a solution to your problem just as I have. Have a good day!

and by the way youth hockey hasn't gone downhill there were over 80 kids in the inhouse youth program this year!!! kids want to play the sport make it so that they have a great place to play it.

thanks spark...at least someone remembers why the box was taken out. from what i hear there will be one in place there next year. i bet if this whole ordeal was for a minor league baseball or basketball team everyone would be jumping on the bandwagon!! maybe you shoulda gone to the rink to watch the game last night and you could have seen the crowd that was there! this improvement wouldn't just be for a junior team but also for the kids in town. think about them instead of just yourself. its only $1.50 if you can't handle that much maybe you should disconnect you internet service!!!

spacejam-Get your facts straight. You sound beyond ignorant. The reason Traxler park was ruined was because of the city. That place used to be packed and there was constantly people down there. The city didn't want to fund it anymore for some reason. The hockey box was removed and destroyed because the city organized mud volleyball in the only hockey box one year and destroyed it. That's right. The city of parks, with multiple places to play mud volleyball, ruined the box. As far as combining the hockey teams, that was the best thing they ever did. The team is now dominant and has had great success.

dkush21-In order to play sports, certain facilities are needed. Baseball diamonds, football fields, etc. Traxler park used to be a prime spot growing up for hockey and then the city quit supporting it. It is now up and running at a smaller scale with the help of volunteers (thank you volunteers). The ice arena is going down the toilet. Back to the subject of having facilities to play sports. The sport we are talking about is hockey. There's an important ingredient needed for hockey. ICE. We're not talking about little kids playing in the park. That's great and I agree with you that there's things for kids to do. But what about when they get older and grow with a sport. I would want them to have the best so they can enjoy and grow.

I remember back in the 50's 60's 70's maybe even earlier any hockey was "BIG TIME" in Janesville, but since then it's been down hill around here. Was it lack of interest? Was it lack of money? You tell me.

I just turned the radio(WCLO)on hoping to listen to the LOCAL Bluebirds H.S. Hockey game(PLAYOFF GAME!!!!!).
WCLO has the Parker H.S. Girls basketball game on. HHHHMMMMMMMM!

Does anyone remember when the city use to have a hockey box at Traxler Park and a ice skating rink? Back then the city got rid of it! , And why was that? Does anyone remember when the city of Janesville had two H.S. hockey teams and reduced it to one! And why was that? Does anyone remember when Beloit built an ice skating rink and not totally completing it the way they would have liked, and why was that?

If you really care about this issue you need to talk to the city council members and the city manager, weather you are for it or against it. I suggest you have some facts when doing so, also you should have a solution (or an idea) to your opinion; either way if your for it or against it. Just remember to be nice about it!

This issue needs to be put before the people for a vote. As it sits the Fed Porkulis Bill will not be much of a factor in our immediate futures and as time goes on all will feel the sting of this nasty thing. The people want to see action on real jobs here with as much vigor as they have put into this Hockey thing. Asking people who have sacrificed so much already to just turn a blind eye on such an obvious pet project is insane and at this time political suicide. The "Let Them Eat Puck" Mentality is not going over well among the masses.

spark: The problem with today's society is that alot of people are spoiled. It used to be that kids were able to create fun outside; playing football, baseball, playing in the park, etc. without costing taxpayers money. My Grandson has fun just going out to the park. Kids play softball/baseball in the park all the time by me. There's things to do for kids if they look for it. Don't make it sound like there isn't.

There is probably very little home building or projects going on now because of the economy. What I think is happening here now and everytime the city tries to find something else to spend money on, is trying to create work for the local builders, etc. I'm sure they are hurting right now also. Welcome to the real world. It's rough!

If you notice under the Leisure services, in recreation division
Element Costs: 2006 the ice skating center $270,429, in 2007 $279,238 People this is what has already been spent on the place, and this is only two of many years.

As far as the comments about Cullen making money off of the schools and maybe they should pay for this. Are they suppose to not make money for jobs they do? What the hell kind of comment is that? By the way, you better home companies like Cullen continue to get work and keep people employed, otherwise you'll really see what kind of problems this town will have. GM is done. You better start relying and supporting other companies. No I don't work for Cullen either.

maybe if we cut back spending on taking care of the football fields at the youth sports complex this would help. my kids don't play football and you don't here me bitching about that area! those of you against this get off your negative soap box!! maybe if you cut back on some things in your personal life you wouldn't complain about a $1.50. get rid of cable, quit smoking, get a car that actually gets good gas mileage!! there i just saved you a few bucks. having this hockey team wouldn't boost janesville to new heights but it would help get known. what if a new company wants to come to town and the ceo is a huge hockey fan. that would probably help, because they would know that they would have something to do with the family, and that there is quality hockey in town. hell raise the taxes $2 and build a new rink. that is what we really need!!!!

This is an observation I've made after living in this city my whole life. People in this town will complain about everything. Times are obviously tough, therefore the pennies are being watched. People complained about the the school referendum and the taxes. This was desperately needed so our youth could have what they deserved. People complain about the bike path. The skate park. Another Walgreens. People complain about anything they are going to pay taxes on. Yet they vote for people like Doyle and Obama that want to tax the crap out of everyone for everything. You see, you need to ask yourself, what kind of city do I want to live in? Do I want things to do? Do I want things to enjoy? Do I want things that will draw others to the community? GM is gone folks. The city relied on GM and only GM for too long and now we're in trouble. It's going to take a lot of work to draw anyone here. Some of you don't want a hockey team here because you don't want to pay for it. That's fine. The ice arena needed remodeling 20 years ago. The same people would have voted no then too, whether a semi pro hockey team was involved or not. I believe our youth deserve better. Deserve to enjoy things that can keep them out of trouble. I believe they serve to play sports and have updated facilities to do so. That being said, let's forget about the hockey team and cast a vote for the remodeling of the ice arena. I bet the vote will still be no. Even five years from now. The city is only going to get as good as you want it folks. And it's not looking too good.

So if we give into them again, when will it end. Every year in Janesville there's always something new they want to spend our money on, even in hard times like this. They can't even balance their own budgets or pay the teachers what they want,so why should we let them blow it on nonsence! I think it's time our city officials need to wake up and realize there are more important issues to take care of instead of splurging money this city cannot afford,on a hockey hoax that some noconservative fool has perposed.

paytomuchtax-No thanks. I'll be saying Yes. I didn't buy anything. I don't care if it's $3.00 a person.

Spark,
Get a clue 1.50 per person not all pay taxes. It's more than that, it was a smoke screen they put up and you bought it. wake up

JUST SAY NO

For everyone that is complaining about taxes with regards to this, I would love to know how many of you voted for Obama and Doyle. This $1.50 is chump change compared to where they are making you take it.

Boost enrollment? No, not likely. Maybe the teachers union or schoold board will advocate increasing the number of teachers required to teach these part time students?

On average what is the number of new students enrolling at Craig or Parket on an annual basis? Do those students "boost enrollment?" I guess not.

Given the economic realities of today, are Janesville schools more likely to witness a net loss of students or a boost in enrollment, irrespective of 25 potential part time hockey players?

This is a story? 25 more kids (probably not all high school age since you can be 19 and play junior hockey)in the Janesville high schools. Slow day in the news.

wiphinjvl
I agree. Hockey is so fun. I will attend the games. I really enjoy hockey and HOT CHOCOLATE. What I don't agree with is alcohol at the games. I find it a little disturbing that we are trying to find a way to repair our drunk driving laws on the front page and on the next page bringing alcohol to a function such as hockey. My son skates there every Friday night. If they bring alcohol to the ice arena he will no longer be skatig there. I along with many many other parents feel the same. A very active member of AA has stated that " People do not know how to have functions without alcohol" Weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, holidays etc.....Now hockey in Janesville. People wonder why Wisconsin has the highest drunk driving rate in the COUNTRY.....

If you want the council to listen to an opposing view, you'd better show up at the meetings and speak up. Otherwise, this feels like a done deal. And, no, I do not support the city spending money on this plan ... not at this time.

Hey people, come and see the Bluebirds play tomorrow night. Gametime is 7 pm against Kenosha. The playoffs are upon us.

Go 'Birds

Spacejam

I hope your not holding your breath for that first donation. I bet it's not coming. If all the supportes got to geather and made a donation they might get 1% of the money.

Spark

Yes Gov. Doyle is an idiot but even idiots can make sence once in a while. No to new spending is the right choice here.

JUST SAY NO

I'm still waiting to see the first $$$$ donation! Don't everyone jump at once!

doseman95: I will even let you have the last word. HAVE FUN

Good luck spacejam ,I know you'll be there railing about wasting "tax payers money" on dump truck/snowplow replacement while squackin that you street wasn't plowed !!! Thanks for having my back!!

doseman95: You can do just that!!!!
In the mean time I will support saving taxpayers money!!!!

spacejam-Like I said before. It's all part of living in a town with nice amenities. I haven't used a city bus in 20 years, but I'm glad it's available. I don't own a dog, but am glad we have a dog park. I walked down the bike path once and thought, this was a great use of my tax dollars, just like I'll do when I strap on my skates and gear to play "old man" hockey on Tuesday nites next year when they have finished the construction.

Just Kidding! Did I sound whiny enough?

I'm not here to play games just want to see facts! where are yours?

While we're at it, I would like an amusement park/waterpark here in Janesville. Just think of all the revenue and jobs that would create.
It would bring in more in jobs and revenue than a Junior Hockey team would. And the majority of people would enjoy it more. OOPS! Sorry, I forgot that we're in a recession. Oh, come on taxpayers, let me have some fun.

The Janesville ice arena was called the person stated thier name and the figure of 270,000 if this was incorrect then who is working there and talking sh....

doseman95: Please justify why taxpayers should pay for this!!!!!

spacejam- Your $270,000 number is hearsay until proven otherwise. The rink managers name is not Mr.Cullen. For someone who "does their research" you seem to be very misinformed. Check the city website.

doseman95: Did you forget or even know that thousands of jobs are gone in this city?! Like I said do some research to back up your comments!!!!
I DID

spacejam- $229,000 is the price we pay for living in a community that has nice ammenities like bike trials and dog parks. You have to pay to build em and pay to maintain and upgrade them. At a $1.50 per tax payer, I would say that's a great bargian!!

doseman95: PLEASE do some research on the matter just as I did.

doseman95: Did you not read below the manager of the place said the city (taxpayers) give them $270,000
annually?

doseman95: Thank you very much and to all the other's that have helped! Now let's get back to the $229,000 of taxpayer money!!!!!!!!!

spacejam- You wanted to know where $85,000 went. That's where it goes, or did you think city employees work for free, or WPL just sends the place electricity for nothing!!

Your right I use common sense and research to support what I say.
Unlike other"s

Donations?? How about the paint, painters, and equipment to re paint the steel beams inside the rink from 1970's avacado to brite and shiny white. Courtesy of Janesville Youth Hockey. How bout the logos and paint for the ice surface.(yes ice is clear, you have to paint it white to make a hockey surface)Courtesy of Janesville Youth Hockey. I don't see anyone from the community in the spring when we hold a clean up day for the rink. There is a ton of volunteer effort put into that place annually.

doseman95: And your point is?

I agree that anyone that complains should have an idea or solution with his or her complaint!!! Here is my idea let's see some donations if this is such a good idea.

spacejam- Things like..employee salaries and benefits, electricity, water, skate replacement, just to name a few. I'm glad that the decisions in this town are not made by most of the posters on this site.

All the people backing this idea should do some research before commenting! Then justify how the taxpayers should support this. REALLY!!!!

spark: and all the yea sayers call the ice arena ,call the city and ask them how much is spent on this place anually! then tell me your story

Someone else should call there to back this up !!!

dkush21-Not when you're tripping over them.

I don't know about you, but I hope he was wrong. If he was wrong what kind of people do we have working there? I just can't get over this $$$$$ and I'll bet the taxpayers would be shocked. If the amount is wrong, then whom do we have running this place?

spark this is true! We should call it presidential debit. LOL

spark: Right now every penny counts.

Those of you that are concerned about $1.50 in taxes. I hope you're prepared to pay a hell of a lot more than that from our new President. The little tax break is just a temporary fix for what's really to come.

To my amazement my friend just called the ice arena and spoke with the manager by the name of Mr. Cullen. My friend asked him how much the city spends annually on this place and he stated $270,000 he even asked him twice. So what the heck!!! I’m just baffled!!!!!

doseman95:
Did you even know that we already spend 85,000 annually on this place?

doseman95: Maybe you can tell me, what is the$ 85,000 anually spent on?

Where is the extra money from increased cigarette taxes going? Doyle said that these funds would go towards education for our children, So far is this true, does any know? or is this just another scam so a lame politition like our governor can line his pockets, At a dollar a pack this should add up to a whole lotta money.

Gov. Doyle is an idiot and the king of spending. He's just trying to make himself look good during a time of crisis.

As Gov. Doyle said last night. I did not approve any new spending in this budget even if I thought it was a good idea, in these ecomonic time it doesn't make sence. I did not agree with alot of the Gov. budget but I did with this. Janesville need to follow that lead.

JUST SAY NO

whoanellie- your comments need to be directed at the school board, not the city council.
dkush21- No sales here. I take care of Cancer patients.
The article simply states that if the Junior hockey team comes, with it will come a number of high school age students. The rink needs the upgrades regardless. Should we just let it sit and deteriorate away until it's unusable? I think not. Come on down tomorrow nite and watch the Bluebirds start their playoff march to state!!!

When will the city's attitude of take,take,take, from the property owners pocket ever end ? Maybe we should take from their pockets instead, such as a decrease in wages. That way they can pay for their wants themselfs.I'm beginning to wonder if maybe we have the wrong people in office. Hmm' something to think about come next election!

Money should have been spent on a lot of things more important than the ice arena. Maybe we should look into why we never have enough money for anything in this city. We pay enough in taxes. Where does all the money go????

The money should have been spent on the ice arena updates years ago. That's what many of you don't get. The city messed up.

How about to boost enrollment for our schools we just boost our education efforts. Kids graduate everyday from our school with no reading or math skills to help them in the future! They can't get into colleges without learning the basics. Improve our scholastics, not our programs for sports!! We have enough kids in sports who are failing but still get away with it because they are star athletes! Talk about cheating our kids out of a good education, well maybe Johnny can get into a college on a hockey scholarship, but it's ok that he can't read! Spend money when and where it's needed, but our board doesn't understand that!!!

Boy doseman95, you would make a good salesman, or maybe you are one. Spend the money you don't have now, because in the future it will cost you double!

A boost of what maybe 4 or 5 kids?
This whole thing stinks like rotten Pork. Election time will tell a whole new story,people are tired of waste at a time when we need every dime for job growth for our communities. Go for a drive through the new additions to our city and look around! We need to put people to work to make those city investments start paying into the coffers and how much did we lose after doing all the work around GM? The city turned down a zero investment, 100% profit offer from a football team and then jam this hockey thing down our throats. We are already forking out $85k a year for this arena and if its not working then sell it and cut our losses. Under private ownership they can then do their hockey and keep the profits without being a burden on the tax payer.

The rink needs the upgrades being proposed regardless of the Junior team coming. We have two amazing high school hockey teams who currently have to cram their locker rooms under the bleachers.They could use those locker room additions. The concession stand is curently a hole in the wall with one table. The new one would actually have more food options and tables you could sit at. Lets face it...spend it now or it'll cost double in the future.

"Alternative educational plans are developed for some students in SPECIAL circumstances" How many other "SPECIAL" circumstances will the school's need to look at. Now we would have the principal's working more than they should for SPECIAL circumstances? I would think that the city council and the city manager would have waited to spend any money until all the "duckies" are in a row. It seems to me that there are some unanswered questions on the education side of things.

Believe me if this was a "money making idea" it would have already been done without taxpayer money!

Janesville made reductions to the city budget totaling $295,996. click here http://gazettextra.com/news/2008/nov/22/... You would be amazed with some of the cuts! The city council and city manager are seriously looking at spending $229,000 on a WANT !

lamonte...

...you complain about people wanting a handout, but when someone comes in, (the junior hockey, just for an example) looking for a handout, you have no problem with that.

Can you explain the difference? Because I sure don't see it.

Oh, other than the assumption that you like hockey. Great...have a cookie...I'm happy for you...but do you think that the league isn't asking for something from the city? Without really promising that the city will get anything in return.

And before you start ripping into me too badly, go back and read all the other things that I've said about this hockey thing and you'll realize that I'm not against a hockey team, just against a hockey team that tries to force their way into town.

It's no use arguing with you lamont. You just don't get it.

just...Tell me how the 3 things you listed will make money for the city of janesville and I would have no problem supporting those things. Will you be charging admission? Will groups using those facilities pay for their time of use? These are not even close comparisons. What are the initial cost of all those projects? I bet they are consideribly higher in cost with no return other than human enjoyment(which is fine). The ice rink renovations seem like a no brainer to me and the council. Drop the puck!

lamont: I never asked anyone for a handout. And I never said I was mad at the world. It's people like you who can twist words to make it sound as if we are in the wrong. All I said is instead of complaining about your wants, why don't you go out and help your fellowman in hard times. No not everyone is out of a job, but have a little compassion for the ones who are. But it's always about ME, ME, ME. Who cares about everyone else, as long as I am happy and can get what I want.

lamonte - I am sure since you feel everyone in this town should support what you want that you will, in turn, support what other people want. Let's say for example the skateboard park, the children's museum, the bike tunnel, just to name a few. Remember, what goes around usually does come around.

dkush..those are some pitiful comments.This is the problem these days everyone wants a handout, dont rely on others as a crutch.Get out and be proactive. Not everyone is out of a job. Why would a team spend there own money to fix up janesvilles rink? The city and organizations have to work hand and hand to make things like this possible. The bottom line is you will always have a few naysayers that are mad at the world about everything that does not directly effect them this is why we need city council services. Drop the puck,this is going to be great!

That is why this should be put to a referendum. Lets get the true numbers of how many people want this right now.

All you constantly negative people take all the "fun" out of even reading these blogs. I don't think anything in these blogs is ever a true picture of how the majority feels because the majority of people aren't blogging on here. It is true of anything - the unhappy people are the "loudest" group, but not the biggest group.

Better yet, why don't all of you who are bellyaching about wanting this Junior Hockey NOW, pool all your money together and give support to your neighbors in Janesville who have lost their jobs, homes, and are starving or need some coats, shoes, etc to keep them warm. You can invite these people into your homes and feed and cloth them. Put a roof over their heads.

My thoughts exactly SarahB. Whoever is in favor of this Junior Hockey coming to Janesville should get a pool together to raise the funds needed. Don't push it on others who cannot afford it right now. People right now are looking to put that $1.50 towards food, heating, bills, mortgages, etc. When someone loses their job, every penny counts. I wish for a lot of things, but I am realistic about the times we are in right now. And I am not going to push my wants on the taxpayers, just because!

Here's an idea: How about everyone of you that favors the hockey team pool your money together and get one started. If it works, you guys make money. If it doesn't work, you lose money and the taxpayers don't.

I am # 40 to post and cannot believe all the bellyaching the people in this town do. Bring the hockey team, and maybe I will pay someone elses $1.50 in taxes also. Better yet, try going to a game. You can even sit next to me and I will be more than happy to explain it to you.... Oh yeah, I like beer. I love the fact people bring up about beer at the rink. I am sure beer would be served at the game ONLY. Not like it would be happy hour during open skate. Did you know they have beer at other rinks in the area.. gasp... yes it's true. Capitol Ice has it during major events, and Nagawaukee Ice has it as well, and get this, NEITHER serve it during high school events or open skate.

What a concept for all the people who worry about beer being served. Bet you are the same people who never go to Miller Park because of...beer.
You who would vote it down. well you are probably ones who would never go, and IF this did not work out after a few years, we would still have a nice rink to host events at which generate revenue for the city. I am very happy living in Janesville, and ice rink renovations would be something nice that we could compare to something like ...Rotary Gardens. I never been there, but many do besides me. If they wanted to do a $1.50 tax increase to spruce that up no one would complain, except if they served beer in the garden.....sorry could not stop myself.

I don't understand why it has to come out of city funds. If the amount being cited is only $1.50 per resident, then why doesn't the business group just raise the funds with help from the hockey fans? Why is the city's backing needed if this is supposedly such a small amount and only a one-time cost? Something doesn't smell right to me here.

We need jobs,not kids playing on the ice. Are these kids going to pay the bills? NO,are the people moving to the town gonna pay the bills NO. because their is no jobs,sounds more like another welfare deal & the fortunate ones that HAVE jobs will be shelling out more. Five years from now look at the idea,not now when things are going down the toilet,get your heads out of your a---- & think about the people that are trying to find the next meal,not kids playing on ice,about as dumb as anyone chasing a little white ball around.

That would be $229,000 and $1.50 lets get it right.

lamonte: I'll trade ideas with you all day-long, but lets not get personal!

Thank you lamonte!

To all the people worried about getting a job instead of a hockey team,can be the first ones in line to get a job at the ice rink when those jobs come available,the problem is you would not get the job because your attitude sucks! Ya lets waste a bunch of money on a vote for something as small as $1.50,now thats a waste! Lets play hockey!

Well I’ll tell you story, My kids ask me everyday “ Dad I want that” “Dad I want this “”dad can I start a savings account now” “ dad where can I find a job to help you” Do you know what I have to tell them? Sorry Honey mom and dad just got laid off, when mom or dad gets a job I promise I will get that for you.” “Sorry honey there is no jobs in this city to support our family” It’s tough, but when you are in the RED you must do what’s right! SPENDING ON A WANT IS NOT RIGHT

Everything adds up spacejam...and don't worry I'm old enough to understand :)

hkykid02: "For those of you nay sayers that are worried about a few bucks a YEAR" You bet I'm worried a few bucks a year. It all add's-up in the end. When you get older you will understand. ( I hope) Now is not the time and Janville is not the place.

As a new city manager I would be investing $229,000 attracting employment, especially when the city lost thousands of jobs. The last thing I would do is spending on a WANT!!!

Although I believe that this hockey team is a want and not a need, I think that young players all around can benefit greatly from it; Mainly by letting players get into the spotlight more so that they have the opportunity to move to the next level. For those of you nay sayers that are worried about a few bucks a YEAR, think of it as you are helping kids' dreams come true. I plan on trying out for the team and even if I do not make it, I will still support the team by being at most home games. I am really looking forward to this....

When you have a City Manager that has kids that play hockey, it's my opinion that it would be a conflict of interest.

i was watching a high school hockey game on satellite tv featuring minnesota teams. their arena mirrored our arena. not only that, i went to a bluebird hockey game recently and the arena looked great to me. but our spend-a-holic city reps want to upgrade it? to what? they are idiots. the lot of them.

In the end the taxpayer will get to vote. That will be when council elections come up!!!!

doseman95: I am suggesting that the council put this up for a referendum.
"The council already unanimously approved paying $29,000 to an architectural firm to design the rink remodeling. North American Hockey League rules require separate locker rooms for the teams, and the council is being asked to spend about $200,000 to upgrade its facilities." $229,000 of taxpayer money (City of Janesville budget is in the RED) This was a WANT not a NEED !!!!

beenthere you really don't get it if you truely believe what you wrote then I understand why you don't get it.

JUST SAY NO !

Off to the polls

WE WANT A CITY WIDE VOTE ON THIS! Lets get some serious public input. Timing is key here. If our economy was in better shape Im sure this thing would go over but not now, maybe later but not now. There are some serious questions that need to be addressed and most of us are caught up in this wreck of an economy and there is no way we can justify this sort of luxury. Not a bad idea but the timing really sucks.

A junior hockey will not change school enrollment in this city, especially at a time like this with the economy failling, Ohh!! lets see oh more families will move to janesville because it has a junior hockey team, I DON'T THINK SO ! this sounds like a sales pitch for someone to get what they want even at the taxpayer or should I say the property owners expence. Vote No!!!!!!

It's sad that we have to use sports to boost enrollment. I'd think a quality education would be more enticing. Maybe our schools should start offering that instead.

Vote NO!

spacejam/rooster - When should we vote on a topic vs. letting the council decide?

Market research
"Wisconsin Hockey Partners conducted a market study in November 2008 and interviewed 358 Janesville residents to gauge reaction to a junior A hockey team coming to Janesville."
"54 percents said they liked the idea of a junior A hockey team in Janesville"
This is different than the Gazette"s
Result"s Which was roughly 1400 NO
and 400 yes.

I wonder how practicing in the middle of the school day is handled in other towns with Junior Hockey.

I'm still waiting to see the first donation! Don't everyone jump at once!

rooster: You are exactly right!

Janesville has the building that I'm sure it would offer, but private money needs to be offered as well. To put this burden solely on the taxpayer is not sound judgment!

vote on it

Net effect for the Janeville area could be very positive, with more motivated players / young people who have set high standards of acheievement for themselves, this is an example that needs to be incorporated in to our recovery. I believe that the community should seriously consider what they can offer this program in return.

The Janesville school district, the City of Janesville , State of WI and the federal Gov. have already taxed the taxpayer to death. This is a WANT not a NEED!!!!! Please correct me if I'm wrong.

If all the hockey people that love this idea want to see this fly, then show Janesville the money. Don't expect Janesville tax payers to pay.
The tax payers already have enough debit!

I can tell you, and the citizen's without a job can tell you, what's good for Janesville and it is jobs. (long term)
I'm all for getting jobs in Janesville with tax payer money!
When Janesville brings more employment to town then we can talk about spending on WANTS!! Until then tax payers have all they can do to pay off the debit they already have.

beenthere,
You're forgetting about the trillion+ dollars in wasteful government spending. Americans will have to pay that back through taxes. We can't afford to pay that while we're also paying for Junior A hockey So your statement about us having a surplus of $11.80 is just plain ignorant.
.
Just vote NO.

Just vote yes. For all of those people that are worried about the $1.20 per month increase in their taxes, the $13.00 per month decrease in taxes due to the stimulus package will leave you with a $11.80 surplus. That would be enough to quit complaining about hockey and actually go to a game. We need to get past the world is going to end because GM, etc. are gone and start working on ways to make Janesville a destination not a place to run from as fast as possible.

Just say NO

If this junior hockey team will boost school enrollment why didn't someone come up with it a long time a go. Right now we have to put Craig and Parker together just to get one team or is it because it cost to much to have two team's. I guess I just don't get it. If I read it right it sounds like hockey will come before education.

VOTE AGAINST JUNIOR HOCKEY...WHY?????
you either don't like the sport or never been to a game... either way voting no would only hamper the economic supplement of the city.. (and the kids who want to try out for the team). The money that city (let alone the JSD) will lose won't be a lot but it will help..( Rent on a Facility that never sees black out side the winter month's, improvements for a facility that is needed, even if the NAHL doses not come to town, and a school district who is losing kids (which is turned into about 10-15 thousand dollars per kid) to closing of businesses and moving elsewhere..to me this is a no brainer.. more kids, more money, more events, more money, and better facility to use during off seasons, more money (all for the city and school districts) besides less taxes on the home owner... do the math, you will be surprised

Is there a vote? I thought it was a done deal just like alot of the things they slip in without our knowledge!