Hank told so many twisted truths he turned himself into a Nancy. Back to posting the same garbage thanks Hank/Nancy or whoever you will become next. Still posting same worthless garbage to these blogs. Great to see you have gone and turned yourself to a woman. Don't make the same mistakes again otherwise they will delete your account.

New screen name, same tired posts.

SSNancy/Hank, why was your account deleted?

Hank is now SouthsideNancy. Just read his/her posts.

Dave's not here. Neither is Hank.

The report doesn't say the Farmington rink is "bar bones/no ammeneties". It says "no unusual ammeneties". Big Difference. The two sheet price of $8.5-$9 million is simply based on a square foot price of $135. They have no details about what that includes. For all we know, they are overestimating the size of the building. In that context, Hanks $11 million guess is really, really off.

I think that Hank is right. What would it hurt to get the correct numbers for this hockey ice rink to work properly including any other costs not mentioned. Why do you think that they now want to just give them $2 million of taxpayer's money???

OK Hank it is just the same old twisting of information now. I can not beleive that your computer has found nothing good that was not twisted around by your thoughts. I am glad to see you have tried to convince everybody. As for supporters I personally know people that like hockey and are willing to donate to make it a possibility. It takes time to get investments to fund something but I see it coming soon. I think it will have the backing it needs to be built. As for your numbers none of those have added up to amount to anything. I was hoping maybe you might be able to post some usful information since apparently you know everything about everything in this city. I just can not beleive that most all your information is made up from stories not having to do with the rink. Even having to bad mouth the city manager just trying to make a point yet still nothing useful.

Hank what you still do not get is the fact that taxpayers are not spending anywhere close to this or the $5 million there is money being raised to match what is put in. I don't care what Farmington,MN is spending all of the stuff I have seen including the breakdown of the budget and the articles in the Gazette say $5 million so until you have something that says Janesville,WI and is paying $11 million for it, just quit posting. Your information does not perttain to the rink here. Not similar since it is not all taxpayer money going into it. Try again when you have valid and undesputiable evidence that is all taxpayer money and anywhere near the so called $11 million. Will be waiting.....

Hank it is the lies you tell and attacks on others that get you removed. I have not seen you post anything yet that has not been twisted in some way from the truth. I would give examples but there are too many and would take all of the space on this blog. Quit giving half truths and post something legitimate for once.

I stand corrected Gazette.

Before you post a comment, consider this:
Do not libel anyone. Libel is writing something false about someone that damages that person's reputation.

Apparently the Gazette doesn't want to back up it's own written guidlines online.

Thanks for the suggestions Hank and dalegribble.

Hey Hank, you're an HVAC tech? My husband (54) is going to school for HVAC now. Any jobs out there when he's done in May? I heard that it's really hard even getting work for HVAC. I hope not.

I have to say that I agree with Hank that this proposal must be fleshed out with much more thought and detail regarding the annual monetary obligation of the city for roads, parking, updated utilities, snow removal, security and all the other expenses such as staffing, insurances, etc. Where is the tax base to support this? What injection of revenue does the city council expect in the near future to support the ongoing charges to the city? The City Council, after weeks of proposing new taxes/fees/penalties, rate hikes, etc. on the taxpayer because of shrinking coffers and claims that they have no money while they consider this, does not appear to make much sense at this time. Revenue will continue to fall as the last of the GM and related job loss unemployment checks are sent out at the end of this month. This issue should also be tabled until after the April election. Hopefully, the electorate will come to the same conclusion as Hank and I that we need to break up the band of 4 which holds the majority vote and seems to be working in concert to put forward their own very personal vision irregardless of the cost for this community. Fortunately, we have at least one candidate for the April election who can do this. I know that this candidate is controversial, but then, do we really like some of the practices of the current council? The candidate, Andreah Briarmoon, does ask real questions, she does delve into the particulars and demands answers. Disturbing the status quo of the current City Council could be a good thing for Janesville.

Hank- You certainly are entitled to your opinion- don't ever let anyone tell you otherwise. You are welcome to- actually encouraged to express your opinions here. This is the purpose of blogs. But try to make intelligent colloquy instead of coming across as a raving, misinformed, illiterate lunatic who spends every spare minute of every day stirring up the pot here on your homepage. We admire perseverance as an attribute in a person. But not yours.

I am not for the ice arena if tax dollars go into it. I think Hank is hurting his cause more than helping with some posts, but why doesn't anyone counter him facts and figures of their own, especially regarding the cost. Here is some help:
Farmington MN, 6-6.5 mil single sheet
http://www.ci.farmington.mn.us/Departmen...
Dubuque , IA 6.3 mil single sheet
http://www.thonline.com/article.cfm?id=2...

Hank...speaking of right and wrong...I believe the expression is "tongue tied"....and I also believe that YOU were corrected earlier about the obsolete cooling system at the current ice arena....please start running now and don't ever stop!!!!!

ne1 - see his post on Feb 11, 2010 at 1:22 p.m.

ne1 - Just scroll down and read Hank admitt that Eric Levitt made him feel "stupid" cause Eric wouldn't buy into his theory that there is nothing wrong with the ice making equipment at the current rink. He even tried to ambush him cause he's an HVAC tech and knows everything about making ice. Hank shall now be known as Bitter Hank.

Hank what is your beef with Eric Levitt. Come on lets here it.

Hank you should be the one running for city council. You seem to have all the answers.But it must be easier for you to sit on here and spout false info.

Hank....surely your opinion...not a sheep?? Pray God never a shepherd either. By the way, AGAIN, ice arena does not = $11 Million for City taxpayers any way you try to figure it .. WAYYYYYYYY off..... Like I suggested earlier, maybe you could find something positive in life and try that for a while..."the truth will set you free"

Hank....Re: KAB.... seeing your opinion and your endorsement of her only strengthens your image of being an uninformed individual....do you know how many of her personal "properties" have been foreclosed on (as reported in the Janesville Gazette notices section)?????....Not to mention all the money the City of Janesville paid for legal fees to put an end to her foolish agenda...not to mention the stories I've heard from unfortunate clients of hers.....etc...You really want someone who cost the City that huge amount of money to be in office????? REALLY??????

Hank-
Regarding KAB-
NO honors in 11 years.
You will only see fits in the paper along with arrests!
Yeah Go Andrea NOT!

Pictures of Muppets???

Brairmoon really Hank? She soaks up more money in courts than you, I, and 10 more people make in a 1 year. You of all people should know this. If you want her on the council, then you have bigger richard cranium than we thought.........

Hank. I love the idea of seeing a few of the City Council, 4 in particular, booted out by fiscally responsible taxpayer/voters. Been to a few meetings of the City Council regarding this ice rink deal and the only people being "iced" are the taxpayers. Nero is fiddling while Rome burns, again. Janesville is in the business of putting itself out of the running for attracting any sort of company which pays more than lower end wages. While traveling around the country, it appears that the cities which attract corporate giants have a thriving theater industry and exceptional 5 star dining (without TV's); they have hotels, convention facilities, notable private schools, and waterways fully developed with marinas....etc. Let's see how Janesville compares.....hmmmmmmmmmmmmm. Restaurants? NO, fast food joints only. Is there a well-known scholastic academy in Janesville? NO. Is there an art museum? NO. Does Janesville have an historic museum? Not really, unless the Tallman residence is counted. Janesville does have a waterway but it is not developed at all for attractive recreation. Even the UW stays out of Janesville. It also doesn't have stellar Medical facilities. So.....what can you do in Janesville? Hmmmmm....slosh down a few beers, eat all kinds of fast foods with your fingers, no tablecloths or silverware needed. Minimum wages for fishermen or rugged sportmen who love to fish, watch hockey, baseball, hunt, with meetings at taligate parties etc. while bashing others who have done better like the GM employees and GM, the company. Not much to do in this town for anyone who has an IQ. Yes, I can certainly see Corporate America relocating here because of an ice rink. It may attract a few like-minded individuals to spend a few bucks on a burger, it may even move a bar owner to hire one more dishwasher, but I have been to many of these second rate ice rinks with minor teams and many of them travel in campers and bring their own corn dogs and beer. I have lived here for many years, there are some wonderful people here but I did educate my children at top rate private schools out of state and they were all very fortunate in finding lucrative positions in more affluent areas. I am a part time resident here now and spend my time visiting each of my 3 children and 6 grandchildren in three wonderfully attractive cities in states with lots of things available that this town will never even dream of. Wow....there isn't even a really thriving cab service here. I have a really exciting weekend planned...Sunday, I will get my DSLR out and photograph the most famous art piece in Janesville, the cow, since I really can't fathom paying $5.00 to take photos of the Rotary Gardens snow flakes. Saturday, I will get out of this burg and boogie down to Chicago for some good food, music, etc.

Hank: I understand what you're saying and regardless if they live here or not, pay taxes here or not, the economy is bad everywhere. Our government has to start realizing it and work for the people accordingly, not be spending our tax money frivously.

Or do any of you even care? Who cares, just as long as you get what you want, right?! Like I said before, I do care about what is going on with the effects of the economy on alot of people now. That is why I would not impose my wants on anyone else when times are rough. And this should be our city government's agenda now, creating more decent paying jobs, so we can keep our homes, feed our families, etc.

What's sad here, is that we have alot of unemployment and people foreclosing or will be foreclosing on their homes because of job loss, not to mention that companies are on a hiring freeze because of the economy. And with people who are going to lose their unemployment compensation soon, now is not the time to look for taxpayer's to foot more money for unecessary wants. I just got a notice with my utility company that they plan on raising electric and heating costs again. Where are we supposed to come up with all this extra money?? Do any of you who insist on pushing this agenda onto our overtaxed citizens have a clue????

hockeymomrule, you really need to stop comparing Hockey to Baseball. First of all how many people participate in baseball related activities in JVL? WAY more than hockey could EVER dream of. Secondly did the city ever give 2.5 million dollars to build a baseball diamond? NO WAY!

Then theres this quote-"Check the total amounts the city has provided to the baseball diamonds. The amount is close to the amounts potentially being donated to the ice arena."------- Over what period of time has this money been contributed? And you also say CLOSE to the amount for the arena that will be used by FAR less people than the baseball diamonds. Maybe if you want to compare hockey with another sport you should use one that draws roughly the same amount of interest. Something like Badminton maybe. How much has the city spent on badminton?

frogger...Do you know how old Tucker is????? Thus, the Ice Arena is also OLD. Tucker also switched to the Madison rink because it offered more.......technology, updates, obsolesence, etc...think about it....NEWS FLASH.... RE: New Janesville Ice Arena....We WILL build it ...They WILL come....and you nay sayers will be scratching your heads...(a new extremity for you).

Hockey mom was referring to the earlier poster who complained that the rink was cold and the staff wouldn't turn on the heat, but way to again show how you will twist things any way you want to try and advance your agenda.1st the YMCA now homeless people...WOW

Hank, I finally understand. Your just a bitter angry man because Eric Levitt made you feel stupid. You admit that you ambushed him with your rudimetary knowledge of residential cooling. He has very reliable reports from city employees and independent verification from a reputable HVAC company about the state of the ice making equipment at the current rink, but he should ignore these and believe you!! ROTFL. Equating cooling a 1500sq.ft. house to freezing a 17,000 sq.ft., 3 inch thick sheet of ice is hilarious. You know nothing of brine solutions, multi stage compressors, or the fact that there isn't a single piece of printed circuitry. It's all ancient relays and switches that no longer exist. You can't just run to Winair and pick up spares for this stuff. I've said all I can say because now I understand that your just bitter and angry at Levitt. I hope you get over it soon and come enjoy a nice peacful skate around the rink.

Ok, I,ll pour gas on the fire, why doesn't the city trim the tree's on the city's golf courses? Supposedly the golf courses make enough money to cover their costs, but the city can't find money to do the necessary up keep. What gives?

Hank--the school board wants nothing to do with the ice arena because they have a teacher's contract to re-negotiate. Smart business move on their part.

The article from Arizona said nothing about Eric Levitt. Seriously, maybe you have reading comprehension issues???

The JYHC is a non-profit, just like Youth Baseball, did you all miss that post. Check the total amounts the city has provided to the baseball diamonds. The amount is close to the amounts potentially being donated to the ice arena.

The rink won't cost 11 million dollars, are you guys crazy. The plans have been in the rink for weeks, come look at them. They are great!

NO one has mentioned the YMCA other than you Hank, why do you constantly bring it up. Hank get over it, the hockey club is not a terrorist group it is a hockey club for families and we are going to build a rink.

To the guy that is cold, buy a blanket! If you are going to cry about being cold, you should try baseball, they have really nice new fields. Oh yeah, the city helped them build those too!!

Last post on the subject, get the correct information!

Justintimberlakerules.
If you only need a band aid you do not perform surgery now do you unless you have lots of money laying around that you just don't know WHAT to spend it on. Money isn't just laying around they want more money from us.
They never kept this one maintained and you want to give them a new one to ignore? This is why I say no. Maintain the old one you don't deserve to get a new one!

Again I will repeat myself. I think the million to fix it is over inflated to make building new look one good and the 2.5 is under the real cost. When have you EVER heard of a project costing what they say it will?
Maybe this is where Hank gets 11 million from?

In case you cannot read, which it seems you cannot, I am not hanna.

Hank- I will be sorry I asked this, but where do you keep coming up with 11 million?

Hank,

You really do your research on everything and everybody, so what's your take on another white elephant, Gov. Dolt's Bullet trains, maybe they can hook up to Janesville and we can have Hockey playing commuters come in from Milwaukee and Chicago. This should be a really sweet deal after they re-open the GM plant to build bullet trains, windmills. Please share your insight with us on all things ole wise one!

JTL - actually the city will save Millions by giving the existing site and walking away from the ice rink business all together.

Frogger(Hannah) - You keep saying "Fix the old one." You do realize that it's going to cost 1.5 million to fix the old one. So you think it's more fiscally responsible to spend 1.5 million on a bandaid than it is to spend 2 million on something brand new? Over the next 10 years I bet the capital expenditures and maintenance costs on the new arena will more than save the the additional $500,000 you are so against spending, compared to what you would spend on capex and maintenance on the old one.

The city can wash it's hands all it wants to, but when or if the private ice arena gets into financial trouble, it is all going to fall right back into it's lap. It doesn't have to, but it will.

Goodforjanesberg- SO the guy became Olympic in that nasty old ice rink. This proves the point even more if you ask me . Fix the old one. We don't need a new one to produce Olympic contenders!

Hank do you watch Conspiracy Theory with Jessie Ventura. Because with some of your posts it sure sounds like it.

Hank your true agenda is you support the rink but only if owned by the YMCA. That is all this is about for you is conflict of interest. Sorry you and your pals at the YMCA don't have a part in it. That is why all of this misinformation is to throw us off of your true agenda. NIce. I was wondering why you were so worried about it. I thought your pockets might be empty or don't like tax hikes but the true reason is you are pushing for the YMCA to own. Must be for personal gain.

Hank you must have made up a webpage just to please yourself on any matter. I like some of the way that stuff is taken out of text and used to support your agenda. Nice design but still not believing you since this site does not seem to be a credible site with it's own agenda like you. Let me know when you have real information to post that might validate anything you post. Not Impressed.

Hank...I won't even respond to you....you carry on without FACTUAL back up....most people can see right through your babble....enjoy your fantasy world

Hank ......one last attempt....Tucker Fredricks....began playing hockey here with JYH, I believe....went on to be what??????...ONLY an Olympic speed skater...and he is not the only one with roots in Janesville's Ice Arena....so I guess longgggggggg before Eric Levitt even thought about Janesville, our potential was showing....Is there one subject in any post that you've ever been positive about or supportive of????????? Just curious.

Hank - I don't think it has anything to do with the Badgers. I think he played Blades of Steel on Nintendo back in the day and he just really likes that game. I can't say I blame him.

frogger: Maybe he just wants a higher level of play.

Callitasiseeit- I wonder if the real conflict is ours isn't GOOD ENOUGH for him YET.

reality - Thanks for appreciating the sarcasm in my "savings" analogy.
Hank- Not familiar with this "snub" of the YMCA by Eric Levitt, and how it involves JYH. Please enlighten us all with what I am sure is a great "story". Please provide actual proof please. And finally, we've "beat the dead horse" enough on your contention that most of the members of JYH don't live in the city. Your wrong, and nothing could ever change your mind.

doseman95: you sound like a woman who comes home from the mall and proudly exclaims how she SAVED her family money by buying something she didn't need while it was on sale. After all; it could have cost more !!! LOL

Even better...give the existing rink and land free of charge saving the taxpayer all the expense of operations and upkeep by getting out of the ice rink business. As hockey fans claim the attendance is through the roof and profits will be at an all-time record so in no time flat they'll be ready purchase and build the new rink and the city can then buy back the current site at market rates to build the new station.

Hank would also like you to believe we hockey people are all "rich elitist snobs". In truth we are plain hard working folks. Were plumbers and electricians, school teachers, and janitors. Most importantly, were all willing to donate our skills and labor for FREE during the construction of this project. He wonders who's gonna do the landscaping..well it'll be me and 10 other VOLUNTEERS with our shovel and rakes, that's who!!

What Hank fails to understand is that the City of JAnesville is not building the new rink. The Building Committee of JYH is building the new rink. They are working with the city on site plans,etc...The city has committed to giving the club up to 2.5 million dollars to help since repairing the old one doesn't make economic sense anymore. When you look at it in terms of saving 1 million in land cost's for the new fire station, it nets out to only 1.5 million. Does this make it better Hank?

And still no proof to post. Hank solid iron clad proof would be nice. Not some news story explaining something totally different from what you twist it around to be. Still nothing.

$11 million really?? Hank I need some proof on this let's see the proposal that says $11 million still have nothing thanks for exaggerating numbers by $6 million. Everything I have seen from numerous spots including Gazette says $5 million but I guess say what you need to further your opinions and thoughts. Your posts give me a good laugh since all your information is wrong 99% of the time. If you ever have proof of anything you say make sure to notify me.

http://www.gazettextra.com/news/2009/sep...

I am 99% sure there was an article stating his son plays hockey in Rockford to avoid a conflict of interest.

Hank I would suggest you approach the AG of Wisconsin and ask what if any options are available to residents of Janesville that are concerned about the special interest take over of city management.

Lets get real here. The city claims they will wash their hands of it if they fund the new ice rink. But what happens in 5-10 years when the place runs out of money and costly repairs are needed and they threaten to close down because they cant afford to keep the doors open anymore. I can give you one clue who will have to step in and bail them out and retake ownership. No its not the youth hockey, the city will. I think we do need to do something about the ice arena but to try to sneak this through by telling us we will be done with the ice arena business is to try to keep us quiet when they already know that in the future it will come back to the city. If it was making money now or looked like it could make good money in the future the city would not want to let it go. The city is pushing this through with a little cloak and dagger work.

You guys are still barking about this??? I leave for a day or two and come back to the same ol statment. Hank-you need to get out of the house for one, the rest need to stop feeding in to him. And yes I realize Im doing it now. Last post on this subject.

SarahB1...was that a pun?....too much money down the drain...LOL

ne1but24n18: I might have this wrong, but I thought Mercy pulled out of the Whitewater aquatic center because it was too much money down the drain.

Predictions: Janesville WILL get a beautiful new ice arena and it will help bring out-of-town $$$$$ to Janesville and be very successful and all the letters will fall off of the keys on Hank's keyboard and what he types then will even be MORE outrageous. JMO

And, "Ice Arena Radiation Meltdown unusual call for State of Wisconsn Health Dept"

"Thermonuclear, Three Mile Island, Chernobyl, bunker busting bombs, and Hiroshima type exposure proposal on ice arena would free city of future responsibility"

It is real simple---they raise the money in time, they get the south side location--if not , done deal--that was passed

realitybites: I like your proposal the best.

Hank is that what I said. I dont care if there from Janesville or not. They bring money to the rink and city. Do you think when Whitewater built there swimming center they said boy I hope only people from here use it and people from other areas dont, Because they dont pay tax's here. I also cant wait for my kids and others to be able to skate and play in a new ice arena. Hank you have'nt said if your going to run for city council or become city manager yet

Hank, you've finally done it!!! Provide us proof that your a conspiracy theory whacko. I read your link.Where does it say anything about Eric Levitt? Where does it mention your "fuzzy accounting"? And finally, if Levitt has been here for a year how is Sedona's budget woes his lecacy? Wouldn't the new manager have set the 2010 budget, which would have been approved by their city council by the way. Keep em coming Hank, I love reading them!!

The city wants to use the exiting site for a fire station.
Hockey supporters want a new facility.
The council wants to limit future expenditures and get out of the ice arena business.

Solution: Give the new facility supporters full control of the existing rink for a period of 2 years. They seem to think they can turn a profit so let them. Two year should be plenty of time to raise a couple of million for a new facility. After all, they keep telling us how good of an investment an ice arena is. Of course they will have to handle all maintenance costs during the two years.
After the two years is up, the city can tear down the rink and put up their fire station. The Hockey lovers can take all the money they have raised and build a new facility anywhere they want.
Taxpayers dont have to fund a new facility and they stop paying yearly maintenance on the old facility.
The city gets is new fire station and saves the cost of buying land.
Hockey supporters get a chance to raise money and build a new facility anywhere they want.

This seems to be a winning solution. Why would we not try something like this rather than simply GIVING the hockey supporters $2M ???

I live in Janesville so my kids play here. Cant play in Rockford or Beloit. Since you dont live here you can. They have a nice cold rink in Beloit for you.

fanoffun10- it is your post. there are 15 people on the board of JYH ( Look around, not as many kids are at the games as their are Hockey Club Board Members. your post) you are so far off on this. I see lots of kids fr4om the club at the JETS games all the time.I am at all home jets games if I am not working. my kids also play.10yrs and 5 yrs, I am not one of the ELITE few. As my 2 kids and wife are at all the games also. As a matter of fact most of the kids ARE FROM JANESVILLE that are in JYH. You must be one of the ELITE if your kid is in JYH as you state. Yes they will turn on the heat, but if it is only 1hr you will live.

Additionally, "Maybe you could take your kid to beloit and play there or Rockford." - I'm happy with the rink he plays in. Sounds to me like you aren't. Maybe your suggestion to me, you should be following ?

We (I personally) have asked for the heat to be turned on during practice. I was told "It's only an hour". No heat.
I'm not sure where you got the number 15 from ? But if you want to use that number, lets use it. There are approx. 10 to 15 kids on each team, Mite thru Fury. That isn't counting the in-house program. So let's say 150 kids in the JYH Club. According to your figure of 15, that is 10% attend Jets games. Once again, I refer you to my previous statement of "The Elite" taking over the hockey program. You don't see that in Youth Baseball, Soccer, or Football in Janesville. Those programs are equal opportunity for ALL tax payers, not just the upper class.
This is about Janesville tax payers paying for a group's hobby. A hobby !! When the economy is as tough as it is in Janesville, the focus needs to be on creating jobs, cutting budgets, and holding taxes down as much as possible. Not someone's fun.
Again, I enjoy watching youth hockey. I pay for a child to play youth hockey. A new rink would be great, but it isn't needed RIGHT now. City Govt needs to focus on NEEDS during tough times, not wants.

yourewelcome - Hockey fans are going to attend hockey games. Baseball fans are going to attend baseball games. 1800 people at games over the duration of the weekend equates to way more than just hockey league members. Your post makes little sense.
-
You said "If you like hockey so much, maybe you should move to Canada?" Ah yes, another great closed minded comment. This is Wisconsin in case you forgot. By the way, I personally can't stand baseball, but support it.

So if alot of those in attendance for Jets games are already affiliated with a league of some sort that means even LESS of the avreage attendance is just regular folks from the streets coming to see the game. Thus meaning that a smaller percentage of the popoulation guves a crap about the rink. LEts see, average attendance is 683 for a jets game. If ALL of those in attendance were from JVl that is a whopping 1% of janesvilles population.

FANOFFUN10- You are as funny as Hank. If the heat is not on ask to turn it on, they will. You are saying less than 15 kids from JYH at jets games. WRONG. Way more. Maybe you could take your kid to beloit and play there or Rockford. Most of the kids in JYH are FROM JANESVILLE. Hank you need to stop with the $11 million. There are drawings of the NEW RICK at the ICE ARENA. Are you going to run for City Council or not. Maybe you can take over as city manager. You seem to have all the answers. But you will do neither.

I paid for a child in Jville Youth Hockey. I have seen it in play for the last 3 years. I have done my time in the concession stand and sold candy. I paid for a child to play in out of town hockey tournys.
And I have attended Jansville Jets games as well.
Janesville does NOT need a new rink. The City of Janesville can not afford to focus on one groups issue when jobs are needed.
The Jets games are not attended by many members of the Hockey Club, just a select few. Look around, not as many kids are at the games as their are Hockey Club Board Members.
I am not a tax payer who lives in Jville. Matter of fact, most of the kids are from outside of Jville. Edgerton, Orfordville, Milton, Clinton, etc.
I enjoy watching youth hockey. But I have PAID to be able to watch it. During practices I have sat without heat, even though I helped PAY for the ice time and utilities. The cost has went up every season. It is getting to the point where it is going to become an elite few who can pay for it. A new rink will only make those elite few play in short order.
Drop the rink idea or mix with Beloit to keep the cost of Youth Hockey down and affordable for ALL kids not just the elite.

I don't play hockey and neither do any of my kids...build the new arena. It is good for Janesville. Period.

Why don't we pitch in for a waterpark instead. I think if you put it to a vote, a waterpark would beat an ice hockey rink anyday. That is my WANT. Just think, it would create more jobs than an ice hockey rink. I'll even put a big chunk of my tree money into it.

yourwelcome: I don't see why not? It's only taxpayer's money. You should see the money growing from my trees. I have enough to support everyone's WANTS.

I really enjoy racing, I wonder if I asked nicely if the city would donate 2.5 million bucks for a racetrack?

Really? Youre comparing HOCKEY to BASEBALL? WOW! Talk about apples to oranges! Does a baseball field cost the taxpayers 2.5million to build? How many people, young and old, participate in baseball activities compared to Hockey? Quite a disparity there! Hockey is in no way, shape, or form even CLOSE to baseball. If you like hockey so much, maybe you should move to Canada. Its actually important up there.

Ok Hank--I am so glad you post on here...made for good comic relief after work today. Ok, you want the facts, here are the facts: 1) Bill McCoshen, isn't part of the hockey club, he doesn't get a vote on anything. The Jets are NOT setting the agenda, anyone who thinks they are is nuts--bottom line--sorry SarahB1, you are wrong, no conspiracy, just a new ice rink; 2)The overwhelming majority of people that skate for Janesville Youth Hockey Club live in Janesville--not MILTON. The board is comprised of only 1 person that actually resides in the city of Milton; 3)No one has even mentioned the Y owning or running the ice arena--what are you talking about?? The hockey club is a non-profit just like the Y. Seriously?!? I don't remember JYBSA hearing so much about their ball diamonds.

You may not have said 92% here, but as someone posted below, you did at this link. Unless of course this is entirely a different person with your exact thoughts and mind reading skills.

http://forums.hannity.com/showthread.php...

Hank - Ok, here ya go. Stating that most of the hockey club members don't live and pay taxes in Janesville is false. Saying that 92% of the citizens don't want the rink built is false. Do you have anything else you want to make up or do you want everyone to continue making you look like a dope? Just curious, aside from spending all your time complaining about this topic, what public facilities do you yourself use?

Some of the reason that sat attendence was down was the badger outdoor game. I went to it and I know about 50+ people from janesville that went and most of them go to Jets games too. Yeah its only 50 people but thats $450 bucks and Im sure that there were plenty more that didnt make it due to the Badger game.

OK. Just checking to make sure I wasn't crazy. Well, I might still be crazy, but not because of this...

Wait, are you guys trying to say that Hank isn't right?

Mike- Some of us understand that, obviously others don't.

Everyone does realize that the Janesville Youth Hockey Club is not the same as the Janesville Jets, right?
While they both use the facility, they are not the same thing. The Janesville School District and the figure skating club also use the facility, but have no connection to the Jets.

Jesus Hank. You have lost your mind.

Hank - Do you realize nobody is listening to your theories, secret espionage missions and false statements yet?

People that have interest are the ones attending the games. That's the point. The people bit*^ing about everything are the ones not there. I know it's hard for some of you to believe, but there are still people spending money on things they enjoy even if it isn't free and things you don't personally enjoy.

How many of the people going to these games are going on free tickets? Pretty standard thing to do when starting a venture like this. Give away plenty of free tickets to get interest going with people who otherwise would not go.

The best option for the taxpayer is to sell the existing site for $1 and an option for city owned land for another $1 when needed. The club then operates out of this site for as long as it takes to save the money to build a new facility. According to the fans of hockey in Janesville the attendance has been overwhelming. This means the club shouldn't have any problems raising the capital with the profits they make since they'll own and not pay any rent. The upkeep and operating expenses are theirs to pay also. This should be the test to prove if the venture is a winner or loser. If in 5 or 10 years when they've saved up enough money or close then the city can investigate donating some additional funds as approved by the voters of Janesville.

SarahB1 - Nope, wasn't directed to you personally. Just a majority of the people that sit at home and complain about everything and how life is over because of the economy and GM, etc. etc. If the complainers haven't attended a game and don't know the facts, then they aren't very qualified.
As far as the city flipping part of the bill, like I said before, it's no different than the other public facilities in my mind. And I don't use many of them, but I still pay and don't complain.

Spark: Don't know if you're talking about me, but I prefer veggies to chips and would rather sit in a chair than the couch. Also, unfortunately (perhaps), I have been too busy to attend any of the games. I used to attend a few when I lived in Mason City, IA, but never became a great fan. I have no gripe with a new arena, as long as the city doesn't pay for it.

By the way, that's almost 1,800 people still getting out and spending money in our community during a difficult economy. Cudos to that. Just go's to show you that people are still going to have a good time.

SarahB1 - That's still a great number of people and great turnout considering it was Superbowl weekend. They have continually had a very large crowd for the games. People are always going to find negatives about it which is actually comical. It's a great thing, and it's going to get built and I support it all the way. So do many more people than just the people posting on this minor website. Some people need to put down the bag of chips, get off the couch and do something.

Spark: Friday night did have a good crowd with 853 in attendance, but what happened to see Saturday's number drop to 501? And, Sunday was down to 403. The latter game was over well before the start of the Super Bowl.

This is kind of funny. Hank has turned to the nutjobs over at Hannity for help.

http://forums.hannity.com/showthread.php...

Hank - Seriously, your comments are so false. Saying most aren't Janesville residents is a blatant lie. By the way, you should have seen how many people were at the rink over the weekend for the game. Not a seat left in the house. Standing room only. Amazing, I saw hundreds of people I knew from Janesville. Imagine that.
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FYI, it's going to get built regardless of what you think.

hockeymomsrule: Get real, lady. The Jets are setting the agenda at the present rink and will continue to do so at a new rink if it is built. I really doubt that little Johnny from Janesville will overrule any scheduling need by the Jets. Follow the money and you will find reality.

Hank and his $11 million dollars again I just laugh everytime you post. Like I said check your information before posting Hank. You may actually sound smarter when posting then you do posting outrageous information that is almost all not backed up by solid evidence. They usually teach that early on in life but seem to not have caught on yet.

Hank were did hockeymomsrule say that most are not from Janesville. I do not see that. Is that what Bill McCoshen said on WCLO that it would cost $11 million. I do'nt think so. You really need to stop all of this. You look realy foolish. Maybe you could put up the Money for the rink and run it the way you would like to.

Hank: The members of Janesville Youth Hockey Club are carpenters, police officers, military service man, stay at home moms, secretaries, teachers, and about a million other occupations. They are not all loaded snooty Milton folk as you imply--in fact all of them I know are everyday normal working stiffs. Get your facts straight. Your insinuation that members of their board are connected to lobbyists is beyond laughable. Just a group of hard working folks trying to better their community for all. Just like Youth Baseball when they built their diamonds with the city's assistance. And for the record, the last portion of money for the ball diamons was approved by the City Council on the day that they voted to approve looking into the ice arena. I was there!! So, they are in essence being funded at the same time.

SarahB1: Your comment, "if you really believe that McCoshen has nothing to do with the proposal, then you have your head in the sand. If the rink ever becomes reality, the owner(s) will be McCoshen's puppet(s)." Is probably more funny the Hank's rantings...and his rantings are downright hillarious. Bill McCoshen is part of WHP, not Janesville Youth Hockey Club. His kid plays for Southwest in a very nice arena up in Madison.

You guys seriously need to come down a few notches...this is not espionage, it's an ice rink and I am crossing my fingers that they build it and SOON!!!!

Hank- Do you know what the developer of the old menards wants for that piece of property?????

If you are such a smart guy with all the resources then you should run for council in this city..otherwise take you BS to another community!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hank the reason I would not want to see the YMCA own it is then not only would they charge a membership fee also would have to pay for everytime I step foot in the place. I think this idea is as far out there as your ideas of this rink being $11 million dollars.

hockeymomsrule: If you really believe that McCoshen has nothing to do with the proposal, then you have your head in the sand. If the rink ever becomes reality, the owner(s) will be McCoshen's puppet(s).

Give it up Hank! Your endless ramblings are exhausting as is correcting all of your INCORRECT information.

The old menards would be a great location for it, but I dont think that they would tear that building down to but up a rink. The reason it would have to be torn down is because the type of building. It had too many poles in the buidling itself to hold up the roof/load and there isnt enough room between them. But yes, that would be ideal. Also the developer would want alot more for the land too, so this so called 11 million rink would be more like a 30 million rink. But great idea.

When is OUR city council going to stop skating on THIN ICE and dispense with the idea of an ice hockey facility?

Has anybody ever considered the old Menards? Could that be turned into a new ice arena?

Oh, I forgot one thing for ya Hank, I reviewed the list below of the BOD for the hockey club, I don't see Bill McCoshen's name on there anywhere. So, why would you keep saying he has anything to do with the hockey club owning a rink? When he obviosly doesn't. Paranoia is not a good thing.

Oh Hank...you do need a hug :-) A few corrections/informational side notes...the hockey club has no history with owning a rink, because they have never done it before, duh!! Just like many other new business owners before them, if they choose to do this, it will be well thought out and well planned. Not a decision that will be taken lightly. Secondly, who do you think pays to maintain the parks, bike trails, pools, ice arena?? Ahhhhh, tax payer dollars!! Thirdly, you really do need a hobby. Who obsesses over the Gazette blogs?? Just my two cents, which needs to be respected as do your crazy rantings. We don't have to agree, that is the beauty of living here.

Why are we all sitting here arguing about this? The best and only way this should be handled is to let the people of Janesville vote on this in a referendum. PERIOD!

oldandonrierner is correct---this idea is only thrown out there because they cannot raise the money in time---should be a done deal

Hank you need to do your math. 14 of the 15 board members are from janesville. Are you going to run for city coucil. NO. You will just sit on your computer and bla bla bla all you non truths.

Hank--you need to get a hobby..how about ice skating?? hockey?? figure skating?? speed skating?? or plain old just skating for fun at the rink?? I can hook you up with the right people who can teach you about any of those hobbies.

The ice arena isn't just for hockey players, it is for all sorts of people. I sincerely hope the JYHC is able to get the money for the new ice arena. Like many other people blogging on here...I don't use the pool-it is nasty and ill kept like the ice arena, I don't use the parks--too far from my home, I don't use the bike trails--same reason as the parks, have never used any of the fields at the sports complex--think many of those programs run horribly, but; I would never suggest that the city not have these things.

The youth of this community is its future. Kids active in positive family activities are what is going to keep this community prospering. Anyone who thinks differently should google the many studies done on investment in youth activities now and how they save on future incarceration costs later. Spend some time volunteering in any local school building and it won't take long to figure out where our dollars need to be directed...at the youth of this community.

Yup, Janesville lost GM. Yup, unemployment is high. Sticking your head in the sand not an option. Looking towards the future is!! I can't wait to pay admission to the first open skate for my family at Janesville's new ice arena. What a proud moment it will be for this city.

Any body who actually believes that the city of Janesville would not be hooked into "future responsibility" Would also be interested in buying swamp land in Arizona I'm sure

"We’ll let them take their rink, build whatever they want, let them have naming rights, advertise, do whatever they want, and the city of Janesville washes its hands of it,” Truman said. “There are no more expenses running it.”
Excellent idea, except fot the $2,000,000 gift part.
The hockey group was not going to make the deadline, so the money from the city is then gone, and the project dead. Can't let that happen, so they floated another idea to test the waters. These waters smell fishier than the Rock.

The city could pay me 1 mil $ and I'd let people skate for free on the creek behind my house. Of course, this rink would only be open part of the year and there is no seating and limited parking.

creatureinthefreezer - How do you know JP Cullen isn't donating any money? Makes more sense to keep the work in town anyways. What do you have against Cullen anyways. You've posted numerous times that it's not fair people at these Corporations get to keep their jobs, etc. Life's not fair. Are we supposed to penalize those that chose a good path and direction in life?

Hank- Do you really believe that anyone who supports this rink proposal is a criminal like you state in your post's? I again encourage you to read the rules associated with blogging on this site. By the way...if you think the Freedom of Information Act is here to protect your ability to Google someone, or look them up on Bing, then you really are someone who just will never get it!! And I quote" The U.S. Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is a law ensuring public access to U.S. government records. FOIA carries a presumption of disclosure; the burden is on the government - not the public - to substantiate why information may not be released. Upon written request, agencies of the United States government are required to disclose those records, unless they can be lawfully withheld from disclosure under one of nine specific exemptions in the FOIA. This right of access is ultimately enforceable in federal court."

I tried to post this once and not sure what happened so if this is the second now you know why.

If Mark Cullen is in fact part of this private investor group then should any money be donated to this Hockey Club/Ice Rink then JP Cullen should be disqualified from bidding on the construction project because of conflict of interest.

Tidal wave, muslides, and Category 4 hurricane onslaught proposal on the ice arena would free city of future responsibility.

Justintimberlakerules- For one it is not "me and him..." . You need some help with grammar!

I find it difficult to believe you surveyed 30k people. That is HALF of Janesville. Where did this survey take place? How many were tallied as DUPLICATE? Was it a survey that you sent in the mail? Who paid for 30K stamps. I did not hear from anybody that they were asked to do a survey. If 30k were surveyed wouldn't a story have been done on this?

If this is true that 86.4 of 30k people said yes then why fear a referendum.

Oops- I see you are being sarcastic- the "him" is Hank, your lover.

Hank - Do you need a hug?

Creepy Hank, just plain creepy. You really have that much time to spend? What did these people ever personally do to you to warrant such an attack? You compare them to criminals and degrade them because they live in "a high end home". I hope the Gazette pulls the plug on your access to these blogs.

Hank maybe you should use some of your enegy and zest for something useful...volunteer for something POSITIVE and quit begrudging others because you don't have.

Hank I happen to know some of these people quite well....high end homes????? These are average people who love their children and VOLUNTEER to be responsible enough to oversee their activities...If these are "high end homes" in your opinion you must be livin' in a tent.....

Hank - Get a life. This is an ice arena we're talking about, not espionage.

Hank re: Janesville Youth Hockey Board Members list you cut & pasted so well....You are sooooooo out of the loop...How do you know that these are not Janesville residents????? I know for a fact some of them are cell numbers and the 868 prefix # could be a Janesville resident with a Milton phone number..its happens...you could post the web site link...not all the information...this is not a forum for personal information distribution...you are suppose to comment on the issue, not write false propaganda
to make your opinion appear rational...anyone reading your multiple lengthly entries hopefully realizes that you're "skates" are in serious need of sharpening.....

I am not a city resident, but wanted to add just a thought or two -
from the article-The rink still would be available to rent, including open skate for city residents,
So if a new rink goes in, I cant come and pay the fees to let my kids skate? Why would you limit your already limited market?
And secondly, comparing a new rink to a new park? again I am not a resident, but have used the park system - it's open to everyone - I can go to the dog park with out a dog - I can go the the frisbe golf park and not play - The ice rink- LIMITED market, does not benifit the majority of the city (or us out of town folks!)

"All out laser guided bombing proposal of ice arena by B-52s and F-111s would free city of future responsibility"

Yada - "It does not take a rocket scientist to figure out that the majority of city people don't want it!"

And you come to this conclusion how? If you are basing this comment off of a few negative posts on a newspaper website that is pretty sad. What Hank won't tell you is that me and him surveyed 30000 people in Janesville and 86.4 wanted the rink to be built. It should have been slightly less, but Hank and his family actually voted for the rink. Don't you dare question my statistics either.

SarahB1 - Pushing people out of Janesville into other communities like Madison isn't going to help our own community.
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As far as the other facilities already being here. I knew that would be the comeback from somebody. I GUARANTEE you if some of those things were being proposed now, there wouldn't be nearly the debate there would compared to the rink. That is obvious by reading how many people are uneducated on the subject.
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Janesville has a very predictable mentality when it comes to change and risk. Generally, everyone is afraid. Like someone else said below, just getting by in this town is over achieving. Now that GM is gone, the World is over. The negativity and lack of hope for the future never seems to amaze me.

I think supporters of the arena are missing a major point put forth by those objecting to it: THIS IS NOT THE RIGHT TIME FOR THIS. To compare this venue to parks, pools, ball diamonds is not fair because those leisure places ARE ALREADY HERE. If they were being proposed to be built at this time, they would likely be opposed also.

Does it matter if the new "White Elephant" Ice Arena(I think this would be a great name for it.)is 5 or 11 Million dollars? It does not take a rocket scientist to figure out that the majority of city people don't want it! Wondering what planet the city council is from when it comes to using taxpayer money wisely.

Hank still waiting to see the proof on this so called $11 million dollar ice rink. Everything I have seen says 5 million. I have seen plans for how much not even close to $11 million. It is close to $5 million on what they are looking at building it will be a two sheet facility able to be used for multiple functions when two sheets are not needed. Hank has to exaggerate his information to get his untrue opinion across to people(taxpayers). I know if I did not see that it was $5 million with my own eyes I would be a little skeptical as to why we were spending $11 million but not true. Thanks Hank keep posting your worthless information for us all to read and laugh. The only one that is looking not so smart is you. As for the civil rights not understanding why bringing that into the ice arena discussion but you are a little off on everything else so I guess we can just laugh at you a little more.

Hank- Why dont you try and enjoy the ice arena????? Everyone for that matter. I could care less about many things that go up and happen in this town but I dont make a big deal about it. I dont use playgrounds, dog parks, pools, and so on. So should I complain that my tax dollars go to them?????? Everyone in this city uses differnt things. You just seem to know it all......

And thanks for your tax dollars, Ill make sure I carve a bit deeper next week when Im playing hockey.

I heard earlier this evening that Van Galder bus is planning passenger dropoff points at indoor ice rinks in and near Madison. I say we hand out tokens and end this nonsense.

Hank has a dream.

Hank,

" Is that what you would have told Martin Luther King. Let injustice go on, and just move away?
This is a Civil Right Issue of this Century"
_
Really? I mean Really? That makes you look like a nutjob. Really makes me question your "facts".

Hank = Martin Luther King Jr.

Ya know Hank, If you dont like whats going on here in janesville. Why dont you move away from janesville?

I looked up Wisconsin Hockey Partners and here is a list of the owners if anyone doesn't know:
Wisconsin Hockey Partners, LLC (Bill McCoshen, Mark Cullen, Stephen B. King, William Kennedy, Tobin Ryan, Eric P. Peterson, & Joe Pavelski)

The Janesville tax payers are going to pay for a new arena. They will also pay for maintenance and up keep. If the regular public wants to skate, you will do so at odd times of the day and be charged a high rent fee. Ownership of the rink will be turned over to these investers at some point too. A Madison lobbyist is one of the team owners and Forward Janesville is basicly a lobbyist group. I believe they will get what they want. This is my opinion.

Hank- You do know there is more than 1 owner of the Jets correct?

Of course, Hank/Pete won't provide any sources for his/her accusations/lies.

Actually, it's the City Councils job to lead. The City Manager can't authorize major spending.

ABSOLUTELY NOT!

Yes Frogger- I use the ice arena every week, multiple times. Hockey League, open skate with family, high school games, and Jets games with family and friends.

dkush- I think I am republican I vote NO ice arena - Yes we NEED to fix the old one. NO we do not need a new one they WANT a new one.

Synergy- you don't enjoy time with your family at the old one? Do you go to the old one?

Panamared- SO they didn't take care of the old one so we should hand out millions on a new one and see if they do or don't take care of this one? How about start taking care of this one and if you do take care of it and start making a profit then many years down the road you may have a new one when you show you deserve it!

If this does go through, I am with my_3_kids. Make it a loan for the $2 mil.

PanamaRed - FInally, some sense of what really occurred. Not to mention everyone complaining about Levitt and basing an opinion solely on this. Might I remind everyone who was in charge when the money wasn't put back into the ice arena? Hint, hint. It wasn't the new guy in town.

For the past 35 years the City has treated the Ice Arena like a pariah. Youth hockey, open skaters, figure skaters and thousands of other area residents have provided income for the City to update and maintain the Ice Arena. Instead of hiring a competent manager to generate revenue, the city instead sucked every dime from the operation and gave little in return. Contrary to what anarchyjet says, ice rinks CAN and DO generate revenue. Had the City been managing the ice arena to its fullest potential AND using the revenue for updating the facility we wouldn't be having this debate. The fact is, this area NEEDS indoor ice and under competent management an ice arena WILL make money. The City should throw in the 2 million, call it even and hand over the keys to an organization that WANTS to see the ice arena succeed.

Spark: Private sectors provide most of the fun for others. There are bowling alleys, movie theaters, restaurants, etc. The city can't even take care of what we already have now.

Plain and simple.. Give them 2mil, have them raise the rest, with a contingent plan that if they can't. the money is given back.. Build it out by the Youth Sports Complex (if feasible), Give all rights to the Hockey club ( and it's affiliates) for naming, controlling event schedules and general use,, if it fails, It is on their shoulders.. They have to maintain revenue to keep it open ( maintenance, repairs, rentals, and conversions). Have them file for their own licenses for food, beverages, and events..
Contract any jobs they can't do on their own, Just like any other business in town.. as I stated earlier, instead over time,( the life of the facility) pay one time... have them pay the city back over time also.. .. Like a loan... that way the Taxpayer does not see a tax expenditure, just a deficit on the books , but not something they have to incur on their taxes.. BUT GIVE ALL THE RIGHTS TO THE ORGANIZATION.. NOT THE CITY..

justintimberlakerules: I am not crabby, just a caring individual. By your jabs that I see against people on these posts, it seems to me you know well how to throw tantrums when you can't get what you want.

So you would agree that any form of entertainment is a want, not a need? Even though without wants that people spend money on, we would basically have nothing.

dkush21 - you are one crabby individual. Maybe that makes you shellfish instead of selfish.

Because it's the typical Janesville mentality and the bailouts and GM and wasted dollars that are a prime example of why this town will never prosper. Yet everyone thinks they can choose what they pay taxes on. Over and over, I've brought up all the other public facilities in the town we pay taxes for, yet nobody can give a solid argument to that. Cracks me up.

And it does not take a rocket scientist to know what a want or a need is. Common sense.

spark: Why do you bring up the bailouts? I never wanted the bailouts. So, because our government already wasted taxpayer's money on these bailouts, I should give into more wasteful spending?

justintimberlakerules: You think you have a comeback for everything? I don't need to get defensive, because I am far from selfish. Quite the opposite.

dkush21 - Was bailing out banks and auto companies a need also? Or is it just what you think is a want or need? Our Government is wasting money daily on things that aren't creating jobs. Who decides what's a want and a need?

Getting a little defensive now. I reread my post and nowhere did I call you out for being selfish, but I guess if the shoe fits. I was just asking a question and you answered it quite well.

Cant wait for the new rink to start being built so I can enjoy it with my family and friends and fellow hockey players.

The City should loan the money to the Hockey Club, and help them find a site that they can afford - not one that the residents have to give them - more hand outs.

Why would you think I am being selfish? Because I won't give into wasting taxpayer's money on WANTS? Because I care what is going on now with people losing their jobs and homes?

And how many here are Republican, but keep on insisting on building and ice arena and using taxpayer's money?

dkush21 - you said "People really need to stop being selfish and start thinking about other big worries affecting this country right now."

Yourself included, or just everyone with opposing view to yours?

How about neither Democrat or Republican.

Just curious, how many of you complaining about taxes are Democrats?

People really need to stop being selfish and start thinking about other big worries affecting this country right now.

my_3_kids: I must have gotten alot more out of it than you. The economy is bad now, people are losing their jobs and homes, and all you can think about is WANTS and not needs. We are being taxed left and right for everything under the sun. This is not something that the taxpayer's should have to foot the bill on. This should be privatized. Like I said before, I will not impose my WANTS on other taxpayers that are barely making ends meet.

Why don't we tell the Janesville Youth Hockey Club to raise ALL the money themselves or stick it in their ear! QUIT USING TAX DOLLARS TO FUND PERSONAL INTERESTS!

DKush21- That's all you got out of that.. How sad

Question: If the city gives a blank check and walks away. What keeps the club from selling the property in a few years when they go bankrupt? The city should retain some rights to the money given should the property be sold in before 20-30 years have passed. The city should also require a minimum allotment of ice time for non club activities/open skating. Without these assurances then the hardworking taxpayer is not being protected from special interest.

TopherD:
1. This is about a new arena not the Jets.
2. The Jet's are a Junior Hockey Team not semi-pro. Read nahl.com
3. If you follow the stories about the arena, you would understand that 85,000 annual cost does not cover capital improvements. There has been talk about 1 million in repairs to the cooling system.

It would be very interesting if the Gazette or someone from the message board but preferably the Gazette do a timeline on this whole ice rink drama. Start with the first public mention of a Youth Hockey Program, then issues with the current rink needing repairs, then equipment failures and fear of not having a place to play in the middle of summer, then a couple hundred thousand dollars spent to get things running, changes in the law to allow beer sales, then the other shoe dropped and a secret group lobbying for a new rink asking for free money appears, then slowly the amount of free money needed begins to increase. Now it's just give them money to make it go away because of maintenance issues & operating expense issues. Many of the non supporters outlined these issues from the start not without having specifics that the council and city management had from day one. This is a classic example of how a lobbyist gets its way. Start small and build the momentum as you chip away at the government walls. (1) money was spent to fix the existing so keep this site running. (2) Gift the existing site lock stock and barrel over to the club. (3) If the club wants to relocate then gift the land and allow them to sell the existing property at standard 2010 property values. (4) The city can buy back the land and demolish for the new fire station. (5) Gift the land they club wants and be done with the whole issue.

Frogger(Hannah) - I'm glad nothing has changed between us. Good to see you back.

BTW - My SarahB comment had a hint of sarcasm in it.

Good one, SarahB1!!!!

FYI - GM is gone and yes, there are jobs gone. In order to create jobs, money will need to be spent in other avenues and risks will be taken. I realize that's a hard concept for some of you to understand, but life will move on. Not everyone is out of work and for those that are, work will happen for you again. Risks are what normally reap reward. You gotta spend money to make money.
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There's more to life than Walmart and Applebees.

Justintimberlakerules- Would you stop with the hanna stuff. I AM NOT HANNA! Stop emailing me freak!

Hank, Valentines Day is just around the corner and I'm sure there are alot of people that you have a heart on for, but you remind me of the classic under achiever that goes with the gm community creed. Just getting by in this town is over acheiving, so what the heck lets build another trailer court and low rent bar and be proud man!

Sarah - Can we all use your house then? Not just friends. Will it be open to the public so people can pay to use the facilities of your home? Will you have a youth sports complex, a bike path, parks, golf courses and pools also at your home? Or just certain things that others feel we should pay for? Or will your home just have some empty lots, chain restaurants and nothing else attractive for the community?
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A lot of questions, I know, but I'm just trying to get a feel for the plan.

SarahB1: I want one too!

Sarah - That was really funny.

I've got a similar proposal: Give me a big piece of land (even south side is fine with me!), throw in $2 million or so in cash (to build a beautiful home and maintain it) and I will live happily ever after. I will, in turn, give up my job so that somebody else can enjoy it. And, my friends and relatives from all over the country will visit me and spend lots of money in Janesville's hotels and stores.

Hank: Why don't you run for city council. I will vote for you. You seem to be one with good-reasoning and not a spendthrift.

I think Janesville should build one of these arenas for the Jets. It is the home of another NAHL team.

http://www.drpepperstarcenter.com/defaul...

What do you think Hank? You would be entertained for years and maybe it would calm you down and you could avoid the stroke you are going to have if you keep up your stress level.

Hank/Pete - Under what name are you going to run for city council? I'd hate to not vote for the savior of Janesville.

By the way, have you ever called Mr. Levitt, or anyone on the City Council, or even the Gazette, about the $5 million cost estimate you think is incorrect?

CIM - Hank is Pete and Frogger is Hannah. It's kind of nice to see the band getting back together.

Hank's postings kinda remind me of that degenerate "Pete" guy that used to post.

They have a different concept of buying and selling than I was taught. Would this just be a payment to go away or what?
.
I'm on your team SarahB1!

my_3_kids: Did you even bother to read the post "Hungry in SouthWest Wisconsin"?? maybe if you did you would see that it greatly affects the Janesville and Beloit area (Rock County). So much for people caring about others!
"Stein said unemployment has wreaked havoc on many communities in southwestern Wisconsin, particularly in communities such as Janesville and Beloit. More people know someone—a relative, a friend, a neighbor—who has lost a job and is struggling to make ends meet, he said."

im somewhat new here...who is on the Hockey Club?

Everyone - Please visit http://www.hardwarehank.com/Corporate/Co... and let them know that you would like Hank to stop posting his nonsense on this website. Please let them know that if he doesn't stop you will no longer shop at his hardware stores. This worked for the residents of Rome, WI.

A buyout!!!!!!!!!!! are the taxpayers be blackmailed ?????????? why......just say NO. amen

"Taxpayers should not be funding a club's playland."

Wouldn't that also apply to the Youth Sports Complex, Dawson Field, Dog Park, Skate Park, etc.? Many other groups besides the Jets use the current ice arena.

Sarahb1- when Hell freezes over they can skate on that for free!

Get a Clue People..
Most hockey facilities are ran by the clubs themselves anyways. and to get someone that have to come (from the city) and turn on compressors and turn on the lights, clean, shovel, ect.. ( which we all know they need 5 + people to turn on a switch) is a ridiculous idea to begin with.. Many Ice Arena's have members of the club that will take care of that , in turn they receive credit ( either towards fund raising, or towards club fees..) To take it off the tax roll, would be a no brainer, Would you rather have fee from your city tax go to the operation of the Facility (over the life of the Facility for repairs, upkeep, and maintenance??) or pay it up front and be done with it.. I would like the latter, as for the comment about "Hungry in SouthWest Wisconsin.. WTH does that have to do with this???.. I believe we still live in SOUTH CENTRAL WISCONSIN!!! So you want to send money away to another area, when it should be kept here??? what ever...

Have the city pay the JYH and let them do what they will, if they can't make it, then have them give back the money... Plan and simple..
it worked with the Youth Sports Complex, why can't it with this.. Oh I forgot,, IT'S NOT FRICKEN BASEBALL... OR SOCCER...

Enough of this crap. It's time to kill the whole idea. Run the present rink until it fails again and then get out of the business altogether. Taxpayers should not be funding a club's playland. I'd rather wait until hell freezes over and then let the rink supporters have that.

I think there's a little lesson here. Things are decided at council meetings, not on the Gazette story comments. Yakety-yak away, folks.

The flood gates just opened up and Hank just came pouring through AGAIN...and again...and again...etc...............

Hank - If you don't stop posting the same thing over and over and over, I'm going to hit you in the wallet and stop shopping at your hardware stores.

SO, we don't want ANY Of our money spent on this venue, and, the part of the agreement that says they come up with the money by March 1 has failed, HOW do we get our voices heard? A petition? A protest? WE can't just sit here and type and expect anything to change? Suggestions? A leader? LOL

Maybe one hand washes the other.

By the way, 2,000,000 dollars and be done with it? If we do the math of we spend up to 85,000 a year on the current ice arena, that means we would give 23.5 years of operating cost away? That doesn't make sense to me.

It seems the lobbyist, Bill McCoshen, has been dating the council members and city manager.

Tell one of the other semi-pro teams in Janesville you'll just give them $100,000 and they'd be happy! Why are the Jets creating this huge fuss?

Two Million?? I can't even believe that someone could think that this is a good idea!! How ridiculous! I used to be proud of this City.. where are ANY priorities here? I'm Moving.

JVL - if you know anything about ice rinks you would know they will never make money. A rink that breaks even is considered a huge success. The city will never "wash it hands" of the rink because with out government funding it will go under.

A TIF district is a totally different animal. Turning it over to the Non-Profit Hockey group will not put the property on the tax rolls, nor will it create many jobs. These are the two main selling points of the entire TIF concept. At best we are talking a couple of full time jobs, and some part time positions, not exactly enough to warrant a $2 million expenditure.

Our city government just doesn't get it. Maybe they should read the new post here in the Gazette
"Hunger up dramatically in southwest Wisconsin" or maybe they just don't care. We do not need to give $2 million to a private sector either! Let them pay for it themselves. None of our tax money should go for this ice arena. PERIOD!

Sell them the land for $1 in a TIF district and let them take what they want from the existing ice arena. Beyond that, forget it.

Janesville should never have been in the ice rink business.

This is absurd! The tax payer puts out the money, takes the risk, yet would wash their hands of any potential return at a later date? While I am firm believer that if it is going to be break even or turn a profit, leave it to the private sector to fund it all. I can accept the $2 million spending if the city can recoup some of it later, but just writing a check is plain stupid. What happens when the two sheets of ice are rented all the time for whatever reason, and the place turns a profit? The city has just given away the rewards for which they took the risk in the first place. Either they get it and fund it 100%, or the city retains partial ownership. At 65-85K a year for funding, that is a lot of years to save the $2 million "given" up front. Bottom line, risk = potential reward, dont take the risk only to write off the potential reward.

I had good hopes when they said "we are getting out of the ice arena business." Pay 2 million then out. WHAT EVER. I thought the deal was IF they raise the money then we pay?
How about a Private owner pays the 2 mil and we still stay out.

Write a check for something & then not own it ? what a broken window that is.