On Rep. Joe Knilans says he agonized over budget-repair bill vote

Posted on February 28 at 1:03 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

I can truly speak from experiences on both sides (union vs. non-union); I’ve been on both sides before. The up side was that the union helped me achieve wages and benefits that I otherwise wouldn’t have been afforded. The down side was I also learned that the under achieving employees received the same compensation as the over achievers through “collective” bargaining, which was very frustrating to me.
I would like to think that I’m one that thinks “outside of the box”. Could the elimination of collective bargaining actually allow flexibility to the state and local districts to award merits to individuals (especially teachers) whom are recognized as exceptional employees?
Most individuals enter into collective bargaining and are represented by unions out of fear that their employers can be very powerful and exploit us as laborers. We live in America where this type of behavior is found, but not prevalent. We are also talking about the state of Wisconsin being the employer in this case and not some overzealous private firm. I think there is a major difference.
I agree that he Democratic party has had years of control to enable them to fix a deficit problem that has been in existence, not just something that occurred overnight, and failed to do so.
I respect the hard decisions that have to be made. No, I’m not a school teacher, but an employee that will be affected by the change.

On Unions fighting back against Walker proposal

Posted on February 14 at 11:09 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

One could assume that if collective bargaining rights are rescinded that it would allow State employees to now strike where they were unable to previously. Wisconsin government would effectively shutdown causing a bunch of havoc. I would hope that concessions can be made before something so drastic happens.

On Walker says he won’t cut SeniorCare benefits

Posted on February 10 at 12:53 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

It is illegal for state employees to strike, but union members have staged sickouts and other work stoppages in lieu of strikes in the past. Pickets, rallies, slowdowns, and other job actions are all possibilities for them.
I think the state employees may have to make some concessions or find themselves working in the private sector where you receive no retirement and pay a major portion of your health insurance premium. That’s just the way life is right now. I agree that there will be someone waiting around the corner to fill vacancies of the employees that don’t agree and quit their job.

On Idling squad car sparks Geneva Town Hall fire

Posted on February 4 at 2:33 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

For all who think that this is such a catastrophic event, my question to you would be: Would you sit in an office cubical that was 0 degrees until it warmed up, or would you hover around the coffee pot in the break room until it reached a comfortable temperature? Would you sit in the same cubical and work all day long with the sun beating through the window without an air conditioner? A squad car is no different than a mobile office for COPS that are out saving the lives of those who were stranded in the storm that night.
I think a tank of gas on the taxpayers is a small price to pay. The outcome however was very unfortunate and I would assume the Township is responsible enough to have insurance coverage to replace the vehicle and its contents.

On Janesville police roll out new squad cars

Posted on June 11 at 1:15 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

Napalm: I’d like to respond to your comment in regards to: “Its easy revenue. So they'd rather line their pockets and fund their force than actually fight and seek real crime.” This statement couldn’t be further from the truth no matter what police officer or agency you’re talking about. No officer (unless he or she commits a crime) can benefit from issuing citations. Officers do not get any portion of revenue generated via fines and forfeitures. In fact, when a citation is issued, the beneficiaries are actually the community and its tax payers. Revenues generated via citations are placed in the “general” fund of the community and not in the police department’s budget. Therefore, those who are complaining about the purchase of police equipment should realize that fines and forfeitures in actuality help off-set the cost of new equipment and help subsidize your tax money to help pay for not only the police department but for other city expenses. Lastly, establishing a quota for citations is also a crime and cannot be done by the city or the police department management. The only thing they can do is use individual officers data for evaluation purposes. I admit that receiving a citation is an unpleasant experience but, it is a vital part of a police officer’s duty to insure the safety of the residents and the people who are traveling on the roadways. Our justice system gives everyone the benefit of the doubt and you’re certainly innocent until proven guilty. I would suggest if you feel differently and are issued a citation, that you exercise your right to a day in court.

On Janesville police roll out new squad cars

Posted on June 8 at 10:50 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

Is the issue at hand REALLY about the purchase of new squad cars or does it go deeper than that? It sounds like the City of Janesville has replaced squad cars on a regular basis in the past. The only reason they are receiving different recognition this time is due to the change in their appearance and the cost associated with the changes.
People that support the police department will support the change. The people who are in opposition of the police due to an adverse situation will oppose any change.
I’ve always found that those individuals who dislike police for whatever reason will be critical in whatever the police do. However, if the fire and rescue services buy a singular new vehicle that costs as much as the whole fleet of marked squad cars do that’s no problem. The same goes for the Department of Public Works that purchases new snow plows and lawn mowers.
The truth of the matter is that police officers are highly trained as First Responders to medical emergencies and will most likely beat the fire and rescue services to the scene (if they have a squad that doesn’t break-down that is). Most, if not all squad cars now are equipped with oxygen and defibrillators in addition to the officers being certified in CPR. I know if my life was in jeopardy it wouldn’t matter if it were a police officer or rescue member that helped revive me, as long as they were able to perform their job with the equipment provided to them. You will NEVER see a snowplow or a lawn mower arrive on scene and help a patient out. And I don’t mean to disrespect anyone that works for the Department of Public Works. My point is that the purchase of equipment is job specific. It all depends on where your priorities are. Mine certainly is on my life, the life of my family, friends, and the property that I’ve worked so hard to achieve.

On Janesville police roll out new squad cars

Posted on June 7 at 10:19 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

Ezoner and others: I don’t offer this in disrespect of your comments but rather some information from an insider that has been involved in police management for many years.
The “life” of police equipment, specifically squad cars is greatly diminished due to the operation of the vehicles. I can’t think of any vehicle out there that is required to sustain the “abuse” that is given to them due to the nature of the job. A squad car is required to go from 0 to 100 MPH on a regular basis to respond to emergency calls. Upon arrival of the scene, these cars then idle for sometimes hours while the red and blue lights and spotlights are illuminating the scene. If an odometer reads 100,000 miles, one can estimate that the engine might actually have almost double miles on the motor. I believe Dodge has actually put an hour meter on the motors of the Charger squad cars now so you can accurately determine what that number is. Secondly the interior is abused from arrestees kicking windows, doors, and sometimes vomiting or defecating in the rear seat. The driver’s seats are frequently broken down due to repeating getting in and out of the car throughout the day. This commonly causes back issues for officers, in return causing Worker's Compensation claims against the City or Municipality in which the officers work. Workers Compensation claims costs tax payers money. I personally know several officers that retired prematurely due to disabilities resulting from back injuries from poor seats in squad cars. I've personally driven cars in such poor condition that the floor was rusted through underneath the brake and accelerator pedals. A floor mat was placed over the hole to keep precipitation and cold air from coming into the cars interior. It literally reminded me of a Flintstone vehicle.
Believe me, I have been a conservative administrator during my tenure of employment but you also have to be realistic. Snowplows get used only during the winter months, and lawn mowers during the summer months, but police squad cars are used 24/7, 365 days. In some departments they literally hardly ever get turned off. If an officer crashes responding to a call or the squad breaks down, he/she becomes part of the problem and not a solution to help the “actual” victim that called in the first place.
No one likes to pay high taxes (including me) but some things are a necessity to perform specific jobs / duties. You also have to realize that governmental agencies get price breaks on the purchase of the squads and tires so the price is not as drastic as a “normal” consumer would have to pay. In addition I applaud the City of Janesville for utilizing mid-sized police vehicles with V-6 motors instead of SUV’s or full-sized police vehicles that are not as fuel efficient.
Administrators are not going to please 100% of the people 100% of the time, but I hope that this information may shed light in your community and in others that may read this.

On Janesville police roll out new squad cars

Posted on June 6 at 9:45 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

I am a police officer (not in Janesville) and applaud the City of Janesville Police Department for being pro-active in presenting a professional image in the community. And for all the officers serving in law enforcement and the citizens whom complain, please read the following.
http://www.policepoems.com/YesMeTheLousy...

On Darien Village Board adds temporary member

Posted on April 8 at 11:10 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

There are three general motives behind people talking bad about another person. 1. They're talking with someone to solve a problem they're having with the individual, but lack the skill to do it in a kind way. 2. They want to discredit the other person, or cause harm to the other person. Their motive is to hurt, or they feel they must defend themselves from hurt, so they hurt first. 3. They want to be accepted, so they find common humor, evil, etc. to talk about to make themselves feel better.

It is obvious based on blogs, newspaper articles, campaigns and distributed flyers that some people in Darien need to be educated on how to communicate and deal with people. The healing of Darien will never begin until everyone gets on the same page. Those who continue to display this poor behavior aren’t really concerned about the community; they’re only concerned about themselves and worried how people perceive them; or are trying to full-fill their personal agendas (the wrong-way). Talking bad about others to make you appear better is the epidemic that still hasn’t left Darien. Prime examples are: the statements made by the ex-president (Metzner) about chief DeVoy being a "cancer of the community" and a recent statement by Mr. Wenzel in the newspaper alleging that Ms. Etten and Olmstead daily harassed Mr. Dennison and eluded that they were the reason he was leaving employment. Unless Mr. Dennison wants to publically make that statement then one should not make assumptions that they were the reason he’s leaving employment with Darien.

If it is true about Mr. Putman telling people that Ms. Burton wanted to bring back the chief when Mr. Putman was seated on the board when the disciplinary action began, then I would certainly question his motives and integrity in the position he now holds once again.

The people of the community that are voted by their constituents to represent them in government should be held to high standards (hense the reason for not being able to hold office with a felony record). After-all these are the law makers and people that are in fiscal responsibility. The continued actions I’ve seen by some of the Darien board members are despicable and certainly call into question their respective honesty and integrity. I’m confused on how these same people could question their chief’s integrity and pose discipline when they have displayed very little themselves.

On Darien board shifts police management

Posted on October 21 at 9:29 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

Copperguy: I was informed that Herrick denied the motion and wouldn't allow DeVoy a hearing. So the hearing for Friday is cancelled.
I wouldn't be surprised if this isn't appealed to the Walworth County Circuit Court.