On Don't give up on the Fourth Ward
Posted on September 5 at 9:57 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I think part of the problem is that bad housing is associated with bad people, which isn’t true. I’ve never had problems while in the 4th ward and the people are always friendly. However, some of the housing in that area is beyond repair. It is to the point of a massive waste of money to fix some of the houses in that area, because the foundations are crumbling, the houses are inefficient, and electrical systems are dated. As a result, it would require too much money to update some of these homes (not all of them, some are well maintained and have been kept current). The key would be for the city to buy some of these homes and destroy them, which would open up the land in the area. However, the other key is to replace these homes with more affordable housing and not 150,000 dollar ranches. I’ve lived here fourteen years and that area looks worse now than it did fourteen years ago. Obviously something isn’t working.
On Gustav revives question: Is New Orleans worth it?
Posted on September 2 at 12:04 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
The city is below sea level and surrounded by water, which as a bad idea to begin with. However, after years of coastline erosion the rising sea levels during hurricanes are now potentially devastating. Certainly beefing up levees will help, but it’s not the only solution. New homes and businesses should be built on a lifted foundation. Otherwise this is one major storm away from being an extension of Lake Pontchartrain or the gulf of Mexico.
On Alaska governor moves to national stage
Posted on August 29 at 9:18 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
janesvillemom: So are you suggesting in a strangely sexist manner that her 90% (highest among governors) approval rating is based solely on her good looks and friendliness? I personally don't know much about her other than what I've read today. However, she is known as a reformer and is extremely popular among Alaskan's. On the other hand, that doesn’t necessarily make her a good choice overall. I think she was a smart choice for McCain, but only if she can withstand the newly found media scrutiny. If I were advising McCain I would suggest he preps her for some heavy handed media questions. If I were advising Obama I would tread this water lightly, because sexism either from him or supporters won’t help his cause at all.
On Alaska governor moves to national stage
Posted on August 29 at 7:56 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Looking at this from an objective political standpoint, Palin is an absolutely brilliant choice for McCain. Despite the obvious political attempt at gaining disgruntled Hillary supporters it was still a smart choice. Palin is a governor, which either vice presidents or governors are a majority of our past presidents. In addition, she’s pro life, a gun supporter, yet she’s stood up to big oil. As a result, she’ll fit the key points republicans look for, but appear flexible enough to be considered a maverick much like McCain, which might help with independents. In addition, she’s young and energetic, which helps to counter McCain’s age problem a bit. Moreover, she’s not riddled with anti McCain comments or baggage. I chuckle at those who feel she is inexperienced, because she’s done more actual governing in Alaska in two years then Obama has during his time in the senate. Obama has spent most of his short time in the Senate campaigning to be president. Obama had a solid opportunity to hit a home run during his convention speech, but instead chose to talk more about McCain and Bush rather than how he was going to govern. In addition, I thought the setting for his speech was extraordinarily over done. All politicians use smoke and mirrors, or in Obama’s case Greek columned backdrops, but there has to be more. It was still a good speech, but for all the hype the DNC had leading up to the speech it wasn’t spectacular. It also really appeared as if he was placing himself on a pedestal and his thoughts were absolute. There wasn’t much reaching out in that speech. At some point if Obama wants to win this election, which is essentially his to lose, he’ll have to open himself up for more in-depth town hall style questioning and what his change is actually going to amount to. Obama is brilliant when he’s reading or remembering a speech, but hasn’t fared well with open questions or depth. In addition, I’ve found that his speeches are getting redundant. I used to really get drawn into his speeches, but I’m finding them less appealing. The problem for Obama is that his campaign staff is telling him to stay on message. However, what worked for Bush in 2000, and 2004, probably won’t for Obama in 08. As a result, he needs to mix it up a bit and add some depth. I still think this is Obama’s campaign to lose, but the race is too close for him to assume anything or take anything for granted. It should prove to be an interesting spectacle as the election draws closer.
Posted on August 28 at 4:40 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Any position involved in working for, maintaining, or managing the city’s daily operations should be hired strictly on the bases of qualifications and not family relation. Granted, using a family member as a reference is normal in a hiring process. However, it should not be an absolute when considering who gets the final nod. If we want the best and brightest working for the city or state, then it is important that everyone gets an equal opportunity at open job positions.
Posted on August 28 at 2:52 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Thank you for sharing the time spent with the Gazette staff. It gives us insight into how helpful everyone was in readying you for a career in journalism. It appears as though you've listened and absorbed as much knowledge as possible. Good luck with your future endeavors.
On Policy isn't same as e-mail
Posted on August 28 at 2:46 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Any position involved in working for, maintaining, or managing the city’s daily operations should be hired strictly on the bases of qualifications and not family relation. Granted, using a family member as a reference is normal in a hiring process. However, it should not be an absolute when considering who gets the final nod. If we want the best and brightest working for the city or state, then it is important that everyone gets an equal opportunity at open job positions.
Posted on August 27 at 2:05 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I used to water my lawn in the early morning or just before dark. However, I'm a reformed lawn water person. The lawn doesn't die without water it simply goes dormant. As a result, as soon as the weather cools or the rain falls it will become green again. With rising utility cost and more focus on being environmentally friendly, I've opted to only water my shrubs and flowers as needed. I think as long as the edging is done, weeds are kept under control, and the lawn is cut, then people can still declare pride of ownership without lawn watering.
On GM closing could indirectly affect poverty
Posted on August 26 at 4:18 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Pwrtrip: I get a laugh every time someone is so naïve to reality and so lacking in compassion. For example, there are probably more people being laid off that don’t work for GM, because of the plants potential closing, than work at the plant. Most of those people aren’t getting big severance packages, transfer rights, or sub pay. However, the cause is still the GM plant. In addition, there is –not--- ample work available for thousands of displaced workers. I’ve had friends look for work for months only to end up with a ten dollar an hour job. Granted, its work, but it won’t pay the bills for long. In addition, instead of a few dozen people competing for that ten dollar an hour job there are now hundreds. The type of bitter attitude some people display on these blogs would be reason enough for a big company to steer clear of Janesville. Whether it’s bashing GM or Mercy, it’s never good to see the areas two largest employers or employees getting hammered time and again. Nearly every Google search for Janesville will bring up a Gazette news article. As a result, don’t think these comments won’t get read by perspective companies looking for a new place to call home. Lastly, don’t think that GM closing won’t trickle down through the entire community. For instance, most of the people laid off are still receiving insurance (for three months after being laid off) and unemployment benefits. Additionally, a whole shift worth of GM and related companies are still working. Accordingly, the majority of the influence this announcement has on the community hasn’t begun to be felt yet. The impact of this announcement will likely not be felt in its entirety until GM makes a final decision to close (hopefully not) and those affected run out of money, which may take years. It is without doubt, though with work it could be temporary, that the standard of living in Janesville will decrease and the poverty level increase.
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On City rescinds nepotism policy
Posted on September 6 at 11:34 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
This appears to be for season or temp employees, but doesn't mention permanent employees. Although I believe family members should be able to apply and use other family members who work for the city as reference, I still believe the actual hiring should come down to qualification. The culture of hiring family members will only create an undervisfied work environment, which will only hamper our cities ability to move forward.