On Students see energy production as an alternative use for GM plant

Posted on June 5 at 10:02 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

Ideally, we all want something that will put people to work - secure, good-paying jobs that allow people to support families. If that doesn't happen, then tear it all down and build the following through public/private partnerships:

1. Rock County Fairgrounds
2. Sports complex suitable for hosting local, state and regional competitions that will bring millions in tourism dollars (sports to include baseball, softball, soccer, football, lacrosse, disc golf, etc.
3. Outdoor (and indoor?) waterpark and aquatics facility (wave pools, lazy river, slides, zero-depth pools, and much more)
4. Race track (maybe?) as part of the fairgrounds
5. Ice arena (multi-purpose facility that is suitable for other events such as small trade shows/conventions, roller hockey, basketball, and other fieldhouse-type activities)

Such a facility could still support wind-generated energy production, provided it is cost-efficient to do so. Perhaps the energy could be used to create a "green" complex that supports all of these uses...

This would certainly give a lot of people oppportunities for employment.

Note: my opinions and comments are in no way connected to the local ski team

On Why is there no green for the gardens?

Posted on October 21 at 10:34 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

Yes, our members pay dues. Unfortunately, those dues don't even cover the cost of all the insurance we must have.
Only 10% of our revenue comes from dues paid by members. 85% comes from fundraising (pass the hat, haunted house, dance, program book advertising, Friends campaign, hosting tournaments, concessions, etc.) The remaining 5% comes from grants and in-kind donations.

By no means am I suggesting that the Rock Aqua Jays receiving any City funding.

All I'm saying is that if the City Council chooses to subsidize additional nonprofits, others will follow. How then will the Council be able to say no?

Help people get jobs, make sure they have enough to eat and a warm place to sleep. Then, and only then, subsidize the things that will make Janesville a better place to live, work and play.

On Why is there no green for the gardens?

Posted on October 21 at 9:30 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

Subsidies??? Why would any nonprofit organization expect to receive any cash subsidy from the City?

I fully support Rotary Gardens, a skatepark, the Tallman House and a children's museum. (The timing is not right, but I support it.)

Nonprofit organizations are supposed to be self-sustaining. There are other organizations in this city that bring in a lot of people and get no cash subsidies. Those organizations that are 501(c)(3) nonprofits can be exempt from property taxes and from paying sales tax. Perhaps the only subsidy the City should give is to waive special event and park pavilion rental fees.

I represent the Rock Aqua Jays, an organization that has been a fixture in Janesville for nearly 50 years. We hosted the national tournament at Traxler Park over 20 times since 1975. Never once did we ask for a subsidy from the City. Faced with a natural disaster that wiped out an entire season of performances, we had no choice but to go to the City to ask for help with the stage and beach, most of which will be paid for through federal funding.

The Rock Aqua Jays are not going to seek any kind of subsidy from the City. And, that's the way it should be for ALL other nonprofits who do not provide food, shelter, clothing, housing or other essentials to those who need them.

Subsize one, subsidize them all. Does the City Council really want to "open this can of worms?"

Joel Shapiro
Rock Aqua Jays Water Ski Club, Inc.
President

On Rock Aqua Jays unable to host national ski show tournament

Posted on June 25 at 10:06 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

I want to clarify that the Divison I National Water Ski Show Tournament is not canceled. Rather, our organization concluded that we are not able to host it because of flooding. The National Show Ski Association will determine an alternate location for the event.
Joel Shapiro
Rock Aqua Jays Water Ski Club, Inc.

On Rock Aqua Jays unable to host national ski show tournament

Posted on June 25 at 10:04 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

I want to clarify that the Divison I National Water Ski Show Tournament is not canceled. Rather, our organization concluded that we are not able to host it because of flooding. That National Show Ski Association will determine an alternate location for the event.
Joel Shapiro
Rock Aqua Jays Water Ski Club, Inc.