On Are police, firefighter deals good for taxpayers?

Posted on December 14 at 5:22 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

This argument about the pensions of police and firefighters, oddly enough, came at about the same time police and and firefighters in Connecticut were dealing with one of the worst tragedies in United States history. Some question why they need to receive these benefits, ones they have bargained for and received by cities and counties, and are now being cut. Today's tragedy is exactly why they get them and deserve them. Those police, and firefighters, had to rush into that school and confront a gunman. Then, when it was over, those same people have to care for the injured, photograph and clean up the bodies of those poor children and adults. These are images they will never forget, and I can not even imagine now. Why do they do it, because no one else can, or will. Sure, some on this blog will say this didn't happen in Janesville, but our own police and fire have to deal with tragedies on a sometimes daily basis. We live in an increasing culture of violence. People are hurting themselves and others in every way imaginable. Violence in our homes, schools, bars, workplaces, and in public. The police are the ones we turn to when children, and adults, are sexually assaulted and exploited. The police are the ones we turn to when someone gruesomely takes their own life with a shotgun or rifle. They console the families and loved ones who are the victims. The police have to be counselors for the mentally ill, and parents to the many children who's real parents are incapable of doing it themselves. Who do we continually turn to for these things and even more? The police. When there is no one else to call, who comes, whether they want to or not? The police. After 30 plus years of working holidays, weekends, and dealing with everything thrown at them, physically and emotionally, I think we owe them. They have taken care of us for all these years, now it is our chance to say thank you, for a usually thankless job, by taking care of them. I read one study once that said the average amount of paychecks taken by a retired law enforcement officer after retirement, until death, is 18. The result of years of physical and emotional strain. Sure, there will be many who say it is the career they choose. Yes, it is, but I hardly doubt a kid growing up or even studying police science can imagine some of the things they will deal with. No one seems to complain about a baseball player making $25 million for hitting a ball, but we balk at a policeman or firefighter making a couple thousand a month after retirement. Our priorities in this country are backwards, and these tragedies will continue. At least we have the police and firefighters to turn to, they will be there regardless!!

On Janesville police chief warns against cutting officers

Posted on October 12 at 8:35 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

TroubleMaker, the personnel carrier article was in an article of the Gazette in August. Beloit is buying it and maintaining it with drug seizure money. Janesville and Rock county agreed to pay into it as well after Beloit asked if they wanted to. Beloit was going to buy it regardless. It is all drug seizure money. It has been ordered.

On About that new Youth Sports Complex

Posted on July 6 at 2:58 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

Hats off to Janesville for having a facility like this.It is first class and still a work in progress. It's an investment in more ways than one. What better way to invest some money into sports that make for healthier kids and then adults for years to come. Baseball has been the cornerstone of this complex and the focus this summer but it is softball, soccer, and football, too. Tons of opportunity for kids to get out from behind the television and be physically active. This also invests in our businesses. This complex, just over the summer has brought in baseball tournaments on many weekends. They have teams from all over the state and even Illinois. These teams stay in our hotels, eat from our restaurants, buy our gas and patronize our stores. And that is just baseball. The same holds true for the softball games, football, and soccer. Our high schools are also using these facilities, bringing in teams from around the state. Sure, there will be people who criticize the cities spending of money on this, but investing in projects like this is good for bringing people here, and keeping them here.

On Fourth Ward tour showcases successes, work that remains

Posted on June 28 at 8:32 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

oldvet, the term showcases was used correctly:

tr.v. show·cased, show·cas·ing, show·cas·es
To display prominently, especially to advantage.

On Meat animal sale breaks record

Posted on July 30 at 4:32 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

What a nice story on the success our youth and all the money they brought in to be used for future programs and their education. Unfortunately the Gazette's lead picture accompanying the article needed to be political. If you are gonna support the youth of our county why couldn't they have made that picture one of the proud kids and their champion animal. Pretty tacky Gazette

On Janesville police supervisors to form union

Posted on April 13 at 10:04 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

I kinda see where they are coming from. Who wants those they supervise making more than them. When a supervisor retires who will want to apply for the promotion when you will take a pay cut. It cant always be about dollars and cents but these days who can afford to take money from their family.

On Appleton police won't respond to gas drive-offs

Posted on December 29 at 5:23 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

Why should my tax dollars be used to be a bill collector for an industry that allows the thefts to happen? Gas is not cheap, and the price is going up again. It is not under $1 anymore. Most gas purchases are $20 or more. Gas stations can stop the thefts by having everyone prepay for gas. I have traveled to many states, including California, and if you want gas you have to pay cash first or use your credit card. Stores used to have cartons of cigarettes out for people to purchase, but when thieves were grabbing armloads and running out they were put behind the counter. Time for gas stations to take their own steps to prevent the thefts themselves. They will save money from the decrease in thefts and also save the taxpayers money and be good citizens by allowing police to do more important things. Win...win for everyone.

On UPDATED: Police destroy briefcase left after Edgerton robbery

Posted on October 1 at 6:30 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

It is Alan from The Hangover. Better check Vegas.

On Madison police detain Sugar Creek man for carrying gun

Posted on September 21 at 2:02 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

I am really on the fence when it comes to open carry. I do not carry, but if the says a law abiding citizen can carry, go ahead. I just wonder how the police are suppose to be able to tell who can legally carry and who cant. Felons and those with domestic violence convictions cant. Without checking the identification how are the police supposed to keep guns out of the hands of those who do not have the right to carry. There has to be a way to check and thats ask for ID. These guys are clearly looking for controversy. That is why they are recording. They could have just given the ID and they would have been on their way in 5 minutes? Instead, lets tie up the legal system some more. Maybe this is a way for the unemployed to make some money. Sue.....settle for some money, and go to the next city to do it again.

On Janesville bar damaged in electrical fire

Posted on September 11 at 6:59 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

sigma, I think you need a watch. I was out there and it was only 2 hours. With 2 firetrucks on two of the lanes and fireman getting out equipment and walking around, You want one getting hit by a drunk?