Hi John,

I will tell you why they weren't there - lack of proper notice. I found out the day before this momentous decision would be made. You can't just schlepp something up on a web site, but a story in the paper a few days before (that not everybody reads), and then be all surprised when everybody doesn't show up.

I hold those who organized this event responsible for the lack of attendance due to poor promotion.

Put me down for no on higher taxes even though I didn't show up.

Side note: What happened to the stimulus fund money that Doyle said would make up part of the difference here?

It needs to be "FREEZE" time for K-12 public educators thoughtout Wisconsin! Look at the Time magazine article, "Pay Raises Are the Worst in 33 Years" - URL: http://www.time.com/time/business/articl....

Reality! 1 in 10 workers UNemployed.

Reality! 48% of companies have FROZEN salaries this year.

Reality! Performance based compensation is on the rise. Yes, we need MERIT PAY for K-12 public educators in WI.

Here we go... Mr. E.

Mr. E, I had responded to an earlier blog that I would like you to acknowledge. You and I in our respective capacities have talked about the funding formula for education by the State many, many times. When the current system was enacted in 1994/1995ish most districts had a large influx in state aid that resulted in a large decrease in the levy. Many times over the years because of relationship of increased values and state aids many many districts spent more money and had additional reductions in their levy because of the formula. Well this year the formula is being broken apart, mostly because of the large reduction in overall state aid and the yet to be determined impact of the repeal of the QEO. As my earlier blog stated this is compounded by the fact that all of this happens in a backwards environment where districts are given their actual revenue numbers in October, after the third Friday in September count, lay-off notices have to be done, in most cases, by May 1, and budgets are all done prior to the fiscal year starting on July 1. It is a wonder anyone ever comes close given this scenario. I understand your frustration but this issue is a cumulative affect of 15 plus years of operating under this system. The State can no longer make due on the promise of the "three legged stool" which as you know is the Revenue Cap, QEO and two thirds funding. Now after all this I wish I had the answer but I do know what the causes are that have gotten us to this point. Unfortunately very few legislators understand this or are willing to acknowledge it and they are the only ones that can do anything to fix it.

Thanks John for stimulating these discusssions.

They probably don't show up for a couple reasons. 1) They saw where opposition to the new city hall project got them, so they've figured out that government gets what government wants, regardless of what the economy might dictate. 2) When people do show up at functions like this to voice their displeasure people in the media, you know, folks like you, label them as an "angry mob" and their treated with smugness and disdain. Look no further the Edgerton mayor's childish temper tantrum at the last city council meeting because the Edgerton Reporter had the audacity to suggest to the council that they be prudent with their spending on a new city hall when unemployment in Rock County is through the roof.

RichE95-
The proposed 20 percent increase in Edgerton is in the tax levy, the total amount the district would collect in property taxes. It's impossible to know the tax rate until the district learns the property value for the year, but the district estimates if property value goes up 5 percent, the tax rate will go up 14.5 percent in Edgerton. The proposed 10 percent increase in Milton also refers to the tax levy.
-Stacy Vogel, reporter

Please explain in detail exactly what is implied by a 10% or 20% increase? Do you mean an actual tax bill increase of that amount? Or is it an increase in the tax rate due to a lowered valuation on your home? If it is the later, it could be said that your reference to 10 or 20 percent is misleading. I don't want my taxes to go up but I want a calm reasoned explanation of what we are looking at. As I said in a previous post what really counts is that your home is valued fairly - from then on it is government spending. The actual rate and valuation don't mean much without considering those factors.

Sounds to me like WE THE PEOPLE have spoken in support of EDUCATION through their ABSENCE. Why BELITTLE them?!