Re: Jack Chiovatero's Election Win; NB "Traditions"; SB officers
In 2005, when then-mayor Ted Wysocki ran for re-election, he was defeated by Jack Chiovatero. Last month's New Berlin mayoral race was hyped as a re-match between the incumbent (Mayor Chiovatero) and former mayor (Wysocki). Well, Jack Chiovatero not only won re-election, he beat Ted Wysocki by a bigger vote margin than he had in 2005.
Jack Chiovatero also "bucked the trend" of our having a new mayor every four years. He has the distinction of being the first since 1993 elected to serve back-to-back terms.
Is Condoning Torture "Un-Christian"?
Miami Herald columnist Leonard Pitts argues:
In the Bible it says, "Perfect love casts out fear", but what we see so often in people of faith is an imperfect love that embraces fear.
On Mother's Day, Life & Death
The nation celebrated motherhood yesterday.
The day held sadness for me because it was the first Mother's Day without my mom, who died in October.
Smoking Ban
Neighboring states Ilinois, Minnesota and Iowa already have smoking bans.
Thirty-seven communities in Wisconsin already have smoking bans.
Ride for 2009 National Veterans Wheelchair Games
Hop on your motorcycle and join us on Saturday, May 30 in support of the National Veterans Wheelchair Games.
Sign up now. The Ride is limited to 100 motorcycles. The cost is $30 per single rider or $50 per couple (2 people, 1 bike)
Catholics In The News
Milwaukee Archbishop Rembert G. Weakland retired abruptly in 2002 amid a sex/"hush-money" cover-up scandal involving Weakland and a Marquette University theology student.
In a memoir due out in June, Weakland acknowledges that he's gay. He also contends that in the early years of the clergy sex abuse scandal in Milwaukee, he did not realize that priests' sex abuse of children was harmful to the kids or a crime. He didn't worry about the effects on the youngsters: either they wouldn't remember or "would grow out of it". Incredible.
Memorial Day: Remembering Those Who Have Died During Military Service
Let us never forget the purpose of this special day, which is to honor and remember the men and women who have died in service to their country.
Memorial Day originated as Decoration Day. After the Civil War, many folks decorated the graves of the fallen with flowers. In 1868 (three years after the Civil War ended), Gen. John Logan designated a day (May 30) when the graves of Civil War soldiers would be decorated.
Congratulations Mayor Chiovatero & Others Who Worked To Get Lake Michigan Water For Us
New Berlin needed to take action to deal with the radium problem in its municipal wells.
Last week, the state Department of Natural Resources approved New Berlin's application to obtain Lake Michigan water for parts of our city.
Short-sightedness of the NB Common Council Regarding Calhoun Road Reconstruction
I've lived in New Berlin over 30 years. My subdivision is near Moorland Road. Years ago, when Moorland Road was widened, some residents were upset. But expanding the road was the right thing to do. It was in our city's best interests. Fortunately, those City leaders thought ahead instead of being short-sighted. I wish members of our current City Council would have done likewise regarding Calhoun Road.
Designs for the reconstruction of Calhoun Road were developed by a consultant hired by the City of New Berlin some years ago. City staff, including city engineers who obviously possessed more expertise in this field than our aldermen, studied and reviewed the design options with respect to safety, traffic, storm water improvements, and what would be best long term. They recommended that Calhoun Road be expanded to four lanes.
Calhoun Road, Etc.
Some New Berlin aldermen seem to make a habit of ignoring expert’s opinions and advice.
Last Tuesday, Aldermen Ken Harenda, Dave Ament, Ted Wysocki, Ron Seidl and John Hopkins chose to disregard the recommendation of City engineers/staff for a 4-lane Calhoun Road reconstruction plan. The recommendation had been based on such important factors as safety, traffic, storm water improvements, and best long-term solution. The aldermen approved a basic 2-lane Calhoun Road option instead. See my previous blog entry.
A few years ago, the City of New Berlin could have avoided a costly lawsuit if New Berlin officials, including Wysocki, Ament and Harenda had heeded the advice of the City Attorney when he cited federal RLUIPA law and advised against rejecting a Greek Church’s rezoning request.
Re: monetary concerns
