Curmudgeon's Corner

I received a Press Release this afternoon from the office of Sen. Darling indicating that she and Sen. Alan Lasee will sponsor a bill requiring that members of Wisconsin’s technical college boards be elected to those positions and not simply appointed.

That is a big step in the right direction since taxpayers would finally have some oversight capability. The power of voters does have a desirable effect on elected representatives. The bill would require that each board member be a resident of the district from which elected. There would be nine members of each district board and each would serve a two year staggered term so that at least two would be elected each year.

This proposed bill should be formally introduced in mid-August.

Sen. Darling stated, “The bill is about accountability. While tech colleges are one of the engines that keep Wisconsin’s economy humming, the taxpayers deserve more oversight.” This bill will parallel Senate Bill 576 that was introduced last session. That apparently didn’t take flight, so each of us must keep our elected representatives aware that we expect action this session.

A Journal Sentinel article (MATC split on how to handle secession talk – 7/28/07) penned by Erica Perez discusses the attitudes displayed amongst MATC board members at their meeting yesterday.

As you might expect, the threat that any taxable entity might break away from their grasp is disconcerting to them. A few displayed a sensible approach suggesting that outreach might help dissuade the uninformed. None seemed concerned with the fact that we have no representation on this board; an appointed, not elected, board that consistently increases its tax rate.

I was particularly taken with the line of reasoning from board member Pedro Colon (D – Milwaukee) who represents the 8th District in the state Assembly. Mr. Colon, coincidentally, sits on the Joint Finance Committee in Madison and is one of the Democrat members who maintained a virtually airtight stance in favor of the largest tax increase package in the history of our state.

Colon was quoted as saying, “This is really a political debate about people who don’t want to pay taxes.” He went on to say, “We provide a value. I don’t want to justify a bunch of political whims.”

Duh?

This is indicative of the larger problem we citizens face. We are cast as the “village idiots” simply because we do not recognize and acquiesce to Colon’s definition of the “greater good”. This is their expectation even as our bank accounts continue to be tapped by all levels of government. Here we have a classic example, in my estimation, of the historic “taxation without representation” struggle.

This pervasive attitude on the part of leaders that to question “authority” somehow makes us bad citizens is a despicable display on the part of an appointed board. Especially an appointed board that has historically increased its tax take with seemingly nary a thought as to its impact on us taxpayers. It is way past time for us to push this fight to a successful conclusion.

Once again, I applaud the local effort and I hope it starts a fire in the hearts of other similarly over-taxed citizens in other communities. The MATC has been, in my opinion, out of control with salaries and perks and labor agreements that are all put together, in effect, behind closed doors. There are no elections of members of the board…only appointments.

How can we expect anything but what we’re getting from that kind of governing body considering that we’re not even represented by an appointee?

Most all of us are so busy that we’ve trouble fitting everything into our schedules day-to-day. That seems the case whether we’ve young families or beyond, whether we’re young or not-so-young.

Given my friend John’s situation, I have found myself reflecting on his amazing strength and asking myself just how I would, or will, handle the last few days or weeks of my life if I’m given that opportunity...yes...opportunity!

There seem to be some things more obvious than others on that “to do” list, but that is from my perspective given how intensely personal I imagine those days must be.

I have a strong faith but I’d be talking with my God a lot more than I had before. I am blessed with a loving wife and family but I’d be telling them of my love a lot more than I had before.

I’ve not knowingly or maliciously wronged anyone of which I am aware, but I’d be thinking a lot more about the amends needing to be made than I did before. I’d be seeking a last visit or conversation with special friends.

The wonderful events of my life would certainly occupy my mind. Favorite places and favorite foods would probably enter into the process.

The simple things in life would take on new meaning, I suspect…

…the sounds of children laughing and playing, the birds chirping, the flowers blooming, the clouds drifting in a beautiful blue sky, the ripples on water, the sound of dogs barking, the smell after a rain and especially after lightening has seemingly refreshed the air, the feel of dirt in my hands and grass under bare feet…all would be more important.

Would I find myself wondering about past disappointments? Would I be thinking of people whom I should’ve forgiven for real or perceived transgressions? Would I reach out to those and be truthful or would I keep those thoughts to myself?

Would I still be me or would I feel the need to change in my final few days?

Life’s lessons sometimes seemingly come too late or with too high a price tag.

Having been reminded of all these thoughts by spending time with John, maybe…just maybe…I’ll get on with these needs today and tomorrow and each day after… before my time is gone. Not everyone is given the opportunity that my friend has been given.

What would you do if?

A disclaimer up front: My friends, John and Cynthia own the Perc Place in Hartford. I have considered a Blog about this great coffee shop PLUS for many months but have deferred doing so because of my friendship. John is now in the final stages of his battle with cancer and it is time for this Blog.

The Perc Place is on Main Street in Hartford, 47 North Main to be exact. Given the work on Hwy 60, the route to Main Street is a bit complicated, but the trip is well worthwhile. I’m sure they’d be happy to tell you the best way to find them if you call them (262-670-6950).

The Perc Place serves breakfast and lunch items that are not your usual fare. They serve Alterra coffee and all the rest of the items you’d associate with a place using Perc in its name. There are none of those “barista” people, just customer-conscious folks who’ll probably remember you the next time you’re in.

The food is delicious including great sandwiches and salads; the deserts are wonderfully rich and tasty and the atmosphere is unique. There is occasional entertainment booked for evenings and they’re open seven days a week. And a bonus: if you use the restroom, you can read the walls while you’re otherwise occupied.

Check it out when you’re next in Hartford…or just make the Perc Place your reason for going to Hartford. I think you’ll like it. And, by the way...stop in a few doors south at Stacia's for a really great selection of different home decor and gift items. That shop is located at 37 North Main.

There have been anecdotal comments that I’ve seen posted on other Blogs and that I’ve heard from friends and acquaintances about the service and food quality at The New Fox & Hounds restaurant.

We and another couple, both of whom really enjoy their dining experiences, made reservations to eat there on Friday, July 6th. Our reservations were set for 5:30PM and both parties were there on time. I was a little concerned since I knew I’d catch some good-natured criticism if we had a less-than-enjoyable evening.

We were seated promptly and were greeted by our server who explained the special menu items and took our beverage orders. She was a very nice young lady who obviously enjoyed her work there to supplement her income while a student at Marquette.

We ordered from the regular menu even though this was a “fish fry” night since we wanted the choice of items that came on the regular menu. Three of us ordered Dusted Walleye Pike dinners and the fourth ordered the Salmon dinner.

Salads were crisp and fresh and the house Feta & Garlic dressing was great. Both the Pike and the Salmon were excellent. The garlic mashed potatoes were tasty and hot. Our water glasses were filled throughout the evening. We followed dinner with dessert. That was delicious, as well. I think it was called a Triple Chip Cheesecake and I’d recommend it if you pay them a visit.

We continued to talk with our friends since we’d not been together in some time, and finally left the restaurant shortly before 9:00PM. I expected that we’d receive some gentle chiding as to moving along, but that did not occur even if it should have.

This experience from four admittedly “tough to please” customers was top notch from beginning to end. I had the privilege of meeting the owner yesterday and told him of our experience. He admitted that there had been some service issues and was very pleased with our report that, at least on this Friday evening, we found no evidence of any problems either with food or service. To the contrary, I’ll be mentioning this experience to anyone interested.

The final film in the series by Stuart Browning is titled Dead Meat. You can view it by clicking here.

Health care is among the most discussed subjects in our state and country today. Your remarks are invited and will be published, without identity if you desire, to stimulate some debate.

The third piece of film is The Lemon.

The second installment in the series of Stuart Browning films relating to health care systems is a piece titled Brain Surgery and is found here.

I suspect that a majority of adults have heard of Michael Moore, the “documentary” movie maker who has skewered many subjects in his career. His latest epic is the movie titled SiCKO in which he touts the idea that we need a single payer, government run health care system in the United States.

SiCKO is now playing in the Marcus system and you may’ve seen it. If so, you have seen everything Moore could find to support his hypothesis…the people who love their Canadian health care, the 911 survivors being treated so handsomely in Havana, and so on. He was not able, apparently, to find anyone who didn’t like the systems, or who had suffered at the hands of the bureaucracy running the health care system.

There is a man who has become the anti-Michael Moore film producer. His name is Stuart Browning and he has studied the same subject from the opposite direction. Browning has several short films available and I’ll provide the links to four of them if you choose to view them.

The first film is titled “Uninsured in America” and deals with the supposed 46 to 47 million people who have no health insurance. That film can be viewed by clicking here.

According to Guy Boulton’s article in the July 7, 2007 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the Advanced Healthcare physician group has postponed its vote on its pending acquisition by Aurora Health Care.

It is my opinion that this can only be seen as good news by those of us in the Germantown-Menomonee Falls area.

My earlier Blogs have indicated my belief that this combination could eventually cause us to lose Community Memorial Hospital. It appears now that another combination may be coming together. I believe this would give us the best outcome for which we could hope in this age of health care consolidation.

In this potential scenario, the Froedtert & Community Health Group along with the Columbia St. Mary’s group would become somehow affiliated with Advanced Healthcare. This would create a viable alternative health care system to that which Aurora is amassing. We patients would see the referral patterns and hospital admitting patterns to which we’re accustomed, and those would continue indefinitely into the future.

This would likely mean that Aurora would not be building a hospital somewhere on the northern Milwaukee metro landscape; it is in continuing discussions with the Synergy system which has a new hospital in Jackson. We would continue to experience a more community-driven kind of health care from those whom we’re already using for such services.

We are in the midst of debate on just how we ought to proceed in the “war” on double-digit health care cost increases. I don’t see how a larger Aurora would help us in that battle. Bigger systems mean fewer systems…and that more likely translates into lessening of downward price trends. When our care systems are limited, we tend to see higher prices since there is less competition, more debt service and less downward pressure on prices. This is debatable however. Wouldn't you prefer the debate be engaged before we’ve eliminated a competitive system than after, when no alternatives exist?

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness……That to secure these Rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the Consent of the Governed……

The Declaration of Independence sets forth the very reasons our forefathers sought to create this beautiful country of which we’re all a part. The list of complaints against the King of Great Britain continues until finally fifty-five very brave souls affixed their names at the bottom.

It is good that we pause to reflect on this solemn occasion, but it is also unfortunate that few of us give any real thought to what it is we celebrate on July 4th.

We are equal one with another. Nothing says that some are more equal than others. This, to me, is a two-edged sword. I should not have greater rights than any others, nor should any others have greater rights than me. Our Supreme Courts, state and national, seem to lose sight of this from time to time in their over-zealous pursuit of what they determine to be equality.

We have the right to live our lives. We are free to live our lives as we choose. Those who would limit those choices need to remember this. Similarly, others have that same right. We must be cognizant of that and far more accepting of others than we tend to be on occasion.

We have the right to pursue happiness. There are no guarantees of happiness for any of us to be found in this great document, simply the fact that we can pursue our definition of happiness. We would be wise, indeed, to understand that happiness is not at all related to possessions, but is something that comes with inner peace.

Governments are created by us, and derive their powers from us. It seems all too often that our elected government officials lose sight of the fact that they are beholden to do our will rather than us being beholden to do their will. Our regular participation in all elections… our INFORMED participation in all elections…is the demonstration of our “check and balance” system. We abrogate our rights to demand accountability from our elected officials when we fail to exercise our rights.

Indeed, these are powerful words for every day of the year…not just July 4th!