Defend Wisconsin News Round Up

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Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Defend Wisconsin News Round Up

Defend Wisconsin News Round Up

Are you been keeping up with the Wisconsin Budget as it relates to Education? If not---Do your self a favor! Get active because there is a definite degree of nonsense and misdirection by the Scott Walker Republicans. It is quite apparent that many GOP Representatives have no idea what Education is. 


Rep. Amy Loudenbeck's Commentary:

Guest commentary: Ensuring educational options
By Rep. Amy Loudenbeck | Posted: Monday, June 15, 2015 4:00 pm

I have received significant input on the 2015-2017 budget related to K-12 education. Ensuring quality educational options for all children is a priority for me and for Wisconsin.

One third of the state general fund is spent on K-12 education, our number one expenditure. 
I am pleased to report that the legislature’s Joint Finance Committee (JFC) recently voted to modify the governor’s proposed education budget by investing nearly $200 million in additional funding over the 2015-2017 biennium.

THE JFC voted to level fund public schools in 2015-2016 and increase funding by $100 per pupil in 2016-2017 for all Wisconsin public school students.

This is in addition to the increases that were approved in the 2013-15 budget, when school districts received a $75 per pupil increase in year one and another $150 per pupil increase in year two. 

The committee also voted to increase educational opportunities for families by removing the cap for the statewide parental choice program. As has been proven by the nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau time and time again, the choice program allows for more aid per student to flow into the public school system because the cost per pupil in the choice program ($7,210 for K-8 and $7,856 for high school) is significantly below the state average of $11,071 per pupil in the public schools.
IT IS important to note that the choice program is available only to parents at or below 185% of the federal poverty level.

The JFC also made significant changes to responsibly limit the program after removal of the statewide cap. For example, starting with the next round of applications, the program is limited to prior year public school students, with the exception of entry points for kindergarten, first and eighth grade.

The program is also limited to 1% of pupils in a school district (with a 1% annual increase in future years). Furthermore, school districts can continue to count resident students for general aid and revenue limit purposes and retain those dollars, just as they are allowed to do under the widely-accepted open enrollment program.

THE BUDGET also includes the expansion of independent charter schools in Wisconsin.
Under this proposal, the proposed Madison Prep charter school, which is modeled on meeting the needs of low-income minority students, could be authorized by the UW System. Tribal colleges would also be allowed to authorize independent charter schools. Wisconsin’s Native American tribes highlighted their desire for charter schools that focus on preserving and revitalizing tribal languages and culture as a priority at the recent State of the Tribes Address. 

FINALLY, school accountability is incredibly important. That is why under the JFC budget proposal, all schools receiving public funding (choice, charter, public) will be graded using the same five-star report card system that accounts for students’ growth in reading and math skills, school poverty levels, and a school’s ability to close gaps in achievement among groups of students.  
Funding, flexibility, and accountability are essential elements of a successful educational system and this budget reflects these priorities.  

Rep. Amy Loudenbeck, R-Clinton, represents Wisconsin’s 31st Assembly District which includes a portion of Beloit’s East Side. She serves on the Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee and can be reached at rep.loudenbeck@legis.wi.gov or (888) 529-0031.


And this one is offered by Rep Deb Kolste: 
Rep. Debra Kolste: Budget proposal would severely damage public schools
By Rep. Debra Kolste June 5, 2015

The Legislature’s budget-writing committee has written a proposal that would cause massive damage to public schools; even more than the original plan proposed by Gov. Scott Walker.

Public education built this state. Access to public education has provided people from every economic stratum with a shot at the American Dream. Most Wisconsin residents love their local schools and want to preserve them.

Republicans on the Joint Committee on Finance removed the caps from the voucher program at the expense of public schools and created a new, expensive entitlement. Up to $800 million and maybe more will be shifted to private schools in the next decade. Voucher schools don’t produce better results. They take public money but don’t answer to the public.

The Republican plan diverts even more money for special-education vouchers. Private schools would take money for special-needs students but won’t have to provide programming or specialized teachers. The finance committee approved this proposal against the wishes of advocates for special-needs students.

Standards for public school teachers will decline. Bachelor’s degrees won’t be required for some, and others won’t need high school diplomas. Specific teacher training will not be required.

Knowledge of a subject does not necessarily qualify one to teach. Public school teachers learn classroom skills: organization, lesson planning, and how to engage students of varying ability, preparedness and motivation.

The plan also degrades academic standards. It awards graduation credit through demonstrating competency or “creating a learning portfolio.” Half of the credits for graduation could be earned this way. The competencies would be listed on the student’s transcript.

The effect will be to diminish the value of diplomas from Wisconsin high schools.

The plan opens athletic programs at public schools to home-schoolers or private school students. Home-schoolers can join the Janesville Craig football team under this scheme. Never mind academic standards at Craig or adherence to the athletic code. Only students who actually attend Craig will be subject to Craig’s standards and oversight.

The only valid purposes of school sports are to build character and bring school communities together. A teammate won’t necessarily be a classmate anymore.

The wholesale investment in private schools continues the establishment of parallel publicly funded educational systems. Separate but equal is never equal. Building a publicly funded private school system is wasteful and unnecessary.

Republicans have apparently designated public schools for nearly complete destruction. The sad remnant schools will accommodate students that private schools reject and will house expensive programs that private schools won’t have to provide.

The only conceivable motive for vandalizing public education is to create profits for private interests. The quality of education statewide will decline. The prospects for graduates of our high schools will decline. The economic outlook for our state will continue to decline.

Public schools have created a sense of community in cities and villages everywhere in Wisconsin. We are on the cusp of losing the value of those unifying institutions, along with the great opportunity that fine public schools provide for everyone.

Rep. Debra Kolste, D-Janesville, represents the 44th Assembly District. Contact her at P.O. Box 8952, Madison, WI 53708; phone 888-947-0044; email Rep.Kolste@legis.Wisconsin.gov.

My take on this is that there is only "One budget". As I read these two Commentaries over and over again I found myself understanding the problem education is facing in general and more specifically the cost to implement the GOP Plan....Like most recent Republican Plans it takes away local government decision making and creates responsibilities and expectations with Public Money for Public Schools and just gives away Public Tax Dollars to Private Education without any responsibilities or expectations.

The Commentary offered by Representative Loudenbeck is mostly a copy and paste job of bill highlights that have nothing to do with concerns of her district. This is totally disingenuous of a Representative or of the staff. She writes nothing about how it will impact her constituents. Representative Kolste makes it very clear how it will impact those she represents. Seriously, Representative Loudenbeck---You need a staff writer that has knowledge of your district that now comprises through nonsensical gerrymandering the following School Systems: Janesville, Beloit, Milton, Delavan, Walworth, and some may be in Lake Geneva. Perhaps you and your staff are unaware of the people you serve who live in Janesville, Milton, and Beloit. Or, perhaps you just don't care.

Representative Kolste responds to her constituents, has School Board and Commissioner experience and based upon these two Commentaries Representative Loudenbeck---you need to take a closer look at Education not to mention those who live in your district and whomever you assigned to write that Commentary----They need to return to school and write a Commentary; not just copy and paste a few passages from the ALEC Template and call it done.




Saturday, July 6, 2013

Morning News 7-6-13

Since FB has decided it doesn't like my posts, and has repeatedly sent me to jail, I will be sharing the "News of the Day" using this format.  It will contain links to stories that are circulating the interwebs as I write, and will be published several times daily.  Be sure to stop and read all the best news of the day. And here they are, in no particular order:


Scott Walker's Ignorance
http://networkedblogs.com/MTt8p


Wisconsin groups fight back against Gov. Walker’s radical new anti-choice law
http://www.waukeshawonk.com/2013/07/05/wisconsin-groups-fight-back-against-gov-walkers-radical-new-anti-choice-law/


L & M Automotive Performance, North Prairie, Wisconsin. Matthew J Lepperd .
http://dieteascum.wordpress.com/2013/07/06/l-m-automotive-performance-north-prairie-wisconsin-matthew-j-lepperd/


The Ostrich Caucus
http://bloggingblue.com/2013/07/05/the-ostrich-caucus/


Scott Walker — Wisconsin’s Vaginal Commander-In-Chief
http://www.politicalgarbagechute.com/scott-walker-wisconsins-vaginal-commander-in-chief/



Friday, July 5, 2013

Afternoon News 7-5-13

Since FB has decided it doesn't like my posts, and has repeatedly sent me to jail, I will be sharing the "News of the Day" using this format.  It will contain links to stories that are circulating the interwebs as I write, and will be published several times daily.  Be sure to stop and read all the best news of the day. And here they are, in no particular order:


Matt Lepperd
http://knotwatch.org/?portfolio=matt-lepperd


Abele Takes Anger Out Against Veterans Memorial Center, Art Museum
http://networkedblogs.com/MRvFa


Pro-mining terrorists attack Harvest Camp in Penokee Hills
http://bloggingblue.com/2013/07/05/pro-mining-terrorists-attack-harvest-camp-in-penokee-hills/


Gov. Walker signs abortion bill
http://www.nbc15.com/home/headlines/Gov-Walker-signs-abortion-bill-214400021.html

Morning News 7-5-13

Since FB has decided it doesn't like my posts, and has repeatedly sent me to jail, I will be sharing the "News of the Day" using this format.  It will contain links to stories that are circulating the interwebs as I write, and will be published several times daily.  Be sure to stop and read all the best news of the day. And here they are, in no particular order:


Foes of Scott Walker and GOP agenda have a friend in Lester Pines
http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/foes-of-scott-walker-and-gop-agenda-have-a-friend-in-lester-pines-b9944026z1-214328771.html


How Laws Shouldn’t Be Made
http://expressmilwaukee.com/mobile/articles/articleView/id:21407


Petri, Ribble propose legislation allowing existing trucks to use the future I-41
http://www.postcrescent.com/article/20130704/APC0101/306200397/Petri-Ribble-propose-legislation-allowing-existing-trucks-use-future-41


Scott Walker Vs Independence Day
http://networkedblogs.com/MPSeX


Walker OK With Expanding Religious School Vouchers Despite Milwaukee Scandal
http://news.wpr.org/post/walker-ok-expanding-religious-school-vouchers-despite-milwaukee-scandal


Planned Parenthood To Take Walker To Court
http://networkedblogs.com/MQIx7


Sustainable Solidarity: Now Appearing in Wisconsin
http://www.tikkun.org/tikkundaily/2013/07/03/sustainable-solidarity-now-appearing-in-wisconsin/comment-page-1/


Knot Their Facebook
http://networkedblogs.com/MR4vD


Kyle Wood's Remorse
http://networkedblogs.com/MReLi





Evening News 7-4-13 Happy 4th of July

Since FB has decided it doesn't like my posts, and has repeatedly sent me to jail, I will be sharing the "News of the Day" using this format.  It will contain links to stories that are circulating the interwebs as I write, and will be published several times daily.  Be sure to stop and read all the best news of the day. And here they are, in no particular order:


35 Founding Father Quotes Conservative Christians Will Hate

Read more: http://www.addictinginfo.org/2013/07/04/35-founding-father-quotes-conservative-christians-will-hate/#ixzz2Y7sDy5Z5


Legislatively Speaking — Freedom will never be free
http://milwaukeecourieronline.com/index.php/2013/07/04/legislatively-speaking-freedom-will-never-be-free/


Frederick Douglass: “The Meaning of July Fourth for the Negro”
http://zinnedproject.org/materials/frederick-douglass-the-meaning-of-july-fourth-for-the-negro/


For July 4th: Remembering Why The Right Doesn’t Own The Stars and Stripes
http://www.nationalmemo.com/for-july-4th-remembering-why-the-right-doesnt-own-the-stars-and-stripes/


Bizarre, but Telling, 4th of July Facebook Message from Governor
Walker
http://paulsnewsline.blogspot.com/2013/07/bizarre-but-telling-4th-of-july.html



Foes of Scott Walker and GOP agenda have a friend in Lester Pines
http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/foes-of-scott-walker-and-gop-agenda-have-a-friend-in-lester-pines-b9944026z1-214328771.html


Scott Walker Vs Independence Day
http://networkedblogs.com/MPSeX


I'm Trying Ringo
http://networkedblogs.com/MPOLa

Thursday, July 4, 2013

Afternoon News 7-4-13 Happy 4th of July

Since FB has decided it doesn't like my posts, and has repeatedly sent me to jail, I will be sharing the "News of the Day" using this format.  It will contain links to stories that are circulating the interwebs as I write, and will be published several times daily.  Be sure to stop and read all the best news of the day. And here they are, in no particular order:


Wisconsin DNR wants more information on mining company's bulk sampling plan
http://www.startribune.com/local/214172171.html


Wisconsin Legislative Memo Hinted At Controversial Clause in Mining Ordinance
http://mediatrackers.org/wisconsin/2013/07/03/wisconsin-legislative-memo-hinted-at-controversial-clause-in-mining-ordinance?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+MediaTrackers+%28Media+Trackers%29


In Wisconsin, Life after Collective Bargaining
http://www.alternet.org/wisconsin-life-after-collective-bargaining-0



 Guide to Debating Your Crazy Right-wing Uncle at the July 4th Picnic
http://www.alternet.org/news-amp-politics/how-debate-right-wing-relatives-one-percenters?page=0%2C0


Wisconsin Green Party 2013 Summer Gathering elects new officers, sets course for future growth
http://wigp.nationbuilder.com/wisconsin_green_party_2013_summer_gathering_elects_new_officers


Scott Walker Highlights Small Problems To Justify Big Corrupt Solutions
http://www.newwisgov.com/blog/scott-walker-highlights-small-problems-to-justify-big-corrupt-sol



The 21st Century Declaration of Independence
http://readersupportednews.org/opinion2/287-124/18246-the-21st-century-declaration-of-independence




Morning News 7-4-13 Happy 4th of July!

Since FB has decided it doesn't like my posts, and has repeatedly sent me to jail, I will be sharing the "News of the Day" using this format.  It will contain links to stories that are circulating the interwebs as I write, and will be published several times daily.  Be sure to stop and read all the best news of the day. And here they are, in no particular order:

Scott Walker says he wants to continue cutting taxes
http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/scott-walker-says-he-wants-to-continue-cutting-taxes-b9947339z1-214143311.html


The next time someone tells you Scott Walker balanced the budget…
http://www.forwardlookout.com/2013/07/the-next-time-someone-tells-you-scott-walker-balanced-the-budget/19056


This Independence Day, Thank a Protester
http://www.democracynow.org/blog/2013/7/4/this_independence_day_thank_a_protester


Scott Walker: Future voucher expansion should be based on student performance

Read more: http://host.madison.com/tncms/asset/editorial/79821df8-4197-53b7-b02c-70e25a0c2df6/#ixzz2Y6Sokhtl


July 4th, Diminished

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Evening News 7-3-13

Since FB has decided it doesn't like my posts, and has repeatedly sent me to jail, I will be sharing the "News of the Day" using this format.  It will contain links to stories that are circulating the interwebs as I write, and will be published several times daily.  Be sure to stop and read all the best news of the day. And here they are, in no particular order:

Out-of-state, for-profit firm wins Head Start contract
http://www.jsonline.com/news/milwaukee/out-of-state-for-profit-firm-wins-head-start-contract-b9946773z1-214054831.html


Gnatsies, Nazis and other scum-presented for your perusal.
http://dieteascum.wordpress.com/2013/05/13/gnatsies-nazis-and-other-scum-presented-for-your-perusal/



Afternoon News 7-3-13

Since FB has decided it doesn't like my posts, and has repeatedly sent me to jail, I will be sharing the "News of the Day" using this format.  It will contain links to stories that are circulating the interwebs as I write, and will be published several times daily.  Be sure to stop and read all the best news of the day. And here they are, in no particular order:

Dear Facebook
http://viviansloveletters.blogspot.com/


Banned from Facebook. The back story.
http://www.discoverjanesville.com/banned-from-facebook/


Researcher: Gov. Scott Walker 'fed us a sedative' when stimulus was needed
Read more: http://host.madison.com/news/local/writers/mike_ivey/researcher-gov-scott-walker-fed-us-a-sedative-when-stimulus/article_588082f4-e365-11e2-a72d-0019bb2963f4.html#ixzz2Y1Q2Mxoe


Morning News 7-3-13

Since FB has decided it doesn't like my posts, and has repeatedly sent me to jail, I will be sharing the "News of the Day" using this format.  It will contain links to stories that are circulating the interwebs as I write, and will be published several times daily.  Be sure to stop and read all the best news of the day. And here they are, in no particular order:


Wiggy to The Rescue
http://cognidissidence.blogspot.com/2013/07/wiggy-to-rescue.html

Scott Walker among signers of Koch-backed 'No Climate Tax Pledge'
http://host.madison.com/news/local/writers/steven_elbow/scott-walker-among-signers-of-koch-backed-no-climate-tax/article_6b078010-1304-58a9-8e80-ea384a251c33.html


Oh where oh where is the DPW’s Communications Director?
http://bloggingblue.com/2013/07/02/oh-where-oh-where-is-the-dpws-communications-director/

Milwaukee city council, Barrett authorize lawsuit over ban on residency requirements
http://www.wispolitics.com/index.iml?Article=300621

State aid to drop in more than half of Wisconsin school districts
http://www.jsonline.com/news/education/state-aid-to-drop-in-more-than-half-of-wisconsin-school-districts-b9945589z1-213909491.html


Rural WI Democrat to DPW Chair Mike Tate: "Get out of your caround!"ushy office and take a look

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2013/07/03/1220803/-Rural-WI-Democrat-to-DPW-Chair-Mike-Tate-Get-out-of-your-cushy-office-and-take-a-look-around

Walker's agenda includes private school report cards, regulatory reform
http://lacrossetribune.com/news/local/walker-s-agends-includes-private-school-report-cards-regulatory-reform/article_797e3e7a-e2ce-11e2-ab74-001a4bcf887a.html

Voting Rights & Wisconsin
http://standupforyourrightswisconsin.org/blog/voting-rights-Wisconsin

Why We Trail America in Jobs Growth
http://urbanmilwaukee.com/2013/07/02/why-we-trail-america-in-jobs-growth/

Don't exempt UW-Madison from records law
http://www.jsonline.com/news/opinion/dont-exempt-uw-madison-from-records-law-b9943730z1-213920021.html

Monday, April 8, 2013

Melissa Harris-Perry: Latest Character Assassination Target of the Far Right

Andrew Breitbart and Rush Limbaugh make a terrific living through diversion, demonizing, and the use of techniques with a goal of destroying policy or oftentimes with character assassination.  Their writing and punditry like Glenn Beck and others skilled to excite and influence their loyal legions is most assuredly a template used on every policy or individual attack. 

They do not always use the entire strategy or structure each time but do implement an argument structure designed to persuade using techniques associated with brainwashing.  Dr. Cynthia Boaz is an assistant professor of political science at Sonoma State University. Among her areas of expertise includes political communication and media. From various pundits she has identified fourteen techniques that effectively brainwash their followers.

My experience is that many of my Conservative friends use these argumentative structures oftentimes unknowingly while others seemed to understand them purposely and are in step with the talking points necessary to forward the agenda.  Folks we refer to as trolls often use this very same structure with their arguments. Read a variety of postings and you will observe the bullying technique, character assassination, flipping, and attempts to confuse the issue, policy, or personal attack.

These are similar to those Rovian Techniques devised by Karl Rove and once the target is identified; the techniques listed above are put in motion. They attack the individual or policy and then saturate that message via blogs, Facebook,  Google groups, radio, television, and newspapers. The idea is to divert followers from facts and focus on readers or listeners preconceived notions and fears to perpetuate the attack.

I have identified several "attack" techniques in the past but those who have not read my blogs the following sources will assist you in understanding why Progressives and Liberals need to start not only "Leaning Forward" but getting off their shiny bottoms and start doing something about the arguments and techniques being employed by several far right "journalists", bloggers, pundits and entertainer news anchors like Rush, O'Reilly, and Glenn Beck. If you see similar techniques on the fringe left; call them out too! You can saturate messages of truth as well as fiction!
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/10/08/1141830/-Karl-Rove-s-Handbook
http://www.drw.utexas.edu/roberts-miller/handouts/demagoguery

I have others; but these sources whether you the reader like the sources or not are links to the people who analyzed and wrote them. Everything we do is definable and each of us may not agree with the operational definitions these people identify as the techniques employed to distract and brainwash but it can be observed and the patterns identified.

Why am I bringing this up? One name: Melissa Harris-Perry. She has an MSNBC commercial that the right is demonizing about Children being part of the Community and that we should all be concerned about them; not just the Children's parents. Move a few words around and fail to report the entire sentiment with the purpose of diverting, demonizing, and destroying the character suggesting nonsense of communism, socialism, and fascism. 

Do you really believe your children are only your concern? Do you not want teachers, clergy, police, neighbors, and even strangers to be aware of unsafe situations and step up or step in? They are trying to make this another "you did not build this" attack they used when they diverted, demonized and attempted to destroy President Obama.

How can I prove this? I will provide two links and from these you decide:

http://mediamatters.org/blog/2013/04/08/how-the-right-is-distorting-melissa-harris-perr/193532

https://www.google.com/webhp?source=search_app#hl=en&gs_rn=8&gs_ri=psy-ab&gs_mss=melissa%20harris%20perry%20MSNBC%20C&tok=oWqmcNVulDbR1YfMw7qfdw&pq=melissa%20harris%20perry&cp=62&gs_id=bo&xhr=t&q=melissa%20harris%20perry%20MSNBC%20Commercial%20Kids%20are%20the%20Communities&es_nrs=true&pf=p&sclient=psy-ab&oq=melissa+harris+perry+MSNBC+Commercial+Kids+are+the+Communities&gs_l=&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.r_cp.r_qf.&bvm=bv.44990110,bs.1,d.aWM&fp=e9443ae8fe5a8991&biw=1366&bih=643

Remember this....To push forward their right wing character assassination of Melissa Harris-Perry they need to saturate Google Search and they have accomplished this with over 500,000 orchestrated links. The Heritage Foundation has people who use the Google Analytics to post and re-post so the only information is their right wing character assassination of this MSNBC pundit and others. My question is----What are they really concerned about? Her rising popularity?  Perhaps it is that her weekend un-rehearsed shows are analysis and discussion with a variety of viewpoints....Even viewpoints that don't always agree with hers. Imagine what that might look like on the daily rehearsed Bill O'Reilly show!

Melissa Harris-Perry Blog Response: 

http://tv.msnbc.com/2013/04/09/why-caring-for-children-is-not-just-a-parents-job/


Saturday, August 4, 2012

The Race For 44th District Seat, Democrat Primary Heats Up

by Lucy Faraday

With only two weeks to go until the election for the hotly contested 44th District Assembly seat for Wisconsin, the race to the finish line is beginning to heat up.  With four Democrats standing for election against, unopposed Republican Primary Joe Knilans, the result on August 14th, looks like it will be a close thing.  Key issues in the campaign include unemployment, women’s rights and education, all matters close to the hearts of Janesville people and Wisconsin people as a whole.

Candidate Profiles

So who is standing in the 44th District Assembly race and what sets them apart from each other? As with many elections personalities will no doubt play a key role, but it is issues that will probably win the day. This year the Democrats are looking at four candidates to choose from; Yuri Rashkin, Sam Liebert, Kevin Murray and Deb Kolste all hoping to gain the Primary position and then go on to topple Joe Knilans on the 6th of November. Lets take a quick refresh of the candidates and what they aim to achieve.

Yuri Rashkin

Yuri Rashkin, 37 moved to the USA from the Soviet Union in 1988. He previously held a seat on the City Council for the last 4 years from which he stepped down in April 2012 in order to concentrate on his campaign for the District Assembly.

Yuri is a keen follower of women’s rights and the arts. Creatively minded himself, he has pursued a successful music career alongside his political ambitions. Yuri has built his election campaign platform around core ideas such as improving women’s rights, helping small businesses grow and expand, protecting the elderly, the importance of public education, protecting the environment and encouraging more transparency in government. He has gained strong support from women’s, environmental and art based groups and seems to be a strong contender in the primary race.

Sam Liebert

Wisconsin born and bred, Sam Liebert has been living in Janesville since the age of 5 when he moved there with his single mom and younger sister.  Sam has actively worked for several progressive Democratic campaigns locally and nationally including the campaign for President Barak Obama and has a considerable interest in grassroots politics.  He has a clear vision of community improvement and working towards making the Janesville community more prosperous, both economically and spiritually.

Sam believes in working from the bottom in order to achieve true social change and has been famous for campaigning for such issues as women’s rights and a stronger investment in the public school system.  However Sam’s key issue is providing people with jobs; specifically good, well paid, family supporting jobs, and it is around this that he has built his platform for the election on 14th August.

Deb Kolste

Debra (Deb) Kolste is another candidate with a clear community focus. Deb has been working in community-focused roles for the last 18 years and has been a Janesville School Board member for the last 9 years.  Her key focuses for her platform are centred on education, women’s rights, transparency in government, workers rights, job creation and the provision of healthcare to support poorer families in the community.

Kevin Murray

Another born and bred Wisconsin boy, Kevin Murray seems to be particularly focused on getting to know all of his potential constituents and has been focusing on door knocking as a key part of his campaign, so that the people of Janesville can really get to know him and what he is about. He is centred on core issues such as improving public education and transparency in government, but in addition to this Kevin is keenly interested in public services such as the Fire, Hospital and Police departments, in order to make Janesville a safer place to live.

Wisconsin Deserves The Best

All of the Democrat candidates are in agreement that Janesville and Wisconsin deserves better than the current incumbent Joe Knilans, although clearly they all believe that they will be the best replacement for the position on the assembly. It is certainly true that the beautiful city of Janesville with it’s amazing architecture (20 % of our buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places), honest decent people, beautiful parks and access to inspiring scenery and countryside ideal for experience days and family gatherings, definitely deserves to be looked after. The community of Janesville deserves to be heard and it is up to you, on August 14th, to decide who is going to stand against Joe and hopefully make Wisconsin a place to be even more proud of.