This is not a good day for Democrats in Rock County. If you've seen the Sunday edition of the Janesville Daily Gazette (Gazettextra.com) you will become painfully aware of how the Gazette is used by the Republicans in Rock County with the article they ran on Jenifer Keach, the Rock County Coroner. As many of you may know, Jenifer is my daughter. She is the most qualified coroner in the history of Rock County. Not only is she extremely intelligent, she has the highest credentials, being qualified and certified in every aspect of her work. Since being appointed to her job by Governor Doyle 5 years ago, she has totally rebuilt the Rock County Coroner's office from scratch following a drug scandal by the former Republican coroner. Since her appointment, she has successfully run for the office and earned the votes of 57% of the voters in Rock County. Since her election she has raised the standards for coroners state-wide and is currently the president of the Wisconsin Coroner and Medical Examiner Association. I might also add that Jenifer is the descendent of a 3-generation labor family and totally understands the values that we all hold dear. I can also attest to her character as being impeccable.
How sad it is that the Republicans in Rock County are so desperate to regain a foothold in public offices from near-extinction (thanks to the efforts of local labor) that they will use their lackey Republican rag to tear down such a successful Democrat. But this is just the first of many salvos to come. As we head towards the fall elections, the Republicans and the Gazette are going to be attacking all of our Democratic friends. I have become aware they are currently gathering evidence for sickening attacks on all of our political friends. I hope that as labor and political leaders you will join with me in making sure the voters in Rock County understand what the Republicans are up to and begin working to set the record straight. I'm sure that Republicans in Rock County are looking at the diminished presence of the UAW in our community as their best opportunity in decades to return to public office. Let's not let this happen.
Let me begin by saying the accusations and allegations made in the Gazette story are not founded on any facts and are not substantiated in any way. They are worded to appear as truths but are actually based on the claims of a disgruntled ex-employee of the coroner's office who quit without notice. Then, weeks later the employee filed hateful claims with the highly unusual assistance of two republican members of the Rock County Board. The information she gave the county administration and the county Human Resource office was brought to bear by the county board members Dick Ott (Dist. 23) and J. Russell Podzilni (Chairman, Dist. 22). Since this is a matter related to an employee who resigned her post and left without notice or explanation, one has to ask why two known republican board members would become involved in this matter. Board members have no authority in employee human resource matters. They are private and confidential. On the same note, one has to wonder why the Gazette was so interested in the accusations of a disgruntled ex-employee who left her job on her own volition without notice. In fact, they were so interested, they filed a dubious public information request for private employee records. In addition, why did the county administration and corporate council yield to this inappropriate request? Could it be to protect their jobs from two board members?
As a result of these shenanigans perpetrated by the Republicans and the "Republican Rag", Jenifer Keach was required to hire an attorney to protect her office and good name. This is a role the county corporate council is required to play. Why did they not represent Jenifer in this matter? Who is pulling the strings? Will other county Democrats be faced with these attacks and left to defend their reputation without support from the county?
It has been established that the disgruntled ex-employee is a friend of Melissa Haverly (Independent candidate for coroner - 2006), a highly vocal former deputy coroner who was fired by the deposed republican coroner. As the deputy coroner, the disgruntled ex-employee acted as an agent for Melissa during the four years she worked in the coroner's office for Jenifer. During that time she passed information to Melissa that might be used for Melissa's next political challenge for the coroner's office of Rock County. As comrades, Melissa and the ex-employee appear to have conspired with Republicans to position themselves for election as the coroner of Rock County or the insider promise of being selected as the next medical examiner for the county. The hopes of being promised the medical examiner's position was dashed when the county board reversed their position on the issue last year. That left the potential candidate and the Republicans with their only option - to destroy Jenifer's reputation with malicious hear-say to gain leverage for their challenge to win the coroner's office in 2010.
It is unthinkable that anyone would want to tear down the reputation of an exemplary public servant like Jenifer Keach that works diligently to provide the highest level of services to the voters of Rock County simply so they can have the office. Obviously, they are not interested in assuring the voters of good public servants - just get the office at any cost. I hope that you will join with me in support of Jenifer on the blog at gazettextra.com or by calling Stan Milam (WCLO 1230 AM) at 608-752-4000 for his Monday, January 11 show at 9:30 am. Please voice your views on what a disservice the Gazette is doing to the voters of Rock County. I would appreciate hearing from you as well and I know Jenifer will also. By the way, on Monday Jenifer will be conducting the State of Wisconsin Coroner's and Medical Examiner's Association convention in Wausau, Wisconsin - doing great things for the voters of Rock County and Wisconsin.
Written by Richard L. Costerisan
Local GOP, Newspaper Targeting County Office
ECHO/Janesville Athletic Club Fund Raiser!
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ECHO and the Janesville Athletic Club have teamed up to let you enjoy a three-month regular membership to the Atheltic Club for just $20. Fundraising proceeds go to ECHO (Everyone Cooperating to Help Others), which has been especially busy this year assisting area families with rent assistance, food, and other badly-needed services. Every weekday, ECHO supplies about a week's worth of food to 40 families. It could be many more, but 40 is the maximum ECHO can serve in a day. Rent, transportation and other assistance has increased with the area's growing unemployment rate.
So here's how you can help while also helping yourself!
The warm therapeutic pool, whirlpools in each locker room, weight room, cardio room, walking/running track, basketball and other sports, and now Monday evening yoga and everything at the club are all yours for three months for just $20.
HERE'S HOW IT WORKS:
Anyone age 14 or older, who has not been an Athletic Club member in the last 6 months, and who is a permanent area resident, may redeem a pass. And they are transferrable, so you can give one (or more!) as a gift if you like.
Because of how the fundraiser works, we send in all the orders at the end of the campaign (Dec. 30) and receive the actual passes around January 5. We can deliver this or arrange for pick-up.
Once you receive the pass, you must activate it within 35 days (so, around Feb. 10) by taking it to the club. Your three month membership begins on the day you activate it.
I just wanted to make sure you had all the details in advance.
HOW TO GET THIS DEAL:
You must purchase by Dec. 30. You can Contact Denise directly (see below) or you can visit Codos Coffee, 119 N. Main St., Janesville -- that's across from M&I Bank, between Main Street Saloon and Perfectly Plus. Russ, the owner at Codos, can sell you your pass. He'll give you a receipt and take the info so we can deliver your pass.
Contact Denise at dwrites@hotmail.com or at 608-289-0682 for other arrangements.
One more alternative is to go to the ECHO office after 1 p.m. Monday through Thursday. I discourage this, because the staff is already very busy, but if this is your best alternative, you're welcome to stop in. In this event, please be prepared to wait in line behind clients.
Any questions, or more options, contact Denise.
Thank you!
Denise Showers
ECHO volunteer
P.S. Remember, this special deal ends December 30th! Reserve your passes today.
Support Medical Marijuana
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Help us pass the Jacki Rickert Medical Marijuana Act in 2009!
In the link above is a convenient, pre-written letter urging your representatives to vote on a bill for the statewide regulation of medical marijuana in Wisconsin.
It only takes about 30 seconds to complete and send off. It's that easy!
(download the flyer here)
Read the text of the JRMMA:
Assembly Bill 554 | Senate Bill 368
How to testify and submit written testimony here.
Upcoming Events
A combined Assembly/Senate committee public hearing will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2009 @ 10:00 am in Room 412 East of the State Capitol.
Health Care Vigil In Milwaukee
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An assortment of area community and faith organizations will unite to demand an end to unneeded suffering and deaths due to a flawed health system.
MILWAUKEE – A wide assortment of Milwaukee area individuals and organizations will gather this Friday (Nov. 13) at 5:30 p.m. in front of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 3022 W. Wisconsin Avenue, to hold a Vigil for Health Care.
Participants will stand in unity with those who have suffered as a result of our flawed health system, before entering the church for a program beginning at 6:00 p.m.
The program will include:
• Perspectives from the faith community and health care providers to the poor, homeless and uninsured Reverend Joseph Ellwanger, organizer for WISDOM
William Mullooly, lead social worker at St. Ben’s Health Clinic Dionne Young, APNP, nurse practitioner at St. Ben’s Health Clinic.
• Update on reform legislation
Brian Rothgery, Deputy Program Director for Citizen Action Paulette Garin, Wisconsin State Coordinator for Progressive Democrats of America.
• Perspectives of sponsoring organizations
Sponsors and co-sponsors for the vigil include the Democratic Party of Milwaukee County, MICAH, WISDOM, Citizen Action, Health Care for America Now, Organizing for America , Progressive Democrats of America , Peace Action Wisconsin, Casa Maria, Healthcare Now, and The Leadership Conference for Guaranteed Healthcare – The National Single Payer Alliance.
The vigil’s speakers, sponsors and participants have varying opinions of the specific policy decisions before our nation’s legislators. The focus of this vigil is not public option versus single payer, or even Republican versus Democrat. The vigil is a unifying opportunity for those who demand responsible federal health reform over the status quo.
The Democratic Party of Milwaukee County is an all-volunteer organization, and serves as the local chapter of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin . Democrats value broad prosperity, mutual responsibility, effective government, a better future, and a stronger America. The DPMC meets the fourth Monday of most months at 7:00 p.m. in the Hall of Fame Room at the Pettit National Ice Center at Wisconsin State Fair Park.
Contact: Dave Redemann, Communications Chair
(414) 520-4401
communications@milwaukeedems.org
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Wisconsin’s Inconvenient Truth
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Environmental Café
What could be better than a vanilla latte, pumpkin scone and an educational chat about environmental issues affecting our lives? Ok, maybe not the info about the environment – life for many is depressing enough right now without adding horror stories of airborne toxins, chemicals in your shampoo, and urban sprawl.
We heard about a “Science Café” - A Science café is a live event in a casual setting like a pub or coffeehouse. An actual Scientist makes a brief presentation about a current scientific topic, and then a group discussion takes place, allowing all in attendance to get involved, to learn, and most importantly, to talk with your mouth full. (really, that is from sciencecafe.org ‘s website) These events are popular in large cities, allowing anyone to attend, grab a brew, learn about the latest issues, chat with knowledgeable professionals, meet new friends, and speak your mind on interesting topics. There is much to discuss, so why not do so with some like-minded people, over a great cup of coffee and a muffin? PS. Bring your own cup.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
7:00-8:30 PM
Hedberg Public Library - Program Room
(upstairs near the Children’s Library)
Guest Speaker: Ryan Schryver
of Clean Wisconsin, Madison
A 30-minute open discussion about our changing global and local climate follows a 60 minute presentation. Sponsored by Rock Environmental Network. Bring a mug and stop on your way in for a fill-up at The Ground Floor coffee shop on the library's lower level.
For more info, email: rockenvironmentalnetwork@charter.net
Capitalism: A Love Story Playing At Wildwood
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The Michael Moore documentary "Capitalism: A Love Story" is now playing in Janesville at the Wildwood Theatre, 1620 Newport Avenue, Janesville, WI.
Hometown Congressman Paul Ryan makes a cameo appearance in the documentary playing himself. Click here for showtimes.
Capital Times Review.
Milton Library Discussion Course on Global Warming
Small, local grassroots environmental group (NatuRescue) will be hosting a new discussion course this October titled "Global Warming: Changing Course".
The course will be held Monday evenings, 6:30pm-8:00pm at the Milton Public Library.
The course will run October 19th thru November 16th.
The purchase price for the book to be discussed is $21 with no additional charge for the course.
Support Single payer Health Care
Single Payer, and specifically HR 676 - The United States National Health Care Act, were the ONLY health care reform plans endorsed and put on the Democratic Party of Wisconsin's Platform and Resolutions at the 2009 Convention. HERE is a link to the complete Platform and Resolutions.
For the first time ever, Single Payer legislation will be debated and voted on by the House of Representatives in September. Rep. Anthony Weiner (NY-9) introduced an amendment to President Obama's healthcare reform bill (HR 3200) that would replace it with HR 676, the single-payer bill. Speaker Pelosi pledged to bring it to a debate and vote on the full House floor in September.
Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont is expected to bring S 703 to the floor for a vote in the Senate.
And Rep. Dennis Kucinich (OH) wants to enable states to establish single-payer systems.
Let's demand that our congressional delegation vote YES on Rep. Weiner's amendment, S 703, and Rep. Kucinich's state single-payer amendment in September!
Call our Wisconsin congressional delegation and our President. Ask them to support Single Payer Health Care.
President Barack Obama 202-456-1111
Senator Herb Kohl (D-WI) 202-224-5653
Senator Russell D. Feingold (D- WI) 202-224-5323
Representative Paul Ryan (R - 01) 202-225-3031
Representative Tammy Baldwin (D - 02) 202-225-2906
Representative Ron Kind (D - 03) 202-225-5506
Representative Gwen Moore (D - 04) 202-225-4572
Representative F. James Sensenbrenner, Jr. (R - 05) 202-225-5101
Representative Thomas E. Petri (R - 06) 202-225-2476
Representative David R. Obey (D - 07) 202-225-3365
Representative Steve Kagen (D - 08) 202-225-5665
March For Peace In Janesville
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Please join Rock Valley Fellowship of Reconciliation and Rock County Citizens for Peace to "March for Peace," in Janesville this coming Saturday, October 17, at 1 p.m.
Our theme is:
"No War is a good war!"
We will start the march from the parking lot outside Basics Cooperative, 1711 Lodge Drive, Janesville. That's the new Basics, not the old location from which we've started previous marches. A notice was mistakenly sent out through the mail that indicated we'd be starting from the old Woodman Road site, but that was incorrect. We'll gather at the current Basics lot on Lodge Drive, across from the Janesville Mall.
Bill Christofferson, co-chair of the Wisconsin Network for Peace and Justice and a Vietnam veteran, will give us a "pep talk" to begin the afternoon's activities. We will march to the corner of Milton Avenue and Black Bridge Road. Rides will be available for those not able to make the walk. You can bring a chair if that would help. Dress for the weather; we will march rain or shine. We will be at the site with signs to send our message to passersby for about 40 minutes and then return to Basics for coffee and cheese and crackers in the store's indoor Community Room.
If you have questions, you can contact Sue Nelson of the Rock Valley Fellowship of Reconciliation at snelson@habiba.org.
Say No To Puppy Mills
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Please join us in showing Petland that we will not accept their ongoing animal cruelty and support of puppy mills!
Our next protest date is:
Saturday, August 1, from 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Petland is located in the Target plaza on Highway 14 & 26. We will be standing in the median in front of Fazoli's. We have plenty of signs! You're welcome to bring your own or use ours.
Future Petland protest dates:
Saturday, August 30, from 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Sunday, September 20, from 12:00-2:00 p.m.
Visit All Animals Rock blogspot.
Also No Wisconsin Puppy Mills
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