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 touted 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 [...]
and watch the video about an extraordinary woman/politician.
She’s amazing!
Thanks J. for bringing it to my attention.
[...]I’d like to post blogs on several community or government-related topics, but have lacked time this week.
I’ve been preoccupied with other matters:
On Tuesday, I became a grandma for the second time. I am blessed with another adorable and healthy grandson. On Tuesday morning, an orthopedic specialist drained a [...]I sent NBPS Superintendent Dr. Paul Kreutzer an email last week requesting to inspect:
Dr. Kreutzer’s original contract with New Berlin Public Schools The amended 2007-2009 contract and 2009-2011 contract for Dr. Kreutzer that were approved last month by the New Berlin School Board The District’s contract with Blake Peuse, who [...]My son Jason is an officer in the United States Air Force.
He and his wife are expecting a baby in August.
Jason was recently notified that he will be deployed to Afghanistan in August.
I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Jason and others who serve in the military for their service [...]
Evidently, another administrator at New Berlin Public Schools has resigned.
Approval of Resignation of Curriculum Director is listed on the April 20 New Berlin School Board Meeting agenda.
District Financial Services Coordinator (business manager) Ross MacPherson quit recently. He had been unanimously approved by the New Berlin School Board as Financial Services Coordinator on October 22, 2007. He [...]
The main reason I haven’t been blogging very much lately is my leg has been acting up.
I injured my left leg a few weeks ago. I don’t know how. Perhaps it happened one of the times I lifted my 2 yr old grandson to put him in his car seat [...]
Under the "conservatives" leadership, New Berlin Public Schools had a drop in student test scores. See my August 25, 2008 blog entry. See my May 10, 2007 blog entry about decline in proficiency. They hired a Superintendent with minimal experience at a very handsome salary. NBPS also has an Assistant Superintendent who gets a generous salary. The District took [...]
On January 27, Alderman Dave Ament asked the city council to set the mayor’s salary at $83,772. According to NewBerlinNOW, the current salary of $90,634 had been scheduled to increase to $96,706 after April.
Obviously, he was proposing a substantial cut in mayoral pay.
Interestingly, Ald. Ament brought forth his request [...]
The Journal Sentinel has endorsed Jack Chiovatero for Mayor.
Click here or visit [www.jsonline.com] to view the newspaper's editorial endorsement.
The Journal Sentinel recently endorsed Tony Evers for State Superintendent of Public Instruction and Shirley Abrahamson for Wisconsin Supreme Court.
To view those editorial endorsements click here and here or [...]
On March 14, Mary Lazich had a Conservatively Speaking blog entry titled “State Budget Watch: Provision in Governor’s Budget Puts Children in Harm’s Way”.
But speaking of putting children in harm’s way, what about drunk driving? Men, women, children and unborn children have been injured or killed by drivers operating vehicles [...]
New Berlin School Board Policy states:
Board members and administrators have an obligation to provide educational leadership. The public expects the best in educational expertise, communication, decision-making and planning. However, all decisions and policies of the Board - Administration team must be gauged and tested against two facts: SCHOOLS ARE [...]
Today is American Diabetes Alert Day.
There are 23.6 million children and adults in the United States, or 7.8% of the population, who have diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association.
An estimated 17.9 million have been diagnosed with diabetes. However, 5.7 million people (or nearly one quarter) are unaware [...]
Ah, simple pleasures.
Our grandson loves tractors. Real tractors and toy tractors.
So, the party to celebrate his second birthday had a tractor theme--- tractor decorations, tractor cake, etc.
Here's a photo of our grandson riding his little tractor around the yard during the party.
As a special treat, he got to sit in a BIG [...]
Tony Evers received the most votes in February’s Primary for State Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Second place finisher Rose Fernandez will be his opponent in the April 7 election.
Evers’ 34 years of experience as an educator, including 8 years as Deputy State Superintendent, has been touted by various groups.
Evers [...]
During his privilege of the floor speech at a hearing/city government meeting held at New Berlin City Hall in November 2008, Ralph Heun referred to himself as representing New Berlin Citizens for Responsible Government.
He then went on to say: "We seem to be the last political action group in our area."
Huh?
New Berlin Citizens for Responsible Government (NBCRG) [...]
Today’s Miwaukee Journal Sentinel reports that New Berlin Eisenhower took second at the State Academic Decathlon in Madison yesterday.
Powerhouse Waukesha West High School came in first place again-- winning its eighth straight state decathlon title. Wow. It will compete in the national competition in Memphis, Tennessee next month.
Twenty [...]
An automated message from We Engeries expressed apologies for the inconvenience caused by the power outage that occurred last night.
It reported that the outage was due to equipment problems and that 1,355 customers had been affected.
The power went out in my neighborhood around 9:40 p.m.
I called We Energies this morning and was [...]
Alderman Dave Ament was sitting in the audience at today’s candidate forum at New Berlin West School. Isn‘t that rather hypocritical? Dave Ament, you may recall, was one of four New Berlin aldermen in 2006 who voted to limit the use of City Hall facilities to government units, thus barring [...]
The April 7 General Election is only a few weeks away.
Saturday’s Voters Forum hosted by the Rotary Club of New Berlin offers the public an excellent opportunity to see the mayoral and school board candidates, ask them questions, and learn more about their stands on various issues.
The forum is [...]
Drug Testing is on tonight’s New Berlin School Board Meeting agenda.
At the Feb. 9 School Board Meeting, there was a lively debate regarding a random drug testing for students administrative proposal:
Jennifer Eitel called drug testing an unnecessary step that sends the wrong message. She reminded the School Board that [...]
Some basics:
Who: Officers from the New Berlin Police Department will give the presentation
What: Topics include internet safety; social networking sites such as Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter; tips on how parents can monitor their children’s online access.
When: Saturday, March 7 at l:00 pm
Where: New Berlin Public Library, in Community [...]
What is Sen. Mary Lazich’s stance on toughening Wisconsin’s antiquated drunk driving laws?
Inquiring minds want to know.
Currently in Wisconsin, a first drunken-driving offense is a citation; the second, third and fourth offenses are misdemeanors; the fifth offense is a felony. Wisconsin is the only state that does not treat the [...]
Brown Deer NOW (Feb. 18) reports that Brown Deer Middle School Principal Blake Peuse is leaving that district at the end of the 2008-09 school year to become principal at New Berlin West Middle/High School.
He joined Brown Deer at the beginning of the 2006-07 school year.
“Peuse said the New [...]
In his blog entry “Today is Primary Election Day in Wisconsin”, New Berlin Citizens for Responsible Government spokesman Ralph Heun states, “ Do not be misled and believe everything you read in internet blogs and blog comments.”
Uh,
----Does he mean like when Alderman Bill Moore was running for re-election and Ralph [...]
Wow, grow up and be president someday? Yes, you can. It's possible.
Obviously, it will be many years before this little guy (my grandson) can run for any public office or even vote.
Local elections tend to have much smaller voter turnouts than Presidential elections. That's a shame. Those elections are important, too.
Remember [...]
Greetings. I was away on vacation for a couple of weeks (Disneyworld) and have been doing my best this weekend to catch up on local news.
One issue that's gotten attention lately is mayoral salary.
New Berlin does not employ a City Administrator in addition to having an elected Mayor, as many [...]
At a School Board meeting, New Berlin Public Schools Superintendent Paul Kreutzer argued for the installation of video cameras at New Berlin West as a "deterrent", he didn't present any studies or evidence publicly at the school board meeting as proof that it would be effective.
The School Board approved the camera system, at a [...]
Because four people are running for mayor and there are six New Berlin School Board candidates (for 2 seats), a primary election is necessary. The primary is on February 17 and the general election, April 7.
Our representative form of government depends on an informed citizenry. People should be as informed as [...]
Milwaukee Magazine’s February 2009 issue features an article titled “ Best and Worst Legislators”.
Here’s what it says about Mary Lazich:
SEN. MARY LAZICH (R-NEW BERLIN)
“Everybody hates her, even the Republicans. She’s just an idiot,” says a liberal-cause lobbyist.
As for Republicans, one GOP foot soldier says Lazich, 56, is flat-out cuckoo: “Literally [...]
Parents and students (K-12) who are looking for academic and cultural enrichment programs that offer curriculum and opportunities for high-achieving students should attend the COOL STUFF FOR KIDS FAIR this Saturday.
They will get specific information about programs and camps that are offered over the summer and throughout the school [...]
Jefferson Davis and Ted Wysocki want their old jobs back.
Four years ago, Wysocki ran for re-election to our city’s top post (mayor) and lost. Although he ran for alderman last year, clearly it's the mayor job he covets.
Davis is trying to make a political comeback, hoping to be Menomonee Falls Village President again.
The [...]
Did you know that the New Berlin Public Library has a film discussion series?
Next Monday, January 26, 2-4:15 pm, the group discussion will focus on Producer/Director Robert Greenwald and Brave New Films' documentary “Wal-Mart: the High Cost of Low Price.”
You are invited to join and it's free, but registration is required. [...]
Barack Obama’s message of hope, change, and unity resonated with a majority of American voters.
And on January 20, amid much fanfare, he became our 44th US President.
In his Journal Sentinel column today, Jim Stingl states:
“ Well, I didn’t make it to Washington, but I’ll long remember where I was when Obama became our [...]
Life's most urgent question is: what are you doing for others?
---Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The Huffington Post reports that on the eve of his inauguration, President-elect Barack Obama honors Rev. King with community service.
And it states:
Obama appealed to the nation he will soon lead to honor [...]
The January 14 Journal Sentinel newspaper editorial “She’s Back!”, which criticizes Milwaukee Public Schools Board Member Charlene Hardin, reminds us that $2,500 from the district was spent for a Philadelphia conference on school safety that “she barely attended”.
The editorial ends with the expressed hope that Hardin, who fell nine signatures short [...]
CNNMoney.com reports:
Bankrupt Circuit City has sought court approval to close its remaining 567 U.S. stores and sell all its merchandise. The company said its Canadian operations, which employ 3,000 workers, will continue to operate.
The big electronics retailer (#2 after Best Buy) said it had reached an agreement with four [...]
New Berlin Public Schools will also be closed on Friday, January 16 and all Friday's extracurricular activities will be cancelled due to the weather conditions.
Due to the frigid weather/wind chill forecast for Thursday, January 15, New Berlin Public Schools will be closed and extra-curricular activities (for Thursday) will be cancelled.
A meeting regarding the District Vision for the Arts will be held by New Berlin Public Schools Superintendent Paul Kreutzer on Wednesday, January 28 at 7:00 pm at New Berlin West High School in the Performing Arts Center.
Per the District Web site: “ The purpose of the meeting is to [...]
When Mark Maley, the online editor for all of the CommunityNOW sites, informed me last summer that my blog was one of NOW's most popular, I was pleasantly surprised.
On Monday, January 5, Mr. Maley sent an email expressing greetings, thanks, and the news that total page views or "hits" on the NOW sites in [...]
Judas betrayed Jesus. Does that make the other 11 Apostles “guilty by association”?
Michael McGee Jr, Chuck Chvala, Brian Burke, Steven Foti & Scott Jensen were accused of illegal actions/misconduct while in public office and earned considerable notoriety. But wouldn’t it be ridiculous to assert that everyone who'd served with or supported them was [...]
For a comprehensive and entertaining list/ review of this past year, it would be hard to beat Time.com’s current post titled “The Top 10 Everything of 2008”.
Their soup-to-nuts "full list" contains 50 categories--each with a top 10 list. They include: gadgets, movies, TV series, news stories, oddball news stories, campaign gaffes, sports moments, video games, late [...]
--A recent snapshot of our grandson’s visit with Santa
Perhaps we should have submitted it to the Scared of Santa contest sponsored by MilwaukeeMoms.com/My CommunityNOW.com. Who knows? It might have won.
Evidently, many folks did participate in the contest. The Web site indicates there were over 300 entries. The deadline [...]
When I heard yesterday that a plane had crashed on takeoff at the Denver airport, I went online for an updated news report.
The internet can be so useful. I found out that it wasn't our son's flight, which was such a relief.
Apparently, several people were injured in the accident.
The airport mishap [...]
All Tumbleweeds Southwest Grill restaurants in Wisconsin have closed. See Dec. 1 JS Online news report. Greg Kowalski at MetroMilwaukeeToday posted a blog in November about the restaurant chain’s troubles /closure plans.
Many retailers have been struggling financially, as well.
There have been reports of numerous store closings.
Examples:
Only four days into December and we’ve already had below- freezing temperatures and snow. Still, that’s not unusual for this region and time of year.
November was memorable for different reasons: The Thanksgiving Day holiday; the Presidential Election-- won by Democrat Barack Obama; the Republican Party’s thumping at the polls. [...]
Stuffed:
Me, too. Not a surprise. Thanksgiving dinner at my house included turkey, stuffing, cranberries, fruit medley, corn, green bean casserole, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, cranberry bread, pumpkin pie, pecan pie, and other goodies.
Gathering with family, relaxing, and sharing a meal. Celebrating and reflecting. Giving thanks. What a great American tradition.
I hope you had a happy Thanksgiving [...]
Whew, more bleak news for the Republican Party----
CNNPolitics.Com reports today:
" Just 34 percent of Americans in a Gallup Poll released Thursday say they have a favorable view of the party, down 40 percent from a month ago, before the election.
What’s worse: 61 percent of Americans have an unfavorable view of [...]
In a previous blog entry, I expressed appreciation for the free meal that Applebee's provided veterans on Veterans Day.
And now, I'd like to thank Golden Corral for the free dinner that it provided to veterans on Monday, November 17. There was a big turnout at the Waukesha restaurant despite that night's icy road conditions. My [...]
New Berlin Public Schools Web site has the following message:
Dr. Paul Kreutzer District Administrator 262-789-6220 kreutzer@nbps.k12.wi.us
FRIDAY CLASSES CANCELED AT NEW BERLIN EISENHOWER MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL
NEW BERLIN, Wis., November 13, 2008 – This notification is intended to inform the New Berlin Eisenhower Middle and High School families that classes [...]How nice of Applebee’s Restaurants in Wisconsin to honor US veterans and active military for service to their country by offering them a free meal on Veterans Day.
My husband (a Vietnam War veteran) and I had lunch today at our local Applebee’s, which is located at 15505 W. [...]
In my April 6 blog, I referred to anonymous fliers attacking Alderman Bill Moore, which had been circulated in his district prior to the spring election. I remarked that whoever authorized and paid for those slimy fliers was too cowardly to identify themselves.
So, I am not surprised that Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin objects to recent [...]
VETERANS PARADE
The 45th annual Milwaukee Veterans Day Parade is set for Saturday (Nov. 8) at 11 am in downtown Milwaukee.The family of state Rep. Mark Gundrum (R-New Berlin), who is currently serving in Iraq with the Army Reserves, will be the Grand Marshalls of the Parade.
NEW BERLIN CHRISTMAS PARADE
The [...]
In Tuesday’s election, Illinois Sen. Barack Obama cruised to victory and will be our 44th U.S. President. In addition to winning the popular vote, Obama, a Democrat, won far more than the 270 Electoral College votes required.
Although Obama won the state of Wisconsin, in New Berlin, (Republican) John McCain got more votes than Obama. [...]
My dear mother passed away Sunday after a courageous battle with cancer.
I am glad her pain and suffering has ended and she’s found peace.
But oh, how I miss her.
I love you mom.
Well, okay, one peanut.
That’s my grandson in the photo. His peanut costume was purchased last year from BuySeasons.
BuySeasons, Inc. is located at 5915 S. Moorland Road in New Berlin.
It is the world’s largest Internet retailer and supplier of costumes, accessories, seasonal décor and party [...]
Earlier this month, John McCain was booed by his supporters at a Republican rally. (See Fox News article )
Sarah Palin was "resoundingly" booed at the October 11 Flyers vs. Rangers National Hockey League game. The owner of the Philadelphia Flyers team had invited her to drop the ceremonial first puck [...]
According to an article posted on New BerlinNOW Community Watch Thursday:
A New Berlin man was arrested and faces state disorderly conduct charges with a hate crime enhancer for confronting a black man in a bar (Calhoun Station in New Berlin) on October 8 and telling him that he did not [...]
Many of Sarah Palin’s comments have raised people's eyebrows.
It was interesting to read in Associated Press Writer Jim Kuhnhenn’s Friday, Oct. 3 news article titled “Palin questions McCain’s concession of Michigan", that Sarah Palin had only learned about John McCain’s decision to abandon efforts to win Michigan when she read it in [...]
In 2006, the New Berlin School Board made a rash, imprudent decision to remove from its next year’s budget the $7000 dues for Wisconsin Association of School Boards (WASB) and withdraw from the organization. It was the only school board to do so.
Well, guess what? Last month, the School [...]
“Eagle Eye”, an action-packed movie about computer/government surveillance run amok, debuted last weekend. It was #1 at the box office and is playing at Ridge Cinema in New Berlin.
In the film, abuse of power and misuse of technology have dire consequences. Technology was used to spy on citizens and [...]
Sports-wise, it was an eventful weekend that was full of highs and lows.
The big news is that the Brewers won today! It means the Brewers will be in the playoffs--the first time in 26 years! The Brew Crew beat the Cubs 3-1. CC Sabathia pitched a complete game. Ryan Braun had [...]
Donna Richards, a municipal clerk from North Fond du Lac, calls Wisc. Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen’s lawsuit against the state Government Accountability Board, “ a red herring”. She writes that it’s an attempt at scaring people away and if it causes delays, will discourage voters on a very long day [...]
Eligible citizens deserve to have their votes counted. A rule the state Attorney General wants to impose would disenfranchise voters and cause election chaos, says the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin, a nonpartisan organization that encourages informed and active participation in government.
The League of Women Voters of Wisconsin states, “Attorney [...]In George Orwell’s novel "1984" about a repressed society, people were kept under high surveillance by their government via technology.
Perhaps New Berlin Public Schools should change its slogan from Excellence in Educational Experiences to Big Brother is Watching You.
On September 8, the New Berlin School Board voted unanimously [...]
Today, on the 7th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks:
At 3 p.m., the New Berlin Fire Department will have a September 11 memorial ceremony at Fire Station #1, which is located at 16260 W. National Avenue. ( National and Casper). Afterward, there will be a swearing in for eight firefighters.
These events [...]
My husband and I own a Harley. We were pleased that many motorcycle enthusiasts flocked to Southeastern Wisconsin for Harley-Davidson’s 105th Anniversary celebration. Some traveled great distances. One couple we met had come all the way from Australia. They bought their Harley in California and biked here [...]
An August 19 Journal Sentinel news article about Milwaukee Public Schools carried the headlines “Buildings rise, test scores fall”; “Spate of school expansions is no tonic for student proficiency”; and “At sites of biggest school expansions, more than half saw test score declines”. The newspaper reported that $102 million was invested in that district’s construction [...]
On August 14, New Berlin’s Utility Committee unanimously approved the water agreement with the City of Milwaukee. See JS report.
I reckon that displeases unsuccessful NB aldermanic candidate JJ Blonien.
His vehement opposition to the water agreement and attack against our mayor had been popping up all over NOW.
Blonien’s rant was posted [...]
According to the local weatherman, today is supposed to be sunny and warm.
What a great night to watch a game outdoors!
So, set your DVRs for the Packers and Brewers games. (Both teams play in California tonight)
And come out and watch an Ironman Football League Playoff game.
Here's the game schedule:
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