By an Energized Cudahy College Student

I will tell you this, it was basic stuff.  McCue being full of hot air and taking credit for everything plus from what I believe, putting the city more in debt.

McCue did however have interesting things to state about Cudahy.

He wants jobs, but at a prevailing wage, whatever Doyle signed the state mandate for a prevailing, McCue's words: “I BELIEVE IN UNIONS”!

The care for Cudahy program: Junk vehicles "drive me up the wall, if you want to see a city go down hill, junk vehicles in alleys will do that."

The police now take over the care for Cudahy program.

People need to take care of their properties because "a broken window will lead to another broken window & graffiti breeds graffiti"

Says we need to get the master plan for 2020 done by the end of this year.

He's accepting bids for the Kinnickinnic curve in mid summer states that it's a "dangerous curve"

Redo Whitnall Avenue says it’s "The worst street ever!"

"We can't go out for all the bids right now otherwise we won't be eligible for stimulus funding" From he said Cudahy is getting under $11,000,000.

Wants to extend Edgerton from Nicholson to Whitnall, the city has already applied for a grant.

Made the point that the construction on I-94 will be a big benefit for Cudahy, says it will take about seven years to fix up and people will come to Cudahy because it is easy and accessible to Milwaukee's Downtown.

He decided to put a hold on the streetscaping!

Wants to go out for a bid to clean up a parking lot on Packard/Layton using the TIF's

He was on the library board and put $100,000 left over from the library referendum and put in some endowment fund

He says, "The library attracts people to Cudahy"

He talked about the condo being foreclosed, says that the city doesn't allow the deprecate of condos (which seems odd) adds that the reason why the condo didn't sell was that they were built after the housing market tanked.  (That can't be true because that was build during Hohenfeldt's term, and the bubble popped around the summer of 2007!)

Add in that the condos will become rentals and "we have to deal with this problem"

Before he ended his speech, it was about 1 hour and 4 minutes.  He states that he's "an honest person", "works hard on your behalf,” "appreciates a good debate," and "you can sway my opinion!"

Lets just say during the Q&A period, he got chewed out, but didn't back down.

He made a comment that since he came in off the tax levy decreased 2.5% when people were asking about their properties.

Made another comment saying we are the most powerful TIF district in the state of Wisconsin and that we have a few more years left on the TIF district, lets use for economic development. 

When people starting voicing to put the Wal-Mart in, he had the blank look on his face.  Said he didn't know about any new info on Wal-Mart. McCue actually want it on Pennsylvania & Layton and says the area where the Iceport is, is the worst place for a Wal-Mart. Otherwise, he said he knows nothing else about Continental, Wal-Mart or anything about the TIF money being dropped, when we asked are you going to vote for it, he dodge the question and didn't answer it.  Even said he hasn't seen any new Wal-Mart details.

About city hall: the county owns city hall because of "deed restrictions"

When people were asking about their assessments going through the roof.  His response, state law dictates when you do reassessments.

People are asking where the money is going and why all these cuts.  His response, it cost the same to run the Police and Fire Department and DPW and other municipalities, where much cheaper compared to other cities.  The house average cost for Cudahy is $160,000 other places, houses cost more.  The tax rate is lower, but the cost is the same.

Admitted that he voted YES for the school 3.3 million dollar referendum.

When it comes to money, "the State of Wisconsin is the most screwed up state in America and the state should mind their own business" And that "the city of Cudahy runs a good government."

Someone made a comment about that without the Wal-Mart there is no downtown Cudahy.  McCue's response "with pessimistic attitude like that, I agree!"

Lara Fritts is getting a $349,000 budget, which includes the hiring of two interns and her salary.

There was an elderly lady who owns an apartment around Cudahy, she was on the verge of tears saying with her SS and her husband retirement, they can't afford the new rental increase that McCue has slated.  She even said, that's wrong and you have no right to do that to us.  McCue didn’t even flinch.  He basically said when asked, yes, I'm for high rent.  He even told her and the crowd that the extra $3 a month "isn't worth breaking anybody’s back over"

Said that the apartment or house on Cudahy & Swift the 3800 block was a big thorn on Cudahy's side and is now no longer an eyesore.  Count that as one (1) thing McCue has done in two years!

With the low funding for police and firefighters, McCue blames Wisconsin because we are constantly being cut by the state.

But did say Cudahy is heading in the right direction (more like left.)

So, that is basically what I wrote down and tried to remember, ask, Miklojczak, Otto, and Pavlic who were at the meeting as well, they might fill in more.

41 people were in attendance and 10 of them were city employees.

By -  JTozz

Here is another story of sister city St Francis using TIF money the correct way.  Is there a way to obtain what projects and expenses Cudahy TIF money has been spent on? 

There has to be something that Mayor McCue is proud of that he has done for the city.  I'd like to hear or read what he has to say.  All that I can figure out is that he apparently was responsible for City Lounge and the new Library (from viewing the This Is Cudahy video located on CudahyNow.com home page). 

Is this true?  If so, build upon these and lay out a plan that corporate and retail developers can understand and buy into.

I’m really just amazed at the lack of information that comes from this local government.  Perhaps its time that Cudahy ceded itself to Milwaukee County.  Or St. Francis?

Vacant warehouse at new brew pub eyed for development

Stage, skate facility, 'zoo' possible Village Square uses

By CHANTEL BALZELL

Posted: Apr. 7, 2009 7:00 p.m.

An abandoned warehouse next to the just-opened St. Francis Brewery and Restaurant may soon be converted into a $3 million retail development called Lakeside Village Square.

City officials and the Community Development Authority are reviewing cost estimates and tax revenue projections to determine how much the development might receive in tax-incremental financing.

The proposed warehouse conversion near the northwest corner of Kinnickinnic and Howard avenues would be the second phase of development for the site. The first-phase brew pub opened this week.

Tax-incremental financing, or TIF, is a mechanism that allows municipalities to borrow money to fund infrastructure improvements for an area that otherwise would be difficult to develop or redevelop. The increased property tax revenue from the improved land is then diverted from the tax roll to pay off the loan.

The warehouse property is currently assessed at $317,400.

The development is projected to generate about $60,000 in tax revenue per year, according to a document from Rick Michalski, managing member of Lakeside Village Square and Cupol, the operating firm for the brew pub.

City Administrator Ralph Voltner and Mayor Al Richards have talked about presenting Lakeside Village Square with a check for at least half of whatever tax increment is generated over a five-year period.

Michalski is seeking about $360,000 in TIF funding, the projected value of the tax increment over a seven-year period, according to his estimates.

Completion timetable

A provision requiring completion of the project within a certain time frame could also be added into the agreement, Voltner said.

"The brew pub and this building, if completed anywhere near what that picture looks like, would certainly encourage the rest of the street to remake itself," he said.

Earlier this year, the Common Council rejected a request to allocate $35,000 in TIF funds for the $2.4 million St. Francis Brewery and Restaurant because Michalski purchased the site from the city for $1 in exchange for him purchasing the abandoned warehouse for $325,000.

Development urged

Some council members said they would be more willing to approve TIF funding once Michalski and his partners proceed with the second phase of development.

If funding is secured, Michalski said construction would hopefully begin this summer.

"Right now, the brewery is supporting the entire development," Michalski said. "So the quicker we can get this done and get tenants in to help support with the costs, the better."

Possible uses include "a special care pharmacy" on the second floor, Michalski said.

A theatrical group has expressed interest in the building along with a group looking to construct a skateboard facility, Michalski said.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison has discussed adding an agricultural department similar to a "zoo" where visitors could see the process of raising seafood from water to market, he said.

To accommodate the project, the city would expand the right-hand turn lane along Kinnickinnic Avenue, City Engineer Melinda Dejewski said. An entrance would also be created along Howard Avenue.

From the Cudahy Birdman:

Mayor McCue’s proposal for rental unit inspections are way out of line.

His claims of the cost to landlords of three cheeseburgers do not begin to reveal the true costs.

I’m sure that a nit picking inspector can find building code violations in nearly all of our residences.  Peeling paint, a cracked window, a loose tile, right down to weeds in the yard.  We all have something that can be considered in violation.

The threat of fines and increase maintenance costs will cause the landlord to increase the rent to keep the property in tip-top shape and will probably put the tenant in better living conditions than the landlord lives in himself.

When the landlord finds this is too much of a nuisance, the property will go up for sale.  Since prospective landlords/buyers will be hesitant to buy this investment, the property value will go down dragging owner occupied houses down with it.

It is nothing more than a tax, a way to generate money for the city and another way to bring government into our homes to regulate things that do not need to be regulated.

The market takes care of that.  It is not in a landlord’s best interest to allow the property to become “dilapidated”.  It is harder to rent and get a fair rent value.

This proposal has some serious unintended consequences and it seems that the “do gooders” have not though through all of the problems it will cause.

If a tenant feels a property is not properly taken care of, the tenant can already call the city inspection department.

If Mayor McCue’s quoted statistics are correct in regards to property ownership vs. rentals, what has he or any other common council member proposed to increase owner occupied residences?  Owner occupied residences have long been the bell weather of a community’s health.  So far, the city’s commitment seems to be to build more condos, thereby making the population more dense.

Denser population equates to more public services – police, fire, schools, etc. without a comparable contribution to the tax base.

Mayor McCue’s contention that a landlord is “running a business” is correct in theory.  Yet, the tenant/landlord relationship has not been recognized (as far as I know) as a “business” anywhere else.  If it has, it should not have been.  This is a very slippery slope.  The owner pays the property tax, but in addition, would pay the city tax for assets owned as a business – one tax that most people aren’t aware of.

I do understand the intentions of our elected officials.  They want to make this a better community to live in and have a personal stake in that.  I applaud their efforts to keep the older sections of the city from being “blighted.”  However, this blue-collar community will not become a north shore type community overnight and heavy handedness from inspectors and unwanted fees/taxes will only deter potential investors and homeowners.

So far, I see a Mayor who has suggested taking rightfully owned property by eminent domain, but will not use power that for the weed infested eyesore (and tax money sewer) known as Iceport.  The taxpayers of this city have to bear the expense of “buying them out” – as if taxpayers haven’t paid those people enough already.

The 12 million that we’d give Walmart to occupy the site would be much cheaper.

So far, I have seen no viable ideas from out city leaders to realistically draw people to our area, spend their money, then leave

I have seen NO plan to attract people to live in our city.

All I see are ways to make our city government more oppressive to prospective businesses and homeowners.

I’ve seen major store chains leave.  I’ve see empty store fronts all up and down downtown Packard Ave.  I don’t see any viable business hammering to “get in the door” to occupy these areas.

Cudahy Station equates to “Iceport” and will be a boondoggle.

The present administration is killing, rather than persevering Cudahy.  Ordinances are passed and the common council has no clue as to what they are passing.  It just “sounds good.”

Planned businesses are rejected based on personal likes and dislikes, not on the opinion of constituency.

I voted, supported and voted for the present administration.  I was hoping to get rid of the “good old boy”  mentality that has this city has seem for too long, back to he days of Mayor Kelly.

Wow.  Was I ever wrong!

I would like to suggest my article below concerning the headhunting safari for South Milwaukee Fire Chief Jay Behling.
 
Enough is enough.  South Milwaukee Fire Chief Jay Behling has sufficiently apologized...leave it alone, South Milwaukee and our National Hate Organizations!!!
 
When Presidential candidates, Senators, Congressmen, and other politicians are caught in a faux pas of this nature, their apology was accepted and we moved on.  Why should this be any different in South Milwaukee?
 
There are individuals and organizations in this country who are "off the hook" on "ethnic slurs".  Their motives are a deep-seated hate for "whitey" and they are a greater disservice to our nation than the people who say things in frustration that they regret.  
 
Take about double standards!!!
 
Johnson
South Milwaukee

Congratulations Cudahy taxpayers, you are the Winner!

As a taxpayer of Cudahy, CONGRATULATIONS, you have just won the grand prize in the city of Cudahy’s foreclosure action against Sportsites.  And here is what you get!

Once the city takes possession of the land, you, as a Cudahy taxpayer, OWN 1/8000th (roughly 8,000 households in Cudahy) OF THE SPORTSITES LAND, AND ALL THE COSTS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL CLEANUP ASSOCIATED WITH IT!  Contaminated land: investigation, assessment and remediation!

Yes and the fun doesn’t just stop there.  Think of having to pay to teardown the structure.  Haul it away.  Test the soil.  Clean it up.  Cap it off!  Clean the wetlands behind it.  Fence it up!  Set money aside for lawsuits!  Pay the DNR fines!  Environmental Insurance and Contaminated Land Liability Insurance!  State and federal permits!  All paid for by you, the Cudahy Taxpayer.

While in the city’s hands, the land doesn’t pay taxes.  But who will repay the mortgage on the land or back taxes?  You, the taxpayer of course!

Even under the dunce, Mayor Raymond Glowacki, the city did not take possession of the contaminated land on the backside of the property, and it went through Cudahy Gateway Real Estate.  The city did not want to be in the chain of ownership, because then they would have been responsible for the clean up.  That was very smart of Mayor Raymond Glowacki!

Mayor Raymond Glowacki understood that the land has potential consequences when considering the redevelopment of contaminated brownfield sites.  Where the costs of remediation works are significant these costs might put off developers unless they can expect to get planning permission, which is likely to be sufficiently beneficial as to cover these costs.  The developer will want TIF Money!  Lots of it!

Don’t worry about risk versus reward.  Cudahy has the land back!

I will laugh when the RFPs come back with the best option and the only option is Wal-Mart!

Now, when Mayor Ryan McCue can triumph that the iceport is finally done, he can finish the sentence with the statement, "But you taxpayers are now on the hook!"  I am sure HE WILL NOT USE TIF MONEY TO CLEAN IT UP, since he is spending TIF money on everything else, including buying a polluted tannery site to put Edgerton Avenue through!  TIF = Taxes Is Free!!!

Since the city now owns the known contaminated land, the potential civil liability for damage resulting from migrating pollution.  If a landowner (the city) should have foreseen the consequences of any migrating pollution, they will be liable for any damage caused without any further proof of fault or negligence being required; potential criminal liability for offences resulting from migrating pollution.

May be with your new tax bill, they could insert an ad that if you wanted to buy a rusted beam to remember this project by (hey...  the made a mint selling frozen tundra!!), we could raise more money for the city that the Mayor could continue to spend it foolishly.

Everyone, every Cudahy taxpayer is now on the hook for this contamination!  We could place one of these beams in everyone’s front yard!  Thus, when you drove down any street in Cudahy, the iceport would be with all of us!

P.S.  You would have been better off winning the Canadian National Lottery, than owning a piece of contaminated land in Cudahy.

Wal-Mart and the developer were and are willing to foot the bill, but a big Thank you for substituting your own personal agenda for that of the best interests of the city goes out to Mayor McCue.  This project and the cleanup could have been well on its way!  Now the Cudahy taxpayers will foot the bill.  It will cost an arm, leg, hand, and foot all because Mayor McCue couldn’t use his head!  Another blown opportunity!  Another example of how dumb Mayor McCue is!  He truly is the wrong person for the job of Cudahy’s Mayor!!

Feel free to use this one as a guest blog!!  I think everyone in Cudahy would enjoy a good laugh!!

Irked Cudahy Taxpayer

As we are in full swing of the school board race, I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to those citizens that may not know about myself or background.

My name is Nick Szablewski, I am a 36 year old lifelong resident of South Milwaukee.  I am divorced parent with two daughters in the South Milwaukee School District.  My daughters are third generation family to go through the South Milwaukee system, with that being said, I feel I know the how the school district functions.  I have been a Buyer for the last 10 years.  I know how to research, analyze data, and present the findings and suggest options and costs to a board of directors.  I feel this makes me just as qualified a candidate as any other candidate.  

I would like to express my OPINION(s) about this school board race and some of the issues facing the school district.  Some of the candidates are advertising that they are "for change".  Anyone that has been to a Common Council or School Board meeting will know that ONE person cannot "change" anything.  Everything has to be introduced, and have a second member agree, a motion carried and then voted on, that one person would have to convince a majority of the board to implement any change, and I just don't see that happening with the diverse school board we have. 

I feel we have a good school board, but with electing a new person, it can bring new ideas and open up more opportunities and discussions.  I feel that on a non-partisan election, that endorsements are not really effective or should be considered when voting.  I personally, have been busy enough with family, work and this race that I have not attended any endorsement interviews, so one or two people interviewing, when there are four candidates, and receiving an endorsement seem like a hollow victory.  I agree with incumbent David Maass, that the financial issues are part of a larger problem in Madison. 

The Wisconsin School Public Relations Association has unveiled a proposal that could change how school districts receive money from the state and federal government, please see link for complete information ( http://www.wspra.org/cms/content/view/240/ ). 

The 13-page proposal (Click Here) has several elements, but the key to the plan is to target resources to the neediest children, keep down the cost to property tax-payers and ensure that no school district loses resources.

The proposal increased categorical aid for children with disabilities and special needs, for small, rural school districts, and for low-income students, sharpening the focus on funding for students who the state Supreme Court identified in the Vincent v Voight school funding decision in 2000. 

The proposal also reworks how annual per pupil increases are calculated, moving from a Consumer Price Index model to tying increases to a five-year rolling average of the state's personal income growth.  The School Finance Network believes this model more effectively aligns school district revenue with annual costs.  I feel the proposal could help the school districts, but in what time frame?

I feel the schools are safe, but without reviewing the safety and security procedures in place, I cannot say whether they may need adjustments. 

Thank you for taking the time to read about me and my opinions.  I can be emailed at nickszablewski@aol.com, with comments or questions.  Please vote, every vote counts!

Nick Szablewski

Randy,

http://www.mainstreet.com/article/moneyinvesting/news/cramer-my-response-white-house

http://www.mainstreet.com

My name Tina Dondajeski and I am running for Cudahy 4th District Alderperson as a "Write-In" candidate.

I've attached my information flyer for you to review and share.  I will also be hosting a Candidate "Meet & Greet" on Saturday, January 10th at the Cudahy Family Library from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm so I can share my information and meet the residents face-to-face.

Please share this information with your family and friends in District 4.  You may also pass along my contact information if someone you know would like to reach me.  I can be contacted via email at tina4alderperson@sbcglobal.net or telephone at (414) 881-8494.

Thank you for your support.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Tina Dondajeski

Click Here for larger Image

Guest Blogger - Carrie Hollenbeck (my wife)

May your Christmas be filled with joy and laughter.  May you feel the warmth of love from family and friends.  Allow your thoughts from the hustle and bustle to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas.  For without the birth of Jesus Christ, we would not have miracles to believe in.  May Christmas find you and your family happy, healthy and warmhearted. 

If you have small children or grandchildren, look deep into their wide eyes in the amazement of Christmastime.  I looked into our daughter, Ria, now 2-1/2, eyes as we talked about Christmas.  As I quietly spoke to her as she was snuggled up in her bed, her eyes opened as wide as I’ve ever seen them as she listened to me talk about the days ahead.  It wasn’t the presents she was focused on, but the “wonder” of Santa.  The curiosity of how he will make it to all of her friends’ houses. 

As I continued to tell her that Santa can only come to her house if everyone is asleep, her hands moved up closer to her mouth with excitement.  She nodded enthusiastically when asked if we should leave Santa a snack.  As I kissed her goodnight, she softly said, “Santa will come and wake me up to see me”.  I quickly told her that Santa would not be able to visit as he needed to deliver all the presents to her friends and he could only do so, if they are all asleep.  She closed her eyes tight and pulled her blanket up, but with the smile on her face, I know she dreamt of him last night.

Santa is something to believe in.  As our daughter gets older, we know that someday she will no longer believe.  However, she will have replaced the fictional Santa with the true meaning of Christmas and understand why we really celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the reason we really believe in miracles.

“… the true spirit of Christmas lies in your heart” –as spoken by Santa in Polar Express

Warmest Blessings,

The Hollenbecks

My name is Jeff and I have done guest blogs before.  I currently run The Right View Wisconsin blog.  http://www.rightviewwi.com/

Mayor Ryan McCue do the right thing this time and don’t hold up the Wal-Mart or fully explain yourself.

The Mayor of Cudahy, Mr. Ryan McCue has stated in public on the record that, “Wal-Mart itself is not asking for any TIF subsidy.”  The Wave Center however was the one looking for 10 Million in TIF money.  That was brought down to just over 1.65 million.  So unless there is another request for money, there is NO taxpayer-subsidized Wal-Mart requested in Cudahy.  Period!  Let all of us understand that clearly and concisely.

Now the Wave Center component is no longer an option being brought to the table, just Wal-Mart itself.

The people of Cudahy want this Wal-Mart.  That is why it passed before and the support at meetings has been more for it than against.  Now that the Wave Center is no longer a taxpayer drain, the Mayor Ryan McCue should not have an issue of the Wal-Mart.  No taxpayer money is being used.

If there is money requested by Wal-Mart because something has changed or was not explained correctly the first time, then the Mayor of Cudahy, Mr. Ryan McCue, needs to speak up and explain it to the people. 

He could use this blog, which would be fine.  Cudahy’s city website would be fine!  The Milwaukee Journal would be fine!  Heck, a radio interview would be fine!  Randy’s friend Jay Weber on WISN radio would love to have him on. 

Passing it on through someone else or a phone call does not cut it because he can deny it later.

This is an open letter to the Cudahy Mayor Ryan McCue.

Dear Mayor of Cudahy, Mr. Ryan McCue,

Please stand up and make yourself be heard!  Become a leader!  Represent the people of your community!  If you take a position, like Wal-Mart, don’t be afraid to speak out and explain yourself.  Yes, explain yourself though.  If you truly feel passionate about something, you need to explain it to others in a manor that will not jeopardize and impending lawsuits.  It can be done and is done every day around the world.

If you cannot back your actions, in public and in writing, then YOU probably know that what you are doing is wrong or not what the people of Cudahy want or what your community needs.

Mayor, have you seen the movie “The American President”? 

Please read this dialogue and switch the words “Mayor” for “President” and “city” for “country.”

The President sits back and ignores what his opponent, Bob Rumson, is saying about him, as his poll numbers continue to fall.

His friends and advisers A.J and Lewis finally lose their patients with the president and the following is spoken:

A.J. "The President doesn't answer to you, Lewis."

Lewis "Oh yes, he does, A.J.  I'm a citizen, this is my president, and in this country it is not only permissible to question our leaders, it is our responsibility.  But you already know that, Mr. President, because you have a deeper love of this country than any man I've ever known, and I want to know what it says to you that in the past seven weeks 59 percent of Americans have begun to question your patriotism?"

Shepherd "Look, if people want to listen to Bob Rumson--"

Lewis: "They don't have a choice!  Rob Rumson's the only one doing the talking.  People want leadership.  And in the absence of genuine leadership, they will listen to anyone who steps up to the microphone.  They want leadership, Mr. President.  They're so thirsty for it, they'll crawl through the desert toward a mirage, and when they discover there's no water, they'll drink the sand."

Shepard: "Lewis, we've had Presidents who were beloved, who couldn't find a coherent sentence with two hands and a flashlight.  People don't drink the sand, 'cause they're thirsty, Lewis.  They drink it 'cause they don't know the difference."

It’s your turn Mayor!  Stand up and be heard, be a LEADER, be THE MAYOR OF CUDAHY!  Or the people WILL send you home and find a real leader!

A taxpayer-subsidized Wal-Mart in Cudahy?  No it is not!

Another View

Referendum would be good if it asked a real policy question

By CHRIS KLIESMET

Citizens for Responsible Government believes it is proper to have citizens weigh in on honest questions of public policy.  However, the sales tax increase referendum put forth by the County Board is disingenuous at best.

This fraud of a referendum perpetuates numerous tax deceptions, including the notion that the only solution to fiscal problems is the Cornelian dilemma of increased taxes vs. service cuts.  The County Board steadfastly refuses to introduce modern quality and efficiency “win-win” measures, opting instead to kowtow to tax-consuming special interests.  An example is the board’s refusal to adopt County Executive Scott Walker’s plan to use more seasonal parks employees, which would increase parks’ resources while simultaneously cutting costs.

The next deception is that our parks and transportation systems can be saved only with a dedicated fund.  The County Board has the power to prioritize these functions and fund them with current revenues if truly desired.  Businesses and families are forced to make tough decisions based on available revenue each day.  Government’s lazy solution is to petition for a bigger paycheck.

The notion of dedicated funding is a farce.  This is a convenient lie told to induce voters to pass such referendums.  We have only to look to 1992 when the initial county sales tax was imposed.  At that time, the promise made to voters was that it would be used only to retire capital debt.

When Gov. Jim Doyle was threatened with legal action for his raid on the privately funded, irrevocable trust known as the Patient Compensation Fund, his defense blithely noted that anything created by a legislative body can be legally changed by that body at will.  So much for relying on the promises of politicians!

The most insidious of the County Board’s lies is the promise that a sales tax increase will provide property tax relief.  This is perhaps the most oft-broken promise in the political playbook.

The imposition of an income tax in 1911, the introduction of a sales tax on luxury items in 1962, the subsequent extension of that sales tax to cover most other goods, two rate increases that upped the sales tax by 66%, the creation of the state lottery in 1987 and the establishment of the current Milwaukee County sales tax in 1992 are all examples of legislation that expressly promised to provide property tax relief, yet failed.

By now, even a fool should understand you cannot provide tax relief by raising taxes.

With so many revenue streams in play, it is a simple matter to shift, then raise each one at a slow but inevitable rate.  Like the proverbial frog in a pot of water, taxpayers may not realize they are being boiled to death until it is too late.

The Taxpayer Bill of Rights would have ended this tax-shift shell game, but these same politicians worked to make certain that proposal never made it to referendum.  It is the pinnacle of hypocrisy to cry, “Let the people decide,” but only on questions of tax increases.  A political cynic might also suggest this referendum is being forced now, right after an election, in the hope that any tax increase will be forgotten in four years.

The only honest wording for this referendum is, “Do you wish to raise your taxes by $130 million?” as this is the only outcome that can be guaranteed.

The County Board continues to tarnish its already damaged reputation for ethics and honesty with yet another con game as transparent as its recent attempt to raise its own pay.  It should withdraw the current referendum wording and replace it with one that tells the truth.

Chris Kliesmet

Executive Administrator

Citizens for Responsible Government Network (CRG)

Milwaukee

Referendum wouldn't do what it promises

Citizens should have the opportunity to answer honest questions of public policy via referendum.  However, those who sell the proposed sales tax increase referendum as a property tax relief measure are bald-faced liars.

In 1911, Wisconsin imposed an income tax for the express purpose of property tax relief.  In 1962, a 3% sales tax on luxury goods was initiated to relieve rising property taxes.  In 1969, the sales tax expanded to include most other goods and the rate rose to 4%.  In 1982, the rate rose again to 5%.  In 1987, the lottery was sold as a tool to relieve property taxes.  In 1992, Milwaukee County added a 0.5% sales tax to relieve property taxes.  In every instance, property taxes continued to climb.

Referendum backers insult the intelligence of taxpayers.  Any sales tax increase only will clear room for the property tax to continue growing.  The Taxpayer Bill of Rights would have eliminated this dishonest tax shell game.  However, these same tax increase advocates worked against allowing TABOR to go to referendum, despite overwhelming public support.  That makes them not only liars, but hypocrites.

Funny how only tax increase proposals seem worthy to be put to the voters.

Chris Kliesmet

Executive administrator

Citizens for Responsible Government Network (CRG)

Milwaukee