On the BorderLine » Politics Local

St. Croix County Supervisor Elections

Jack Bauer — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 23:06:33 +0000

Looks as if the incumbents have something to fear.

They voted to allow the Green Police to enter citizens homes on what? Suspicions? The word of a neighbor expert? Someone who doesn’t agree with them politically? Next, they will want citizens to have papers to travel from city to city. Folks, this is a slippery slope and we have to stop this. This was narrowly defeated.

Vote for CHANGE!

Incumbent Gene Ruetz voted for it. Stan Kruger the challenger is the one you should vote for.

Incumbent Dave Otsness voted for it. Lorin Sather the challenger is the one you should vote for.

Incumbent Sharon Norton-Bauman voted for it. Chris Kilber the challenger is the one you should vote for.

Incumbent Roger Rehebholz voted for it. Peter Post the challenger is the one you should vote for.

Incumbent Daryl Stanafer voted for it. Curt Weese the challenger is the one you should vote for.

Incumbent Buck Malick voted for it. Mark Pribonic the challenger is the one you should vote for.

Incumbent Ken Kolbe voted for it. Robert Shearer the challenger is the one you should vote for.

Hey You All in St. Croix County… I’m Back
Yes, It's true. I've returned to educate the citizens of St. Croix County about...
Jim B. (aka Bob Muchlinski) a drain on the Hudson taxpayers
Since Jim. B. (aka Bob Muchlinski) continues to berate citizens on the Hudson St...
Where is SCC DA Eric Johnson on this??
Out of all places, Mauston (home of Devin "the death threat victim" Willi - by t...
Flexing States Rights
More states flexing their States rights. This week in the Missouri state Ca...
Carnac – St. Croix County’s Government Worst Nightmare
Looks who's back. St. Croix County citizen's best friend and the ex...

What Interests Does a Candidate Represent?

Henry Patrick — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 23:55:29 +0000

In a discussion with an acquaintance the other day, she touched on the topic of politics and the importance of the Massachusetts race for US Senate. Granted it is interesting how a special election in the heart of Democrat country could see a Republican win and thus kill any attempts to pass a socialized medicine healthcare bill. Her comments illustrated a problem facing taxpayers in the state of Wisconsin. People will spend hours talking about national politics and vote in droves for the election of federal offices, but nary will a whisper be heard about local candidates.

Local spring elections barely draw enough voters to the polling place that would fill up a good size movie theater. Yet county, city and school district taxes are a sizeable chunk of a persons over all tax burdens. I recently attended a gathering of nearly 50 people at a private residence to hear a Congressional candidate speak. Imagine how many would show up to listen to a person running for school board or city council; maybe a handful.

Even though most yawn at the mention of local elections, an organization exists that is willing to put its money and manpower into candidates for local offices. Despite the economic hardships faced by many, local governments and school districts across Wisconsin have increased the tax burden over the last year. In the area where I live, both the county and the school district raised their portion of the property tax by nearly 9%.

Such actions have left many questioning the mindset of local elected officials. How can they vote to increase taxes in time like this and offer raises to government employees while at the same individuals are losing their jobs or their homes; why government does not suffer the same fate of the recession?

The answer may be found in the contents of an envelope going out to each of the candidates for the county board. The letter came from the offices of AFSCME, the government workers union. The opening sentence should send alarm bells to taxpayers about the true nature of local elections.

Dear Candidate for St. Croix Supervisor,

The AFSCME PEOPLE committee of the 3rd CD is considering endorsements for the Spring election of the ST. Croix County Board of Supervisors.

The committee decides locally who the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees will support in the upcoming election

The letter then invites the candidate to be part of an interview process beginning with an enclosed questionnaire.

As part of the candidate interview process, we have enclosed an AFSCME questionnaire.

The second page of the letter deals with personal information including email, phone numbers, and details of the candidates campaign treasury (where they can mail the checks).

On the next couple of pages the union asks eleven support/oppose questions. No surprise the first handful of inquiries dealt with opinions on collective bargaining and living wages. The next set dealt with the idea of privatization, Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR), and increasing the tax burden on wealthy individuals and businesses. One curious question dealt with the time of board meetings. Currently St. Croix County Board meetings are held during the day time when many taxpayers are at work, and therefore, find it difficult to exercise their Constitutional right to address grievances toward government. It is highly doubtful that government union employees are concerned that those who pay their wages and benefits are shut out of the process.

I find this letter from AFSCME and others like it very disturbing on several fronts (WEAC sends out similar invitations to school board candidates). The founding principles of the republic established a hierarchy of power. The Creator endowed the individual with rights. Government was a creation of the people, and thus subservient to the citizenry. In layman terms, the people are the true employers of government workers.

The very strong implication of the peoples representative having to interview with government employees flips the hierarchy and the foundations of the country on its head. By submitting to an interview with the government union, a politician puts the government on equal or superior footing with its creator. Liberty cannot exist under such a system.

Secondly through the circle of taxation, government union campaigns are funded by the taxpayers. A good portion of the taxes collected goes toward the wages and benefits of government workers. The government unions like AFSCME and WEAC take a cut out of the paychecks to fill their coffers, which in turn are used in part for political activity that includes candidate support. Naturally, only those candidates that agree with the union position will receive financial aid and an army of volunteers. Remember, we are talking about local elections. In essence, taxpayers are being forced to contribute to their own demise.

Candidates running on the rights of taxpayers and contrary to the positions of government workers find themselves out gunned from the very start. Circling back to the question of how local boards can raise taxes and increase the pay of government workers during these economic times the answer seems rather obvious. Local officials much like their brethren occupying higher offices increasingly hold allegiance to government unions.

Often you hear people say they do not know much about a person running for school board or city government; or that the issues are mundane and not worth the gas to vote. But it is becoming apparent that the most important question in local elections is whose interests will be represented; the taxpayer or the government.

The next time you think local elections are not worth the bother look at your property tax bill and remember that government unions do not consider voting a waste of time or money.

The only question you need to ask a local candidate is whether they will protect your right to private property including income; or are they the bagman for government unions?

Just who is Jim B (Bob Muchlinski)?
Welcome to the readers of the HSO website. We are going to be spending the next...

Hey You All in St. Croix County… I’m Back

Jack Bauer — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 04:46:55 +0000

Yes, It’s true. I’ve returned to educate the citizens of St. Croix County about the unconstitutional underbelly of their local government. The government types have found it their privy to spend and raise hard working citizens taxes unconstitutionally (YOURS), when there are record numbers in foreclosures, property devaluation, layoffs, and unemployment.

Did you see your last property tax bill? The government’s ever increasing confiscation of citizen’s personal property via taxation (which most even don’t understand how they occur) infringe upon the rights of citizens to do what they want with their own property, their liberty at the expense of their socialistic ideal of the common good, and their mandate to fund socialistic ideals they may not agree with at the point of cohesion (jail via the tax code), is shining bright. Many of the government ilk are even raising their own salaries with NO input from you. In fact, it won’t even be allowed to be debated. They will easily be exposed. Stay tuned… I will reveal all.

Jim B. (aka Bob Muchlinski) a drain on the Hudson taxpayers
Since Jim. B. (aka Bob Muchlinski) continues to berate citizens on the Hudson St...
St. Croix County Supervisor Elections
Looks as if the incumbents have something to fear. They voted to allow the Gr...
You Can Kiss My McNuggets…
YTD, the best editorial I have read... EDITORIAL: Toy story The pompou...
Hillary Spews Her Sophistry (again)
Sophistry: a plausible (to an ignoramus) but erroneous (seriously, in this case)...
Death by Administration
The taxpayers of Hudson, WI are dying a slow death and it's people like Nancy Sw...
Just who is Jim B (Bob Muchlinski)?
Welcome to the readers of the HSO website. We are going to be spending the next...

Mock Officer Glen Hartman Runs Mock Crash

N. Onimous — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 23:50:41 +0000

Glen Hartman, mock officer on the Hudson Police Farce, coordinated the mock crash at the Hudson High School last week. Mr. Hartman, known for his rather worthless record, showed how real this type of crash could be. After the drunk driver was pulled from the wreckage, Officer Glen drover the drunk home to avoid taking the breathalizer. After waiting approximately 45 minutes, Officer Glen then drove back to the the drunk’s house and administered the test. While this is not the exact protocol that most police force’s use, it’s how Glen Hartman protects his favorite political buddies. So let’s go through just a little of Glen’s record- First he beats the sh.. out of an EMT on a helicopter pad, then he removes innocent citizens from a school board meeting, after that he gives Vicky Bear a ride home drunk! Was Officer Glen dismissed for this behavior? NO! He was PROMOTED! Way to go Glen!!!!

Carnac on Lunatic Lefties

Luke — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 20:25:22 +0000

.. apoplectic

What do the lunatic lefties become when a few citizens voice their opposition to an oppressive federal government? These same lefties have no problem when urine bombs are launched at convention goers during the Republican convention, but go bonkers when conservatives hold peaceful rallies across the country. Just goes to show the absolute hypocrisy of the left.

Hudson Tea Party set for April 15th

Curt Weese — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 17:26:21 +0000

Kudos to my neighbors Stan & Mary Wekkin for organizing a Tea Party rally in North Hudson next Wednesday. The rally is set to take place at Mudds & Sudds from 4-6 p.m.

“This is our opportunity to remind the government that they work for us; we pay their salaries.” said Stan Wekkin

“Many of us have learned the hard way that debt catches up to you. When will our elected officials understand that?” asked Mary Wekkin

All area residents are invited to participate. The Wekkins have stated that this is a non-partisan event and if you are inclined to bring a sign please respect their wishes and make the sign non-partisan reflecting your feelings about taxes, spending and debt.

Future Tea Party rallies are being scheduled for Independence Day, Labor Day and Election Day.

Malinvestment

Henry Patrick — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 20:19:06 +0000

According to estimates provided by Politico.com, the final tab rung up by candidates, political parties, and advocacy groups for the 2008 election amounted to over $5 billion. What was the product of this massive expenditure? Campaign literature piled on trash heaps; metal buttons with stick pins so large that an individual would be detained at an airport for carrying a lethal weapon; bumper stickers plastered on the rear of cars that now render the automobile looking like a piece of junk, yard signs either thrown in the trash or used to start a fire outdoors; and hours and hours of hot air. The financial tally for the election does not take in to account the countless hours spent by volunteers.

Billions Wasted

After expending billions of dollars and thousand upon thousands of hours in labor, the net outcome to society was junk; junk mail, junk metal, junk cars, junk cardboard, and junk oratory.

The waste of money and time is done in the name of making society better. Along with the time, most of the money was given through voluntary donations. The $5 billion spent on the hopes of improving the country could have rescued several thousand mortgages of $250,000 and less. The miles walking door to door could have delivered food or aid to those in need. The money and labor now relegated to the junk heap once held the potential for satisfying the wants and needs for many.

Conservation of precious resources is the key to long-term economic growth. Yet, every few years as a nation we throw vast sums of financial and human capital away producingnothing.

Politics has become the quintessential malivestment that destroys scarce capital and liberties.

The Immorality of Democracy

spiritofpublicus — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 01:00:44 +0000

I would rather be ruled by one tyrant three thousand miles away than three thousand tyrants not a mile away.

Though the origin of this witticism is in doubt, it aptly sums the fears that the founders had about democracy. I virtually cringe every time when someone wistfully sings about the virtue of democracy. Today, the act of voting is paramount to hiring a thief.

Unwilling to attain their dreams either through personal sacrifice or effort, many will line up at the voting booth in hopes that the results of an election will turn wishful thinking into reality.

The defeated library referendum is a case in point. Several thousand people across the joint library district voted in favor of the ten million dollar project. If these people felt the need was so great, than why didnt they show real philanthropy and true benevolence by donating $4,000 each. Some certainly could give more than others. Instead of reaching for their wallets supporters, including city councilman OMalley, found it easier to reach for a gun and attempt a stick-up. Fortunately, the intended ~~victims~~ taxpayers jammed the trigger.

The following video of an Obama supporter is the quintessential illustration of the perils found in democracy. Through Obama she believes the worries of paying a mortgage and the gas in her car will be relieved. Can the electoral process degenerate any further?

Obama Will Pay My Mortgage

The Libertarian Viewpoint

Henry Patrick — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 23:27:44 +0000

An article well worth the time to read. It may help some understand the libertarian rebellion.

liberty

Quote of the day!

N. Onimous — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 13:21:17 +0000

“The stress is in their eyes,” he said of the elderly people he has met who struggle to pay property taxes as well as “skyrocketing” living costs.

Bob Hughes, Republican challenger to Kitty (I support abortion and tax cigs) Rhoades, statement as to why he is running for the seat.

Fire Bump, Hire Olson!

Our View — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 14:11:19 +0000

**minor update for corrections and clarification**

River Falls city council is moving towards adding a room tax under the bizarre notion that such a tax will lead to increased tourism. As inane as this idea is, what is even more stunning is the “logic” being uttered by Roxanne Bump, the River Falls Chamber of Commerce’s chief executive officer. Here at OTBL we’re calling this confiscation tax, “Bump’s bump.”

From Rivertowns.net:

Bump said that, “the extra cost shouldn’t affect visitors’ decisions to stay overnight in River Falls because all surrounding cities already have room taxes.” She’s contacted chambers in other communities that have the tax and they assured her that it should not be a problem in terms of attracting tourism. ”

“It’s visitor promotion funded by visitors.”

The way the tax would work is that hotel and motel owners would be forced at the point of a gun to charge an additional 5% sales tax (currently at 5.5% resulting in a total of 10.5%) on each “tourist’s” charges. The City of River Falls would confiscate 5 percent of that amount for “administrative” costs (the cost of implementing the damn tax and further feathering their coffers), while the rest of the money (4.75%) would go to the local chamber for “tourism promotion.”

Well, now, there’s a brilliant move. You have an idea for raising taxes and so whom do you ask for an opinion? Those who would be paying? Of course not, you characterize it as ‘visitor promotion funded by visitors’, and then go and ask another tax and spend entity if you think it will adversely affect visitors! Good grief, what the heck do you think they would say… also, how do you know what the demand for your rooms would be had the tax not been applied?

A room tax, a school tax, virtually all taxes have little or nothing to do with the protection of your private property from violent attack – the only conceivably legitimate purpose of any moral government’s expropriation of the fruits of your or my labor. Those room tax dollars forfeited would have or could have been spent on a myriad of other items in the local economy. A 5% tax on an $80 dollar room is $4.00 – perhaps an additional cup of coffee, some food, a gallon of gasoline to get you from the freeway and back from River Falls?? Point being it doesn’t matter what those marginal dollars are spent on, but to expropriate them from unwary visitors and redirect them for heretofore undefined purposes is by definition a mis-allocation of other people’s money. Why not just set up a toll booth at the corner of I94 and Hwy 35 with a sign that informs everyone that the required toll is to attract them to River Falls…

With the University of Wisconsin-River Falls lurking in the background here (an entity, by the way, to which citizens from all over the state “contribute” gobs of money already), why would anyone in their right mind conclude that River Falls hotel and motel owners need to charge their client’s an additional $4.00 per night so that the Tourism Bureau can waste it on a worthless University study and city administrative costs? What? A university study? Why, I didn’t read that in the article.. Mark my words, one of the first uses of this new found revenue will be for the morons in the River Falls Department of Tourist Fleecing to send it over to the green horns at UWRF to create practice studies on how to bring tourism to River Falls. Which, when one actually considers it, is really quite novel. I mean, really…. tourism in River Falls, Wisconsin? I can just imagine the analysis… but I digress.

So, this feisty Rivertowns reporter actually had the nerve to query for the opinion of someone who, although not paying the tax directly (which the reporter should have done), would be transmitting the tax (a hotel owner) to the taxing authority. Paige Olson, the owner of Kinni Creek Lodge and Outfitters, said:

“Not having a room tax in this economy would be a definite attraction, marketing ploy and relief to those who are traveling with high gas prices.”

Paige, you’re quite right! When you raise your prices you inevitably sell less, on the margin, of your product or service. We see this presently with gasoline; the higher the price becomes, the less people drive (on the margin). Well, it is no different with hotel rooms; the more they cost, the less, on the margin, will be sold. If Ms Bump’s ‘logic’ is proper, then River Falls should simply cut to the chase and advocate for, say, an additional .20 cents gas tax on the sale of all gasoline purchased in River Falls to use for the same damn purpose – it’ s really not any different. The question one should ask is would an additional .20 cents (5%) added to the current $4.00 per gallon price attract drivers from the freeway to engage in tourism in River Falls?

The real solution is to reduce room taxes all around the area making staying in River Falls, or Hudson, more attractive by comparison to other places. To characterize this legal looting of visitors money as some sort of feel-good contribution voluntarily made by busy travelers and visitors to the area is disingenuous double talk hardly to be matched – yet that is precisely what this idea is, legalized looting. If you want to attract people to River Falls, the last people you should be penalizing by coming there are visitors!

If Bump seems to think there is something that the “community” ought to be doing to change its image so that more visitors would be enticed to come, then have a referendum on it! Ask the citizens if they would voluntarily contribute money for specific projects that would have demonstrable positive tourism effects. If Ms Bump honestly believes in this scam, then she should put her own money where her mouth is and be the first one to advocate for an added gas tax and personally commit to only buying gas in River Falls – never in Minnesota… Let’s just see how much this business babe believes in her interventionist ideology, and when presented to the community how much actual support there is amongst those who theoretically would benefit from any new tourism. To tax those whom you would like to see come and visit more often is utter idiocy.

Our view is that Roxanne Bump should be fired and Paige Olson hired to lead River Falls’ Chamber of Commerce into the future…

Carnac on Playboy Roy

Luke — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 02:45:49 +0000

…………….. It’s being used to fill up Roy Sjoberg’s pool instead.

Question: What happened to all the water that was supposed to be used to flush the toilets at River Crest Elementary?

The Chicken or the Egg or Simply Roadkill – Redux

Redux — Fri, 23 May 2008 19:59:41 +0000

One year ago today spiritofpublicus said:

Jeff Holmquist’s latest contemplation in The New Richmond Newspaper [Holmquist is editor of the paper] illustrates the confliction and ignorance that decays an otherwise normal brain at birth. Holmquist ponders whether the New Richmond City Council’s move to lower certain fees for construction is good or bad. see opinion

In his opinion piece Jeff admits that growth in residential and commercial construction has slowed precipitously. Huh? Almost two months ago, this same person was beating the drum for the passage of the biggest referendum in Wisconsin state history. Why? Because of the exploding growth that New Richmond was experiencing. So which is it; dramatic slowing of growth [no growth would be more accurate] or exploding growth? It seems the City Council, members who also supported the big referendum, confirmed what the socialists were denying; growth in this little part of the world has come to a standstill. Of course anyone with eyesight and the penchant for truthful observation was well aware of the reality of the situation. The question that should be put forward is not whether the City should lower construction fees, but why did members of the Council, the school board and administrators, prominent citizens in the community, and Jeff Holmquist fabricate the growth scenario?

Concerning directly the matter of lowering fees and taxes and how such actions might impact future growth, the City Council overlooked several important steps. First, even though fees may have some effect on the decision to build in one area over another, the reason for building is to meet the demands of individuals. A house built when there are no buyers is an empty house and wasted capital; a business built without profit is a business headed for bankruptcy. The lowering of certain construction fees does not alter one bit certain overriding facts; first, the state of Wisconsin is the seventh highest ranked state in overall tax burden with more increases on the horizon. Secondly, New Richmond just passed the largest school referendum in the state, which is the seventh highest ranked state in overall tax burden, with more increases on the horizon. Added together, New Richmond now has the distinction of being one of the most heavily tax-burdened communities anywhere.

The convoluted logic [if that term is even applicable here] of the City Council, Jeff Holmquist, and et al is bewildering. They pressed for the passage of a huge tax increase to meet the demands of exploding area growth, so they said. Part of their argument concerning the referendum was that the tax increases would not affect the growth. However they now see fit to cut certain fees as a way to spur the growth, which is presently non-existent that would not be impacted by an increase in taxes. Therefore, raising taxes has no impact on growth, but cutting taxes do. Meanwhile, living in the seventh highest tax-burdened state is not even considered a factor since taxes have no bearing on where people live, unless you cut taxes to make your area more attractive for people to live.

The only thing left to say is, “will the last one out turn the lights off!”

Original with comments here…

Carnac on Quality St. Croix County Employers

Luke — Tue, 06 May 2008 22:26:23 +0000

……… 53 and 51 respectively

Question: What would be the ripe old ages of the newest retirees from St. Croix County? See Story Can anyone please name one private company where you can retire with a full guaranteed pension at 51?

Carnac on “Justice”

Luke — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 03:10:29 +0000

………….. The Human who killed the Bear.

Question: Who will receive more jail time- The Bear who killed the Human (see story), or the Human who killed the Bear (see story)?

On the BorderLine » Politics Local

St. Croix County Supervisor Elections

Related Posts

What Interests Does a Candidate Represent?

Related Posts

Hey You All in St. Croix County… I’m Back

Related Posts

Mock Officer Glen Hartman Runs Mock Crash

You might like these.

Carnac on Lunatic Lefties

You might like these.

Hudson Tea Party set for April 15th

You might like these.

Malinvestment

You might like these.

The Immorality of Democracy

You might like these.

The Libertarian Viewpoint

You might like these.

Quote of the day!

You might like these.

Fire Bump, Hire Olson!

You might like these.

Carnac on Playboy Roy

You might like these.

The Chicken or the Egg or Simply Roadkill – Redux

You might like these.

Carnac on Quality St. Croix County Employers

You might like these.

Carnac on “Justice”

You might like these.