Bain-Blog

Monday, January 30, 2006

100 N. Main follow up

I just read this over on Stew's "blog" on the Oshkosh Northwestern Website. Mr. Ganther emailed Stew to provide follow up information regarding the 100 N. Main apartments. He provides us with information that I'm not sure many of us (myself included) knew or realized.

-Bryan

Fifth Tuesday Forum reminder

A reminder that the Fifth Tuesday Forum for this month is TONIGHT at 6:00 p.m. in room A of the Oshkosh Public Library. More information on the forum can be found on my website.

-Bryan

Friday, January 27, 2006

Property taxes

In March 2005, I made comments on OshkoshNews.org in which I said Mr. Ganther’s failure to pay property taxes on the 100 N. Main building is “concerning” and “should be addressed.” I reiterate my previous comments and am very disappointed to learn about the still outstanding 2004 property tax bill for the 100 N. Main building.

No one really enjoys paying property taxes, however, it is necessary for our city to function and provide services. I previously posted on my blog that the state should pursue its delinquent taxpayers, and firmly believe the county should as well. It’s not fair to have the citizens of Winnebago County - our tax dollars - make private property tax payments for individuals or businesses.

I discovered today why the county is involved in such matters. The city turns over to the county any unpaid property taxes at the end of the fiscal year and the county, in turn, makes the property tax payments to the city. The county will then pursue reimbursement from the individual or business, with associated penalties. If the county is unsuccessful, a foreclosure and sheriff’s sale can then be pursued. The city does not have this option and that is why the county is involved. Please also read the comments made by County Executive Mark Harris on the Eye on Oshkosh Website.

It seems there is some conflicting information in “cyber space” regarding this matter. The Oshkosh Northwestern reports Mr. Ganther owes $66,641, however, the city’s website shows a different, much higher amount. That same ON article also correctly reports that Mr. Ganther has until Tuesday to pay his 2005 property taxes, however, the article states that it seems Mr. Ganther might not meet the deadline. Finally, the ON Website lists as a story for next week: “An update on the top unpaid property taxes.”

I will contact City Hall on Monday to find out first-hand information before I go any further, however, let me go on record as saying this: paying property taxes is an obligation all property owners must fulfill. No one, regardless of who they support in local elections, should be exempt from fulfilling their obligation. To suggest or imply that I condone this is simply wrong.

-Bryan

Wednesday, January 25, 2006

January 2006 Fifth Tuesday Forum

The January Fifth Tuesday Forum will be MONDAY, January 30 at 6:00 p.m. in room A of the Oshkosh Public Library. The forum is being held on a MONDAY due to the Oshkosh North/Oshkosh West boys basketball game and the State of the Union. Please visit my website for information on previous Fifth Tuesday Forum's.

-Bryan

Tuesday, January 24, 2006

WOCT

Congratulations Jon Urben & the Oshkosh Cable Access Television staff, Jeff Thorkildsen & the Friends of OCAT, Walt Domnie & the WOCT Steering Committee and the private donors for the successful launch of 101.9 FM, WOCT Oshkosh.

WOCT will broadcast local government meetings, various municipal programs and a variety of music blocks. It will also serve as a useful tool during times of emergency and severe weather.

Thank you everyone involved for this great service and addition to our community.

-Bryan

Thursday, January 19, 2006

Riverwalk feedback

The council will vote Tuesday on the proposed riverwalk design plans. This is a huge opportunity for the city and I'm interested in hearing what questions, comments, concerns you have regarding the project. Feel free to post them here (to create dialogue) or send them to me via email. I also encourage you to share your thoughts with the other council members. The council meeting is January 24th at 6:00 p.m., 4th floor City Hall.

-Bryan

Monday, January 16, 2006

Greatness

Reflecting today on the spirit of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., I am reminded of what Dr. King said about greatness: ". . . everybody can be great because everybody can serve . . ."

We should challenge ourselves, our friends, our family to serve. There are many needs that face our community. While the new year is still new and resolutions are still in the forefront of our minds, please take whatever time and energy you can spare to serve and help our community.

Finally, today at 5:00 p.m. is the annual MLK, Jr. citywide celebration at the Reeve Memorial Union (tickets are required, contact Kelli at 303-2265 ext 20 for availability). There is also a peaceful march beginning at 3:00 p.m. at Opera House Square followed by a discussion at the Reeve Memorial Union (no ticket required).

Long live the dream of Dr. King.

-Bryan

Friday, January 13, 2006

Underheim out

After receiving less than half (scroll to page 30) of the district's support in his November 2004 re-election and only 40% of Winnebago County support in his unsuccessful bid for Superintendent of Public Instruction, state Representative Gregg Underheim (R-Oshkosh) announced today he will not seek re-election in November 2006. The 54th Assembly District is definitely a "swing area" and Representative Underheim's departure sets the stage for a great fall campaign.

Even though Representative Underheim and I often disagree on the issues, I thank him for serving in public office.

-Bryan

Wednesday, January 11, 2006

Referendum

Last night, the council decided not to place the Iraq War referendum question on the ballot. As I stated at the meeting, this was a difficult decision for me. Personally, I feel the decision to go to war in Iraq was made on incorrect and false information. I support a vision, which includes a flexible timeline, for post-war Iraq, just as I supported it for weapons inspections and the elections. I support the men and women of our armed services. I also support the safe and effective withdrawal of troops from Iraq, especially our National Guard and Reserves.

There were two issues before us: the petition drive and the council initiative. The petition drive came up short and did not meet the threshold for direct legislation. Councilor Esslinger decided to pursue the second method of putting the question on the ballot - through direct council action. I am fully aware they are two distinct and valid ways to put a referendum question on the ballot.

It is my opinion that the council should only place items on the ballot that directly impact or affect how we conduct city business, e.g., how we elect our mayor, local ordinances, etc. If the Oshkosh Common Council is going to place an item on the ballot, advisory or binding, members should be able to address the following: the purpose and plan for why it should be placed on the ballot (also addressing why the council should not vote on it without first a referendum – if it’s a particular issue), when it should be voted on, why the item is important to put to referendum, what to do with the information after a vote, how it will be used, when to take action, etc. Some of these items were addressed with this particular referendum question, however, not enough for me to support putting it on the ballot.

A group collecting signatures and pursuing direct legislation for a referendum, similar to the troop withdrawal question, is to be commended. In fact, I encourage and welcome active participation in the democratic process. The group, however, must meet the established threshold. That threshold is in place for a reason – to help provide validity, demonstrate need, etc. – and it is not a “minor” or “narrow” technicality when a petition process is 1,000 signatures short and superseded the 60 day timeframe. Those two pieces are the ‘meat and potatoes’ of the direct legislation process.

I strongly encourage the group to pursue direct legislation. According to the City Attorney Warren Kraft and City Clerk Pam Ubrig at last night’s meeting, the group has approximately five or so weeks to collect the required number of signatures and submit them for a referendum question on the April ballot. I encourage the organizers to meet with Mr. Kraft and Ms. Ubrig to get specific information such as required number of signatures and the timeline before proceeding.

Finally, I commend those who spoke last evening and at previous meetings, for and against, and especially those who took the time and effort to collect signatures and bring this discussion to the forefront. What you did is a prime example of what makes democracy work. Thank you for your passion and involvement.

-Bryan

Tuesday, January 10, 2006

Petri town meeting

Representative Tom Petri will today hold a town meeting from 4:00pm-5:00pm in room 406 of City Hall. This is an excellent way to discuss national and international issues.

-Bryan

Friday, January 06, 2006

Delinquent taxpayers

I have an idea for the 2006 legislative agenda: a solution for how to better collect taxes from delinquent taxpayers. I can't believe how much some people owe! The state should pursue payments from these people like they do child support from 'dead-beat' parents.

-Bryan

Wednesday, January 04, 2006

Primaries

There are reasons to go to the polls on February 21.

There will be primaries for the Oshkosh Common Council (nine candidates, three seats; three candidates will be eliminated), Oshkosh Area School District Board of Education (eight candidates, three seats; two candidates will be eliminated) and Winnebago County Circuit Court Branch 4 (three candidates, one seat; one candidate will be eliminated).

In addition to the above races, there will be a handful of contested races on April 04 for the Winnebago County Board of Supervisors and Winnebago County Circuit Court Branch 1.

I look forward to the upcoming elections.

-Bryan

Tuesday, January 03, 2006

'Oshkosh Commons' and nomination papers

Happy New Year, Oshkosh! I hope everyone had a safe and enjoyable holiday season!

Over at OshkoshNews, Miles Maguire is creating a new project, Oshkosh Commons, a website where people can see information that has been posted on local blogs without having to visit each one individually. He's creating it using RSS technology. It's a great way to see what's new in the local blogsphere in a timely manner. I do hope, however, it does not limit the traffic on individual blogs. Only time will tell.

Nomination papers are due today for Common Council, School Board, County Board and two judicial seats. It will be interesting to find out who turned in papers and if there will be a primary election in February.

-Bryan