May Fifth Tuesday Forum

My apologies...I typed this awhile ago but forgot to post it (I was waiting until I had reserved a location).

I will be hosting another Fifth Tuesday Forum on May 30th at 6:00 p.m., at the Park Plaza Hotel rooms A&B. Notes will again be posted on my website. (I will post something here when they are online.)

-Bryan

Positive signs

Jeff Bollier, reporter for the Oshkosh Northwestern, has posted some information gleaned from the city's March 2006 monthly report. This, coupled with the recent Kiplinger's article naming Oshkosh in the top 50 places in the U.S. to live and Expansion Magazine naming Oshkosh area schools the 20th best in the nation, are very positive signs for the city!

-Bryan

P.S. I have asked the City Manager if the monthly reports could be posted on the city's website. This is valuable information that should be more easily accessbile to citizens. I'll let you know what I find out.

Faith and the ban

People of faith who are against the civil union and marriage ban are invited to attend an interfaith event this Sunday, May 21st, 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., at First Congregational Church, 137 Algoma Blvd. The discussion will include reasons why people of faith should vote against the amendment and how we can work together to defeat it. All are welcome to attend the meeting.

-Bryan

Pollock Community Water Park

This is just a reminder that May 19th is the last day to purchase discounted passes to the new Pollock Community Water Park. Tickets can be purchased at City Hall, 215 Church Ave.

I just spoke with Trish in the Park Department and she said that the city has already sold 223 passes! This is great news!

-Bryan

Healthcare

We all know about the "healthcare crisis" facing our country. And anyone who follows the budget process for the city knows that health care costs is one of the fastest rising expenses for the city. In fact, it's a growing concern in both the public and private sectors. Finally, the state of Wisconsin has an opportunity to hold true to it's state motto - Forward - with an opportunity to take the lead in the nation.

The recent Wisconsin Alliance of Cities e-newsletter has an article on a progressive and cost-effective health care plan that I believe should be passed by the Legislature and signed by the Governor. The bi-partisan Wisconsin Health Care Partnership Plan (SB 698), which is a by-product of the Wisconsin AFL-CIO plan, has been introduced by state Senator Russ Decker (D-Schofield) and state Representative Terry Musser (R-Black River Falls).

I only hope the Assembly, lead by the Republicans, will not wait until after "bar time" to pass this important and necessary legislation!

-Bryan