The Leach

The Oshkosh Northwestern recently has written an editorial and a story on the PMI contract to manage the Leach Amphitheater. What are your thoughts? Are you satisfied with PMI's performance? Should the council reconsider the contract at the end of this season? How do you define "success" at the Leach?

-Bryan

Follow up

I first would like to apologize for not posting or responding for the past two weeks. I intentionally took some time away from the blogs after the campaign, but failed to mention that I would be doing so. In turn, I have been accused of not following through on being an effective communicator and listener, something in which I take great pride. I am, however, back to reading, replying and posting on a regular basis.

The 2% hotel/motel increase

The Oshkosh Convention and Visitors Bureau (OCVB) worked with city staff to bring forward a resolution to increase the hotel/motel tax by 2%, which was approved on a 4-0-2 vote. There has been quite a bit of discussion and confusion about how this will work.

As explained in the resolution, during the council meeting and at the previously televised council workshop, the first 2% will be used to pay the city's debt service on the current convention center. The next 1% will go directly to the OCVB (our designated tourism entity). The final 7% will be divided up between the city, OCVB and the Grand Opera House Foundation.

The 2% increase is being used for the bond payment. The original 8% will be used to pay for the convention center operations, funding for the Grand Opera House and OCVB, who plans to use some of their funds to create a development fund, similar to the Fox Cities Convention and Visitors Bureau, to help projects that would promote tourism.

I supported the increase, but was advised by the City Attorney that I needed to abstain from the vote since I am employed by the university, who is one of the potential benefactors of the OCVB development fund matching grant. I did, however, successfully amend the proposal to have a sunset clause; the tax will revert back to the original 8% upon successful repayment of the convention center bonds.

Nuisance Ordinance

The nuisance ordinance proposal, which was approved on a 4-2 vote, will only strengthen our neighborhoods. The common misconception with this ordinance is that property owners will be held financially liable for the actions of their tenants. This is not true. A property owner would only be fined under this ordinance if he or she refuses to cooperate with the city once he or she has been properly notified of a nuisance.

I supported this proposal because it gives the community and the city another tool in developing strong, quality neighborhoods. I believe 99% of property owners will not be impacted by this ordinance change. Who will be impacted? The absentee-landlord who simply refuses to take responsibility for his or her property.

Crime in Oshkosh

The new council meets for the first time Tuesday, April 17th, and this will be one of the topics on our agenda. When crime rates went down in the 1990's, it was because we had a strong economy - people had good paying jobs and education was more affordable. That is why it would be a mistake for us to look at this problem with only one solution. We will need to address issues such as jobs, the economy, education, social and human services, law enforcement, housing, poverty, etc. This will be one of the most important issues the council will tackle this year.

I believe that should catch me up on recent discussions. As always, I welcome your feedback and discussions. And I look forward to again serving on your council for the next two years.

-Bryan

State budget forums

State Representative Gordon Hintz has scheduled five state budget workshops, each focusing on one of the "big five" state programs. The schedule is listed below.

UW System
April 30, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Reeve Memorial Union 227 A&B

K-12 Education
May 14, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Oshkosh Area School District Administration Building

Medicaid
May 21, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Oshkosh Senior Center-Willow Room

Shared Revenue
June 4, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Location TBA

Corrections
June 11, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Oshkosh Public Library

I commend Rep. Hintz for organizing the forums, something he talked about during his campaign. I look forward to attending them and learning more about the state budget.

-Bryan

Election results

Thank you citizens of Oshkosh for re-electing me to your Oshkosh Common Council! It has been an honor for me to serve on the council the past two years. I look forward to working with you and the council and mayor to move Oshkosh forward in a progressive, responsible manner.

I also want to thank all of my volunteers and supporters, particularly Thomas, Liz and my wife Amanda. And a final thank you to my fellow candidates for their time and energy put into the campaign.

-Bryan

Election Day

Tuesday, April 3rd is Election Day! Citizens of Oshkosh get to vote for their next Mayor, three members of Common Council and two School Board members. There is quite a bit of information available on the OshkoshNews and Oshkosh Northwestern websites. For information about where to vote, please visit the City Clerk's website. For election night results, please visit the County Clerk's website.

During the past two years, I have fought for:

• Accessible & accountable government
• Strong public-private partnerships
• Quality neighborhoods & recreation
• Responsible use of tax dollars

If re-elected, I will continue to be:

• An effective communicator & listener
• Progressive, yet practical
• A trusted, experienced leader

Together, we can work toward a strong, proud future, so I ask you to join me in creating a shared vision for the city of Oshkosh.

I was honored to finish first in the primary election, but the slate is now clean. Every vote counts, so please remember to vote Bain for Council, and remind your friends, family, neighbors and co-workers to do the same.

If you would like more information, please visit my website. Thank you for your support!

-Bryan

Authorized and paid for by Bain for Council, Elizabeth Swank, Treasurer

State budget forum

I received the following press release from state Representative Gordon Hintz. I encourage citizens of Oshkosh to attend.

Rep. Hintz to discuss State Budget with Oshkosh residents

Budget Overview first of series of budget forums

OSHKOSH– Representative Gordon Hintz will be hosting the first of several budget forums in Oshkosh on April 5th from 7-9pm. The event is open to the public, and comments and questions are encouraged.

"One of the biggest challenges facing the State Legislature is adopting the 2007-2009 budget,” said Rep. Hintz. “I feel that we as legislators have an obligation to inform and involve the public as to how the budget affects them and how state government is spending taxpayer money. Decisions on the budget require the feedback of citizens, and I’m looking forward to hearing from the people of Oshkosh.”

The forum will contain an overview of the budget, some of the largest budget items, how services are paid for, and how these services affect the average Oshkosh taxpayer. Upcoming forums will feature a more in-depth discussion of specific budget items such as the UW system, Corrections, K-12 schools, Shared Revenue, and Medicaid. Dates of future budget hearings will be announced, and special guests from the community and State Government will be invited to participate in the hearings.

Anyone with questions or comments about the hearings is encouraged to contact the office of Representative Hintz toll-free at 888-534-0054 or via e-mail at rep.hintz@legis.state.wi.us.

Who: Representative Gordon Hintz
What: Budget Forum-Overview
When: Thursday April 5th from 7-9pm
Where: Oshkosh Public Library, 106 Washington Ave., Room A&B

-Bryan