Dems Continue To Pound Johnson On BP Stock, OIl Industry Backing

Wisconsin Democrats are running an online petition asking GOP Senate candidate Ron Johnson to sell his BP holding and done the proceeds to the Victims Compensation Fund.

More details in the release below:

DPW Chair Mike Tate Calls on Ron Johnson
(R-BP) to Divest From Big Oil Interests and Support
Compensation Fund for Gulf Oil Spill Victims

DPW Launches Petition to Have Ron Johnson Put His Money Where His Mouth Isn’t

MADISON— Following revelations over the weekend that multimillionaire Senate Candidate Ron Johnson delayed for more than a month the release of his financial interests to hide investments in as much as $315,000 of BP and $50,000 to $101,000 in Exxon Mobil Corp. and $15,000 to $50,000 in Occidental Petroleum Corp, Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Mike Tate is calling on Johnson to divest his Big Oil interests and support the BP Victims’ Compensation Fund.

“Ron Johnson has been cheerleading for Big Oil on the campaign trail, saying that now isn’t the time to be beating up on oil companies,” said Tate. “In each and every case he didn’t say one word about the hundreds of thousands of dollars he had invested in BP and Big Oil. That doesn’t pass the smell test.”

The Democratic Party of Wisconsin is also launching a petition drive on its Web site for voters to sign petitions urging Johnson to sell the BP stock he hid from the public and use it to support the BP Victims’ Compensation Fund.

Viewers can also watch a slideshow highlighting Ron Johnson’s defense of Big Oil on the campaign trail, and download a copy of the slideshow for posting on their personal blogs.

Ron Johnson's Defense of Big Oil:

Before the BP oil spill in the Gulf, Johnson said in a March 21, 2010, speech that, “Big Pharma and Big Oil are not evil.” [Speech at Winnebago County Republican Party, Oshkosh, March 21, 2010]

Johnson said, “[T]he first thing that came to my mind,” when he heard about the BP oil spill, was to support oil drilling in national wildlife areas, saying: “Wouldn’t it be far better if we were drilling in ANWR?” [The Ed Morrissey Show: Ron Johnson, 6/2/2010]

Johnson also came to the defense of Big Oil, telling national right-wing talk radio host Ed Morrissey, “This is not the time to be beating up on those guys, quite honestly.” [The Ed Morrissey Show: Ron Johnson, 6/2/2010]

In the wake of the worst oil spill in U.S. history, the AP reported: “When asked whether the Gulf spill should prompt more caution before undertaking new oil-drilling projects, Johnson said no.” [“Johnson, Westlake Want Oil Drilling In Alaska,” Associated Press, 6/5/2010]

One month ago, Johnson was asked by the media, "Would you support drilling like in the Great Lakes, for example, if there was oil found there?" Johnson said, “Yeah. You know, the bottom line is that we are an oil-based economy. There’s nothing we’re going to do to get off of that for many, many years, so I think we have to just be realistic and recognize that fact. And I think we have to get the oil where it is…”[WisPolitics, Interview, 6/14/10]

Johnson opposes the BP compensation fund for the victims of the Gulf oil spill. As reported by the Capital Times: "Johnson climbed in bed with BP. The wealthy candidate derided the Obama administration's efforts to get money to pay for claims that are all but certain to exceed $20 billion ‘very troubling.’"[Capital Times, 6/22/2010]
After delaying the release of his financial interests, the media revealed that Johnson has as much as $315,000 of investments with BP and $50,001 to $100,000 in Exxon Mobil Corp., and $15,001 to $50,000 in Occidental Petroleum Corp. [Associated Press, 7/10/2010]

The Huffington Post recently reported: “At the same time he’s been a vocal advocate for continued and even accelerated oil and gas exploration, going so far as to express an openness to drilling in the Great Lakes. ‘The bottom line is we are an oil-based economy,’ he told the site WisPolitics in mid-June, when asked about drilling in the Great Lakes. ‘There's nothing we're gonna do to get off of that for many, many years. I think we have to be realistic and recognize that fact and, you know, I, I think we have to, get the oil where it is.’” [Huffington Post, 7/12/2010]

View the release online: http://www.wisdems.org/news/press/view/2010-07-dpw-chair-mike-tate-calls-on-ron-johnson-r-bp-to-dive

Independent Forecast Of Milwaukee County Budget Ain't Pretty

Read what the Public Policy Forum has to say.

As Scott Walker once said, even you put lipstick on it...

Johnson Backing Away From Great Lakes Drilling Support

Now Johnson will pay twice for a bad position:

Once for asserting it, and once for the back-flip out of it.

Candidate Johnson will learn that it doesn't work that way in the political big leagues.

Michael Savage On Why White Boys Will Begin Lactating

I'd avoided conservative talk radio for a good six weeks, but because I was working late and curiosity got the better of me, I relapsed and listened to ten minutes of AM620 WTMJ's syndicated late night talker Michael Savage.

And was it ever worth it:

Savage and another talker were riffing sarcastic about First Lady Michell Obama's campaign for better childhood nutrition - - a topic that Savage, in his former, pre-ideologue life as Michael Weiner, Ph.D and writer of books about natural healing would have agreed with - - and Savage said he had recently seen a woman feeding her young sons a breakfast of salad and a croissant.

Presumably Savage saw this horrible scene in evil, liberal San Francisco, where Savage works, or in Marin County, where he lives.

Anyway, Savage said it was that kind of diet that was the problem in America because it will lead to white boys lactating by the time they turn 13.

This is a constant thread on right-wing radio - - the alleged feminization of boys in America, or in the West - - but the gender-obsession was odd and troubling, the racial parcing just plain weird and the dietary twist especially Onionesque.

He and the other talker had a good laugh and on they went, bashing the Obamas, as conservative talkers do, night and day, on AM 620 WTMJ.

Which again raises this point: Somewhere in the hierarchy at Journal Communications, one or more people in authority scanned the broadband and broadcast landscape and decided "yes, Savage is the guy we want. No one else will do."

And you wonder why the once-great media empire at 4th and State is so diminished?

Town Of Waukesha Elections: The Plots Of "Total Recall" And "Chinatown"

Candidates put up by a citizens coalition in revolt over how the Town Board handled new well location permissions in the Town for the neighboring, larger City of Waukesha won both contested seats in today's recall elections.

Two long-time incumbents were blown out.

This means two things:

1. The Town is firming up its anti-well siting position and opposition to the City's annexation of property where at the so-called Lather's property where the wells are to go. This plan was heavily promoted by the Waukesha Water Utility and former Mayor Larry Nelson - - defeated in April by Jeff Scrima, a political newcomer.

2. If the City is blocked from this near-to-mid-range water supply - - and perhaps as a longer-range source - - it may push the Common Council and utility in Waukesha to more strongly argue that Lake Michigan is its best option.

Except that much of the Town is targeted by the City for water service expansion in the Lake Michigan diversion application, which many Town residents do not want.

They like their local shallow well supplies, and want to control it, as they said in their recall elections and in litigation that is on its way.

Loud and clear, the Town says to the City: leave us and our water alone; Scrima has said the City needs to be respectful of the Town; Maybe for Scrima, these new Town board members are allies, or open minds to a cross-border water solution based on conservation, sustainability and mutual respect.

That would put a nice new spin on regional cooperation.

But make no mistake about it: The Town is going to fight the City over the utility's goal of new wells on the Lather's property, and the City could end up in a battle perhaps with one of more Great Lakes states over the Lake Michigan option, and if that's not enough, also possibly with the City of Milwaukee over conditions and regional issues Milwaukee policy says must be attached to a water supply deal - - if the application goes forward and is approved.

All the while as the City of Waukesha's Mayor and Common Council are at odds over whether the City's Lake Michigan application gets edited to meet early state DNR technical and legal objections, and then whether it gets moved forward.

Maybe the City of Waukesha should look more closely working with the Town, and also at the options Scrima wants studied - - and also at the Riverbank Inducement Method that scientists at the UWM WATER Institute are researching as we speak.

In hindsight, it seems as if the City should have opted to clean and conserve its deep well water a decade or more ago - - as did Brookfield and other municipalities drawing on water tainted with naturally-occurring radium - - when the feds first said such water wasn't up to the federal standard.

Hoan Bridge Repair Funds Materialize, Just As Zoo Interchange Repair Funding Materialized

Same pattern: First the road repair need, a little bit of delay - - followed by foot-stamping, press-release flip outs - - and then the financing is found by WisDOT.

In the old Journal newsroom, this was called synthetic conflict.

Dirty Air Alert For SE Wisconsin

Watch for Ozone

An Air Quality Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for air pollutants to reach unhealthy levels based on the Air Quality Index.

Start Time:	12:01 AM CST Wednesday, July 14, 2010
End Time:	11:59 PM CST Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Counties:	Jefferson, Kenosha, Milwaukee, Racine, Rock, Walworth and Waukesha

---

AIR QUALITY INDEX CHART

Air Quality Index (AQI) Values	Levels of Health Concern	Colors
When the AQI is in this range:	...air quality conditions are:	...as symbolized by this color:
0 to 50	Good	Green
51 to 100	Moderate	Yellow
101 to 150	Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups	Orange
151 to 200	Unhealthy	Red
201 to 300	Very Unhealthy	Purple
301 to 500	Hazardous	Maroon

For More Information:

• Detailed Alert Status Information
• Air Quality Index
• Air Quality Watches and Advisories Media Kit
• How You Can Help During an Ozone Watch/Advisory
• Do a little, save a lot!
• Local DNR air management program contacts

Daily Air Quality Hotline - 1-866-324-5924 (1-866-DAILY AIR)

---

Manage Your DNR Subscriptions:
Add new subscriptions, delete subscriptions, and manage your profile.

If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please contact support@govdelivery.com. Other inquiries can be directed to the DNR.

Matt McGovern Promoting Alternative Energy In South Dakota

Props to our older son Matt for his work on jobs and clean energy in South Dakota for RePower America.

The daily paper in Mitchell, SD, takes note (possible site registration required).

Bruce Murphy Posts About Waukesha Water Politics

Here's his posting. I put up a comment.

By the way, I think the item's headline, "Waukesha Water Deal Dead" is an overstatement.

We've all been around enough government projects and initiatives that look dead and defeated or too complicated to ever fly (Health Care Reform, Miller Park, the Downtown Streetcar) only to be resurrected with changes previously unforeseen that give all the parties some satisfaction and cover.

On the other hand, Bruce may be right, and if the Great Lakes states approve the application after the DNR's fixes are edited in, the supply deal may be done with Racine or Oak Creek, with added costs to someone, presumably Waukesha, in the $25-$75 million range for longer pipes, infrastructure improvements, and even bigger dollars if a discharge route other than Underwood Creek (serving the Milwaukee option only) involves a direct pipe to the MMSD.

We'll see.

Just my opinion.

Republican Family Values Flop Considering Run For President

President Newt?

I don't think so.

Old...Er, Former...Journal Pals Do Journalism Two-Step

Tim Cuprisin interviews Dennis McCann.

Suburban Surrender: New Berlin Kills Affordable Housing Plan

There's a New Berlin Wall taking shape.

That community walked away Monday night from an affordable housing plan it had once promoted, thereby sending an exclusionary message to the entire region, through its Plan Commission retreat, that Milwaukee alone must continue to shoulder and solve the area's affordable housing shortfall.

Also as a result of the on-again-off-again-now killed plan: one New Berlin alderman and Mayor Jack Chiovatero are the subject of recall petitions - -and don't be surprised if both the developer of the scuttled workforce apartments or organizations representing low-income or disadvantaged citizens file suit - - so the mess can't easily be swept under the rug.

What a spectacle: New Berlin chooses to place itself behind a New Berlin Wall.

Regionalism in southeastern Wisconsin is set back years, decades.

In fact, let's cut the word out of the political vocabulary around here altogether.

Hat tip, New Berlin: you've changed the political landscape and language, too.

Now let's see if the New Berlin Wall gets extended: Remember that the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission is about halfway through writing a housing plan for the seven-county region - - the first such plan in more than 35 years.

Even though most of the job growth in the region is in the Milwaukee suburbs, does anyone think after New Berlin did what it did - - come what may - - that there is a prayer for any out-of-Milwaukee community building affordable housing?

Waukesha's application for Lake Michigan water is often called the precedent-setter because it is the first under the Great Lakes Compact seeking a diversion water outside the Great Lakes basin.

But New Berlin's 2008 smaller application was the first actual application under the new Compact.

It received a lower-level review because only part of New Berlin is outside the basin, and it won backing at the Milwaukee Common Council, but the New Berlin capitulation on affordable housing shows it sees no need to truly participate in regional problem-solving.

To the Milwaukee aldermen who bought New Berlin's 'good partner, good neighbor' rhetoric during the 2008 water discussions, and who might entertain selling water to Waukesha, too:

Remember what New Berlin - - one of your water system partners - - did to the region tonight.

If Waukesha comes seeking Lake Michigan water not only for the city but also for the sparsely-developed and unimproved land outside its borders (think new big-lot housing and jobs aimed at local people) - - make sure you get any agreements about water and housing, or transportation and other regional issues in detail, and in writing.

Or else the New Berlin Wall will be encouraged to run west to Waukesha, then farther south and west into its expanded water service territory that will grow it by 80%.

Move water by Milwaukee far away - - to spread sprawl and social inequities, too?

Are you kidding?

Was that the intention of the Great Lakes Compact - - to underwrite government-sponsored economic apartheid with Great Lakes water?

Feingold TV Ad Blasts Opponent For Great Lakes Drilling Support

Here is a link to the ad.

TV Ad, Statement Tout Feingold Opposition To Great Lakes Oil Drilling

For Immediate Release July 13, 2010 Contact: Trevor Miller or Beth Pramme 414-727-5682 View This Release Online Feingold Highlights Opposition to Great Lakes Oil Drilling in New TV Ad Feingold stands up to the Big Oil interests who would put profits ahead of a Wisconsin tradition MILWAUKEE – Today, the Feingold Campaign released a new television ad that highlights Senator Russ Feingold’s strong record of protecting our Great Lakes, his opposition to oil drilling in the Great Lakes, and his work standing up to Big Oil interests who would put profits ahead of our Wisconsin lakes. Senator Feingold helped lead efforts by the Great Lakes states’ congressional delegations to oppose opening the Great Lakes to drilling. Feingold cosponsored the Great Lakes Water Protection Act and other legislation to prohibit oil drilling in any of the Great Lakes. In addition to staunchly opposing opening the Great Lakes for oil drilling, Senator Feingold played a key role in securing congressional approval of the historic Great Lakes Compact. Feingold also has a strong record of taking on Big Oil in Washington. He has introduced legislation that would eliminate the $75 million liability cap to ensure that oil companies are held responsible for the devastating damages that result from their mistakes. He also supports the BP compensation fund for the victims of the Gulf oil spill. In addition, Feingold has worked to advance the emerging water technology industry in Wisconsin, in order to improve our economy and create jobs. His E-4 Initiative prioritizes federal funding for research-intensive water start-ups as well as small businesses in the energy sectors. The proposed legislation centers on existing programs meant to promote small business innovation and commercialization. In the new television ad, Feingold says, “I stood up to the Big Oil interests in Washington who would put profits ahead of our Wisconsin lakes. I said ‘no’ to drilling in our Great Lakes, but one opponent, Ron Johnson, disagrees.” Johnson, who gave a speech before the Gulf oil spill in which he said, “Big Oil [is] not evil,” has repeatedly defended the oil industry, including BP, telling the media after the Gulf oil spill, “[T]his is not the time to be beating up on those guys, quite honestly.” News reports have also detailed Johnson’s support for oil drilling in national wildlife areas and his opposition to more caution before undertaking new oil-drilling projects in light of the worst oil spill disaster in American history. Johnson also opposes the BP compensation fund for victims of the Gulf oil spill. One month ago, Johnson was asked by the media, "Would you support drilling like in the Great Lakes, for example, if there was oil found there?" Johnson said, “Yeah. You know, the bottom line is that we are an oil-based economy. There’s nothing we’re going to do to get off of that for many, many years, so I think we have to just be realistic and recognize that fact. And I think we have to get the oil where it is…” Last week, with ongoing media coverage of the BP oil spill, and after weeks of delaying the financial disclosures required, it was revealed by the media that Johnson has invested as much as $315,000 with BP, $50,001 to $100,000 in Exxon Mobil and $15,001 to $50,000 in Occidental Petroleum Corp. Wisconsin relies on the Great Lakes for everything from food to jobs and from power to recreation. According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, 1.6 million Wisconsin residents get their fresh water directly from the Great Lakes. On July 12, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported the area of the Gulf affected by the oil sheen is 84,101 square miles – an area nearly the same size as all five Great Lakes combined. Feingold voted for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which has funded maintenance of Wisconsin’s harbors and canals, restored fish and wildlife habitats, and reduced pollution, including clean water and drinking water revolving loan funds, the Ashland NFWCO Fish Passage Program, Fox River dam infrastructure improvements, the Fox River navigation system’s lock keeper houses, improvements to the Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal and harbor, and the Kewaunee and Manitowoc harbor dredging projects. Feingold Says “No” to Oil Drilling in Our Great Lakes and Stands Up to Big Oil Feingold said “no” to oil drilling in the Great Lakes and he strongly opposes handing over our Great Lakes to oil companies for drilling. He was an original cosponsor of the Great Lakes Water Protection Act, S. 1033 6/13/2001, and a leader in the fight to oppose drilling for oil and gas in the Great Lakes. In 2001, Feingold cosponsored the Great Lakes Water Protection Act, which gave states incentives to forbid new leases for drilling in the Great Lakes—an action Wisconsin had taken but neighboring Michigan had not, while threatening to allow drilling to proceed. Feingold and his colleagues acted decisively, and in October 2001, he cosponsored a successful amendment to the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act of 2002 to forbid drilling for oil and gas in the Great Lakes until a study could be completed on its potentially devastating impacts. This occurred just weeks before 30-50 new leases for drilling could have been announced for exploration on Lakes Michigan and Huron. This prohibition was extended starting in 2003, with Feingold urging his colleagues to support language in the Consolidated Appropriations Resolution for Fiscal Year 2003. In keeping with his long tradition of fiscal responsibility, Senator Feingold included a provision in his Control Spending Now Act to end taxpayer-funded giveaways to Big Oil and permit the federal government to charge them for administrative costs. The Act also includes a provision to end giveaways for gas and geothermal energy production on public lands. Senator Feingold’s Control Spending Now Act, introduced this Congress, would save taxpayers roughly one-half trillion dollars over 10 years. Big Oil currently holds leases on more than 60 million acres of public land and water – an area larger than Wisconsin and Lake Michigan combined – with an estimated 100 billion gallons of oil that they choose not to utilize for production. Since Big Oil refuses to drill on the land that they already have leases for, Senator Feingold introduced legislation to require Big Oil to “Use It or Lose It.” This bill would spur oil companies to explore on lands they currently lease before receiving any new leasing permits. Other industries, including the coal industry, are already held to this standard, and Feingold’s “Use It or Lose It” bill would end the special treatment for Big Oil. Feingold Protects Great Lakes for Future Generations Feingold is an original cosponsor of the Great Lakes – St. Lawrence Basin Water Resources Compact (Great Lakes Compact). Feingold played a key role in securing congressional approval of the historic Great Lakes Compact, which was recently passed into law. Despite the difficulty of getting any legislation through the U.S. Senate, as soon as the bill passed through each of the Great Lakes region’s state houses and was introduced in the U.S. Senate, Feingold held the first and only U.S. Senate hearing on the bill – as chairman of the Judiciary Committee’s Constitution Subcommittee – and worked to secure its passage through the Senate in a matter of days. The Great Lakes Compact, an historic agreement among the eight Great Lakes states and the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec, regulates new water withdrawals and diversions that threaten lake levels and could destroy a major natural resource that Wisconsin counts on for everything from food to jobs and from power to recreation. Feingold authored the Clean Water Restoration Act, which would improve the quality of Great Lakes water by undoing two damaging Supreme Court decisions that undermined protections for wetlands and streams—the legislation was deemed the top legislative priority for sportsmen by Field and Stream magazine. Feingold is a champion of the Great Lakes Legacy Act, supporting both its enactment in 2002 and its 2008 reauthorization, which is addressing the most polluted industrial sites still plaguing the Great Lakes and communities in Wisconsin. Ron Johnson Has Defended Big Oil and Said “We have to get the oil where it is.” Before the BP oil spill in the Gulf, Johnson said in a March 21, 2010, speech that, “Big Pharma and Big Oil are not evil.” [Ron Johnson speech at Winnebago County Republican Party, Oshkosh, March 21, 2010] Johnson said, “[T]he first thing that came to my mind,” when he heard about the BP oil spill, was to support oil drilling in national wildlife areas, saying: “Wouldn’t it be far better if we were drilling in ANWR?” [The Ed Morrissey Show: Ron Johnson, 6/2/2010] Johnson also came to the defense of Big Oil, telling national right-wing talk radio host Ed Morrissey, “This is not the time to be beating up on those guys, quite honestly.” [The Ed Morrissey Show: Ron Johnson, 6/2/2010]\ In the wake of the worst oil spill in U.S. history, the AP reported: “When asked whether the Gulf spill should prompt more caution before undertaking new oil-drilling projects, Johnson said no.” [“Johnson, Westlake Want Oil Drilling In Alaska,” Associated Press, 6/5/2010] When Johnson was asked by the media, "Would you support drilling like in the Great Lakes, for example, if there was oil found there?" Johnson said, “I think we have to get the oil where it is.” [WisPolitics, Interview, 6/14/10] Johnson opposes the BP compensation fund for the victims of the Gulf oil spill. As reported by the Capital Times: "Johnson climbed in bed with BP. The wealthy candidate derided the Obama administration's efforts to get money to pay for claims that are all but certain to exceed $20 billion ‘very troubling.’"Capital Times, 6/22/2010] After delaying the release of his financial interests, the media revealed that Johnson has as much as $315,000 of investments with BP and $50,001 to $100,000 in Exxon Mobil Corp., and $15,001 to $50,000 in Occidental Petroleum Corp. [Associated Press, 7/10/ 2010] Yesterday the Huffington Post reported: “At the same time he’s been a vocal advocate for continued and even accelerated oil and gas exploration, going so far as to express an openness to drilling in the Great Lakes. ‘The bottom line is we are an oil-based economy,’ he told the site WisPolitics in mid-June, when asked about drilling in the Great Lakes. ‘There's nothing we're gonna do to get off of that for many, many years. I think we have to be realistic and recognize that fact and, you know, I, I think we have to, get the oil where it is.’” [Huffington Post, 7/12/2010] Recognition of Feingold’s Record The League of Conservation Voters recognizes Feingold as having one of the best lifetime voting records of any current U.S. Senator. The Wisconsin Wildlife Federation and National Wildlife Federation have honored him for his efforts to protect water quality and fight for wetlands protections. The State of Wisconsin honored Feingold for his strong support of State Wildlife Grants and he was awarded the Clean Water Champion Award by the Clean Water Network for his leadership on the Clean Water Restoration Act. Feingold has also received the "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" Award from Taxpayers for Common Sense for his work with Republican Congressman Tom Petri (R-Fond du Lac) on reducing the deficit through environmental protection. “Just Say No” – Script: The 30 second spot will air statewide and can be viewed at www.russfeingold.org/justsayno When I look at Lake Michigan, I see a resource that Wisconsin needs to protect for future generations. That’s why I stood up to the Big Oil interests in Washington who would put profits ahead of our Wisconsin lakes. I said “no” to drilling in our Great Lakes, but one opponent, Ron Johnson, disagrees. He’s willing to hand over the Great Lakes to the oil companies, threatening Wisconsin’s economy, and a way of life for generations of Wisconsin families. We won’t let that happen. I’m Russ Feingold and I approve this message because a Wisconsin tradition is worth fighting for. ###

Johnson Campaign Coated In Oily Politics

The news that a) GOP Senate candidate Ron Johnson has a holding of BP stock between $100,000 and $300,000, and b) this was not disclosed until after Johnson had defended the company following its Gulf well blowout, and C) wasn't known when Johnson spoke in favor of oil drilling in the Great Lakes (where BP has been a prospective driller) gives incumbent Russ Feingold a legitimate club to wield in the campaign.

Do you want a part-owner in BP representing you in the US Senate, or a proven fighter against special interests?

Johnson's large and voluntary stake in BP, and his pro-drilling beliefs reinforce the need for local ballot initiatives, or a statewide referendum, urging a permanent ban on such drilling.

People need to be heard on this issue.

Three Cheers For Yovani Gallardo: Would Boycott Phoenix All-Star Venue In 2011

Gallardo is the ace of the Brewers pitching staff and a strong moral force, too.

Conservation Group Endorses Barrett For Governor

Here is the text of the statement from the Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters endorsing Democrat Tom Barrett for Governor:

For Immediate Release: Contact: Anne Sayers, Program Director

July 13, 2010 (608) 661-0845, anne@conservationvoters.org

Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters Endorses

Tom Barrett for Governor

Madison - Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters announced their endorsement of Tom Barrett for Governor of Wisconsin today.

Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters is the only conservation organization in the state dedicated to electing pro-conservation candidates to the state legislature, the Governor’s office and other state offices. The endorsement of Tom Barrett was made by the Board of Directors following an in-depth interview with the candidate.

“Tom Barrett has consistently supported policies and initiatives that protect air, water, and the places where Wisconsinites hunt, fish and hike throughout his career,” said Dan Collins, WLCV Board President.

As a member of Congress, Tom Barrett earned an impressive lifetime score of 98% from League of Conservation Voters. He supported pro-conservation initiatives by casting votes to protect clean water, the Arctic wilderness, old growth forests, national parks, and endangered species.

As Mayor of Milwaukee, Tom Barrett has attracted clean energy businesses to the area and helped to transform the Menomonee Valley into a thriving commercial and recreational center through brownfield redevelopment. He was also a staunch supporter of the Great Lakes Compact – the agreement that prevents other thirsty states and countries from taking Great Lakes water.

Currently, Tom Barrett is leading efforts to renew the ban on drilling in the Great Lakes.

“Tom Barrett understands - not just on a personal level, but also as a statesman - the connection between healthy natural resources and vibrant communities. As Governor, we will be able to count on Tom Barrett to protect the places that make Wisconsin special while wisely positioning us in the new clean energy economy. Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters is pleased to have this opportunity to support a solidly pro-conservation candidate for Governor,” said Collins.

# # #

Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization

dedicated to electing conservation leaders, holding decision makers accountable and

encouraging lawmakers to champion conservation policies that

effectively protect Wisconsin's public health and natural resources.

Waukesha Water War Widens

To the courts.

The city and town are squaring off over groundwater.

Some history and perspective, here, as a recall election set for tomorrow will determine how strongly the town will battle with the city over new city wells within the town borders.

Larson Rolling Up Endorsements

His primary challenge to incumbent Jeff Plale is gaining momentum.

Chris Larson State Senate Campaign Receives Endorsement of Wisconsin Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals "Supervisor Larson chosen for addressing the needs of workers and consumers" For immediate release: Monday, July 12, 2010 Contact: Brennan Balestrieri, 414-217-2312 Milwaukee -- The Wisconsin Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals, AFT, AFL-CIO is proud to announce its support of Chris Larson in his challenge against incumbent State Senator Jeff Plale. WFNHP represents nurses and therapists working for Milwaukee County in addition to 3,000 health professionals throughout the state of Wisconsin. "Chris Larson will bring fresh ideas and compassionate representation to the 7th Senate District. As a County Supervisor, Chris Larson saved critical services for people with mental illness that County Executive Scott Walker sought to eliminate. Chris Larson is the kind of Senator who will be the champion health care consumers and workers need," said Candice Owley, President WFNHP. Supervisor Chris Larson, 14th District, has made workers' issue a priority during his years in office. He has lead the charge against wrong-headed privatization schemes, a Scott Walker priority, and wrote and cosponsored more 2010 budget amendments than any Milwaukee County Supervisor. "I'm humbled by the support I've received by working families of Southeast Wisconsin and the unions that represent them," said Larson. "As State Senator, I'll work hard to balance budgets, while fighting to maintain our community's quality of life. Companies move here because of the strength of our community, and I'm fighting hard to attract businesses and entrepreneurs. Cutting services to the most needy isn't an option on my watch. Nurses and health professionals are the cornerstone of our society, and I'm happy to work with them for the health and safety of our neighborhoods." Larson has previously received the endorsement of Amalgamated Transit Union, Local 998 and from other elected officials in the 7th Senate District.

Ron Johnson Getting National Media For His Pro-BP Remarks

And being glad there's global warming.

We just might have our Sharon Angle here.

MMSD Continuing Excellent River Restoration Work

Barely a day goes by without an announcement from the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District that another river restoration, or Greenseams, or wetlands revival plan is underway.

The goal is to keep stormwater and pollutants out of the watershed's waterways, making Lake Michigan cleaner, too.

High-Speed Rail Workshop In Watertown

If you live near Watertown, this is your opportunity to be heard, according to a news release from state rail planners (hat tip, Joe Czarnezki, Milwaukee County Clerk):

Wisconsin Department of Transportation

July 8, 2010 #111

For more information, contact:
Alyssa Macy, High-speed Rail Program
(414) 550-9407, alyssa.macy@dot.wi.gov

Community workshop for high-speed rail station in Watertown
Opportunity for public input on station

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is announcing a community workshop to discuss the Watertown high-speed rail station. The workshop is scheduled from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on July 15, 2010 at the Watertown Senior and Community Center, 514 S. First Street, Watertown.

The workshop will include information on the Watertown station site and a corridor overview. Members of the WisDOT project team will be on hand to answer questions and discuss the station site.

The public is encouraged to attend the meeting, provide input and ask questions concerning the project. Maps showing the potential site will be on display.

If you are unable to attend the workshop or would like more information, contact Alyssa Macy at (414) 550-9407. Written comments regarding the project can be mailed to Wisconsin Department of Transportation, High-speed Passenger Rail Team, 433 W. St. Paul Avenue, Suite 300, Milwaukee, WI 53203-3007. Citizens who are deaf or hard of hearing and require an interpreter may request one by contacting Alyssa Macy at least three working days prior to the meeting via the Wisconsin Telecommunications Relay System (dial 711).

###

NOTE: View this document on the Web at: http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/news/index.htm.


Alyssa Macy
Wisconsin Department of Transportation
High-Speed Passenger Rail Team
1001 W. St. Paul Avenue, Suite 300
Milwaukee, WI 53233-3007
P | 414-220-6802
C | 414-550-9407
E | alyssa.macy@dot.wi.gov
http://www.wisconsinrail.gov

Hoan Bridge Must-Read

Good argument, great headline.

Another Water Summit Confab In Milwaukee; July 19

Details here.

East Side Traffic Pressures Made Worse By Light Rail Absence

Yes, the East side traffic and parking situation is a mess.

I remember when the Waukesha County Board killed Milwaukee's light rail plan - - the whole ugly story is here - - that one Waukesha supervisor said it would have helped commuting students in his district get to the campus.

Which was true for commuting students in both Waukesha and Milwaukee Counties.

Too bad there weren't more reasonable transit voices in Waukesha - - and as I have said many times, residents there will rue the day that their representatives and then-County Executive Dan Finley bowed before talk radio to kill the system's planning when the upcoming eight-to-20 years of highway disruption at or near the Zoo Interchange and I-94 east and west through Waukesha County will make commuting by car a nightmare.

Ron Johnson Supports Drilling In Great Lakes; Major Supporter Says 'Huh?'

Republican Congressman Tom Petri has always been something of a GOP moderate, so he has a hard time grasping why a candidate he backs - - Ron Johnson, the big BP shareholder and probable GOP nominee for US Senate - - supports oil drilling in the Great Lakes.

Oops.

.

Bice Disclosure Raises Need For Independent Ramp Collapse Probe

You hoped this sort of things wasn't coming, but there it is: a disclosure by Dan Bice that the Walker administration at the Courthouse has hired for $300,000, on a no-bid basis, a politically-connected firm to carry out inspections of County buildings in the wake of the fatal ramp collapse at O'Donnell Park.

I had had faith that the probe by the Sheriff would be competent, and maybe it is.

And I know that the DA's office is involved, which is good.

But when there is a fatal or significant accident in the transportation sphere - - an airplane, a train, a major highway pile-up and even the I-35W bridge collapse in Minnesota a couple of years ago, an independent agency - - the National Transportation Safely Board - - steps in from the beginning as an outside technical expert.

Because it's in the public interest to get all the facts and make sure there are no repeat tragedies anywhere.

Did anyone in County government look into that?

A parking garage owned by a public agency that is part of a road-and-bus system complex in a highly-trafficked area could easily fit into the NTSB purview.

That Walker and his people weren't smart enough or cautious enough to keep their contributor-linked contractors away from the entire disaster - - even its aftermath - -tells me that no one in county government is facing the full gravity of the situation.

This isn't a knock at the people carrying out the investigation - - it's really to make sure they have all the resources they and we the public need.

Time to get the NTSB involved.

Delay In Wauwatosa TIF For UWM Project On County Grounds

I'll find out why the TIF is off the agenda for tonight.

An earlier posting here said otherwise.

I am sure there is some technical glitch only...

Wauwatosa To Provide Welfare (OK, Subsidies If You Prefer) To UWM/Business Project

[This item has been taken off the agenda. More to follow...]

Wauwatosa taxpayers get to hear the first presentation tonight on how much taxpayer-supported lending and property tax investment are being sought to help UWM and the private sector build a new engineering school and business innovation center on a primo piece of regional open space - - the Milwaukee County Grounds.

The tax incremental financing (TIF) district - - an arrangement wherein a municipality lends a project some money, and the loans are paid off through the increased tax collections on the project - - will be laid out at a meeting of the Wauwatosa Plan Commission at 7 p.m. in Wauwatosa City Hall.

Some details.

A TIF sounds like an easy money/win-win for everyone: developers and project managers get their infrastructure built with cheaply-borrowed municipal loans - - but the losers, at least until the loans are paid off - - are the taxing entities and services that rely on Wauwatosa property tax collections - - like schools and others that do not get their share of the increment.

They get their benefit from the increased taxes on the project when the TIF district is retired - - normally, in say, 15-18-20 years.

And since the land for this project is undeveloped and in public hands now, I'm thinking that the increment ticketed to pay off the loans will be about 100% of the annual collection, so the significant property tax 'gain' on the innovation center as taxable property will not anytime soon support current services, like local classrooms, police, fire protection and so forth.

Long-term benefit to Wauwatosa, you say?

Debatable.

There may be a few service jobs and contracts in the buildings that end up helping Wauwatosa residents, and a few new streets (with traffic, air pollution and noise) to drive on so you can see where the open space used to be - - and, yes, a school has some larger public value, though hard to quantify in this case)- - but the real benefit is to the project developer, the University and businesses connecting with the innovation center who get to tap into Wauwatosa for low-cost financing in exchange for project assistance.

I wonder if Wauwatosa's GOP base, or other fiscally-conservative/s,a;; government residents, will have the guts to call this corporate welfare?

Will they point out that TIF was created to add value in communities suffering from blight, not blessed with dwindling green space.

Take a look to the west to Pabst Farms, where $24 million in TIF dollars built infrastructure in a planned residential and commercial development that is only partially-completed, with plenty of homes for sale and entire subdivisions on hold.

Good use of tax dollars? Or was the land and the nearby residential population better off with open space there?

I'll bet Wauwatosa property taxpayers had no idea when the County Board sold UWM land for the project, or when the private sector pledged money for its piece of the puzzle, or when philanthropist and entrepreneur Michael Cudahy pulled out that they were going to be expected to pony up, too?

Fine Writing About Low-Impact Housing By Mary-Louise Schumacher

I liked this story in the Sunday paper. A real city needs a major daily that covers the arts and makes them relevant.

We Energies Fouls Its Own Nest - - Our Home, Milwaukee

Its Valley plant, right in the heart of the city, makes our air unhealthy: Tom Content of The Journal Sentinel has the documentation.

Australia's Water Management Lessons

Desalination might be just a short-term fix without growth limits.

Waukesha Mayor Jeff Scrima, In Op-Ed, Argues For Resource Conservation, Money Conservation And Local Water Supplies

Waukesha's embattled Mayor makes his case in the Journal Sentinel's Sunday Crossroads section that the Lake Michigan diversion option has been designated Waukesha's water supply solution from on high without adequate study, data disclosure or justification.

Interesting reading.

"...a comprehensive solution that allows us to live within our means, protect our environment and pocketbooks..."

Why, that's downright reasonable, aina.

Maybe this is what conservatism looks like, in full?

Here is another of his op-eds, this one from the Freeman.

We learn something when we read Scrima unfiltered.

After the predictable flurry of comments from pro-diversion forces dies down, let's see what the Wisconsin DNR has to say in response to a letter it received from Scrima after the agency shelved the application.

Seems the DNR has a lot of problems with the application, too, and there are seven more states also to review it - - if the DNR chooses to move it along.

Which is a big "if" at this point.

Some background, here.

Walker, Neumann Must Have Missed This Rail/Business Report

This isn't one of your East side Milwaukee/West side Madison liberals preaching about the relationship of jobs and growth to rail.

Gusher Reborn: BP Removes Well Cap For A Better Cap

They had to destroy the Gulf to save it.

Prominent Republicans Score "F's" On Police Association Scorecard

Bottom of the barrel ratings for Republicans like Leah Vukmir, Mary Lazich and Glenn Grothman.

Law-and-order politicians appear to be hot air specialists.

Walker, Neumann Vie For "Most Reactionary" Crown

Both want to end the public smoking ban, now five days old.

Is there still some tavern league, tobacco-lobby money out there unclaimed?

Or is this just a typical right-wing panderoff?

Beyond BP: Collateral Defendants?

Holder says probe extends beyond BP.

Why Racine And Oak Creek Water Options For Waukesha Are Dubious, Costly

The City of Waukesha has been told by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources that it must include in its Lake Michigan diversion application the comparative costs of bringing water to Waukesha from Milwaukee, Racine and Oak Creek.

Waukesha had only included the Milwaukee estimate: $164 million.

But the Waukesha Water Utility - - the lead agency writing and amending the application - - has said it wants to keep the Racine and Oak Creak numbers confidential so it does not give away negotiating power during discussions with the potential sellers.

There are huge problems with that approach:

First, Waukesha, with a history of withholding back information as basic as a back-door bid for Lake Michigan water in 2006, errs again by arguing against transparency. That's a losing argument when public spending with environmental impacts are at stake.

Second, Milwaukee, with a water utility and engineering staff of its own, is already working on getting those estimates ready.

Milwaukee Ald. Willie Wade confirmed it at a public meeting of the Environmental Justice Task Force Thursday afternoon during its discussion of regional water issues.

Oak Creek and Racine can do the same thing. This isn't state secret stuff. It's basic construction, building and labor cost estimating that is guided by maps with piping routing options that indicate where easements have to be granted or claimed, structures or tracks or water need to be crossed, utility right-of-ways can be accessed, etc.

Public Contracting 101.

Third, Oak Creek and Racine are both farther from Waukesha than is Milwaukee, so Oak Creek and Racine's bottom line numbers will be larger.

And Oak Creek's water treatment facility would need a capacity upgrade if it were expected to pump, on average, 10.9 million gallons of water to Waukesha, with a maximum of 18.5 million gallons available in an emergency.

There has been opposition in Waukesha on the part of Mayor Jeff Scrima and some Common Council members to making a deal with Milwaukee because Milwaukee city policy requires mutual socio-economic problem-solving being tied to the sale of water.

But suppose it costs, say, $25-$75 million more to build the supply pipe and related infrastructure just to get Oak Creek or Racine water to Waukesha?

Does that opposition to Milwaukee wash away?

Another twist: If Racine or Oak Creek were designated the supplier (and those allegedly-onerous Milwaukee regional cooperation conditions are taken off the table) the Great Lakes Compact says water must be returned as close to the diverted water's source as possible - - and that doesn't sound like Underwood Creek in Wauwatosa if Racine or Oak Creek make the deal.

Waukesha's application admittedly has legal, financial and political hurdles to overcome, but it's only smart and fair to disclose the potential costs of all diversion sources and wastewater return flow plans to the Waukesha water ratepayers and those in the other municipalities that the application says are scheduled to get some Lake Michigan water: The Town of Waukesha, Pewaukee and Genessee.

That's why the diversion alternatives' costs should also be compared to various groundwater solutions that do not require A) a new supply pipe, B) a new wastewater discharge or C) regional payments to any selling community that wants to tie water supplies to other issues and services.

Arizona Governor, Losing Her Head, Hasn't Did Her Job

You'll have to read this to understand that's not a typo up in the headline above.

Feingold Nails Johnson On BP Stock Ownership

Russ Feingold's campaign takes note of GOP opponent Ron Johnson's BP stock holding and shameless pro-BP/drilling statements made after the company's Gulf well blowout.

On this issue, Johnson deserves every brickbat available, so I thought I'd post the Feingold news release in full.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 9, 2010

Feingold Campaign Statement on Ron Johnson's Big Oil Interests

---

MILWAUKEE – The Feingold Campaign released the following statement following news reports this afternoon that detail U.S. Senate candidate Ron Johnson’s investments and financial interests in British Petroleum. Johnson, who has spent much of his time on the campaign trail defending Big Oil, owns up to $315,000 in BP stock.

"After the worst environmental disaster in American history, Ron Johnson has repeatedly defended BP, saying 'this is not the time to be beating up those guys,' and now after trying to keep it a secret, it has been revealed that he has a significant and direct personal financial interest in British Petroleum, proving without any doubt that he would put Big Oil profits, and his own financial interests, ahead of Wisconsin."

-John Kraus, Senior Strategist, Feingold Campaign

Multimillionaire Ron Johnson has Financial Interests in Big Oil and Stands Up for Big Oil

In the wake of the worst oil spill in U.S. history, the AP reported: “When asked whether the Gulf spill should prompt more caution before undertaking new oil-drilling projects, Johnson said no.” [“Johnson, Westlake Want Oil Drilling In Alaska,” Associated Press, 6/5/2010]

Johnson came to the defense of Big Oil, telling national right-wing talk radio host Ed Morrissey, “This is not the time to be beating up on those guys, quite honestly.” [The Ed Morrissey Show: Ron Johnson, 6/2/2010]

Johnson said that “[T]he first thing that came to my mind,” when he heard about the BP oil spill, was to double down on his support for drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR), because a spill there would be easier to deal with, saying: “Wouldn’t it be far better if we were drilling in ANWR?” [The Ed Morrissey Show: Ron Johnson, 6/2/2010]

When Johnson was asked "Would you support drilling like in the Great Lakes, for example, if there was oil found there?" Johnson said,“I think we have to get the oil where it is.” [WisPolitics, Interview, 6/14/10]

Johnson opposes the BP victims’ compensation fund. As reported by the Capital Times: "Asked whether they shared the view of Big Oil-funded members of Congress like Texas Republican Joe Barton, who suggested that holding BP to account for the cost of cleaning up the Gulf Coast is a "shakedown," Johnson and Westlake dove into the goo." [Capital Times, 6/22/2010]

"Johnson climbed in bed with BP. The wealthy candidate derided the Obama administration's efforts to get money to pay for claims that are all but certain to exceed $20 billion "very troubling." [Capital Times, 6/22/2010]

Contact: Trevor Miller
414.727.5682

Wash Post Columnist Looks For Sane Climate Policy

Now that the myth of 'climategate' has been exposed.

One Nation, Meet One Wisconsin Now

One-ness is contagious.

One Wisconsin Now is already here. (Full disclosure; I am on the board of the non-profit arm of OWN, it's Institute.)

Wisconsin GOP Senate Candidate Johnson Has Big Holding In BP

Save us from these politicians so closely tied to BP, the Big Polluter.

Town Of Waukesha Recall Coverage, And Its Meaning

The Waukesha Freeman is covering the Town of Waukesha recall campaign. The issue is whether Town board members adequately represented Town interests in a shallow well deal with the larger City of Waukesha.

I would assume that the outcome, should new Town board members win election, will be read as a signal to the City of Waukesha that the Town does not want its water supply to be controlled by the City.

I have been contacted by Town residents fearful of increased water bills, and even annexation as developers and other property owners could ask the City to fully bring them into the City limits.

And how will the City of Waukesha and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources react, since the City's Lake Michigan diversion application calls for delivery of City water to a large swath of the Town - - but the Town did not vote on whether it wanted to be part of the application and thus in the City's expanded service territory.

I have suggested that this expansion of the City's water service territory - - sanctioned by the regional planning commission but also never approved by the Town - - weakens the application because the other Great Lakes states will see it as diverting water for one city' expansion, and one region's growth if you believe that chamber of commerce hype..

One City's expansion and economic advantage? Helped by diversion of Great Lakes water out of the basin? In a precedent-setting bid?

I doubt it.

Without Town approval - - and those also of Genessee and Pewaukee which the application also says will get some new City water - - how can the application be considered complete under the Great Lakes Compact, let alone meeting the 'no reasonable alternative,' last-ditch exception standard?

Food - - or water - - for thought.

Solar Business Good For Milwaukee, The Valley, The World

Add solar panel fabrication to wind turbines and modern train assemblage in the Menonomee Valley.

It's a nice revival to a hard hit area, with good jobs and products designed to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.

A few ideologues will complain about the public dollars invested in these ventures, but there is hardly pure capitalism at work in traditional energy sectors.

Utilities like WE Energy operate as government-guaranteed monopolies (and rates of return for shareholders), and oil companies receive the lion's share of federal tax breaks.

Wisconsin exempts manufacturing equipment and computer equipment from taxation, and developers holding farm land get a break, too.

Don't look to your Chambers of Commerce to cry over state or local assistance to these Milwaukee startups, because the hypocrisy would be laughable.

Truth is: government can and should insert itself strategically and help employers hire people who make things, instead of opening special-intersts loopholes in financial regulation that enabled a handful of fund managers to sell exotic instruments that produced nothing tangible except drowning the economy.

It's gotten galling all over again when you realize that we have paid BP three times and more:

Once with subsidies - - adding to our share of the federal tax collection.

Again when we buy their product (and the US military is in for about $1 billion a year, too).

Now we're paying again and again with a wrecked Gulf - - loss of jobs, higher unemployment payouts, added Gulf region health costs, etc.

So cheers for the Valley, and the City of Milwaukee for encouraging growth there.

Save your boos for our government-enabled financial meltdown or suicidal subsidies to rich companies now robbing and assaulting us openly.

The DNR Can Depoliticize The Waukesha Water Strife

The Department of Natural Resources, when it sends its next letter to Waukesha's Mayor, can help direct the city government - - all of it- - towards water policy issues and away from infighting if it spells out in further detail what more it wants from the city as it searches for a long-term water supply.

MMSD Releases Upbeat Annual Report

You can fund it under the 2009 line at this link.

I'll have more to say about this later.

GOP Refund Bound To Happen

But do they have to return their pleasure?

Greener Employers Make A Difference, Offer Choices

Here's a sampling from landscapers to fast-food stores to fish marketers.

Consumers are being served.

Waukesha Water Application Discussed; Uphill Climb Predicted

Thursday's meeting of the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission's (SEWRPC) Environmental Justice Task Force centered on whether and how environmental justice would or could be influenced by the preliminary recommendations reached last year by another SEWRPC body, its regional water advisory committee, that had endorsed the diversion of Lake Michigan water to Waukesha, among other draft recommendations.

Given that the EJTF has been assigned a review of the water advisory committee's preliminary recommendations, EJTF's consultants in their progress report Thursday made some insightful and noteworthy remarks about the necessity and implications of Waukesha's May, 2010 application for Great Lakes water.

These were the meeting highlights, as I saw them:

1. Consultants from the UWM Center for Economic Development hired six months ago by SEWRPC, and assigned to the EJTF, said their research to date indicated it was unlikely that there would significant socio-economic consequences if a community like Waukesha changed its water source from groundwater to Lake Michigan Waukesha - - but that "existing regional socio-economic imbalances could be rectified through an intergovernmental cooperative agreement."

They suggested hard details be included in such future agreements, in contrast to an approach to socio-economic matters in Milwaukee's recent water deal with New Berlin they called "soft."

The New Berlin-Milwaukee agreement contained an unenforceable pledge against job poaching, and called for a yearly meeting to discuss issues of mutual concern - - a meeting which has not been held as the second anniversary of the deal approaches.

2. The EJTF, however, agreed that its consultant work was not yet done and should be expanded to examine potential socio-economic impacts inherent in some additional possible Waukesha water supply options other than the Lake Michigan alternative from Milwaukee, such as groundwater sources.

Waukesha's Water Utility and Common Council have said such alternatives are less desirable and more costly.

They recommend, and will seek from the eight Great Lakes states, a Lake Michigan supply alternative with an estimated $164 million price tag with Milwaukee the preferred seller.

But Waukesha has not released the projected costs of a Lake Michigan supply from either Oak Creek and/or Racine - - a brewing legal and political problem.

And Waukesha has rejected a groundwater supply solution, such as maintaining and improving existing deep wells, or drilling new shallow wells, or tapping into the Fox River's bank, or a groundwater source combination; the EJTF is saying the socio-economic question and consultant mission requires the examination of some groundwater alternatives.

Current Waukesha Mayor Jeff Scrima - - elected in an April upset over pro-diversion Larry Nelson - - has questioned the Lake Michigan option, and called for more study of non-Lake Michigan alternatives - - so is being ripped mightily by the Water Utility and Common Council.

The Wisconsin DNR has said Waukesha needs to supply more information in the application about various water supply, cost, discharge and Great Lakes Compact compliance issues - - and for the time being has set the application aside.

History here.

These various calls for more research and/or data by Mayor Scrima, the DNR and the EJTF are not coordinated - - but could become the framework for an upgraded Waukesha water supply if The Common Council and Water Utility were willing to consider what could be a more practical approach.

3. UWM Prof. Joel Rast, the lead UWM consultant to the EJTF, also said his review of existing studies indicated "Waukesha had enough water if they managed it properly to sustain development through 2035."

Said Rast: "The ground water is going to be adequate. There isn't actually a pressing need for Lake Michigan water."

Waukesha's application faced a "tough" and uncertain future, Rast said, because "the science says it is not needed, not necessary."

4. The EJTF consultants are preliminarily recommending that future studies like the SEWRPC regional water study have designated representation from disadvantaged communities, and that recommendation is already being implemented, according to SEWRPC Executive Ken Yunker.

He pointed to SEWRPC's establishment of the the EJTF (in 2007) and the agency's assurance that an EJTF member had been placed on what became the next major SEWRPC study committee - - on regional housing.

The water advisory committee's all-Caucasian 32-member makeup - - frequently criticized - - still exists with the same makeup it has had since it was named by SEWRPC, with local government and private sector input in 2005.

The overall water study is on hiatus, awaiting the ETFJ component's completion in a month or two.

The full water advisory study committee, SEWRPC standing committees and the full 21-member SEWRPC commission will need to approve the water supply study - - with the EJTF input - - before the water supply study becomes final and is available to all municipalities in the seven-county region as a set of recommendations only.

Let's put today's meeting into some context:

Waukesha's biggest legal hurdle to winning access to Lake Michigan water lies in convincing regulators in eight states under the Great Lakes Compact that 'the science' indeed says that Lake Michigan water is the city's only reasonable water supply alternative - - therefore using this precedent-diversion application under the Compact to define what "reasonable" means.

Talk about a political process!

Throw in that citizens and water ratepayers in Waukesha and the neighboring communities where it wants to transfer some of the diverted water - - including the Town of Waukesha, plus Pewaukee and Genessee - - will have to decide what's "reasonable" to pay to a selling community for water.

And officials in a selling community - - probably Milwaukee, as Racine and Oak Creek are too expensively far from Waukesha, and in Oak Creek's case, with infrastructure too small to seriously compete with Milwaukee for the sale - - will also have to decide what is "reasonable" to charge for the water and to use its value to mitigate or rectify socio-economic imbalances.

More politics!

See what a slog Waukesha's diversion application has in front of it?

Gableman Travesty Is Now The Judicial System's Failure

Sad day for justice in Wisconsin.

Important Public Meeting Today On Water And Social Justice

There will be a presentation and discussion this afternoon about the relationship in the region between water and social justice.

Consultants from the UWM will present a progress report on their investigation into draft recommendations by the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission that include diverting Lake Michigan water to the City of Waukesha.

The meeting will be at 4 p.m., at IndenpendenceFirst, 540 S. 1st. Street, Milwaukee.

Though it has been misreported more than once by advocates of the Lake Michigan diversion plan, SEWRPC's recommendations are in preliminary form only because the group hearing today's presentation - - the SEWRPC task force on environmental justice - - has yet finish its work on the relationship of water to social justice matters, such as regional housing, transportation and other issues.

Remember that Milwaukee, Waukesha's preferred water seller should a diversion be approved by all eight Great Lakes states, has in official city policy the requirement that a buyer like Waukesha cooperate on a range of regional economic and planning issues.

SEWRPC has yet to decide what, if anything, it will do with the social justice report, which is why SEWRPC's water advisory committee and full commission board have yet to take up a full and final water plan for the region.

Today's meeting will shed light on what the UWM consultants are finding, and perhaps on a schedule for the end of their work and the beginning of its consideration by the justice task force, SEWRPC water advisory committee and full commission.

I would estimate that the task force and consultants' work might be wrapped up by December - - months later than first anticipated - - though the timetable could be shortened if SEWRPC chooses to footnote, discount or otherwise water down the findings or their place in the final report.

Such an outcome, while politically damaging for SEWPC, is not altogether out of questions because SEWPC was basically forced by federal evaluators and the ACLU to establish the task force, with whom it has had a rocky relationship, at times, since it was created in 2007.

Translation Help, Anyone?

These internets!