King for State Senate??

It was reported by Babblemur the other day and although I should be surprised, I'm not. As it turns out, Jessica King actually does have aspirations for higher office. It was announced at the JFK dinner in Fond du lac by Peg Lautenschlager over the weekend that the Democrats are going to run King against Roessler for her State Senate seat.

Over the past couple of days I have trying to find the conversation in which Ms. King said that State Representatives don't make enough money to interest her. She stated that she makes more as a lawyer and wouldn't take the cut. Of course those weren't the exact statements but they are close. The conversation took place on the election threads of Oshkonversation during the election when rumors were active that she was using the council as a spring board to other offices. Why else would someone sink more than $7000 on an elected position that would only earn $4800 for the entire term? Unfortunately, Mr. Hummel did not archive the thread so the record of the response is gone. I can only hope that others recall the statement as well but I'm sure not counting on it.

I guess we can expect to see more of this in the next year. Senator Roessler has been in her seat for more than 20 years and if she runs for re-election, will make for a difficult campaign. Of course there are rumors that the Senator will retire after this term, but nothing has been confirmed. Ms. King will have her hands full if retirement is a rumor.

Either way, if she wins, she probably won't be able to fulfill her obligation to the voters by serving the remainder of her term on the Council. It isn't certain that will be the case but I don't see how anyone could maintain the schedule or whether a non-partisan official can hold a partisan office. That would be for the lawyers to figure out.

Millers Bay Fishing Pier

After 2 years of complaining and court battles, the people fighting the Millers Bay pier may have another swing with the ax. According to the ONW, Jessica King is bringing it back for consideration. Just 6 weeks before they planned to put in the pier, it could be reversed in an unprecedented way. King argues that the "community members didn't have enough time to bring their concerns about the pier forward two years ago when it was approved". Never mind that they have been trying to convince them ever since that they shouldn't have to look out at that pier from their homes. Someone should tell them that they didn't buy waterfront property. The city did and that is what they have chosen to do with it.

I haven't always agreed with the installation of a pier that was promoted for the young and disabled of the community yet no provisions have been taken in the way of handicap accessibility. All it would take is for someone to make an ADA complaint and the city would be forced to comply and install bathrooms, handicap parking, and other provisions required by ADA laws. Having the pier would be great. It would allow for better fishing in the bay for children in that community.

It is not surprising to see this again. I just would have thought it would have come earlier than this. Ms. King has been on the council for 6 months and she waited until now to put it on the agenda. I would hope that this isn't a last ditch effort by that neighborhood to stop this. If it is, Ms. King has been duped. And if so, I would hope that the rest of the council would see through it and prevent the reversal of the previous council.

What do you think should happen? Did the neighborhood get hosed? Should the pier be stopped? Should the city change the methods used to accept donations?

Warren Kraft has Heart Surgery

I was just informed that this morning, Former City Attorney Warren Kraft went in for quadruple heart bypass surgery. The notification came via email to our Acting City Manager John Fitzpatrick last night for dissemination to staff. I don't have any information on the outcome of the procedure or his current condition. I would imagine that the ONW may follow up when that information is available and I will update this when I know more.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Kraft family. Best wishes for a speedy and full recovery.

Kent and Michelle Monte

Kraft Retires.

Perhaps the POLL to the right was more accurate than I thought. Although I got word this morning about the retirement of our City Attorney, I haven't had a chance until now to write about it. This will be short as I am out the door in a minute again anyway.

I noticed that in the article for this story that Mr. Wollangk stated that the 100 block was not the reason for Kraft's early departure. Although that may not have been a deciding factor, I find it difficult to believe that it didn't play a role at all. There have been many instances in recent past that have been overshadowing the performance of Kraft and this may have been the final piece to that puzzle. Then again, there may be other reasons for Kraft to want out. After 23 years, perhaps he really didn't want to make the transition to another boss. If he was close enough, why not retire rather than put up with what lay ahead? Who knows? The bottom line is that it doesn't really matter.

Anyway, feel free to post your thoughts on the departure of our City Attorney and/or our City Manager. Remember though, that this is not personal and if any comments are made that are not appropriate, I will not post them.