How influential is Special Interest?

That is one question that has long been going through my mind. The opinion of many that I know can tell you that there is a great deal of influence. There isn't much doubt that money drives politics. That will always be true. Just look at recent elections and you will see that the candidates that raise the most and spend the most get the votes on election day. I really don't think that the message matters. Just that people hear the name.

The only election that has even been close was last year when Tower and Esslinger faced off for Mayor. Neither spent a bunch of money and the election was very close (51% to 49% if my memory serves). In that same election, Jessica King came out of nowhere and won a seat on the council. She spent over $7000 to do it, but the outcome seems to be worth it. Now she is looking for a seat in our State Senate.

Another example of how the message doesn't seem to matter. Last year there were four candidates for Oshkosh Area BOE (Becker, Monte, Bowen and Thiel). There is not much of an argument on agendas with that group. Becker and Monte align while Bowen and Thiel have shared opinions for many years. But the outcome was far from "party lines". Becker and Bowen were elected with only a separation of 100 votes. Monte came in 3rd with Thiel following in 4th. What on earth were the voters thinking? I don't understand.

Oshkosh has long been run by those who have power with deep pockets. Whether or not they will step up to the microphone or pull strings from the shadows, both will have the same results. As long as there is private money to "assist" in projects, the city administration will have their hand out. The Sundial was just the latest. A perfect example of how our administrators are spineless. Fitzpatrick stated during the last council meeting when Esslinger tried to bring a resolution to block the re installation of the fountain that nothing needed to be done and that the Sundial would not be put back until more discussion could take place. We can see how far that went. It didn't even make it to the next meeting. By the way, the influence was not C.R. Meyer (thank you for the correction) nor the $5000 that they were paid to R/R the thing. It could have waited.

I will open the door for other examples of Special Interest control... Please don't get personal.

KM

Welcome Back to the Sundial

I found out this evening that our Acting City Manager will have the sundial replaced in Oprah House Square tomorrow (6/5). Just one week after we heard him at the Council meeting telling Council Members not to worry. That it wouldn't be put back until a decision can be made to an alternate location.

I guess the "powers that be" in the community have spoken and convinced the City Manager to put it back. What does that say about the leaders of our city? Even the Council can't prevent an eyesore from being the center piece of our downtown.

And for those that think that I am being too critical about this fountain, keep in mind that this fountain has not been maintained in quite some time. Half of the nozzles were not working and it does not fit in with the architecture of its surroundings.

So, I would hope that the "welcome back" is short lived...

Will the Chamber get our money?

After watching painfully for more than 3 hours and through countless amendments to the Chamber resolution, I wonder if there has ever been a more controversial issue that the council has faced?

Most of the public comment in favor of this development have something to gain with it. Those who don't, didn't want to hear it. There were a few that would just a soon see the land given to the Chamber to do with as they please. Perhaps that could be brought up in the future. Kudos to those who took the time and spoke out. We need more people like that.

I agree completely with Ms. King. Why are we (the taxpayer) paying for land that we already own? It is clear that the valuation includes the land, so why are we paying the higher price? I don't understand.

Dr. Palmeri tried over and over again to convince the same council that voted 7-0 against this last summer that nothing has changed. But repeatedly he was told that the timing is better now. Never mind that the plans for that intersection rely on more than the Waterfront development to need the rerouting. Again, I don't understand.

Dr. Tower put a contingency that the office complex reach 50% completion prior to the purchase taking place. I have to say, I agree that if we are going to buy it, let's make sure that the office complex is really going to happen. No sense in committing more than half a million just to see the Chamber move somewhere else.

Mr. Esslinger made a good point with his "yes" votes on the amendments. If we are going to approve this in the end, at least it will be with contingencies and at the lowest dollar amount possible.

Miraculously, it finally did fail 3-4 with Mayor Tower, Dr. Tower and Mr. Bain the only Councilors voting in favor. Giant Kudos to Councilors King, Palmeri, McHugh, and Esslinger as common sense prevails.

I feel that the Akcess Group has their work cut out for them. With less than 33% occupancy on this proposed office building, it will be a hard sell to fill the building. I think that this development had a much better shot at success than the Five Rivers project had. But with a lack of interest in office space, I don't know that this specific portion of the development is viable. I am not a developer nor a real estate expert. This is simply my opinion.

As it is late, I will cut this off now and call it a night. I have had all the excitement that I can handle for tonight. Goodnight all.

KM

Public Enemies in Oshkosh

This is something that Oshkosh has needed for a long time. Universal Studios has brought Hollywood to Oshkosh, Wisconsin. It is definitely a positive thing not only for Oshkosh but specifically downtown.

I took some time last night to tour downtown and take some pictures. It is amazing how the movie company has transformed our downtown back to the 1930's era. Talk about an investment for a few minutes of the "silver screen". Fortunately, it is their investment and not ours as Universal is paying the tab. The details are incredible and I recommend that if you have a few minutes, take a walk through downtown and look in the windows. It is really a sight.

I got my first look on Friday as I passed the airport on my way home. Unfortunately, my schedule didn't allow for me to stop. It was neat to see that tri-motor and the vintage squad cars lined up for the scene that ended up being filmed late at night through till morning. It would have been my only chance to see filming in person because my schedule just doesn't allow for it.

I did see where some people are complaining about the movie. I guess some would have a valid argument because it may cause some inconvenience to a select few that may live or work in proximity to downtown and have to tolerate the crowds or closed streets. I would like to say to those people, please be patient. This is good for Oshkosh as a whole and perhaps if we are good hosts, they will return in the future.

I guess it really pays to have a historic downtown.