Paul Ryan Schools the President

But of course, Obama isn’t going to be talked off of his ledge. 

Health Care Summit Preview

We here at B&S have powerful connections and are able to bring you an exclusive preview of the health care summit being held in Washington today.

Bernie Shares His Thoughts

Good letter.

West Bend School Board incumbent Lynn Corazzi and I interpret Tuesday’s election results differently. Mr. Corazzi stated, “The vote shows there are more people in the pro-education camp.” His camp includes fellow incumbent Kathy Van Eerden. This implies remaining candidates must be anti-education. They should be insulted. Who would run for School Board not wanting the best education for each student? Corazzi’s statement is absurd.

   Primary results show incumbents receiving 43.5 percent of the total vote. That’s hardly a ringing endorsement for his “pro-education camp.” Most votes came from district employees, their families or those with vested interest in leaving things as they are. Of the remaining 56.5 percent of votes, most see a board that needs change.

   Recently we have seen a number of incidents that raise concern. With constant talk of overcrowding, we are building a new Badger Middle School for $27 million that provides no increase in student capacity. There is little transparency to the board, and less after President Joe Carlson’s beat down of member Tim Stepanski.

   Talk of referendums and levy increases at a time when the public can least afford them is alarming. Contrary to their public statement, the teachers union is going to arbitration and surely getting a raise, while many city union workers took a voluntary wage freeze. Now the district is rewriting policies that strip the elected board of some of its power and gives it to administration.

   It’s been a challenging few years for the board and I’m not satisfied with their performance. On April 6 I will vote for Randy Marquardt and Dave Weigand. They bring common sense, transparency and respect for the taxpayer that’s been in short supply, without losing sight of an obligation to provide quality education.

Bernie Newman West Bend