Presidential Posts

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Celebrate mosaics SAT., more....



 
                                                                                    
October 22, 2014

The DMN e-News and an occasional hard copy DMN News are published by the Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood Association (DMNA) on an “as-needed” schedule.  The Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood Association, Inc. has been working to unite neighbors to solve mutual problems and promote fellowship among neighbors since 1973.  Our neighborhood is in Madison & Fitchburg.
               President & News contact:  Mary Mullen, mmullen4337@charter.net  298-0843
               Website: http://www.dunnsmarsh.org <http://www.dunnsmarsh.org>
             On Facebook:   
Type Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood Association into the search box.
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CALENDAR - DMNA events in red; # = article number

Sat., Oct. 25, 10 am - Celebrate completion of garden mosaic project, Marlborough Park, #1
Sat., Oct. 25, 7:30-10:30 am - Free shredding event, Oak Bank, #2
Fri., Oct. 31 - 5:00-7:00 pm - Kids’ Drop-in Halloween Fun, Prairie UU Society
Sun., Nov. 2, 8:30 am-1:00 pm - Community Tree Planting,  Boys & Girls Club, #6
Tues., Nov. 4, 7:00 am-8 pm - Election Day, #8-11b
Wed., Nov. 5, 5:00 pm - Free Concert, Monona Terrace
Thurs., Nov. 13, 7:00 pm - DMNA Council Meeting, Prairie UU Society
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ARTICLES  
[All articles by Mary Mullen unless indicated otherwise]

           IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD

1 - Celebrate a Project Well Done, Saturday, Oct. 25 at Garden Mosaic Sign
2 - Fitchburg Fall Shred Day Event Saturday, October 25
3 - Annual Meeting:  A Nice Get-Together, and a New Council
            
(Attachment: “1 pics annual meeting.jpg” “2 bike bridge murals.jpg”)
4 - DMNA Accomplishments, Oct. 10, 2013-Oct. 9, 2014
5 - The Peak’s Over, But We Can Revel in the Photos
(Attachment:  “3 pics Dawley 10/16/14”)
6 - DCBA’s 1st Annual Community Tree Planting - in our N’hood
7 - Free Trees Available to Residents in Our Neighborhood
           
            ELECTION PREP 4 NOVEMBER 4

8 - If You Don’t Canvass For Your Candidate, Here’s a Good Substitute
9 - Hours for Absentee Voting, Through Oct. 31:  Different in Madison & Fitchburg
10 - Voter Picture ID NOT REQUIRED November 4
11 - What’s On the November 4 Ballot?
11a - Referendum Asks For a Constitutional Amendment to Protect Transportation Funds
11b - Dane County Referenda Ask Questions About Statewide Issues
 
           CITY WIDE

12 - [FREE] Tunes at Monona Terrace, Nov. 5, 5:30
13 - Madison Installs First Visual Electronic Bicycle Counter  
14 - Bicycle Articles Shared Beyond the N’hood
15 - Reporting a Problem in Madison Online
16 - How to Report a Problem or Submit Questions or Comments to Fitchburg
17 - Want to Keep Up With What’s Going on in Madison or Fitchburg Government?
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ARTICLES

IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD
 
 
1 - Celebrate a Project Well Done, Saturday, Oct. 25 at Garden Mosaic Sign




It’s the last hurrah for the Marlborough Community Garden mosaic project.  The project was completed last month, and now it’s time for a little celebration.
 
When:  SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25, 10 A.M. SHARP
Where:  in MARLBOROUGH PARK, at the GARDEN MOSAIC SIGN, by the bike path
What:  MUSIC to start
            RECOGNITIONS of all who worked to make this possible
            PHOTOS of all who contributed, all who attend this celebration event
 
How long will it take?  Not too long.  A few minutes of live music by two members of Dark of the Moon Contra-Band until people have gathered.  Recognition of the organizations that helped get the project going. Recognition of the individuals who actually executed the project.  A few facts about the project.  15 or 20 minutes total, probably.
 
Afterward, the gardeners will go on with their closing day work for the garden.
 
We are hoping for good weather, but in case it would be raining, we’ll do this in the Marlborough Park shelter.
 
If you participated in this project in any way, please come and take your bow.  Contributors include those who trained for the workshops, mowed the grass, provided child care, made a mosaic on a stepping stone or helped someone else do it, mortared the glass to the stones, hauled the stones to storage or out of storage, grouted stones or polished the grout off the glass, helped set the numbered stones in the ground, or worked on getting the “Marlborough Community Garden” sign in the ground.  
 
This is well over 100 people since 40 came to the first workshop, 50 to the second, 30 to the grouting workshop, 30 participated in setting the numbered stones, and 10 completed the project by installing the garden sign.  (Some volunteers participated in all the activities!)  Volunteers ranged from age 6 through 80+.
 
This project was funded in part by the Madison Arts Commission, with additional funding by the Wisconsin Arts Board and Marlborough Community Garden.
 
 
2 - Fitchburg Fall Shred Day Event Saturday, October 25

The Fall Shred Day Event will be Saturday October 25 from 7:30 - 10:30 behind Oak Bank (5951 McKee Rd) at the corner of Executive & Marketplace Drives. No more then 5 boxes of confidential paper documents can be shredded and recycled for FREE.

Look for Pellitteri’s Shred Truck in the parking lot.  This event provides shredding to destroy your
confidential paper documents.
                                                            from Fitchburg’s website
 

 
3 - Annual Meeting:  A Nice Get-Together, and a New Council
            
(Attachment: “1 pics annual meeting.jpg” “2 bike bridge murals.jpg”)

The food was plentiful and tasty, photos from the neighborhood cycled on the screen throughout the meeting, people got a chance to visit and then talk about their concerns, and finally the DMNA Council for 2014/15 was chosen.   Another year, another year of life for the Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood Association.
 
Thanks are offered to all who participated:
 
For distributing flyers door-to-door about the meeting:  in Belmar - Elvice McAlpine, Rachel Potter, Kim Zinski, Mary Somers, Dorothy Krause; in Marlborough - Pam Flinn, Thea Bach, Sharon Grant;  in Crawford: Tony Williams, James Luscher; in several parts of the neighborhood:  Donna Sarafin, Mary Mullen
For attending:  29 people were signed in.  
For being sure everyone signed in and got a nametag:  Sharon and Pam Flinn
For the chili - Yannette Cole with some ingredients from Karen Walters
For other food -Tony & Denise William and others
For the slide show - Heidi Figueroa and Mary Mullen
For their  presentations - Marcia Yapp, mosaic artist, who will soon offer workshops to assemble the murals for the bike path up to the new Whenona bike/ped bridge over the Beltline; Thad Schumacher, proprietor of Fitchburg’s Hometown Pharmacy, who will donate a dollar to Boys and Girls Club for every prescription moved from Walgreen’s to his pharmacy.  (Walgreen’s is closing by January 1, 2015.)
For their service as DMNA Council Members October 2013-2014 and attendance at this meeting:  Mary Mullen, President (Marlborough rep); Tony Williams, Vice President (Crawford rep); Thea Bach, Secretary (Marlborough rep); Yannette Cole, Treasurer (Marlborough rep); Rachel Potter (Belmar rep), Karen Walters (Belmar rep), Dorothy Krause (Belmar rep), Heidi Figueroa (Marlborough rep), Denise Williams (Crawford rep).  Lucy Blue was out of town.
For offering their thoughts and concerns about the neighborhood:  all who offered their thoughts which included
·      hopes for less griping, more togetherness and more participation
·      opinion that having a diverse community is a plus
·      belief that together, our neighborhood can successfully confront issues of crime, especially drugs
·      admonition that “if you see something, say something”
·      concern for homeless folks in the neighborhood
·      concern about deteriorating streets in the neighborhood, especially those that have stormwater running down the middle
·      desire for neighborhood events that are at times other than evenings or weekends
·      opinion that it was a mistake for the 59 bus to change its route that left gaps in route on lower Allied and western end of Crescent
·      dislike of the noise of “thumper” cars and loud cars
·      dog issues
·      desire for a sprinkler park (from a 5-year-old attendee)
·      thanks to Mary Mullen for complaining to authorities about Verona Road night construction noise
For volunteers who agreed to continue on the DMNA Council:  Yannette Cole, Heidi Figueroa, Thea Bach, and Mary Mullen, representing Marlborough;  Tony Williams, Denise Williams, and Lucy Blue, representing Crawford:  Rachel Potter and Karen Williams, representing Belmar.  
For a new Council member:  Ann Marie Hughes, representing Marlborough. We are holding open a position for an Allied representative and also have 2 positions open for anyone in the neighborhood regardless of where they live.  If you are interested in serving , contact President Mary Mullen (See masthead) and come to the November 13 Neighborhood Council meeting (See calendar).
For alders who came:  Dorothy Krause, Fitchburg alder and Co. Supervisor; Maurice Cheeks, Madison alder
For our neighborhood police officer who stopped in:  Officer Stephen Mackesey

 
4 - DMNA Accomplishments, Oct. 10, 2013-Oct. 9, 2014

The Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood Association is an active organizaiton.  Each year, we present a list of our accomplishments at the annual meeting, which this year was held on October 9, 2014.  Read the highlights of the DMNA activities below.




1.
Applied for and got a grant from the Madison Arts Commission for a mosaic stepping stone project in the Marlborough Park Community Garden.  60 stepping stones were made.  Many people (~ 40, 50, 30) attended the 3 workshops to make and grout the mosaics on 7/ 17, 7/19, & 7/24; 30 helped install the 32 numbered mosaics on 8/23; and 10 helped install the 26 mosaics that read “Marlborough Community Garden” on 9/20. Recognition eeremony to celebrate completion will be held on 10/25/14 at the garden sign starting at 10 a.m. sharp.
 
2. Publicized multiple workshops for roundabout human figure mosaics led by artist Elizabeth Doyle
·      Tracing parties Feb. 22 & 23 resulted in 77 tracings at Prairie UU, Boys  & Girls Club
·      Design parties March 8 & 9 at Prairie UU, Boys  & Girls Club
·      Mosaic-making, June 18, 19, 20 at Prairie UU and June-July 24 at Boys & Girls Club

3. Social/Welcoming Committee, under leadership of Thea Bach, met multiple times and sponsored the neighborhood garage sales in mid-May
 
4. Sponsored many special presentations/events in & for the neighborhood
.
·      11/2/14 - Stews and Blues party held at Prairie UU Society
·      12/12/12 - presentation by Design Coalition on Accessory Dwelling Units, at Council meeting
·      2/24/14 - Dunn’s Marsh Watershed Master Plan Workshop
·      3/13/14 - presentation by Jim Roloff, Bluestone Custom Homes, building on redeveloped Allied land, at Council meeting
·      3/15/14 - Chili Fest
·      4/10/14 - presentations by Madison Police Dept. and by WisDOT (regarding plans for Beltline), at a Council meeting
·      5/17/14 - Neighborhood garage sales
·      6/21/14 - Make Music Madison, 9 hours of outdoor music co-sponsored with Prairie UU Society
·      8/1/13 - Annual DMNA Neighborhood Picnic in Marlborough Park
·     Many updates from UW Water Resources Practicum about Dunn’s Marsh, at Council meetings

5. Neighborhood Sign Weeding & Planting
(Mary Mullen, Donna Sarafin, Katherine Vanderbilt)
 
6. Published 11 issues of the Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood e-News, 10 shorter e-mail notices; 3 hardcopy flyers announcing events that were delivered door-to-door to about 800 residences.   Kept up a Facebook page.  Put notices on the Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood Association’s website <www.dunnsmarsh.org>

7.  DMNA Neighborhood Council met 11 times and Council members kept abreast of developments, participated in meetings or events, and contacted city staff about neighborhood issues.  
·      Madison Plaza sidewalk left unshoveled (early 2014 - Mary Mullen, Katherine Vanderbilt)
·      Bus 59 rerouting (March & April 2014 - Thea Bach  & Mary Mullen)
·      issues related to the Verona Road Project, particularly along Britta Parkway and near the ped/bike overpass (throughout the year - Tony Williams & Mary Mullen, DMNA member Donna Sarafin)
·      mosaic mural project (6/5/14 meeting with artist Marcia Yapp - Mary Mullen, Tony & Denise Williams, DMNA member Patty Stockdale)
·      mountain bike park on county land south of Dunn’s Marsh (6/9/14 - Rachel Potter & Mary Mullen)
·      kept in contact with Madison police in opposition to drug activity (Tony Williams)
·      loss of Walgreen’s - special presentation by Alder Maurice Cheeks

 
 
5 - The Peak’s Over, But We Can Revel in the Photos
(Attachment:  “3 pics Dawley 10/16/14”)

The peak of fall colors has passed, but we can still revel in that amazing show of the past few weeks.  Don’t pass up the collage of photos from Dawley Park taken just a few days ago.  They’ll warm your heart.
 
What a treat to meet up with Dane County Naturalist Wayne Pauly who was leading a group of volunteers on October 16 picking prairie seeds in the park.
 
On June 1, 1988, more than 26 years ago, Wayne met with a Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood troop of Girl Scouts to plant part of the Dawley prairie.  The photo collage shows how that prairie has matured and become one of our neighborhood’s finest assest.  
 
The park, south of Dunn’s Marsh and easily accessible from Seminole Highway by bike or car, has a lot to offer at any season, inclulding super views of Dunn’s Marsh.

 
 
6 - DCBA’s 1st Annual Community Tree Planting - in our N’hood

Come join the Dane County Bar Association and the Boys and Girls Club of Dane County and help plant an urban orchard.  
 
Thanks to a generous grant from the State Bar of Wisconsin, we will spend the morning learning how to plant and care for pear and apple trees, getting to know fellow attorneys, paralegals and community members, making new friends, and having a good time doing it.
 
We are excited to welcome professional arborist and national tree-climbing champion, Colin Bugg, who will be showing us how to climb trees, tie knots, and what it takes to make a living climbing trees.
Madison’s Urban Tree Alliance will also be on hand to discuss their initiative to plant 500 trees by June 2015 on private property in low-income, low-canopy neighborhoods at no charge to residents. We will be providing seedling for participants and the Alliance hopes to identify some new planting areas with the help of participants.
 
Please pass the word on to other tree lovers and community minded folk as this will be a fun event where all are welcome to join in.
 
When:                        Sunday November 2nd at 8:30am – 1:00pm   (Packers BYE week)
Where:                      Boys and Girls Club – 4619 Jenewein Road in Fitchburg
What to bring:         Wear gardening/work clothes, work gloves, warm layers, and jackets. City of Fitchburg will provide all the tools needed for planting. We will be providing bagels, donuts, fruit, coffee, and hot apple cider!
RSVP:                      Please send RSVPs to adam@herricklaw.net <mailto:adam@herricklaw.net> . Spouses, children, friends, colleagues and late arrivals welcome. All of those who RSVP will be sent an event reminder as the planting date approaches.
 
If you have any additional questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Adam Woodford anytime at adam@herricklaw.net <mailto:adam@herricklaw.net> .
 
We look forward to seeing everyone there!
                                                                        from Dane County Bar Association
 

                                    

7 - Free Trees Available to Residents in Our Neighborhood

The Urban Tree Alliance, a nonprofit organization based in Madison, is offering one or two free trees to residents in eleven neighborhoods across Madison. All residents of the Allied Dunn’s Marsh, Berkley Oaks, Bram’s Addition, Burr Oaks, Capitol View, Carpenter-Ridgeway, Eken Park, Emerson East, Hawthorne, Whitetail Ridge, and Worthington Park neighborhoods are eligible to receive up to two free trees.
 
The goal of the Madison Canopy Project is to plant five hundred trees in underserved and low-canopy neighborhoods within the Madison Urban Area by the spring of 2015. Our hope is to strengthen the Madison urban forest by increasing species diversity and helping the public learn how to care for trees.
 
Urban forests provide many benefits to city dwellers. Trees remove air pollutants, lessen home heating and cooling costs, increase property values, provide habitat for wildlife, absorb noise, capture stormwater, and even reduce stress and speed healing in hospital patients. Research has demonstrated that low income urban areas typically have less canopy cover (fewer trees) than high income areas, and Madison is no exception.
 
With the help of volunteers, the Urban Tree Alliance planted forty-two trees in June, and we will continue to plant additional trees each month through October.  
 
Residents who accept a free tree can plant it themselves, have a group of volunteers led by UTA staff plant the tree for them, or even volunteer to join us in planting trees in their neighborhood.
 
An important aim of the Madison Canopy Project is to increase the species diversity of Madison’s urban forest. Diversity makes urban forests more resilient and lessens the overall damage caused by diseases and pests such as the emerald ash borer. For this reason, UTA is planting species that are less commonly found in Madison, such as the burr oak, chinquapin oak, musclewood, serviceberry, Illinois pecan, catalpa, and Kentucky coffee tree.
 
Anyone who lives in one of the eleven neighborhoods we mentioned can request up to two free trees.  Maps of neighborhood boundaries are available on the UTA website at http://www.urbantreealliance.org/resources/madison-canopy-project/.  Residents should also have enough space on their property for a new tree to spread out and fully develop.
 
To request a tree and get more information about the Madison Canopy Project, please visit our website at http://www.urbantreealliance.org/resources/madison-canopy-project/ or call Patricia Lindquist (Project Coordinator/UTA Associate Director) at 556-5331.  You may also email Patricia with questions: patricia@urbantreealliance.org
 
This project is supported in part by funding from a Wisconsin DNR Urban Forestry Grant and a donation from Madison Gas and Electric..
                                                            Press release from the Urban Tree Alliance
 

 
ELECTION PREP 4 NOVEMBER 4

 
8 - If You Don’t Canvass For Your Candidate, Here’s a Good Substitute

Maybe canvassing isn't your thing, or it's just not working out this year.  There are still ways you can get out the vote.  Here are some ideas:
  • Do you have kids in college or otherwise out of town who are registered to vote at home?  Send them a link to the request for an absentee ballot, and keep "reminding" them to get one, and then vote!
  • Are your kids registered at a UW school? Remind them to pick up a new voter  ID--and vote! [Voter picture ID is NOT needed for the November 4 election.]
  • Do you know that a friend or neighbor will be out of town on November 4? Remind them that they can vote early at their city clerk's office for two weeks before the election (but not the weekend before).
  • Did your brother move to a new home in Wisconsin but hasn't had time to register to vote?  Tell him he can register at the polls, or vote at his previous polling place.
  • Do you communicate by e-mail with friends who are away from Wisconsin temporarily?  Send them the link to request an absentee ballot. [According to the Fitchburg website, the application must be received by the clerk no later than 5 p.m. on the Thursday before the election in order for an absentee ballot to be mailed to the voter.  That would be Thursday, October 30.]
  • Do you have new neighbors?  Generously share with them the location of your polling place, details about registration and photo ID (NOT NEEDED NOV. 4)
  • Most of all, engage people in conversations about the election. Surprisingly large numbers of voters forget about mid-term elections. Your personal contacts are the most effective way to get out the vote.  Every vote counts!

Thank you so much for your interest and efforts in this election.  It's the work of people like you that will make the difference!
                                                                        Adapted from a campaign e-mail
 
 
 
9 - Hours for Absentee Voting, Through Oct. 31:  Different in Madison & Fitchburg

           MADISON

The Madison City Clerk’s Office will be open for absentee voting all hours permitted by state law: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays, October 20 through October 31.  The Clerk’s office in the City-County Building.
 
City of Madison residents can vote absentee and register to vote in the Clerk’s Office.  All voter registrations must be accompanied by proof of address—one of the following documents showing the voter’s current name and current address:
  • Utility bill issued in the last 90 days
  • Bank or credit union statement
  • Wisconsin driver license/ID
  • Government document
  • Government check
  • Paycheck
  • Residential Lease
Voters may visit https://MyVote.wi.gov to check their voter registration, see a sample ballot, check the status of an absentee request, or find their polling place.

Photo ID will not be required to vote in the November election.
                                                                        from the Madison City Clerk’s Office

            FITCHBURG            

The Fitchburg  City Hall will have the following hours for in-person absentee voting.

October 20th through October 24th - 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
October 27th and 28th - 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
October 29th and 30th - 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
October 31st - 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

                                                                        from the Fitchburg website


 
10 - Voter Picture ID NOT REQUIRED November 4

The United States Supreme Court has reinstated the injunction on Wisconsin's Voter ID law.  Photo identification will NOT be required to cast a ballot for the November 4 election.
 
If you requested an absentee ballot and then received a request from the City Clerk's Office for photo ID, please disregard that correspondence.  The City Clerk's Office is processing your absentee request today.
 
If you have any questions, please contact the City Clerk's Office at voting@cityofmadison.com or at 266-4601.  Our goal is for all eligible voters to be able to cast a ballot and have that ballot counted.
                                                                                    from City of Madison

 
 
11 - What’s On the November 4 Ballot?

Don’t go to the polls on November 4 or to vote absentee before that without knowing what’s on the ballot.  Experience at the Madison City Clerk’s Office shows that voters are taking longer than expected to mark their ballots.  That may be due to the fact that there’s not only a lengthy list of candidates for state and county offices, but in addition there are 3 referenda.  
 
Read about the separate referenda in articles after this one.
 
One place to learn more about the candidates is the Balletopedia website http://ballotpedia.org/Sample_Ballot_Lookup#General_election_sample_ballot_lookup  On this site you can see photos of most of the candidates and also look deeper into their background and accomplishments by clicking on the Ballotopedia Profile which is under the photo of the candidate.  In cases where the candidate is already an elected official, the profile may refer readers to legislative scorecards put out by various organizations.  All of this is very helpful in determining which candidate to vote for.
 
When you get to the sample ballot page, you’ll be asked to put in your street address and zip code.  Then, voila! there are the names and photos of the candidates.
 
A listing of the candidates and  referenda follows.  To see a sample ballot, go to https://wi-fitchburg.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8906 <file://localhost/DocumentCenter/View/8906>   The only difference in a Madison ballot is that in the Legislative category, Madison voters will vote for a District 77 (not District 47) candidate, and the only candidate in that race is Terese Berceau, the incumbent.



            Ballot:   Candidates & Referenda - November 4, 2014 Election

Governor/Lieutenant Governor - VOTE For ONE
Mary Burke/John Lehman (Democratic)
Scott Walker/Rebecca Kleefisch (Republican)
Dennis Fehr/No candidate (People’s Party)
Robert Burke/Joseph M. Brost (Libertarian)

Attorney General - VOTE for ONE
Susan V. Happ (Democratic)
Brad Schimel (Republican)
Thomas A. Nelson (Libertarian)

Secretary of State - VOTE for ONE
Doug La Follette (Democratic)
Julian Bradley (Republican)
Jerry Broitzman (Constitution)
Andy Craig (Libertarian)

State Treasuerer  - VOTE for ONE
David L. Sartori (Democrat)
Matt Adamczyk (Republican)
Andrew Zuelke (Constitution)
Ron Hardy (Wisconsin Green Party)
Jerry Shidell (Libertarian)

Congressional - District 2 - VOTE for ONE
Mark Pocan (Democratic)
Peter Theron (Republican)

(Madison voters) Assembly - District 77 - VOTE for ONE
Terese Berceau (Democratic

(Fitchburg voters)  Assembly - District 47 - VOTE for ONE
Robb Kahl (Democratiac)
Phillip Anderson (Libertarian)

Dane County Sheriff - VOTE for ONE
David Mahoney (Democratic)

Dane County Clerk of Circuit Court - VOTE for ONE
Carlo Esqueda (Democratic)

State Referendum
QUESTION 1:  “Creation of a Transportation Fund:  Shall section 9 (2) of article IV and section 11 of article VIII of the constitution be created to require that revenues generated by use of the state transportation system be deposited into a transportation fund administered by a department of transportation for the exclusive purpose of funding Wisconsin’s transportation systems and to prohibit any transfers or lapses from this fund?”  YES___   NO____
 
Dane County Referendum #1
“Should the State of Wisconsin increase the minimum wage to $10.10 per hour?”  
YES______   NO _________

Dane County Referendum #2
“Shall the next Governor and State Legislature accept available federal funs for BadgerCare to ensure that thousands of Wisconsin citizens have access to quality and affordable health coverage?”
YES_____   NO_____
 

 
 
11a - Referendum Asks For a Constitutional Amendment to Protect Transportation Funds

Question 1: "Creation of a Transportation Fund. Shall section 9 (2) of article IV and section 11 of article VIII of the constitution be created to require that revenues generated by use of the state transportation system be deposited into a transportation fund administered by a department of transportation for the exclusive purpose of funding Wisconsin's transportation systems and to prohibit any transfers or lapses from this
fund?"

On the surface this amendment looks logical. While Question 1 supporters argue that the amendment will prohibit politicians from “raiding” the state’s transportation fund, opponents contend that the measure will create budget inflexibility and encourage politicians to raid non-constitutionalized funds, such as education funds.
 
Most Democrats have spoken against the amendment.  Here is a portion of what Fred Risser had to say: "... the bottomline is that passage of this constitutional amendment will mean that Wisconsin has prioritized building roads over addressing funding for schools, health care, conservation, police and fire services, and other vital programs and services the state provides its citizens. Times change and the needs of the state change. In my opinion, it serves no useful purpose to submit to the highway lobby and guarantee them a constitutionally protected fund that can never be touched even in the case of economic crisis or statewide emergency." Wisconsin State Journal, "Sen. Fred Risser: Vote 'no' on transportation amendment," October 5, 2014
 
To become more educated about this matter before voting on November 4, go to
http://ballotpedia.org/Wisconsin_Transportation_Fund_Amendment,_Question_1_%282014%29
This webpage gives arguments on both sides of the issue.

Another good souce of information is the League of Women Voters of Dane County’s Candidate’ Answers.  Access it  at http://www.lwvdanecounty.org/content/candidates-answers-fall-general-election-2014
 
 

 
11b - Dane County Referenda Ask Questions About Statewide Issues

The November 4 ballot has two Dane County referenda questions.  Each is listed below along with the
“discussion” from Candidate’s Answers which is put out by the Dane County League of Women Voters.
 

DANE COUNTY REFERENDUM #1

"Should the State of WIsconsin increase the minimum wage to $10.10 per hour?"
Yes ________________ No _________________
 
The Dane County referendum on minimum wage is advisory only.
The current state minimum wage is $7.25/hour. Full-time, year round work at the current minimum wage earns a parent with one child less than the federal poverty level. An increase to $10.10/hour would be adequate to bring a parent with two children above the federal poverty level.

The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office suggests that a minimum wage of $10.10/hour could reduce total employment by as much as 500,000 workers nationwide, while it could lift 900,000 families out of poverty and increase the incomes of 16.5 million low-wage workers.

Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce contends that the increase “will result in significant Wisconsin job losses, will reduce economic opportunity for younger and lower-skilled workers, will raise consumer prices and will not meaningfully reduce poverty or help the working poor.”

The UW–Madison Center on Wisconsin Strategy (COWS) reports that 404,000 Wisconsin workers currently earn less than $10.10/hour, and another 183,000 who earn just over that amount would see increased wages due to a ripple effect. Of the Wisconsin workers who would be affected, 87% are 20 or older and 42% work full-time. COWS estimates that the wage increases would generate 3,800 new jobs in Wisconsin as businesses expand to meet increased consumer demand.

 
DANE COUNTY REFERENDUM #2

"Shall the next Governor and State Legislature accept available federal funds for BadgerCare to ensure that thousands of Wisconsin citizens have access to quality and affordable health coverage?"
Yes ________________ No _________________


Candidates’ Answers discusses the BadgerCare referendum as follows.
 
The Dane County referendum on BadgerCare is advisory only.
Under the federal Affordable Care Act, the federal government agreed to pay the entire cost of expanding Medicaid (BadgerCare in Wisconsin) to adults under 138% of the federal poverty level (FPL) through 2016. Starting in 2017, the federal government would pay a declining share of the cost, until beginning in 2020 the states would have to pay 10% of the Medicaid cost for the newly eligible population.

Governor Walker and the Legislature instead expanded BadgerCare to childless adults below 100% of the FPL, while dropping low-income parents who made more than 100% of the FPL from the program. The state currently pays 41% of the cost of covering adults in BadgerCare. Governor Walker pointed out that the parents over 100% of the FPL could purchase coverage through the federal health insurance marketplace. However, the Department of Health Services reported in July that only 19,000 of the 57,000 adults who lost BadgerCare subsequently purchased
health insurance through the marketplace.

The nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau (LFB) estimates that if Wisconsin had expanded BadgerCare to adults up to 138% of the FPL, the state would have saved $206 million during the current biennial budget period. The LFB estimates that 87,000 adults would be covered by the expansion.

Governor Walker argues that the state cannot rely on the federal government to meet its commitment for 90% funding in the future.


CITY WIDE

12 - [FREE] Tunes at Monona Terrace, Nov. 5, 5:30

Wednesday, November 5, 5:30-7 p.m.
Exhibition Hall in Monona Terrace
Free and Open to the Public
 
Come experience an evening of familiar American jazz standards, as they were crooned by greats such as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Tony Bennett.  Take a musical journey back to the days when words and melodies seemed simpler, and arrangements were wrapped in the sophistication of jazz.
 
A cash bar and light fare are available for purchase at 5 p.m.
 
This series is supported by Dane Arts with additional funds from Oak Park Place and Capitol Lakes.
                                                            from an e-mail from Monona Terrace

 
                                        


13 - Madison Installs First Visual Electronic Bicycle Counter

Madison Traffic Engineering installed its first visual electronic bicycle counter on Thursday, October 9th. The counter, called the Eco-Totem by manufacturer Eco-Counter, is located on the Southwest Path just east of Monroe Street. The counter tallies bicyclists that pass over loops embedded in the path. There are two counts displayed on the Eco-Totem. Near the top is the count for the day. Below this a thermometer type display that shows the number of bicyclists that have passed by cumulatively for the year.
 
"We already count bicyclists at several locations in the city," said David Dryer, City Traffic Engineer. "The Eco-Totem will supplement our data collection program while also being visible to path users and drivers on the street--it will give people a reminder of how many bicyclists there are in Madison and the need to watch for cyclists on all City streets."
 
The Southwest Path through the campus is area is one of the busiest paths in the city.
                                                from City of Madison



14 - Bicycle Articles Shared Beyond the N’hood

Some of our newsletter articles get shared far beyond the neighborhood.  Bill Hauda, President of Friends of the Badger Trail, shared four of the bicycle articles from the September 29, e-News with other FOBT board members.  Here is his very complimentary e-mail to his fellow board members.
 
Fellow FOBT board members:
        Thought you might be interested in the following from the Dunn's Marsh Neighborhood newsletter. Especially the item on the planned tunnel to carry Badger Trail users under busy County Highway PD (McKee Road). It will be a few years in the making, but the project is finally in the works.  This was written by Mary Mullen, who does an excellent job editing this newsletter, which serves the area roughly north of PD, west of Seminole Highway, east of Verona Road and south of the Beltline. In this area of Fitchburg is the greatest confluence of bike paths, trails and MTB opportunities that exists in the state of Wisconsin, and Badger is one of them.
        Bill

By the way, you can always see past newsletters on the  http://dunnsmarsh.blogspot.com or access the blog through the DMNA website: www.dunnsmarsh.org <http://www.dunnsmarsh.org>  home page.  Another way to keep even more in touch is through the Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood Association’s Facebook page.  Photos are very much a part of most of these communications.

 
15 - Reporting a Problem in Madison Online

Have you noticed a problem that the City of Madison might be able to fix if the city just knew about it?
 
An easy way to report it and get action is by using Madison’s online reporting service, Report a Problem.  To do so, go to https://www.cityofmadison.com/reportaproblem/ <file://localhost/reportaproblem>
 
Once you are there, choose one of the many categories of “service.”  In some cases, you will be referred to a number to call, but usually you just fill out the online form.   Recently - October 21 - I reported that the street light on my corner is out.  I expect it will be fixed in a day or two.  Check for yourself how soon this gets done by driving to the corner of Whenona Drive/Milford Road.
 
Already I have received a reply from customer services at MG&E:  
Good afternoon,
A service request order has been entered to repair this streetlight.
Thank
you.

 
I found out a few exceptions to the opportunity to fill out a form on the Report a Problem page.  For dead deer, one needs to call the DNR at 266-2621.   An abandoned vehicle on private property also requires a call - to Parking Enforcement, 266-0275.

I found out a few exceptions to the opportunity to fill out a form.  For dead deer, one needs to call the DNR at 266-2621.   An abandoned vehicle on private property also requires a call - to Parking Enforcement, 266-0275.
 
When filling out a report, often you have a choice of whether to give your own name and address,  but sometimes your name and address is legally required.  The city likes to have people give their name and address to cut down on false reports.
 
 

16 - How to Report a Problem or Submit Questions or Comments to Fitchburg

Fitchburg has two ways to submit concerns.  One is an all-purpose form while the other allows concerns to be submitted to a more specific agency in Fitchburg government.
 
The all-purpose form is located at  http://www.city.fitchburg.wi.us/FormCenter/City-of-Fitchburg-7/Contact-Us-Checkboxes-55
 
To access the categorical inquiry option, go to http://www.city.fitchburg.wi.us/requesttracker.aspx
If you haven’t already created an account on the site, you’ll need to provide an e-mail address and password.
 

 
17 - Want to Keep Up With What’s Going on in Madison or Fitchburg Government?

Don’t be caught by surprise.  Keep up with your city government by subscribing to notices online.
 
To learn about what’s going on in Fitchburg, go to https://wi-fitchburg.civicplus.com/list.aspx <file://localhost/list.aspx>
Provide your e-mail address and then confirm it once you are sent an e-mail.  There are many options to choose from.  It all depends on what you are interested in.
 
To get on Madison’s lists, register to receive e-mails on the topics you choose.  Go to https://my.cityofmadison.com/register.cfm <file://localhost/register.cfm>
 
 
------  End of the September 22, 2014 DUNN’S MARSH NEIGHBORHOOD e-NEWS -----
                                               THANKS FOR READING

Thursday, October 9, 2014

TONIGHT: Eat Free 6:15 & more

 
                        
                                                                                 
 October 9, 2014
                                                                                                             
The DMN e-News and an occasional hard copy DMN News are published by the Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood Association (DMNA) on an “as-needed” schedule.  The Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood Association, Inc. has been working to unite neighbors to solve mutual problems and promote fellowship among neighbors since 1973.  Our neighborhood is in Madison & Fitchburg.
               President & News contact:  Mary Mullen, mmullen4337@charter.net  298-0843
               Website: http://www.dunnsmarsh.org <http://www.dunnsmarsh.org>
             On Facebook:   
Type Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood Association into the search box.
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ARTICLES

1. TONIGHT, 6:15, DMNA Free Chili Supper & Annual Meeting (Attachments: “1 DM annual mtg flyer.jpg” & “2 DMNA map.jpg”)
2. Lost Dog
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TONIGHT, 6:15, DMNA Free Chili Supper & Annual Meeting
(Attachments: “1 DM annual mtg flyer.jpg” & “2 DMNA map.jpg”)

Location: Prairie UU Society, 2010 Whenona Drive (enter on  Crawford Drive)

It’s your annual chance to LEARN about many things that affect the neighborhood and SPEAK your mind about your ideas and concerns

6:15 - Sign in, eat Chili, watch PowerPoint Show about the Neighborhood

6:45 or so - Meeting - Spanish translation will be available.


MEETING AGENDA

Introductions (DMNA Council, elected officials, everyone)

Informational Announcements: Lost dog, ped/bike bridge mosaic workshops, Fitchburg Hometown Pharmacy opportunities, Verona Road update, Voter ID/In-person absentee voting (Nov. 4 election)

Minutes & Treasurer’s report

Concerns & ideas: Round robin format

Election of DMNA representatives:  Caucuses from each sub-neighborhood area choose Council members - up to 3 from each area

Election of additional Council members
  (if each of the 4 sub-neighborhood areas do not choose their 3 alloted representatives)

Adjournment


ALL neighborhood residents are welcome. The Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood is the area south of the Beltline/Verona Road between Seminole Highway and Allied/Carling Drives.  It also includes Dunn’s Marsh and other public lands south of the Cannonball Trail.  See the attached map of the neighborhood.



                                            
 

2. Lost Dog (Attachment:  “3 Lost Dog.jpg”)
 
On October 7, a little white  female dog was lost in the Danbury/Sheffield area.  She got out of the back yard and disappeared. Her name is Suzie.  She is a a Maltese Poodle mix, very small at only 4 pounds, and was wearing a pink colar with jewels and up to date tags.
 
If you have seen this dog, call Dee Darrow, (608) 852-5281.

         ---------  End of the 10/9/14 Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood e-News -----------
                                                 Thanks for Reading.