Local Labor Endorsements Announced
The Winnebago County Labor Council, the local AFL-CIO chapter, held its annual candidate forum on Thursday, February 23rd for the purpose of endorsing individuals running for local offices.
The following candidates were endorsed by the WCLC:
City Council: Mark Madison
Oshkosh School Board: Dennis Kavanaugh, Lee Wilson and Amy Weinsheim.
Winnebago County Board District 17: Jef Hall
The forum questions included individual positions on the Tax Payers Bill of Rights (TABOR), tax incentive accountability and economic development, new ideas for attracting and maintaining good paying jobs, the right to organize, shared revenue reductions, privatization, gender equity, and prevailing wage laws.
Candidates in attendance included: Burk Tower, Amy Weinsheim, Wayne Traska, Kent Monte, Dennis Kavanaugh, Brian Poeschl, and Mark Madison. Michelle Monte and Jef Hall requested and submitted questionnaires for consideration, while Paul Esslinger and Dan Becker respectfully declined the invitation to attend.
Council President Stephen Dedow stated that "All the candidates in attendance gave thoughtful, honest and considerate answers to our questions. I believe that the intentionally loose format of the forum created an atmosphere of openness which allowed all those who participated to exchange ideas freely. Most of the candidates had similar view points such as the nearly unanimous opposition to TABOR. The individuals we ended up endorsing simply were closer philosophically to our overall position as organized labor and as such would represent our concerns effectively."
The current endorsements follow earlier recommendations in support of Peg Lautenschlager for Attorney General and Karen Siefert for Judge in Branch 4.
[following are comments as they were received in response to this post on an earlier version of Eye on Oshkosh]
"The following comments are owned by whomever posted them. This site is not responsible for what they say."
Local Labor Endorsements Announced
Authored by: Anonymous on Friday, February 24 2006 @ 02:51 PM MST
Looks like the tax and spenders got the nod. No surprise there.
Local Labor Endorsements Announced
Authored by: Anonymous on Friday, February 24 2006 @ 04:51 PM MST
Yeah, No kidding. Labor backing progressive candidates. That's not surprising at all.
Local Labor Endorsements Announced
Authored by: Anonymous on Friday, February 24 2006 @ 08:49 PM MST
I don't see any endorsements from legitimate "non-labor" groups. Organize one. We'll be interested to see who you support.
Local Labor Endorsements Announced
Authored by: Anonymous on Friday, February 24 2006 @ 09:03 PM MST
What is your definition of "legitimate non labor groups?"
Local Labor Endorsements Announced
Authored by: Anonymous on Friday, February 24 2006 @ 09:05 PM MST
Opposed to TABOR...big surprise. Why would they want to cut off their entitlement?
Local Labor Endorsements Announced
Authored by: Anonymous on Saturday, February 25 2006 @ 05:34 PM MST
Paul Esslinger, supporter of unions but too much of a snob to attend a forum sponsored by one?
Local Labor Endorsements Announced
Authored by: Anonymous on Saturday, February 25 2006 @ 08:20 PM MST
Mr Esslinger wanted "all the members" to be in attendance for the endorsement process. Sorry Paul, Titan Stadium wasn't available on Thursday night to fit all those folks in, and it was a little cold to be outside. Besides, that's not the way it works. The Labor Council consists of elected representatives of unions both in and outside of the AFL-CIO. Every member union of the Labor Council was invited to participate in the endorsement process. It is each unions responsibility to attend. If they don't, and aren't happy with the endorsement, so be it......Several representatives of the unions representing city employees were at the meeting on Thursday. Hmmmm....interesting that they participated in the lone endorsement of Mark Madison. Those are the unions that have the most at stake in the city elections. I might add that Mark Madison is the sole endorsement for their union's PAC also.
Local Labor Endorsements Announced
Authored by: Anonymous on Saturday, February 25 2006 @ 09:51 PM MST
Don't be fooled by this poor excuse for a public servant. Mr Esslinger only wanted to grandstand once again. That has become his middle name and the longer this character is in elective office the louder that name gets screamed. Give the crybaby a rattle, busy box, and a good swift kick out of city hall.
Local Labor Endorsements Announced
Authored by: Anonymous on Sunday, February 26 2006 @ 01:37 AM MST
Esslinger is too good to go to the forum sponsored by the union but he went to an event sponsored by Propel in 10/04. Check this out."Confirmed Special Guests:State Rep. Gregg Underheim, 54th Assembly DistrictState Sen. Carol Roessler, 18th Senate DistrictSteve Dedow, Candidate for the 53rd State Assembly DistrictLuAnn Bird, Candidate for the 53rd State Assembly DistrictRichard Spanbauer, Candidate for the 53rd State Assembly DistrictGordon Hintz, Candidate for the 54th State Assembly DistrictTony Palmeri, Candidate for the 54th State Assembly DistrictDan Carpenter, Candidate for the 54th State Assembly DistrictMark Harris, Oshkosh MayorFrank Tower, Oshkosh Deputy MayorShirley Mattox, Oshkosh Common Council memberPaul Esslinger, Oshkosh Common Council memberBrian Poeschl, Oshkosh Common Council memberBurk Tower, Oshkosh Common Council member"Esslinger must think it's okay to associate with certain groups and certain people, even though he has publicly dissed them. Others better not do that though or you'll be called names by Esslinger and his friends. How screwed up can one person's principles get? There is no good reason for him to have shunned these union leaders. Jef Hall is wrong when he says Esslinger is a racist and a sexist. Esslinger is just another elected official whose gotten too big for his britches.
Local Labor Endorsements Announced
Authored by: Anonymous on Sunday, February 26 2006 @ 07:46 AM MST
I don't care what propel said, he wasn't at their event. He also didn't say that all of the members of the unions should be "in attendance," he said the questions and answers should be provided to them so they can make up their own mind on who to endorse.Please be smart enough to read other posts before opening your mouth and making yourself look dumber than you are!And Mr. Esslinger, cudos to you for not attending the union meeting. I wouldn't want to be supported by a group that supports Jef Hall or Mark Madison. They are the "wrong votes" for Oshkosh. Keep fighting for the "average Joe," something Mark Madison or Jef Hall wouldn't have a clue how to do.
Local Labor Endorsements Announced
Authored by: Anonymous on Sunday, February 26 2006 @ 08:10 AM MST
A previous post DID say that Esslinger wanted all members to be in attendance. Some of us know how to read but we'll excuse you from that group.
Local Labor Endorsements Announced
Authored by: Anonymous on Sunday, February 26 2006 @ 12:30 PM MST
Some questions for the person who wrote this about Paul Ellsinger: “I don't care what propel said, he wasn't at their event. He also didn't say that all of the members of the unions should be "in attendance," he said the questions and answers should be provided to them so they can make up their own mind on who to endorse.”How do you know he wasn’t at their event? Were you there from start to finish? Or did Mr. Ellsinger tell you he wasn't there? Or are you Paul disguising yourself as Anonymous? You also seem very certain of what he said to the labor union. How do you know what he said? You would either have to be Paul, been told something by Paul or be a member of the endorsement committee. We can rule out that one seeings as though it would be odd for them to jump to Ellsinger's defense after he gave them the brush off. That leaves the other two options. Now who looks dumber than they are?
Local Labor Endorsements Announced
Authored by: Anonymous on Sunday, February 26 2006 @ 01:06 PM MST
I think you've been reading too many conspiracy theory books lately!Oh, and by the way, it's Esslinger not Ellsinger. My God, you can't get the story straight, but I would expect you to at least get the name correct!
Local Labor Endorsements Announced
Authored by: Anonymous on Sunday, February 26 2006 @ 01:15 PM MST
No conspiracy. Just good old fashioned common sense. You know, the kind Paul EsSLINGER and his possee always preaches about. Some anonymous busybee out there also should know it's Jef, not Jeff.
Local Labor Endorsements Announced
Authored by: Anonymous on Sunday, February 26 2006 @ 03:00 PM MST
Where is there a conspiracy theory. Guesstimates were made but you were asked some simple questions about your source of knowledge. Maybe they were a wee bit tough for you but if you're going to speak with authority you have to show you deserve to be believed. The questions weren't answered directly, but it really is not necessary. The point has been made.
Local Labor Endorsements Announced
Authored by: Anonymous on Monday, February 27 2006 @ 07:13 AM MST
You would think Paul Esslinger would have all the time in the world to attend any and all meetings that might earn an endorsement for him. He is unemployed now, you know.
Local Labor Endorsements Announced
Authored by: Anonymous on Monday, February 27 2006 @ 08:05 AM MST
He is?
Local Labor Endorsements Announced
Authored by: Anonymous on Monday, February 27 2006 @ 09:46 AM MST
You would certainly think so...Maybe the next time Mr. Esslinger goes on Eye on Oshkosh Cheryl and Tony could ask him if that cribbage tournament on the 18th of Feb. was really more important than being at the special meeting to set the city manager's 2006 goals...People always complain about the city manager so you'd think Esslinger would have thought this important...He was the only council member not present but I bet they all had other things to do that day...Where are Esslinger's priorities and commitment to the people...He is disappointing.
Local Labor Endorsements Announced
Authored by: Anonymous on Monday, February 27 2006 @ 11:29 AM MST
Yes, Paul Esslinger lost his job with Charter Communications. He is unemployed.
Local Labor Endorsements Announced
Authored by: Anonymous on Monday, February 27 2006 @ 01:23 PM MST
If he became a professional cribbage player Paul could solve his unemployment problem and have a good reason not to attend important city meetings.
Local Labor Endorsements Announced
Authored by: Anonymous on Monday, February 27 2006 @ 03:53 PM MST
A cribbage tournament!! That's lame. If anyone's keeping tally he blew off 2 executive sessions on the 14th, then shirked his responsibility to us on the 18th, and stiffed the labor unions on the 23rd. What's next? Add that to the water park and garbage fees and we've got the makings of a real politician.
Local Labor Endorsements Announced
Authored by: Anonymous on Monday, February 27 2006 @ 07:33 PM MST
What in the world is Paul Esslinger thinking? This is a lousy reason for not making this meeting.
Local Labor Endorsements Announced
Authored by: Anonymous on Monday, February 27 2006 @ 08:11 PM MST
Maybe he was thinking about the grand prize in the cribbage tourney instead of the prize he already has. A coveted seat on the common council.
Local Labor Endorsements Announced
Authored by: Anonymous on Monday, February 27 2006 @ 12:50 PM MST
Paul actually went to a cribbage tournament instead of such an important meeting? A real man of the people would have done just the opposite.
Local Labor Endorsements Announced
Authored by: Anonymous on Monday, February 27 2006 @ 10:18 PM MST
I see others have already weighed in on this so at the risk of sounding redundant I will say I think the choice Mr. Esslinger made was a poor one. The city manager's job is so vital to the entire framework known as city hall and the City of Oshkosh. The council has said it wants to set tough goals for the city manager because the people wnat him to be more accountable. But the first thing that happens is the senior member of the council is not there for the handoff. I am shaking my head in bewilderment right now.
Cribbage Patch Paul
Authored by: Anonymous on Wednesday, March 01 2006 @ 03:22 PM MST
Why is Paul "public servant 101" so quiet? Guess the subject material swirling around about him is true or he'd be screaming bloody murder. A confidentiality agreement with Diog and now a cribbage tournament over planning city manager goals. Who knows. Someday Five Rivers might even host a cribbage convention in its big convention center?
Cribbage Patch Paul
Authored by: Anonymous on Wednesday, March 01 2006 @ 03:48 PM MST
Well there really is no justification for attending the cribbage tournament, so I guess that's why we haven't heard from him!
Cribbage Patch Paul
Authored by: Anonymous on Wednesday, March 01 2006 @ 04:55 PM MST
Esslinger has had a fairly good reputation until the last year or so. Since he lost his bid for mayor he has become *censored*y as hell which doesn't make any sense. Even come of his votes are in conflict with each other. If the stress is getting to him we could help with that.
Cribbage Patch Paul
Authored by: Anonymous on Wednesday, March 01 2006 @ 07:37 PM MST
Maybe Paul is waiting for his turn on Eye on Oshkosh with the other candidates to tell his side.
Local Labor Endorsements Announced
Authored by: Anonymous on Monday, February 27 2006 @ 10:37 PM MST
Over on the Oshkosh News blog a week or so ago Melanie Bloechl said: "Those of us that have actually worked in this arena, understand that the Council should be giving direction to the City MANAGER, (hence the name manager)unfortunately this is not the case, and will not be until the good people of Oshkosh wake up and realize that the Council is not doing it's job." Later on in that same posting she said: "Dick has done a respectable job, considering that lack of leadership his bosses have shown."Earlier today we learned that her close friend Paul Esslinger chose to attend a cribbage tournament a couple weeks ago instead of attending a special city council meeting where goals were discussed and set for the city manager for this year. It is unfortunate that her friend Mr. Esslinger was the only council member not there to help develop that direction she complains the city manager needs.
Local Labor Endorsements Announced
Authored by: Anonymous on Tuesday, February 28 2006 @ 06:13 AM MST
It would be nice to hear from Paul and Melanie on this issue. Do they boycott this site now?
Local Labor Endorsements Announced
Authored by: Anonymous on Tuesday, February 28 2006 @ 06:58 AM MST
Who cares? We seem to carry on discussion without them. (They're probably lurking around though. It would be hard to imagine their egos allowing them to stay away.)
Local Labor Endorsements Announced
Authored by: Anonymous on Tuesday, February 28 2006 @ 07:21 AM MST
It is always nice to get both sides of a story.
Local Labor Endorsements Announced
Authored by: Anonymous on Tuesday, February 28 2006 @ 07:48 AM MST
So, is the council now a "job" which members have to attend Saturday meetings? Sounds like the council needs to get back to the basics and conduct meetings during the work week as weekends are personal time. And we wonder why people don't run, except those with an empty nest or are empty upstairs. You have a few young people on the council with no children or ask others to raise their children so frankly, I too would draw the line. It will be interesting to see who wins seats in the upcoming election. If Jeff Hall wins a county board seat, we know the public is forgiving of a drunken frat boy entering a home illegally!
Local Labor Endorsements Announced
Authored by: Anonymous on Tuesday, February 28 2006 @ 08:06 AM MST
That was the mission Esslinger signed up for. The council doesn't have weekend meetings that often, but this was a biggie. If he is unwilling to do the job, why is he running? Wanting free time is no excuse whatsoever to miss a meeting of this importance. It might interest you and others to know that the Saturday meeting he blew off had been postponed from 2/14 because of the late hour. But Essligner wouldn't have been at that one either because he drove his rear end home after the regular council meeting and before the executive session on Five Rivers. Either way he shirked his responsibility on city manager goal setting and shirked his duties to the people of Oshkosh.Your attitude is one that promulgates the very kind of behavior Esslinger has displayed and encourages such irresponsibility in the future. It is as disgusting as your attack on Mr. Hall.
Local Labor Endorsements Announced
Authored by: admin on Tuesday, February 28 2006 @ 09:19 AM MST
A post was just removed from this discussion because the anonymous person made a few wrongful accusations about me and inaccurately stated that Meredith Scheuermann was not at the Saturday meeting being discussed either. One would have to wonder how they would know whether Mrs. Scheuerman was in attendance or not, unless they were on the city council or among a select few city employees or others who would have gotten the attendance sheet. Be that as it may, this is just another case of someone wanting to deflect from the real issue being discussed by putting the blame and spotlight on someone else. In doing so they have lied and misstated the facts. Here are the facts about the meeting in question. In contacting the city clerk's office to obtain attendance information for that day I was told that all city council members were in attendance, except for Paul Esslinger. Meredith Scheuermann was there but arrived a few minutes late, the clerk's office just told me.Anyone in doubt about about the truthfulness or accuracy of this may call to verify it for themselves. Or you can request a copy of the attendance sheet yourself from them.If people want to post things, anonymously or otherwise, please make sure you (a) do not slander or lie about others, and (b) make sure you have your own facts straight. Otherwise your post will be deleted in its entirety.
- Cheryl Hentz
Local Labor Endorsements Announced
Authored by: Anonymous on Tuesday, February 28 2006 @ 09:08 PM MST
I looked into this and found out that Paul Esslinger was the only city council member not at that special meeting. Just like Cheryl said. Mr. Esslinger's decision bothers me. It does not seem like him nor does it seem like a very reasoned choice. Unless he had a good reason I will have to rethink my vote. I only wish this had come out before last week's balloting.
Local Labor Endorsements Announced
Authored by: Anonymous on Wednesday, March 01 2006 @ 12:58 PM MST
Just in case anyone doubts Cheryl and would accuse her of some sort of personal bias. My husband has a copy of the minutes form the Saturday in question. It was in his city council packet and is available to anyone who wishes to see it. Paul was absent, Merideth was late. Those are the facts of the meeting. I rarely talk to Paul, so I don't know why he didn't go. Personally, I think Saturday meetings are ridiculous unless it is an emergency of some sort. I would wonder why the meeting couldn't be held during the week and what Paul's reason for cribbage being more important. Was there some arrangement between Paul and the other council members? Was the meeting optional? I'm not defending anyone, just confirming some things and questioning others.
Michelle Monte
Local Labor Endorsements Announced
Authored by: Anonymous on Wednesday, March 01 2006 @ 02:04 PM MST
Aren't all meetings optional for council members?
Local Labor Endorsements Announced
Authored by: Anonymous on Wednesday, March 01 2006 @ 03:13 PM MST
They're paid a salary so they really ought to be there when there's a meeting unless they have a good reason. Playing cribbage is not such a reason, especially when the relative importance of it is weighed against that of city manager goals and direction.
Local Labor Endorsements Announced
Authored by: Anonymous on Wednesday, March 01 2006 @ 05:53 PM MST
I understand he should have been there. My point is they are not manditory. No such thing. He seems to have lost his way. It is time to vote him out.
Local Labor Endorsements Announced
Authored by: Anonymous on Wednesday, March 01 2006 @ 06:53 PM MST
Agreed. His perspective is gone.
Local Labor Endorsements Announced
Authored by: Anonymous on Tuesday, February 28 2006 @ 11:55 AM MST
Paul wasn't with his children he was at a cribbage tornament.
Local Labor Endorsements Announced
Authored by: Anonymous on Tuesday, February 28 2006 @ 07:55 AM MST
Mrs. Bloechl isn't on the council any more and doesn't have a side to tell. It's not her place to defend her protege. We do deserve to hear Mr. Esslinger's explanation, though it's hard to imagine how anyone might think it was responsible. Mrs. Bloechl could tell us what she thinks about Esslinger's decision seeings as how she thinks the council needs to give the city manager some real direction for a change. That must be new from when she served.
The following candidates were endorsed by the WCLC:
City Council: Mark Madison
Oshkosh School Board: Dennis Kavanaugh, Lee Wilson and Amy Weinsheim.
Winnebago County Board District 17: Jef Hall
The forum questions included individual positions on the Tax Payers Bill of Rights (TABOR), tax incentive accountability and economic development, new ideas for attracting and maintaining good paying jobs, the right to organize, shared revenue reductions, privatization, gender equity, and prevailing wage laws.
Candidates in attendance included: Burk Tower, Amy Weinsheim, Wayne Traska, Kent Monte, Dennis Kavanaugh, Brian Poeschl, and Mark Madison. Michelle Monte and Jef Hall requested and submitted questionnaires for consideration, while Paul Esslinger and Dan Becker respectfully declined the invitation to attend.
Council President Stephen Dedow stated that "All the candidates in attendance gave thoughtful, honest and considerate answers to our questions. I believe that the intentionally loose format of the forum created an atmosphere of openness which allowed all those who participated to exchange ideas freely. Most of the candidates had similar view points such as the nearly unanimous opposition to TABOR. The individuals we ended up endorsing simply were closer philosophically to our overall position as organized labor and as such would represent our concerns effectively."
The current endorsements follow earlier recommendations in support of Peg Lautenschlager for Attorney General and Karen Siefert for Judge in Branch 4.
[following are comments as they were received in response to this post on an earlier version of Eye on Oshkosh]
"The following comments are owned by whomever posted them. This site is not responsible for what they say."
Local Labor Endorsements Announced
Authored by: Anonymous on Friday, February 24 2006 @ 02:51 PM MST
Looks like the tax and spenders got the nod. No surprise there.
Local Labor Endorsements Announced
Authored by: Anonymous on Friday, February 24 2006 @ 04:51 PM MST
Yeah, No kidding. Labor backing progressive candidates. That's not surprising at all.
Local Labor Endorsements Announced
Authored by: Anonymous on Friday, February 24 2006 @ 08:49 PM MST
I don't see any endorsements from legitimate "non-labor" groups. Organize one. We'll be interested to see who you support.
Local Labor Endorsements Announced
Authored by: Anonymous on Friday, February 24 2006 @ 09:03 PM MST
What is your definition of "legitimate non labor groups?"
Local Labor Endorsements Announced
Authored by: Anonymous on Friday, February 24 2006 @ 09:05 PM MST
Opposed to TABOR...big surprise. Why would they want to cut off their entitlement?
Local Labor Endorsements Announced
Authored by: Anonymous on Saturday, February 25 2006 @ 05:34 PM MST
Paul Esslinger, supporter of unions but too much of a snob to attend a forum sponsored by one?
Local Labor Endorsements Announced
Authored by: Anonymous on Saturday, February 25 2006 @ 08:20 PM MST
Mr Esslinger wanted "all the members" to be in attendance for the endorsement process. Sorry Paul, Titan Stadium wasn't available on Thursday night to fit all those folks in, and it was a little cold to be outside. Besides, that's not the way it works. The Labor Council consists of elected representatives of unions both in and outside of the AFL-CIO. Every member union of the Labor Council was invited to participate in the endorsement process. It is each unions responsibility to attend. If they don't, and aren't happy with the endorsement, so be it......Several representatives of the unions representing city employees were at the meeting on Thursday. Hmmmm....interesting that they participated in the lone endorsement of Mark Madison. Those are the unions that have the most at stake in the city elections. I might add that Mark Madison is the sole endorsement for their union's PAC also.
Local Labor Endorsements Announced
Authored by: Anonymous on Saturday, February 25 2006 @ 09:51 PM MST
Don't be fooled by this poor excuse for a public servant. Mr Esslinger only wanted to grandstand once again. That has become his middle name and the longer this character is in elective office the louder that name gets screamed. Give the crybaby a rattle, busy box, and a good swift kick out of city hall.
Local Labor Endorsements Announced
Authored by: Anonymous on Sunday, February 26 2006 @ 01:37 AM MST
Esslinger is too good to go to the forum sponsored by the union but he went to an event sponsored by Propel in 10/04. Check this out."Confirmed Special Guests:State Rep. Gregg Underheim, 54th Assembly DistrictState Sen. Carol Roessler, 18th Senate DistrictSteve Dedow, Candidate for the 53rd State Assembly DistrictLuAnn Bird, Candidate for the 53rd State Assembly DistrictRichard Spanbauer, Candidate for the 53rd State Assembly DistrictGordon Hintz, Candidate for the 54th State Assembly DistrictTony Palmeri, Candidate for the 54th State Assembly DistrictDan Carpenter, Candidate for the 54th State Assembly DistrictMark Harris, Oshkosh MayorFrank Tower, Oshkosh Deputy MayorShirley Mattox, Oshkosh Common Council memberPaul Esslinger, Oshkosh Common Council memberBrian Poeschl, Oshkosh Common Council memberBurk Tower, Oshkosh Common Council member"Esslinger must think it's okay to associate with certain groups and certain people, even though he has publicly dissed them. Others better not do that though or you'll be called names by Esslinger and his friends. How screwed up can one person's principles get? There is no good reason for him to have shunned these union leaders. Jef Hall is wrong when he says Esslinger is a racist and a sexist. Esslinger is just another elected official whose gotten too big for his britches.
Local Labor Endorsements Announced
Authored by: Anonymous on Sunday, February 26 2006 @ 07:46 AM MST
I don't care what propel said, he wasn't at their event. He also didn't say that all of the members of the unions should be "in attendance," he said the questions and answers should be provided to them so they can make up their own mind on who to endorse.Please be smart enough to read other posts before opening your mouth and making yourself look dumber than you are!And Mr. Esslinger, cudos to you for not attending the union meeting. I wouldn't want to be supported by a group that supports Jef Hall or Mark Madison. They are the "wrong votes" for Oshkosh. Keep fighting for the "average Joe," something Mark Madison or Jef Hall wouldn't have a clue how to do.
Local Labor Endorsements Announced
Authored by: Anonymous on Sunday, February 26 2006 @ 08:10 AM MST
A previous post DID say that Esslinger wanted all members to be in attendance. Some of us know how to read but we'll excuse you from that group.
Local Labor Endorsements Announced
Authored by: Anonymous on Sunday, February 26 2006 @ 12:30 PM MST
Some questions for the person who wrote this about Paul Ellsinger: “I don't care what propel said, he wasn't at their event. He also didn't say that all of the members of the unions should be "in attendance," he said the questions and answers should be provided to them so they can make up their own mind on who to endorse.”How do you know he wasn’t at their event? Were you there from start to finish? Or did Mr. Ellsinger tell you he wasn't there? Or are you Paul disguising yourself as Anonymous? You also seem very certain of what he said to the labor union. How do you know what he said? You would either have to be Paul, been told something by Paul or be a member of the endorsement committee. We can rule out that one seeings as though it would be odd for them to jump to Ellsinger's defense after he gave them the brush off. That leaves the other two options. Now who looks dumber than they are?
Local Labor Endorsements Announced
Authored by: Anonymous on Sunday, February 26 2006 @ 01:06 PM MST
I think you've been reading too many conspiracy theory books lately!Oh, and by the way, it's Esslinger not Ellsinger. My God, you can't get the story straight, but I would expect you to at least get the name correct!
Local Labor Endorsements Announced
Authored by: Anonymous on Sunday, February 26 2006 @ 01:15 PM MST
No conspiracy. Just good old fashioned common sense. You know, the kind Paul EsSLINGER and his possee always preaches about. Some anonymous busybee out there also should know it's Jef, not Jeff.
Local Labor Endorsements Announced
Authored by: Anonymous on Sunday, February 26 2006 @ 03:00 PM MST
Where is there a conspiracy theory. Guesstimates were made but you were asked some simple questions about your source of knowledge. Maybe they were a wee bit tough for you but if you're going to speak with authority you have to show you deserve to be believed. The questions weren't answered directly, but it really is not necessary. The point has been made.
Local Labor Endorsements Announced
Authored by: Anonymous on Monday, February 27 2006 @ 07:13 AM MST
You would think Paul Esslinger would have all the time in the world to attend any and all meetings that might earn an endorsement for him. He is unemployed now, you know.
Local Labor Endorsements Announced
Authored by: Anonymous on Monday, February 27 2006 @ 08:05 AM MST
He is?
Local Labor Endorsements Announced
Authored by: Anonymous on Monday, February 27 2006 @ 09:46 AM MST
You would certainly think so...Maybe the next time Mr. Esslinger goes on Eye on Oshkosh Cheryl and Tony could ask him if that cribbage tournament on the 18th of Feb. was really more important than being at the special meeting to set the city manager's 2006 goals...People always complain about the city manager so you'd think Esslinger would have thought this important...He was the only council member not present but I bet they all had other things to do that day...Where are Esslinger's priorities and commitment to the people...He is disappointing.
Local Labor Endorsements Announced
Authored by: Anonymous on Monday, February 27 2006 @ 11:29 AM MST
Yes, Paul Esslinger lost his job with Charter Communications. He is unemployed.
Local Labor Endorsements Announced
Authored by: Anonymous on Monday, February 27 2006 @ 01:23 PM MST
If he became a professional cribbage player Paul could solve his unemployment problem and have a good reason not to attend important city meetings.
Local Labor Endorsements Announced
Authored by: Anonymous on Monday, February 27 2006 @ 03:53 PM MST
A cribbage tournament!! That's lame. If anyone's keeping tally he blew off 2 executive sessions on the 14th, then shirked his responsibility to us on the 18th, and stiffed the labor unions on the 23rd. What's next? Add that to the water park and garbage fees and we've got the makings of a real politician.
Local Labor Endorsements Announced
Authored by: Anonymous on Monday, February 27 2006 @ 07:33 PM MST
What in the world is Paul Esslinger thinking? This is a lousy reason for not making this meeting.
Local Labor Endorsements Announced
Authored by: Anonymous on Monday, February 27 2006 @ 08:11 PM MST
Maybe he was thinking about the grand prize in the cribbage tourney instead of the prize he already has. A coveted seat on the common council.
Local Labor Endorsements Announced
Authored by: Anonymous on Monday, February 27 2006 @ 12:50 PM MST
Paul actually went to a cribbage tournament instead of such an important meeting? A real man of the people would have done just the opposite.
Local Labor Endorsements Announced
Authored by: Anonymous on Monday, February 27 2006 @ 10:18 PM MST
I see others have already weighed in on this so at the risk of sounding redundant I will say I think the choice Mr. Esslinger made was a poor one. The city manager's job is so vital to the entire framework known as city hall and the City of Oshkosh. The council has said it wants to set tough goals for the city manager because the people wnat him to be more accountable. But the first thing that happens is the senior member of the council is not there for the handoff. I am shaking my head in bewilderment right now.
Cribbage Patch Paul
Authored by: Anonymous on Wednesday, March 01 2006 @ 03:22 PM MST
Why is Paul "public servant 101" so quiet? Guess the subject material swirling around about him is true or he'd be screaming bloody murder. A confidentiality agreement with Diog and now a cribbage tournament over planning city manager goals. Who knows. Someday Five Rivers might even host a cribbage convention in its big convention center?
Cribbage Patch Paul
Authored by: Anonymous on Wednesday, March 01 2006 @ 03:48 PM MST
Well there really is no justification for attending the cribbage tournament, so I guess that's why we haven't heard from him!
Cribbage Patch Paul
Authored by: Anonymous on Wednesday, March 01 2006 @ 04:55 PM MST
Esslinger has had a fairly good reputation until the last year or so. Since he lost his bid for mayor he has become *censored*y as hell which doesn't make any sense. Even come of his votes are in conflict with each other. If the stress is getting to him we could help with that.
Cribbage Patch Paul
Authored by: Anonymous on Wednesday, March 01 2006 @ 07:37 PM MST
Maybe Paul is waiting for his turn on Eye on Oshkosh with the other candidates to tell his side.
Local Labor Endorsements Announced
Authored by: Anonymous on Monday, February 27 2006 @ 10:37 PM MST
Over on the Oshkosh News blog a week or so ago Melanie Bloechl said: "Those of us that have actually worked in this arena, understand that the Council should be giving direction to the City MANAGER, (hence the name manager)unfortunately this is not the case, and will not be until the good people of Oshkosh wake up and realize that the Council is not doing it's job." Later on in that same posting she said: "Dick has done a respectable job, considering that lack of leadership his bosses have shown."Earlier today we learned that her close friend Paul Esslinger chose to attend a cribbage tournament a couple weeks ago instead of attending a special city council meeting where goals were discussed and set for the city manager for this year. It is unfortunate that her friend Mr. Esslinger was the only council member not there to help develop that direction she complains the city manager needs.
Local Labor Endorsements Announced
Authored by: Anonymous on Tuesday, February 28 2006 @ 06:13 AM MST
It would be nice to hear from Paul and Melanie on this issue. Do they boycott this site now?
Local Labor Endorsements Announced
Authored by: Anonymous on Tuesday, February 28 2006 @ 06:58 AM MST
Who cares? We seem to carry on discussion without them. (They're probably lurking around though. It would be hard to imagine their egos allowing them to stay away.)
Local Labor Endorsements Announced
Authored by: Anonymous on Tuesday, February 28 2006 @ 07:21 AM MST
It is always nice to get both sides of a story.
Local Labor Endorsements Announced
Authored by: Anonymous on Tuesday, February 28 2006 @ 07:48 AM MST
So, is the council now a "job" which members have to attend Saturday meetings? Sounds like the council needs to get back to the basics and conduct meetings during the work week as weekends are personal time. And we wonder why people don't run, except those with an empty nest or are empty upstairs. You have a few young people on the council with no children or ask others to raise their children so frankly, I too would draw the line. It will be interesting to see who wins seats in the upcoming election. If Jeff Hall wins a county board seat, we know the public is forgiving of a drunken frat boy entering a home illegally!
Local Labor Endorsements Announced
Authored by: Anonymous on Tuesday, February 28 2006 @ 08:06 AM MST
That was the mission Esslinger signed up for. The council doesn't have weekend meetings that often, but this was a biggie. If he is unwilling to do the job, why is he running? Wanting free time is no excuse whatsoever to miss a meeting of this importance. It might interest you and others to know that the Saturday meeting he blew off had been postponed from 2/14 because of the late hour. But Essligner wouldn't have been at that one either because he drove his rear end home after the regular council meeting and before the executive session on Five Rivers. Either way he shirked his responsibility on city manager goal setting and shirked his duties to the people of Oshkosh.Your attitude is one that promulgates the very kind of behavior Esslinger has displayed and encourages such irresponsibility in the future. It is as disgusting as your attack on Mr. Hall.
Local Labor Endorsements Announced
Authored by: admin on Tuesday, February 28 2006 @ 09:19 AM MST
A post was just removed from this discussion because the anonymous person made a few wrongful accusations about me and inaccurately stated that Meredith Scheuermann was not at the Saturday meeting being discussed either. One would have to wonder how they would know whether Mrs. Scheuerman was in attendance or not, unless they were on the city council or among a select few city employees or others who would have gotten the attendance sheet. Be that as it may, this is just another case of someone wanting to deflect from the real issue being discussed by putting the blame and spotlight on someone else. In doing so they have lied and misstated the facts. Here are the facts about the meeting in question. In contacting the city clerk's office to obtain attendance information for that day I was told that all city council members were in attendance, except for Paul Esslinger. Meredith Scheuermann was there but arrived a few minutes late, the clerk's office just told me.Anyone in doubt about about the truthfulness or accuracy of this may call to verify it for themselves. Or you can request a copy of the attendance sheet yourself from them.If people want to post things, anonymously or otherwise, please make sure you (a) do not slander or lie about others, and (b) make sure you have your own facts straight. Otherwise your post will be deleted in its entirety.
- Cheryl Hentz
Local Labor Endorsements Announced
Authored by: Anonymous on Tuesday, February 28 2006 @ 09:08 PM MST
I looked into this and found out that Paul Esslinger was the only city council member not at that special meeting. Just like Cheryl said. Mr. Esslinger's decision bothers me. It does not seem like him nor does it seem like a very reasoned choice. Unless he had a good reason I will have to rethink my vote. I only wish this had come out before last week's balloting.
Local Labor Endorsements Announced
Authored by: Anonymous on Wednesday, March 01 2006 @ 12:58 PM MST
Just in case anyone doubts Cheryl and would accuse her of some sort of personal bias. My husband has a copy of the minutes form the Saturday in question. It was in his city council packet and is available to anyone who wishes to see it. Paul was absent, Merideth was late. Those are the facts of the meeting. I rarely talk to Paul, so I don't know why he didn't go. Personally, I think Saturday meetings are ridiculous unless it is an emergency of some sort. I would wonder why the meeting couldn't be held during the week and what Paul's reason for cribbage being more important. Was there some arrangement between Paul and the other council members? Was the meeting optional? I'm not defending anyone, just confirming some things and questioning others.
Michelle Monte
Local Labor Endorsements Announced
Authored by: Anonymous on Wednesday, March 01 2006 @ 02:04 PM MST
Aren't all meetings optional for council members?
Local Labor Endorsements Announced
Authored by: Anonymous on Wednesday, March 01 2006 @ 03:13 PM MST
They're paid a salary so they really ought to be there when there's a meeting unless they have a good reason. Playing cribbage is not such a reason, especially when the relative importance of it is weighed against that of city manager goals and direction.
Local Labor Endorsements Announced
Authored by: Anonymous on Wednesday, March 01 2006 @ 05:53 PM MST
I understand he should have been there. My point is they are not manditory. No such thing. He seems to have lost his way. It is time to vote him out.
Local Labor Endorsements Announced
Authored by: Anonymous on Wednesday, March 01 2006 @ 06:53 PM MST
Agreed. His perspective is gone.
Local Labor Endorsements Announced
Authored by: Anonymous on Tuesday, February 28 2006 @ 11:55 AM MST
Paul wasn't with his children he was at a cribbage tornament.
Local Labor Endorsements Announced
Authored by: Anonymous on Tuesday, February 28 2006 @ 07:55 AM MST
Mrs. Bloechl isn't on the council any more and doesn't have a side to tell. It's not her place to defend her protege. We do deserve to hear Mr. Esslinger's explanation, though it's hard to imagine how anyone might think it was responsible. Mrs. Bloechl could tell us what she thinks about Esslinger's decision seeings as how she thinks the council needs to give the city manager some real direction for a change. That must be new from when she served.
posted by Cheryl Hentz at 3:28 PM
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