Reducing the Size of the County Board
I watched in horror, the special county board meeting held a couple of weeks ago to rally the troops against any effort to reduce the size of the county board. One only needs to pay a little attention to see that the brainpower in our 38 member board is far short of what is needed to run our county efficiently. Case in point...recently a county supervisor tried to establish an illegal betting pool. He didn't seem to think this was any big deal! Supervisors like this just blend into a huge 38 member board. But if the board was, say, 11 or 19, it would be much more difficult to hide some of these unqualified supervisors. In an era where "accountability" seems to be the buzzword, wouldn't a smaller board lead to more accountability? If it's possible, I would hope that a current supervisor would propose a referendum that would shrink the size to 19. Put it on the ballot in November. After reading supervisor Wingren's endorsement of Ken Robl in the paper, I thought that maybe we had found our "advocate" for reducing the size of the board. Then, with dismay, I read supervisor Robl's answer to the question, "Should the Winnebago County Board be reduced from 38 members?". The answer: "I think we should take a look at it. A good hard look. Whether it should be or not, if it were reduced by a few, I don't think it would hurt a thing. If we do look at it, I want to be involved." Hardly the drive I'd look for in my advocate! Are there ANY supervisors out there that are in favor of reducing the size of the board? If not, why? If so, why haven't we heard from them?
The following comments are owned by whomever posted them. This site is not responsible for what they say.
Reducing the Size of the County Board
Authored by: Anonymous on Tuesday, March 28 2006 @ 01:47 PM MST
I have an even better suggestion, how about we fire the current County Executive. This "leader" that is purported to have a law degree, was not the one to report Mr. Norton's illegal betting pool to corp counsel, it was the Chair of the County board, Dave Albrecht (thank you Dave) Mr. Harris' brillant statement to Mr. Norton as quoted in the paper, was I don't think you can bet on political elections! And further into the article it is reported that Mr. Harris was "careful" not to respond via his county computer... Does anyone remeber the mess the school board was in for using their personally computers to avoid open records information...Mr. Harris is a fool that needs to find a better place to roost!
Reducing the Size of the County Board
Authored by: Anonymous on Tuesday, March 28 2006 @ 03:31 PM MST
Try to stay on topic or start a new posting!
Reducing the Size of the County Board
Authored by: Anonymous on Tuesday, March 28 2006 @ 03:43 PM MST
I find it interesting that Bill Wingren was also a receipient of the email from Mr. Norton, yet the Northwestern left his name out of the story while including other county and school board members. I would like to hear why Mr. Hummel protected Mr. Wingren's identity.
Reducing the Size of the County Board
Authored by: babblemur on Tuesday, March 28 2006 @ 07:36 PM MST
What bothers me is that I WASN'T invited to play! Especially since he got the great idea from me - the Babblemur Oshkosh Area Spring Election Contest. Difference being on my website you don't have to pay to play. Fill out the online form, winner gets a basket of stuff and a little fame and glory - no money. www.babblemur.com I don't think Mr. Norton meant any harm - but he should have known better. Its a little NCAA Basketball Fever getting caried into obsessions with local politics. Oh - and to get back on topic - keep the Board the way it is but change all committee and meeting times to make it so that working people can serve on the County Board. Do something to encourage competitive elections - but don't shrink the size. Smaller boards are a recipe for out of control spending and control by special interests like developers and real estate.
Reducing the Size of the County Board
Authored by: Anonymous on Monday, April 03 2006 @ 08:47 PM MDT
I agree with this poster. I have struggled with this matter on and off for over a year and I really do think the larger board size is a benefit to the county because the power is distributed than if you reduced to let's say half the current size. Committee meetings should be moved to the evenings to allow working people to run for the board and not miss their committee assignments.
Reducing the Size of the County Board
Authored by: Anonymous on Tuesday, April 04 2006 @ 07:16 AM MDT
Simple math will tell you the power will still be equally distributed. This board can not make decisions on a timely basis. Parkview is one example. The jail is another. Take a look around the country. The state of Wisconsin has 10% of all county board members in the United States. We are the 4th highest taxed state. You do the math. We have over 50 counties and most have 25-35 members. Check out other states. You will be shocked.
Reducing the Size of the County Board
Authored by: Anonymous on Tuesday, April 04 2006 @ 08:36 AM MDT
Simple math? Yes, it will be equally distributed between fewer people! Not good. See Tony Palmeri's site at http://talktotony.blogspot.com/2006/03/cap-times-keep-large-county-board.html for a good argument against the reduction.
Reducing the Size of the County Board
Authored by: Anonymous on Tuesday, April 04 2006 @ 10:31 AM MDT
For every article for a large board I can give you one supporting a smaller board.
Reducing the Size of the County Board
Authored by: Anonymous on Tuesday, April 04 2006 @ 12:54 PM MDT
For me the real issue is the number of seats that have no challengers in an election and sometimes there is NO ONE running and the person is appointed to the seat....how is that representative government? If you have fewer seats you will have more contested elections. The main reason supervisors don't want a smaller board is they don't want to have to run for re-election (I don't really blame them for feeling that way but it does not mean that it is best for the county.)
Reducing the Size of the County Board
Authored by: Anonymous on Tuesday, April 04 2006 @ 12:59 PM MDT
When you have 3 of 38 races contested you have a problem. When you have appointed seats you have a problem. When you have a seat in the Appleton area empty for over a year with no one who even wants to be appointed you have a problem. When you have board members so old they fall asleep you have a problem. We need better qualified people on the board, hell, we need to fill the board. Quantity does not equal quality.
Reducing the Size of the County Board
Authored by: Anonymous on Tuesday, April 04 2006 @ 01:30 PM MDT
THERE ARE 4 CONTESTED RACES THIS YEAR -WITH CANDIDATES ALREADY ON THE BALLOT.PLUS TWO CONTESTED WRITE-IN CAMPAIGNS IN NEENAH.
Reducing the Size of the County Board
Authored by: Anonymous on Tuesday, April 04 2006 @ 03:16 PM MDT
4 out of 38, I guess you made the point for us. Very little interest. When you have people like Mike "The Greek" Norton on the board there is a problem. We need people of intelligence handling our millions of tax dollars.
Reducing the Size of the County Board
Authored by: Anonymous on Tuesday, April 04 2006 @ 05:37 PM MDT
Why do you call him "The Greek" there was no betting or odds - just The Northwestern trying to make a big story over nothing on a slow news Monday.
Reducing the Size of the County Board
Authored by: Anonymous on Tuesday, April 04 2006 @ 10:05 PM MDT
Breaking the law is hardly a non-story. Jef Hall and Mike Norton, and you wonder why we have problems. God help us!
Reducing the Size of the County Board
Authored by: Anonymous on Tuesday, April 04 2006 @ 10:50 PM MDT
How did they break the law-do you know if any money was exchanged. Or just a idea that was bad and never executed.
Reducing the Size of the County Board
Authored by: Anonymous on Thursday, April 06 2006 @ 08:35 AM MDT
Come on you aren't really going to DEFEND an elected offical suggesting people BET on an ELECTION are you? You know ALL those pools are illegal in WI, NCAA pools, football pools etc. But an elected official even suggesting one BET on the outcome of an ELECTION PLEASE, that really is indefensible!
Reducing the Size of the County Board
Authored by: Anonymous on Thursday, April 06 2006 @ 08:44 AM MDT
Paul Sonnleitner looses his seat after like a gazillion years to Jef Hall?Is this an indication of what will happen at the fall elections nationally? Republicans may be HUGE losers. Hummm...
Reducing the Size of the County Board
Authored by: Anonymous on Thursday, April 06 2006 @ 09:39 AM MDT
I would like the Northwestern to do an investigation as to who may have responded with interest to Supervisor Norton's email.
Reducing the Size of the County Board
Authored by: Anonymous on Thursday, April 06 2006 @ 08:59 PM MDT
No money was exchanged it was just an idea. It was similar to the same election contest on another website. Which was the intent of the contest.But you are trying to make this thing must bigger than it was.ask yourself how the Northwestern found out about this plus there are more serious issues to discuss.
Reducing the Size of the County Board
Authored by: Anonymous on Friday, April 07 2006 @ 07:54 AM MDT
We are talking about illegal gambling on elections by a man who holds public office. That is a serious issue. Then he has the nerve to point out illegal doings by other politicians on his blog. What a piece of work. As for how the Northwestern found out about it, I would hope a concerned citizen with some morals pointed it out to them. It says alot about our county board, and the lack of good candidates, when we have a man with such a lack of intelligence on the board running unopposed.
Reducing the Size of the County Board
Authored by: Anonymous on Friday, April 07 2006 @ 09:29 AM MDT
Yes it is a piece of work. This contest was nothing more than something for fun. You make it out to be a very dangerous thing, Also those others are on trial for offenses much greater than having a simple contest by created.Which by the way- did not happen. You seem to forget that, And there was not betting- nut trying to get ones opinion and who they thought may win a particular election.But if your so concern what did not happen- then I think that you should go out and try and stop all pools for football or whatever. Also you should make sure poker is banned and those playing be reprimand in some way. And while your at it make sure all the gaming machines that are in establishments be banned and made illegal.But we can look the other way because that is what the state of Wisconsin did with Edward Thompson when he had video gaming machines in his bar.
Reducing the Size of the County Board
Authored by: Anonymous on Friday, April 07 2006 @ 01:59 PM MDT
Isn't that what you are advocating...look the other way because no money exchanged hands? It was a real lack of judgement and I don't think it should just be excused. I'm not saying file charges but to excuse the thought because it wasn't carried out (only because others told him NOT to do this) definitely sends the wrong message.It was wrong and makes me question his ability to think before acting.
Reducing the Size of the County Board
Authored by: Anonymous on Friday, April 07 2006 @ 02:21 PM MDT
No I am advocating this was something that was for fun and interests of a few- not something to be used by all.Because the idea was similar to that of contest on another local website/bog page.And this was a private matter not a matter dealing with public funds or time.
Reducing the Size of the County Board
Authored by: Anonymous on Friday, April 07 2006 @ 02:51 PM MDT
Our public officials need to know better. They need to be held to a higher standard.
Reducing the Size of the County Board
Authored by: Anonymous on Friday, April 07 2006 @ 06:36 PM MDT
Ed Thompson had machine a profited from those. The contest which the paper made it to something much greater than it was- in order to have a story- was not carried out.So was public money involved--nowas it done on "public" time--noDid it harm anyone- noWas it a mistake- yesIf there was poker playing at the Courthouse or used Winnebago County equipment and materials, your point would be valid.
Reducing the Size of the County Board
Authored by: Anonymous on Saturday, April 08 2006 @ 05:04 PM MDT
So it would be OK to suggest that one sell drugs to people to "have some fun" just as long as you don't actually do it? Please what kind of twisted logic is that? It's OK, he only suggested breaking the law, no money exchanged hands, it is all good. That is very twisted.
Reducing the Size of the County Board
Authored by: Mike Norton on Sunday, April 09 2006 @ 09:06 AM MDT
No- beacuse drugs can harm people. There is a big difference in my thinking. The idea of a contest was just an idea for fun which was suggested on another website/blog.Tis contest was for few people not for something that was to be used for profit. The money part-$% was wrong but something to make it more interesting..
Reducing the Size of the County Board
Authored by: Anonymous on Tuesday, April 04 2006 @ 01:46 PM MDT
So please shut up and run for office.
Reducing the Size of the County Board
Authored by: Anonymous on Tuesday, April 04 2006 @ 03:12 PM MDT
How do you know I am not on the ballot? Are you? Didn't think so.
Reducing the Size of the County Board
Authored by: Anonymous on Tuesday, April 04 2006 @ 03:34 PM MDT
No I am NOT. I do not have a problem with the size of the board. Now tell me if YOU are and who you are so I can vote for you, oh wait . . .no you are not running, you are just TALKING. Thanks anyway.
Reducing the Size of the County Board
Authored by: Mike Norton on Sunday, April 09 2006 @ 11:42 AM MDT
If we could get back to the topic. What is the best way to reduce the county board size and when ?I say that becuase if the Board is reduced in size for the 2010 elections they whole process would have to be redone in 2011 ,after the 2010 census.If reduction is in 2011 for the 2012 elections then the process would have to only be done once.And for the record I did in 2001 support downsizing the board, I believe the proposal was to reduce it by 7-9 at the time. And you be suprised by how much I support downsizing and I could give my reasons why but that I will save that another time.
The following comments are owned by whomever posted them. This site is not responsible for what they say.
Reducing the Size of the County Board
Authored by: Anonymous on Tuesday, March 28 2006 @ 01:47 PM MST
I have an even better suggestion, how about we fire the current County Executive. This "leader" that is purported to have a law degree, was not the one to report Mr. Norton's illegal betting pool to corp counsel, it was the Chair of the County board, Dave Albrecht (thank you Dave) Mr. Harris' brillant statement to Mr. Norton as quoted in the paper, was I don't think you can bet on political elections! And further into the article it is reported that Mr. Harris was "careful" not to respond via his county computer... Does anyone remeber the mess the school board was in for using their personally computers to avoid open records information...Mr. Harris is a fool that needs to find a better place to roost!
Reducing the Size of the County Board
Authored by: Anonymous on Tuesday, March 28 2006 @ 03:31 PM MST
Try to stay on topic or start a new posting!
Reducing the Size of the County Board
Authored by: Anonymous on Tuesday, March 28 2006 @ 03:43 PM MST
I find it interesting that Bill Wingren was also a receipient of the email from Mr. Norton, yet the Northwestern left his name out of the story while including other county and school board members. I would like to hear why Mr. Hummel protected Mr. Wingren's identity.
Reducing the Size of the County Board
Authored by: babblemur on Tuesday, March 28 2006 @ 07:36 PM MST
What bothers me is that I WASN'T invited to play! Especially since he got the great idea from me - the Babblemur Oshkosh Area Spring Election Contest. Difference being on my website you don't have to pay to play. Fill out the online form, winner gets a basket of stuff and a little fame and glory - no money. www.babblemur.com I don't think Mr. Norton meant any harm - but he should have known better. Its a little NCAA Basketball Fever getting caried into obsessions with local politics. Oh - and to get back on topic - keep the Board the way it is but change all committee and meeting times to make it so that working people can serve on the County Board. Do something to encourage competitive elections - but don't shrink the size. Smaller boards are a recipe for out of control spending and control by special interests like developers and real estate.
Reducing the Size of the County Board
Authored by: Anonymous on Monday, April 03 2006 @ 08:47 PM MDT
I agree with this poster. I have struggled with this matter on and off for over a year and I really do think the larger board size is a benefit to the county because the power is distributed than if you reduced to let's say half the current size. Committee meetings should be moved to the evenings to allow working people to run for the board and not miss their committee assignments.
Reducing the Size of the County Board
Authored by: Anonymous on Tuesday, April 04 2006 @ 07:16 AM MDT
Simple math will tell you the power will still be equally distributed. This board can not make decisions on a timely basis. Parkview is one example. The jail is another. Take a look around the country. The state of Wisconsin has 10% of all county board members in the United States. We are the 4th highest taxed state. You do the math. We have over 50 counties and most have 25-35 members. Check out other states. You will be shocked.
Reducing the Size of the County Board
Authored by: Anonymous on Tuesday, April 04 2006 @ 08:36 AM MDT
Simple math? Yes, it will be equally distributed between fewer people! Not good. See Tony Palmeri's site at http://talktotony.blogspot.com/2006/03/cap-times-keep-large-county-board.html for a good argument against the reduction.
Reducing the Size of the County Board
Authored by: Anonymous on Tuesday, April 04 2006 @ 10:31 AM MDT
For every article for a large board I can give you one supporting a smaller board.
Reducing the Size of the County Board
Authored by: Anonymous on Tuesday, April 04 2006 @ 12:54 PM MDT
For me the real issue is the number of seats that have no challengers in an election and sometimes there is NO ONE running and the person is appointed to the seat....how is that representative government? If you have fewer seats you will have more contested elections. The main reason supervisors don't want a smaller board is they don't want to have to run for re-election (I don't really blame them for feeling that way but it does not mean that it is best for the county.)
Reducing the Size of the County Board
Authored by: Anonymous on Tuesday, April 04 2006 @ 12:59 PM MDT
When you have 3 of 38 races contested you have a problem. When you have appointed seats you have a problem. When you have a seat in the Appleton area empty for over a year with no one who even wants to be appointed you have a problem. When you have board members so old they fall asleep you have a problem. We need better qualified people on the board, hell, we need to fill the board. Quantity does not equal quality.
Reducing the Size of the County Board
Authored by: Anonymous on Tuesday, April 04 2006 @ 01:30 PM MDT
THERE ARE 4 CONTESTED RACES THIS YEAR -WITH CANDIDATES ALREADY ON THE BALLOT.PLUS TWO CONTESTED WRITE-IN CAMPAIGNS IN NEENAH.
Reducing the Size of the County Board
Authored by: Anonymous on Tuesday, April 04 2006 @ 03:16 PM MDT
4 out of 38, I guess you made the point for us. Very little interest. When you have people like Mike "The Greek" Norton on the board there is a problem. We need people of intelligence handling our millions of tax dollars.
Reducing the Size of the County Board
Authored by: Anonymous on Tuesday, April 04 2006 @ 05:37 PM MDT
Why do you call him "The Greek" there was no betting or odds - just The Northwestern trying to make a big story over nothing on a slow news Monday.
Reducing the Size of the County Board
Authored by: Anonymous on Tuesday, April 04 2006 @ 10:05 PM MDT
Breaking the law is hardly a non-story. Jef Hall and Mike Norton, and you wonder why we have problems. God help us!
Reducing the Size of the County Board
Authored by: Anonymous on Tuesday, April 04 2006 @ 10:50 PM MDT
How did they break the law-do you know if any money was exchanged. Or just a idea that was bad and never executed.
Reducing the Size of the County Board
Authored by: Anonymous on Thursday, April 06 2006 @ 08:35 AM MDT
Come on you aren't really going to DEFEND an elected offical suggesting people BET on an ELECTION are you? You know ALL those pools are illegal in WI, NCAA pools, football pools etc. But an elected official even suggesting one BET on the outcome of an ELECTION PLEASE, that really is indefensible!
Reducing the Size of the County Board
Authored by: Anonymous on Thursday, April 06 2006 @ 08:44 AM MDT
Paul Sonnleitner looses his seat after like a gazillion years to Jef Hall?Is this an indication of what will happen at the fall elections nationally? Republicans may be HUGE losers. Hummm...
Reducing the Size of the County Board
Authored by: Anonymous on Thursday, April 06 2006 @ 09:39 AM MDT
I would like the Northwestern to do an investigation as to who may have responded with interest to Supervisor Norton's email.
Reducing the Size of the County Board
Authored by: Anonymous on Thursday, April 06 2006 @ 08:59 PM MDT
No money was exchanged it was just an idea. It was similar to the same election contest on another website. Which was the intent of the contest.But you are trying to make this thing must bigger than it was.ask yourself how the Northwestern found out about this plus there are more serious issues to discuss.
Reducing the Size of the County Board
Authored by: Anonymous on Friday, April 07 2006 @ 07:54 AM MDT
We are talking about illegal gambling on elections by a man who holds public office. That is a serious issue. Then he has the nerve to point out illegal doings by other politicians on his blog. What a piece of work. As for how the Northwestern found out about it, I would hope a concerned citizen with some morals pointed it out to them. It says alot about our county board, and the lack of good candidates, when we have a man with such a lack of intelligence on the board running unopposed.
Reducing the Size of the County Board
Authored by: Anonymous on Friday, April 07 2006 @ 09:29 AM MDT
Yes it is a piece of work. This contest was nothing more than something for fun. You make it out to be a very dangerous thing, Also those others are on trial for offenses much greater than having a simple contest by created.Which by the way- did not happen. You seem to forget that, And there was not betting- nut trying to get ones opinion and who they thought may win a particular election.But if your so concern what did not happen- then I think that you should go out and try and stop all pools for football or whatever. Also you should make sure poker is banned and those playing be reprimand in some way. And while your at it make sure all the gaming machines that are in establishments be banned and made illegal.But we can look the other way because that is what the state of Wisconsin did with Edward Thompson when he had video gaming machines in his bar.
Reducing the Size of the County Board
Authored by: Anonymous on Friday, April 07 2006 @ 01:59 PM MDT
Isn't that what you are advocating...look the other way because no money exchanged hands? It was a real lack of judgement and I don't think it should just be excused. I'm not saying file charges but to excuse the thought because it wasn't carried out (only because others told him NOT to do this) definitely sends the wrong message.It was wrong and makes me question his ability to think before acting.
Reducing the Size of the County Board
Authored by: Anonymous on Friday, April 07 2006 @ 02:21 PM MDT
No I am advocating this was something that was for fun and interests of a few- not something to be used by all.Because the idea was similar to that of contest on another local website/bog page.And this was a private matter not a matter dealing with public funds or time.
Reducing the Size of the County Board
Authored by: Anonymous on Friday, April 07 2006 @ 02:51 PM MDT
Our public officials need to know better. They need to be held to a higher standard.
Reducing the Size of the County Board
Authored by: Anonymous on Friday, April 07 2006 @ 06:36 PM MDT
Ed Thompson had machine a profited from those. The contest which the paper made it to something much greater than it was- in order to have a story- was not carried out.So was public money involved--nowas it done on "public" time--noDid it harm anyone- noWas it a mistake- yesIf there was poker playing at the Courthouse or used Winnebago County equipment and materials, your point would be valid.
Reducing the Size of the County Board
Authored by: Anonymous on Saturday, April 08 2006 @ 05:04 PM MDT
So it would be OK to suggest that one sell drugs to people to "have some fun" just as long as you don't actually do it? Please what kind of twisted logic is that? It's OK, he only suggested breaking the law, no money exchanged hands, it is all good. That is very twisted.
Reducing the Size of the County Board
Authored by: Mike Norton on Sunday, April 09 2006 @ 09:06 AM MDT
No- beacuse drugs can harm people. There is a big difference in my thinking. The idea of a contest was just an idea for fun which was suggested on another website/blog.Tis contest was for few people not for something that was to be used for profit. The money part-$% was wrong but something to make it more interesting..
Reducing the Size of the County Board
Authored by: Anonymous on Tuesday, April 04 2006 @ 01:46 PM MDT
So please shut up and run for office.
Reducing the Size of the County Board
Authored by: Anonymous on Tuesday, April 04 2006 @ 03:12 PM MDT
How do you know I am not on the ballot? Are you? Didn't think so.
Reducing the Size of the County Board
Authored by: Anonymous on Tuesday, April 04 2006 @ 03:34 PM MDT
No I am NOT. I do not have a problem with the size of the board. Now tell me if YOU are and who you are so I can vote for you, oh wait . . .no you are not running, you are just TALKING. Thanks anyway.
Reducing the Size of the County Board
Authored by: Mike Norton on Sunday, April 09 2006 @ 11:42 AM MDT
If we could get back to the topic. What is the best way to reduce the county board size and when ?I say that becuase if the Board is reduced in size for the 2010 elections they whole process would have to be redone in 2011 ,after the 2010 census.If reduction is in 2011 for the 2012 elections then the process would have to only be done once.And for the record I did in 2001 support downsizing the board, I believe the proposal was to reduce it by 7-9 at the time. And you be suprised by how much I support downsizing and I could give my reasons why but that I will save that another time.
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