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Matt Rothschild will be discuss his recent book, 12 Ways To Save Democracy In Wisconsin at Brix Cider at 7 pm. Meet the author, get your signed copy, and start to find new ways to revive democracy in the Badger State. There will be cider available, however no food menu. Thanks to Matt and Marie and the Brix staff for hosting this event. We plan to have a local musical treat before Matt Speaks.
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Cris & Ann Plata Hosted by the Farley Center and the Southwest Wisconsin Area Progressives Cost: $15 PAY AT THE DOOR SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL MUSICIANS! All proceeds will go to the musicians Come join us for an in person concert with "Cris & Ann Plata and Lou & Peter Berryman" at the Farley Center under the Bur Oak Welcoming Area (BOWA ). We encourage attendees to come early or stay late and take a walk through the Natural Path Sanctuary and Farley Center farms. We are offering an informational tour with Farley Center Board Vice Chair Jeanne Meier at 4:00 - one hour before the concert. Farley Center honey ($10) and organic vegetables may be available. Please bring cash. Please bring your own blanket, chair, food and drinks to the concert.For any questions, please contact us a 608-845-8724 or e-mail us at programs@farleycenter.org CRIS & ANN PLATA Cris Plata was born in South Texas, the son of migrant workers. Those early days of living in different migrant camps and following the harvest from region to region exposed Cris to a wide range of musical experiences. While Cris and Ann have made their home in Wisconsin, the couple’s performance borrows much from Cris’s heritage and musical diversity. He describes his style as Mexican roots music, borrowing from norteno, conjunto and ranchera music. Cris’s life and musical partner Ann Plata is the bass player and backing vocalist for the duo. She received her rhythm education on the stage, in "real time" while playing with the great drummer Clyde Stubblefield. With all of these influences, how do we describe Cris Plata's music in a nutshell? Perhaps we will have to borrow the term Tex-Mex and redefine it. "Tex" would now stand for Texas singer-songwriters and "Mex" would stand for Mexican roots music. However, do not let this definition alone form your impression of his music. Come to the concert and the best definition will be your own. HOSTED BY: Farley Center www.farleycenter.org Southwest Wisconsin Area Progressives (SWWAP) https://www.facebook.com/MtHorebProgressives Natural Path Sanctuary www.naturalpathsanctuary,org See less
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The Honey Pies Hosted by the Farley Center and the Southwest Wisconsin Area Progressives Cost: $15 PAY AT THE DOOR SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL MUSICIANS! All proceeds will go to the musicians Come join us for an in person concert with "The Honey Pies" at the Farley Center under the Bur Oak Welcoming Area (BOWA ). https://www.honeypiesmusic.com/ “If you've never seen The Honey Pies, or haven't in a while, treat yourself. Every time I hear Jodi sing, I pick myself back up from the floor and think, "Right. That's what the real thing sounds like." And this is the band she was born to sing with. Songs that remind you why music has always carried us from one generation to the next, in harmonies that will make you smile and say, "Yup. That's what I needed." Homegrown Americana, nurtured right here in the Driftless. So come one in, grab yourself a drink, and feed your soul.” Michael Broh, Slowpoke Lounge & Cabaret The Honey Pies is an exciting collaboration of Madison-based music veterans. Jodi Jean Amble made a major splash in the Chicago scene fronting her eponymous band—nominally jazz, but equally at home with pop, country, and more—and as a member of the highly eclectic ensemble Jenny Dragon. Tom Waselchuk leads the MAMA Award-winning Americana band The Dang-Its and has performed for more than twenty years in a free-swinging guitar duo with multi-instrumentalist Doug Brown. Doug has long been among the most in-demand freelance sidemen on the Madison music scene in a variety of genres, as well as being a band-leader, composer, and arranger. Matt Rodgers is among southern Wisconsin’s busiest bass players, equally at home in most any style of music. Displaying a formidable range of musical backgrounds and notable depth of experience, The Honey Pies apply crystal vocal harmonies and virtuoso instrumental skills to the best of traditional, contemporary, and original Americana music. “The four members of The Honey Pies are all terrific musicians in their own right, but together their musicality shoots to new heights. The sound is free-spirited but amazingly focused and precise. And what a range of styles! This is not your typical country-folk band!” — Nancy Cullen, Rural Musicians Forum, Touchstone Theatre “The Honey Pies have already been dubbed a fan favorite by our patrons. Although their covers are beautifully performed, where they truly shine is with their original music. The musicians are some of Madison's finest and the stage banter is adorable. The Honey Pies can make an intimate concert space come alive or fill a large performing arts center with their non-stop energy.” — Lindsey Giese, River Arts Center, Prairie du Sac WI Jodi Jean Amble – “Elegant, subtlety sexy and composed, Jodi sounds and looks great on stage and literally has the crowd howling from her first song on. Her voice is inviting and draws the audience to her.” Randy Freedman, Chicago Jazz Magazine Tom Waselchuk — “I was blown away by his performance last night. I consider them among the best musicians we have had on our stage.” Marv Nielsen, Blackhawk Folk Society Doug Brown — "Brown handles an acoustic guitar like a master. His jazzy style is characterized by amazing finger-picking skill." Folk & Acoustic Music Exchange We encourage attendees to come early or stay late and take a walk through the Natural Path Sanctuary and Farley Center farms. We are offering an informational tour with Farley Center Board Vice Chair Jeanne Meier at 4:00 - one hour before the concert. Farley Center honey ($10) and organic vegetables may be available. Please bring cash. Please bring your own blanket, chair, food and drinks to the concert.For any questions, please contact us a 608-845-8724 or e-mail us at programs@farleycenter.org HOSTED BY: Farley Center www.farleycenter.org Southwest Wisconsin Area Progressives (SWWAP) https://www.facebook.com/MtHorebProgressives atural Path Sanctuary www.naturalpathsanctuary,org See less
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SWWAP is need of a web page editor, advisory board members, ideas for future events and actions, and an event coordinator. Contact SWWAP at swwaplist @ gmail.com) if you are able to help out. The SouthWest Wisconsin Area Progressives (SWWAP) is a local Mt. Horeb area democracy-in-action group advocating progressive government policies that work for a sustainable future. The group is committed to educating the public, as well as itself, in current events. SWWAP believes that such an ongoing education is necessary in order to participate in our democracy as informed citizens in this warp-speed world we live,. The group holds education forums, encourages campaign volunteer opportunities for progressive candidates, organizes social activities, and works with other progressive groups in southern Wisconsin. Serving area progressive community since 2004. "The big system can be pretty overwhelming. We know that we can’t beat them by competing with them. What we can do is build small systems where we live and work that serve our needs as we define us and not as they ‘re defined for us. The big boys in their shining armor are up there on castle walls hurling their thunderbolts. We’re the ants patiently carrying sand a grain at a time from under the castle wall. We work from the bottom up. The knights up there don’t see the ants and don’t know what we’re doing. They’ll figure it out only when the wall begins to fall. It takes time and quiet persistence. Always remember this: They fight with money and we resist with time, and they’re going to run out of money before we run out of time." -Utah Phillips
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MyVote is a one stop website for Wisconsin voting information. Check your registration status, apply for and track your absentee ballot, find out poll, and investigate what candidates and referenda are on your local ballot. https://myvote.wi.gov/en-us/ For those electors who live in the Village of Mt. Horeb, please refer to the following voting informaiton. https://www.mounthorebwi.info/departments-services/village-clerk-treasurer/election-information
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Action Alert - Sign this open letter in solidarity with our Muslim neighbors. The letter below was written by Rev. Brad Brookins, Southwest Wisconsin Area Progressives, and the Farley Center for Peace, Justice and Sustainability, and is offered to Mt. Horeb and surrounding communities in hope of garnering signatures from people who support its sentiments. Once everyone who wishes to has had the opportunity to sign, this letter will be sent on to a variety of Muslim communities in Madison. We will be circulating the letter through any area civic organizations and churches that want to participate, as well as through web sites, Facebook pages and email connections. If you would like to sign directly, please go here. An open letter to our Muslim neighbors: Dear Friends, Recent weeks have brought more violence—in Paris and Beirut, in California and in the sky over Egypt. In a terribly misguided and reactionary response in this country, Muslim places of worship are being targeted for vandalism; hate crimes and threats of violence against American Muslims are becoming even more common. None of this reflects the best of the religious traditions that can guide us toward an open and inclusive society. All of this contradicts the highest American values of equality, fairness, generosity and the Constitutional protection of freedom of religion that are held by religious and secular people alike. Violence and hatred can never bring us to peace and friendship. In every setting they are to be deplored by women and men of good will and good sense. We are writing this letter because we reject the hateful rhetoric now coming from some American politicians and religious leaders. Their expressions of fearfulness are putting great strain on Muslim communities. They do not speak for us. Even in times of crisis, and especially in times of crisis, we will not give into fear by turning our backs on our values or on you, our valued friends and neighbors. Our thoughts toward you are of simple kindness and acceptance. We believe yours are the same toward us. We want you to know we stand with you in these anxious times and we will resist the efforts of those who would demean your faith or restrict your freedom. We will hold you in our thoughts and prayers and ask you to do the same for us. As-salamu alaykum. Shalom Aleichem. Peace be with you. images/religious-freedom-challenged.jpg
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Action Alert - Sign this open letter in solidarity with our Muslim neighbors. The letter below was written by Rev. Brad Brookins, Southwest Wisconsin Area Progressives, and the Farley Center for Peace, Justice and Sustainability, and is offered to Mt. Horeb and surrounding communities in hope of garnering signatures from people who support its sentiments. Once everyone who wishes to has had the opportunity to sign, this letter will be sent on to a variety of Muslim communities in Madison. We will be circulating the letter through any area civic organizations and churches that want to participate, as well as through web sites, Facebook pages and email connections. If you would like to sign directly, please go here. An open letter to our Muslim neighbors: Dear Friends, Recent weeks have brought more violence—in Paris and Beirut, in California and in the sky over Egypt. In a terribly misguided and reactionary response in this country, Muslim places of worship are being targeted for vandalism; hate crimes and threats of violence against American Muslims are becoming even more common. None of this reflects the best of the religious traditions that can guide us toward an open and inclusive society. All of this contradicts the highest American values of equality, fairness, generosity and the Constitutional protection of freedom of religion that are held by religious and secular people alike. Violence and hatred can never bring us to peace and friendship. In every setting they are to be deplored by women and men of good will and good sense. We are writing this letter because we reject the hateful rhetoric now coming from some American politicians and religious leaders. Their expressions of fearfulness are putting great strain on Muslim communities. They do not speak for us. Even in times of crisis, and especially in times of crisis, we will not give into fear by turning our backs on our values or on you, our valued friends and neighbors. Our thoughts toward you are of simple kindness and acceptance. We believe yours are the same toward us. We want you to know we stand with you in these anxious times and we will resist the efforts of those who would demean your faith or restrict your freedom. We will hold you in our thoughts and prayers and ask you to do the same for us. As-salamu alaykum. Shalom Aleichem. Peace be with you. images/religious-freedom-challenged.jpg
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Action Alert - Sign this open letter in solidarity with our Muslim neighbors. The letter below was written by Rev. Brad Brookins, Southwest Wisconsin Area Progressives, and the Farley Center for Peace, Justice and Sustainability, and is offered to Mt. Horeb and surrounding communities in hope of garnering signatures from people who support its sentiments. Once everyone who wishes to has had the opportunity to sign, this letter will be sent on to a variety of Muslim communities in Madison. We will be circulating the letter through any area civic organizations and churches that want to participate, as well as through web sites, Facebook pages and email connections. If you would like to sign directly, please go here. An open letter to our Muslim neighbors: Dear Friends, Recent weeks have brought more violence—in Paris and Beirut, in California and in the sky over Egypt. In a terribly misguided and reactionary response in this country, Muslim places of worship are being targeted for vandalism; hate crimes and threats of violence against American Muslims are becoming even more common. None of this reflects the best of the religious traditions that can guide us toward an open and inclusive society. All of this contradicts the highest American values of equality, fairness, generosity and the Constitutional protection of freedom of religion that are held by religious and secular people alike. Violence and hatred can never bring us to peace and friendship. In every setting they are to be deplored by women and men of good will and good sense. We are writing this letter because we reject the hateful rhetoric now coming from some American politicians and religious leaders. Their expressions of fearfulness are putting great strain on Muslim communities. They do not speak for us. Even in times of crisis, and especially in times of crisis, we will not give into fear by turning our backs on our values or on you, our valued friends and neighbors. Our thoughts toward you are of simple kindness and acceptance. We believe yours are the same toward us. We want you to know we stand with you in these anxious times and we will resist the efforts of those who would demean your faith or restrict your freedom. We will hold you in our thoughts and prayers and ask you to do the same for us. As-salamu alaykum. Shalom Aleichem. Peace be with you. images/religious-freedom-challenged.jpg
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images/ssa_Mt._Horeb.jpg If you go inside the Wisconsin State Capitol any weekday at noon, you will experience a unique tradition that dates back to March 11, 2011: the Solidarity Sing Along in the rotunda. The Solidarity Sing Along is not an organized group in any sense of the word. It is more akin to a living organism, with anyone welcome to join in and songs evolving with the day’s news. Those who come to sing are from diverse backgrounds, but lend their voice united in a people’s choir. The Sing Along songbook includes old standards, sung for generations in different protest settings. Some lyrics are modified to address Wisconsin’s current political condition. Also included are popular tunes with entirely new lyrics, which speak to dissent against the current state political leaders. When the Sing Along is outside on the Capitol Grounds (usually on Fridays), many participants bring instruments to back the singers. The collection of banjo, guitar, drum, trombone, accordion and rhythm players have dubbed themselves ”The Learning Curve.” In the summer of 2013, a push to silence the songs came from the Capitol Police. Throughout the summer, singers ranging in age from 14 to 85 were arrested and handcuffed for practicing their constitutional right of free speech. All prosecutions have now been dismissed on constitutional grounds, and the arrests have been berated throughout the legal community. Unintimidated by the heavy-handed crackdown on their rights, the Solidarity Sing Along remains a powerful symbol of dissent to Wisconsin’s present political path. Beginning at noon on Sunday, September 27, the Sing Along will move to Mt. Horeb’s historic District #1 Schoolhouse for the day. Songbooks will be available and The Learning Curve will be on hand to lead the sing. All are invited to attend this celebration of free speech and join in the fun. Southwest Wisconsin Area Progressives and Progressive Partners of Dane County are sponsoring this event, which will also serve as a collection point for donations to the area food pantry. All are invited to bring non-perishable food items for our area’s neediest. This event is free and open to the public. It will be held rain (inside) or shine (outside). Come hear the people sing along . . . “This land is your land This land is my land From Lake Geneva To Madeline Island From the rolling prairies To our lovely dairies Wisconsin was made for you and me”
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Dear Progressive, Perhaps you have participated in a SWWAP-sponsored event. If so, you know of the organization, which has served the greater Mt. Horeb Area for the past decade. If not, permit SWWAP to introduce itself. Southwest Wisconsin Area Progressives (SWWAP) was formed in 2004 by a group of politically homeless citizens in the Mt. Horeb area. George W. Bush was president and progressives were feeling angst about the prospect of another Bush term in office. Around a kitchen table in the Town of Primrose, an idea arose. Instead of only campaigning every election cycle, why not work year-round to educate ourselves and others on state and national issues that need to be addressed. It was reasoned that through programming, social events, and a good dose of fun, progressives would have a better chance at winning elections. SWWAP was born. The organization that first year had public programming on the US wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. It hosted speakers and films about the country's health care system, environmental concerns, and, yes, the upcoming election. The group held social events to fund full-page ads in all Mt. Horeb area papers and shoppers. The group held its breath and hoped for a change in government. It turned out that change would not happen, for in 2004, Bush would be re-elected and conservatives would continue a stranglehold on progressive initiatives. Jump ahead ten years, and the need for progressive action is still great. SWWAP has been there throughout those years, and it will be here in the foreseeable future. Throughout the years, SWWAP has provided more than sixty programs on current issues to the public. Some of the programs over the last two years that SWWAP has produced or sponsored are: two candidate forums; programs by the Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters, Citizens' Climate Lobby, Sierra Club, and blue jean revolution; public service fundraisers for the area food bank, Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, and Southwest Dane Senior Outreach; two sponsored concerts at the Old Schoolhouse; and help with campaign volunteers in elections. All of the above programming required personal effort and funds. We are asking you for a yearly contribution of either or both. A yearly contribution of funds, large or small, will allow SWWAP to expand its programming in coming years and establish a stable financial base on which to work. Your yearly donation will allow you to be part of SWWAP's core group, receive special core member news, and attend core member organization meetings. All are encouraged to help the organization by volunteering time as well. Yes, SWWAP has been, and will continue to be, a progressive force in the greater Mt. Horeb area. The organization's structure allows all to participate in events, programming, and direct action. Through progressive victories, and, yes, defeats, SWWAP has been a mainstay of the progressive community in YOUR area since 2004. With your help, it will continue to be in 2024 and beyond. Thank you for your consideration Please send your donation to: Southwest Wisconsin Area Progressives C/O Gerhard Luetschwager, SWWAP Treasurer 9763 County Road A Mt. Horeb, Wisconsin 53572 Thanks!
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Dear Progressive, Perhaps you have participated in a SWWAP-sponsored event. If so, you know of the organization, which has served the greater Mt. Horeb Area for the past decade. If not, permit SWWAP to introduce itself. Southwest Wisconsin Area Progressives (SWWAP) was formed in 2004 by a group of politically homeless citizens in the Mt. Horeb area. George W. Bush was president and progressives were feeling angst about the prospect of another Bush term in office. Around a kitchen table in the Town of Primrose, an idea arose. Instead of only campaigning every election cycle, why not work year-round to educate ourselves and others on state and national issues that need to be addressed. It was reasoned that through programming, social events, and a good dose of fun, progressives would have a better chance at winning elections. SWWAP was born. The organization that first year had public programming on the US wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. It hosted speakers and films about the country's health care system, environmental concerns, and, yes, the upcoming election. The group held social events to fund full-page ads in all Mt. Horeb area papers and shoppers. The group held its breath and hoped for a change in government. It turned out that change would not happen, for in 2004, Bush would be re-elected and conservatives would continue a stranglehold on progressive initiatives. Jump ahead ten years, and the need for progressive action is still great. SWWAP has been there throughout those years, and it will be here in the foreseeable future. Throughout the years, SWWAP has provided more than sixty programs on current issues to the public. Some of the programs over the last two years that SWWAP has produced or sponsored are: two candidate forums; programs by the Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters, Citizens' Climate Lobby, Sierra Club, and blue jean revolution; public service fundraisers for the area food bank, Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, and Southwest Dane Senior Outreach; two sponsored concerts at the Old Schoolhouse; and help with campaign volunteers in elections. All of the above programming required personal effort and funds. We are asking you for a yearly contribution of either or both. A yearly contribution of funds, large or small, will allow SWWAP to expand its programming in coming years and establish a stable financial base on which to work. Your yearly donation will allow you to be part of SWWAP's core group, receive special core member news, and attend core member organization meetings. All are encouraged to help the organization by volunteering time as well. Yes, SWWAP has been, and will continue to be, a progressive force in the greater Mt. Horeb area. The organization's structure allows all to participate in events, programming, and direct action. Through progressive victories, and, yes, defeats, SWWAP has been a mainstay of the progressive community in YOUR area since 2004. With your help, it will continue to be in 2024 and beyond. Thank you for your consideration. How To Donate To SWWAP Please send your donation to: Southwest Wisconsin Area Progressives C/O Gerhard Luetschwager, SWWAP Treasurer 9763 County Road A Mt. Horeb, Wisconsin 53572
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On Wednesday, May 28, at 7 pm, there will be special evening of music to benefit Southwest Dane Senior Outreach. The program will feature local artists Peter Gorman and Catherine Baer and Johnny Widdecombe. The evening will also provide a chance for local talent to shine during an open-mic portion. Have a song, a poem, or a joke to share? Bring along your instrument of choice and five minutes of entertainment to add to the evening’s entertainment. Southwest Dane Senior Outreach serves seniors in the villages of Mount Horeb and Blue Mounds and the towns of Blue Mounds, Perry, Primrose, and Springdale. It offers blood pressure and foot clinics, supportive home-chore services, immunization clinics, energy services, hearing evaluations, nutrition and wellness education, cards, and musical entertainment. The event is being held at the Mount Horeb Community/Senior Center at 107 N. Grove St., Mount Horeb. Refreshments will be served. A suggested donation of $10 at the door will benefit our area’s important senior services. Do not miss this special hump-day hootenanny to benefit our area’s senior citizens. This event is co-sponsored by the SouthWest Wisconsin Area Progressives. images/Senior_Event_Revised.jpg
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l start airing a ground-breaking climate change TV series on the experiences and personal stories of people whose lives have been touched by climate change. Years Of Living Dangerously is an 8-part series produced by the legendary storytellers and film-makers James Cameron, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jerry Weintraub , along with three former 60 Minutes producers who have 18 Emmyawards between them. Mt. Horeb has been selected for a special screening of the first episode, hosted by the Southwest Wisconsin Area Progressives (SWWAP) and the Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters (WLVC). The event will take place in the Mount Horeb Community Center on Wednesday, April 16 at 7 pm. The film will be followed by a discussion of the issue of climate change, hosted by Mt. Horeb resident Ella Schwierske. As the Climate Change Field Organizer for the WLCV, Ella is working to implement a public education and advocacy campaign to draw attention to elected officials who deny the effects of climate change and resist steps to address it. This informational program is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be available. For further information contact: Ella @ 414-244-9783 or ella@conservationvoters.org . Ella Schwierske Delivers Climate Change scorecard to Sen. Ron Johnsons Staff. images/988423_10151978402427623_62080843_n.jpg
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Voter Suppression In Wisconsin As election day nears, the Republican majority continues to pass legislation which limits access to the ballot box. Recently the Republicans passed a bill which abolishes a community's ability to set unique hours for registration and early and weekend voting. The bill would limit in-person absentee voting to Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. for the two weeks before an election. No weekend voting would be allowed and only 45 hours a week of early voting would be permitted. Republican Dale Shultz admonished his colleagues over the issue of voter suppression. "It's just, I think, sad when a political party - my political party - has so lost faith in its ideas that it's pouring all of its energy into election mechanics. And again, I'm a guy who understands and appreciates what we should be doing in order to make sure every vote counts, every vote is legitimate. But th e fact is, it ought to be abundantly clear to everybody in this state that there is no massive voter fraud. The only thing that we do have in this state is we have long lines of people who want to vote. And it seems to me that we should be doing everything we can to make it easier to help these people get their votes counted. And that we should be pitching as political parties our ideas for improving things in the future, rather than mucking around in the mechanics and making it more confrontational at the voting sites and trying to suppress the vote." - Senator, Dale Shultz Walker has vowed to bring back Voter ID with new legislation in time for his November Election. It is a dark time in Wisconsin when it comes to voting rights, and the fight to regain our State will not be easy. However, for the sake of the next in line, it must be done.
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Here is the list of important dates for absentee voting for the April 1, 2014 election. To vote by absentee ballot, submit a request in writing to the Clerk of your municipality. To vote by absentee ballot in person in the Clerk’s office, please contact the Clerk of your municipality. The dates established by law are the following: March 27, 2014 – the last day to request an absentee ballot by mail, except for indefinitely confined and military electors. March 28, 2014 - the last day to request an absentee ballot by mail from indefinitely confined and military electors. March 17 – March 28, 2014, 5 p.m. – time period to vote by absentee ballot in person in the Clerk’s office. April 1, 2014 –Hand-delivered absentee ballots must be delivered to the Clerk by 8 p.m. on election day. April 4, 2014 – Mailed absentee ballots must be postmarked by election day and delivered by USPS to the Clerk by April 4.
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Absentee Voting for the April 1, 2014 Election Here is the list of important dates for absentee voting for the April 1, 2014 election. To vote by absentee ballot, submit a request in writing to the Clerk of your municipality. To vote by absentee ballot in person in the Clerk’s office, please contact the Clerk of your municipality. The dates established by law are the following: March 27, 2014 – the last day to request an absentee ballot by mail, except for indefinitely confined and military electors. March 28, 2014 - the last day to request an absentee ballot by mail from indefinitely confined and military electors. March 17 – March 28, 2014, 5 p.m. – time period to vote by absentee ballot in person in the Clerk’s office. April 1, 2014 –Hand-delivered absentee ballots must be delivered to the Clerk by 8 p.m. on election day. April 4, 2014 – Mailed absentee ballots must be postmarked by election day and delivered by USPS to the Clerk by April 4.
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April 1, 2014 Dane County Ballot Contents To see a sample ballot for the April 1 Spring Election for your municipality, please consult your municipal clerk for school board and local races particular to your municipality. Or, you may see a sample ballot in the website myvote.wi.gov/ In Dane County, ballots will contain the following races and two referendum questions: Court of Appeals Judge District 4 - One candidate is vying for one seat: Gary E. Sherman Circuit Court Judge Branch 1 – One candidate is vying for one seat: John W. Markson Circuit Court Judge Branch 7 – One candidate is vying for one seat: William Hanrahan Dane County Board Supervisor District 30 – Two candidates are vying for one seat: Jerry Obrien and Patrick Downing Dane County Referendum #1 - "Should the Wisconsin Constitution be amended to require a nonpartisan system for redistricting legislative and congressional districts in the state?” Yes____No____ Dane County Referendum #2 – “Should the state government enact legislation legalizing marijuana?” Yes____No____
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A new bill, SB632, seeks to benefit Sand Mining corporations by knee capping local communities. The bill's Hearing is Monday, March 2, Noon at the Capitol. (This issue will be the focus of SWWAP sponsored informational March meeting see enclosed press releasee in this email.) Madison: The Sierra Club today announced opposition to SB 632, Senator Tom Tiffany's latest attack on local control to benefit the frac sand industry and a handful of owners of sand deposits over the authority of local governments to regulate and protect the public health, air, water and safety of their residents. SB 632 directly attacks the 2012 Wisconsin Supreme Court decision upholding the right of local governments to regulate and even prohibit a frac sand mine proposal. SB 632 replaces SB 349, pulled from consideration last year over widespread protests. SB 632 retains the rotten core provisions of SB 349. It still ties the hands of local governments by prohibiting the use of village powers for setting rules on frac sand operations. It prohibits local governments from changing or even enforcing rules for operating frac sand mines even if they're found to be "non-conforming" meaning found in violation of the rules. It establishes that local governments are prohibited from doing anything to stop a frac sand operation on lands registered as having a sand deposit - a boon to owners of sand deposits. Tiffany introduced the bill on February 26 and has scheduled a hasty public hearing with only two days notice for 12 pm, Monday, March 3 in Room 412 East, State Capitol. (This will be a joint hearing on jobs, economy and mining.) "Senator Tiffany's newest bill proves again that he will sell out local governments and their residents to benefit the mining industry," said, Dave Blouin, JMC Mining Committee Chair, "SB 632 is just as rotten as the bill it replaced and we urge legislators to reject it and instead work to strengthen controls on frac sand mining. There is no evidence regulation has harmed sand mine development and in fact, there is growing evidence that the lack of regulation is causing harm to local air and water resources." As of June 2013, an estimated 115 frac sand mines were operating. At least 20 notices of permit violations have been issued by the DNR and 6 cases of violations have been referred to the state Department of Justice for prosecution. Three cases have resulted in $360,000 in settlements so far. (PR from Sierra Club, John Muir Chapter)
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A new bill, SB632, seeks to benefit Sand Mining corporations by knee capping local communities. The bill's Hearing is Monday, March 2, Noon at the Capitol. (This issue will be the focus of SWWAP sponsored informational March meeting see enclosed press releasee in this email.) Madison: The Sierra Club today announced opposition to SB 632, Senator Tom Tiffany's latest attack on local control to benefit the frac sand industry and a handful of owners of sand deposits over the authority of local governments to regulate and protect the public health, air, water and safety of their residents. SB 632 directly attacks the 2012 Wisconsin Supreme Court decision upholding the right of local governments to regulate and even prohibit a frac sand mine proposal. SB 632 replaces SB 349, pulled from consideration last year over widespread protests. SB 632 retains the rotten core provisions of SB 349. It still ties the hands of local governments by prohibiting the use of village powers for setting rules on frac sand operations. It prohibits local governments from changing or even enforcing rules for operating frac sand mines even if they're found to be "non-conforming" meaning found in violation of the rules. It establishes that local governments are prohibited from doing anything to stop a frac sand operation on lands registered as having a sand deposit - a boon to owners of sand deposits. Tiffany introduced the bill on February 26 and has scheduled a hasty public hearing with only two days notice for 12 pm, Monday, March 3 in Room 412 East, State Capitol. (This will be a joint hearing on jobs, economy and mining.) "Senator Tiffany's newest bill proves again that he will sell out local governments and their residents to benefit the mining industry," said, Dave Blouin, JMC Mining Committee Chair, "SB 632 is just as rotten as the bill it replaced and we urge legislators to reject it and instead work to strengthen controls on frac sand mining. There is no evidence regulation has harmed sand mine development and in fact, there is growing evidence that the lack of regulation is causing harm to local air and water resources." As of June 2013, an estimated 115 frac sand mines were operating. At least 20 notices of permit violations have been issued by the DNR and 6 cases of violations have been referred to the state Department of Justice for prosecution. Three cases have resulted in $360,000 in settlements so far. (PR from John Muir Chapter Sierra Club)
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Minnesota Trounces Wisconsin Off the Football Field images/486534245_9c9595b922_z.jpgThe Wisconsin Badgers may have retained custody of the Paul Bunyan Axe, however the State as a whole is faring much worse then our Minnesota neighbors. In job creation, schooling, health care, investment in infrastructure, Wisconsin is a big loser. The New York Times recently ran an opinion piece highlighting the differences between Wisconsin and Minnesota. Click here to read this excellent article. It is clear that State of Wisconsin needs to put a new team on the field next November.
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images/527ea8f728d4e.preview-620.jpg Gene Farley 1927-2014 Gene Farley has passed away at age 86. Gene and his wife Linda, who preceded him in death, were supporters of SWWAP throughout the last 10 years. Gene was involved with helping plan the November 7, SWWAP ACA program. Gene's passion was the advocacy of single payer for America, and he worked tirelessly for the cause. The Farleys presented 2 programs on the subject of health care, and presented a documentary at another event. Their passion, grace and optimism will be greatly missed throughout the progressive community. Gene and Linda are both buried at the Farley Center for Peace, Justice and Sustainability. The Farley Center's mission is lived out in the following ways: Promoting peace, justice and sustainability with education and activities for the communityFacilitating the work of peace, justice and environmental social action groups through community partnershipsReaching beginning farmers with technical assistance and helping them build capacity through organic farm incubation, and educationPromoting organic gardening and farming through education and land useDemonstrating ecologically sound environmental preservation through organic farming and education about natural burial practicesProtecting the land so that it can serve as a natural learning environment for all, including those in educational programs that can benefit from this resourceNurturing community growth, connection and revitalization by hosting meetings,workshops, and small gatherings that focus on peace, justice and sustainabilityThose wishing to contribute to the Center in Gene's honor, can do so at: http://www.farleycenter.org/index.php/en/donate