Email date: 9/10/07
WISCONSIN DEMOCRACY CAMPAIGN E-LERT
In this update:
1. Action Alert: People's Legislature to gather Tuesday, September 18 at Capitol
2. Three words: Ziegler. Reprimand. Insufficient.
3. League of Women Voters hosting end-of-month democracy summit
4. Make your voice heard at "Wisconsin Way" forums
If you were among the more than 7,000 people at Fighting Bob Fest on Saturday, chances are you heard about the upcoming "Storm for Reform" by the People's Legislature. If you couldn't make it to Bob Fest, then go here to sign up to be a part of the storm front that will move into Madison on Tuesday, September 18 at noon in front of the State Capitol.
In the last sentence of the very last column Molly Ivins wrote before her passing, she left her readers with this thought: "We need people in the streets, banging pots and pans and demanding, 'Stop it, now!'"
We're taking Molly's advice to heart and asking participants to bring pots and pans to bang. And we're asking everyone to come prepared to say in 15 words or less what the bosses at the Capitol most need to hear. Maybe you have a few lines from a memorable poem that would be just perfect. Or maybe lyrics from a favorite song. Be funny. Be poignant. Be creative. But, by all means, be there.
In the wake of the state Judicial Commission's recommendation that Supreme Court Justice Annette Ziegler be punished for judicial misconduct with a mere reprimand, there is disappointment. And anger. And there are at least two things very wrong with the commission's recommended discipline. One is the subject of our latest Big Money Blog. The other was covered in last Friday's blog posting.
The final say on Ziegler's punishment rests with the state Supreme Court. Don't let the court make this decision in a vacuum. Let the justices know how you feel this matter ought to be handled. For information about how to contact them by mail or telephone, go here. Or you can e-mail the Court Information Office at amanda.todd@wicourts.gov.
Another way to make your voice heard is to take part in the "Making Democracy Work" summit being sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin. It will be held on Saturday, September 29 in Milwaukee. For more information or to register in advance, go here.
There is a new initiative called "The Wisconsin Way" that is worth watching. This effort is providing yet another opportunity for citizens to voice their concerns about the direction of our state. There are a dozen public forums scheduled around the state. The first is in La Crosse on October 10. Then Wausau on October 15 and Eau Claire on October 18. For a full listing of upcoming forums, go here.
The subject of these forums is how to continue needed public services and maintain Wisconsin's quality of life while doing something to address the property tax burden in our state.
Spread the word by sending this message to people you know. To support the Democracy Campaign's work, go here.
Wisconsin Democracy Campaign
210 North Bassett Street, Suite 215
Madison, WI 53703
Phone: 608-255-4260
Web Site: www.wisdc.org • Email Alert Archive