Paul's Falls - All Comments

Anger, turned up to eleven

Hunting Season — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 02:07:44 GMT

I had an odd message waiting for me on my answering machine last week. There was some guy going off about

re: The Debates

Andy Mohrfeld — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 17:26:26 GMT

I don't like our choices either but I do know this: Barack Obama's policies will be much worse than McCain's for this country. His anti-business, pro-tax stances are the absolute opposite of what an economy on the decline needs. And with a Democratic Congress, there will be no check on his legislative iniatives.

I agree neither choice is good but one needs to decide which one will do the least harm.

re: Menomonee Falls PAC Meeting comment

Oleg Tumarkin — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 19:15:45 GMT

Would it be practical to include more information about the board deliberations in the Community Education & Recreation brochure that is already published and delivered to every household every 4 months. For example, I do not even know enough about the issues that the board deals with, and I am one of the more informed citizens of this area. I've read through the minutes, but with exception of tax increase debates, see no ways to get involved.

re: Tom, Tom the piper's son...

Oleg Tumarkin — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 18:45:08 GMT

I suspect the problem is that we give more attention to the pigs than we do to the youth in our community. If the young people had something to do this kind of stuff would not be happening. It's a crime of boredom (unless somebody tells me that those pigs are actually worth something)

re: Benchmark

ozricale — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 17:14:48 GMT

I think it is indicative of his self-aggrandizing that he focuses so much on his blog hits. What he doesn't realize is most people looking in are likely just gaping at a wreck.

re: Our New Recycling Bins

lmroczek — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 13:05:29 GMT

I agree - the thing is a monster in my garage and will have to move the car when it's time to take it out. I feel sorry for the elderly trying to maneuver this thing, especially in the Winter. To me a big waste of our tax dollars.

re: Malcontents

Irwin Fletcher — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 17:19:38 GMT

Paul

Again I have to ask what is your point? I pay my property taxes, which is none of your business and I dont have a

mortgage, again none of your business. Are you trying to

insinuate otherwise?

Try to stay focused Paul, it appears that it is difficult

but try.

Try to stay focused Paul, I know it must be hard but give it a try.

re: Malcontents

ozricale — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 19:39:25 GMT

The reply by Irwin Fletcher to my previous post makes no sense.

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I agree, but then my response to him was also somewhat disjointed.
pw

re: Malcontents

Irwin Fletcher — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 02:32:02 GMT

Ozricale

Yea free speech can be such a bummer.

It can really put a damper on things. And lets not forget those stupid FEDERAL tax forms and those deadlines, yea who cares right. Ill bet you get your taxes done whenever you feel like it as well.

JD might be a little nuts and I am not a supporter in any way, but you take away his free speech and next thing you know yours and mine will be gone too.

----------------------------

Mr. Fletcher,

I have given the opportunity of free speech here on my blog. So far you have offered nothing but innuendo and insinuations. You would have more credibility if you backed up some of your foggy accusations with a fact or two.

And, as far as bummer goes, let's not forget about PAYING YOUR MORGAGE and PAYING YOUR PROPERTY TAX.

re: Malcontents

Harry Haller — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 16:52:09 GMT

Hmmmm. Has anyone been subpoenaed, arrested, indicted, tried, convicted, and then plea-bargained like Jeff Davis? The one making the accusations? I would want an external audit of Davis’ mental health before believing him over any other cellblock snitch.

re: Malcontents

ozricale — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 15:53:40 GMT

While the term "malcontent" is appropriate, I think "crackpot" is more accurate. I question whether it is in the best interest of the community to even engage in a debate over his lunacy. It only serves to legitimize his ranting and embolden him further.

re: Malcontents

Paul Wickesberg — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 21:53:58 GMT

Mr. Fletcher,

OK then, I must have misunderstood. What did you exactly mean by the phrase "...the Falls is their playground and they can do what they want"?

And please respond to my previous questions. Otherwise you post seems to condemn people without anything to back up your allegations.

re: Malcontents

Irwin Fletcher — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 19:56:24 GMT

Who said anything about the police doing a bad job or underage drinking? Stay focused Paul.

re: Malcontents

Paul Wickesberg — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 01:08:11 GMT

Your comment is full of innuendo, so I'm asking you to clarify a couple of items.

Be specific about the odor you have brought up. What exactly is the problem that you see?

Who are the Old Boys Group? Everyone I know who is involved with Falls Fest is an ordinary citizen. There are dozens of volunteers. Are they all conspiring to produce the odor you detect?

How do these volunteers play in their playground? Is it that you have something against people having fun listening to music and eating food? There are police all over the grounds and law and order is the prime goal. The cops do a great job making sure that there is no underage drinking. That was a pretty cheap shot!

What would you do to "clean up the act"? Please give some specifics and not just the suggestion that something "might be wrong".

And, remember the biblical admonition about who might rightfully cast the first stone!

re: Malcontents

Irwin Fletcher — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 14:56:39 GMT

Paul

While I have never been a fan of JD, I think that the issue of Falls Fest has an odor to it. The Falls has a very tight knot Old Boys Group that does things its way and is not receptive to anyone questioning their ways. Like my Marine Drill sergent used to say "When I want your opinion I will tell you what it is." This group seems to think that the Falls is their playground and they can do what they want.

The theatre deal stinks as a backroom deal and the fact that Falls Fest seems to think they can report their taxe returns when and if they feels like it also stinks.

So Falls Fest needs to clean up its act and the folks that run it best do the same.

If Falls Fest doesn't want the likes of JD snooping through their drawers then dont give him a reason to do it.

Unfortunately, the way the Falls has been run over the years, JD will have alot of material going forward.

re: Malcontents

KKNOTOK — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 16:29:19 GMT

Mr. Wickesberg

After reading this mornings blog by Mr. Davis and your response to his I blog I ask, why is it that we all can't get along in this community. However, Mr. Davis in his blog brings up some interesting information. While the two of you could send this back and forth like a used tennis ball, my question is this after looking at the 990 tax returns that are online for the Falls Fest Organization. The auditing firm for the corporation is Steliga and Harder Accountants. This person is one and the same person who is the president of the non profit corporation whose return is being audited. While, I am an not making accusations this to me is shows a potential for improprietary actions and has the smell of day old fish.

As am member of the Menomonee Falls Optimist Club we would never have our books audited by a members firm of the club just to prevent any one from thinking that their are unethical things going on with our books.

It would be refreshing if nexts years returns where done by a different accounting firm. Would lend itself to clear up some of the accusations.

Care to reply?

Yes, I believe that Mr. Steliga's firm is used only to help prepare tax filings for Falls Fest.. They do not perform an audit as you imply.

re: My Cable TV Bill is Tumbling - Not

Dave Wyrwas — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 20:56:14 GMT

Responding To Paul Wickesberg "competitive cable pricing" article (July 10,2008): Paul did not state what services companies he was comparing. Prior to September 2007, our Time-Warner Cable bill was $73.15. It included only basic and 2nd tier programming. It did not include any premium pay channels. The bill included a rental fee of about $8 for digital box. It did not include the NFL Channel or Big Ten Network. Separately, our DSL Internet bill was $29 (total $102).

In September, 2008, we signed up for AT&T U-Verse. This program included cable TV and high speed internet (without DSL). Monthly billing has been $92.25 since inception. TV service includes 2 digital boxes & digital video recorder - at no charge; NFL CHANNEL & BIG TEN NETWORK, INCLUDED.

Recently AT&T have been advertising (dish)TV, internet and phone services

under a separate program from AT&T U-Verse.

(I hope I'm using proper terminolgy): Time Warner uses analog 'broadcasting' (it has something to do with wiring). There is a big contrast difference when you switch to high definition for same channel. AT&T uses digital 'broadcasting.' There is very little contrast difference between regular and high def programs. High Def is a little clearer/sharper. Included in my payment is $10 for high def programmimg. My previous total billing was $102. Yes, the difference is only about $8. Yet, I get unlimited no charge digital boxes; unlimited channel program directories; and most importantly, 2 channels not now available from TW - NLF & Big Ten. There is more VALUE with AT&T U-Verse.

What company does Paul have now, where he said his bill increased? I don't remember those TV ads implying significantly lower rates than what existing companies offered. Those ads were asking the state legislature for competitive choices to the 'monopolistic' cable firms. I don't really know what Paul is whining about.

re: Spellbinding Story From A Former Falls Resident

johnschilling — Fri, 23 May 2008 22:10:22 GMT

Thanks for your coverage Paul I am glad you are enjoying the book. My career certainly has been an amazing journey. I haven't forgotten the community where I grew up and which molded me into the person I am today. You yourself have been part of that and credit is due to my family and the Village of Menomonee Falls.

John W. Schilling

Author "Undercover"

http://ethicsolutionsllc.com

re: Oops

Al Campbell — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 17:42:29 GMT

The best example of painting oneself into a corner that I've seen!

re: An Uncomfortable Feeling

Andy Mohrfeld — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 18:22:50 GMT

Paul,

I'm well aware of unfunded mandates. They are not the problem. Employee compensation is. District employees have not one, but two pension plans. They have a health care plan in which they pay almost no cost. They receive retiree medical coverage. Oh, and most employees can retire in their mid-50's. Find a company in the US that offers such lavish benefits. They are prohibitively expensive; much more expensive than any unfunded mandates. In fact, employee compensation makes up approximately 80% of the school's total costs. So if you're going to complain about costs, pick the right thing to complain about.