Food cart taxes to go up?

This was on the Board of Estimates schedule tonight:

Amending Secs 9.13(6)(h)3.a.i. and iii., Sec. 9.13(6)(h)3.b.i., Secs.9.13(6)(h)3.c.i. and

ii. to increase the street vending license fees for mall/concourse food vendors,

merchant vendors, and license and other fees for arts and crafts vendors; and

amending Sec. 31.075(2)(a) of the Madison General Ordinances to increase the permit

fee for promotional banners.

What I have to say about the matter is relatively simple. Rather than raise revenue by hiking food cart taxes, I suggest we require all merchants in Madison to buy credit card machines, which would allow people like me, who never have cash, to actually patronize the food carts, generating sales tax revenues as well as stimulating economic growth. Am I right or am I right?

Fine, let’s discuss it: Soglin for governor

I didn’t take the discussion of Soglin’s candidacy for governor very seriously when I first saw it appear somewhere on the blogosphere – I can’t remember where.

But I must admit Soglin has a point. Even if he doesn’t run, it is likely the Democratic field will be stacked with Paul Soglin equivalents from other parts of the state – local activists from La Crosse or Green Bay or Milwaukee.

Kristin Czubkowski is right when she writes that Soglin could mount a legitimate campaign. In the primaries. But how willing would he be to make political compromises and tailor his rhetoric to a broader, more moderate electorate? Would some of his more inflammatory blog posts come back to haunt him?

Here would be my Con argument:

It’s not that Soglin couldn’t go tit-for-tat with Scott Walker in a debate (I assume, but I’ve never heard him speak) – it’s that his candidacy would signal a deep paralysis in the state Democratic party. It would be a constant reminder to Democrats that no official of higher stature had the guts to run because everybody assumed the Doyle legacy would be too hard to run from. He hasn’t been in government for years, and despite his more moderate tone he’s taken in middle age, voters would be suspicious of a man whose primary political experience comes from being the twenty-something mayor of a left-wing college town.

My pro argument:

Soglin could counter the local government credentials that Walker would bring. He’s older, wiser, and he is not a career politician. He’s spent some time out of government and reflected on the state of affairs in Wisconsin. He is deeply troubled by recent trends, including the ineffective Doyle Democrats and the radical Republicans. Whatever happened to investing in what counts: education, health care, the environment. He could inspire primary voters, starting with a sizeable base in Madison, and perhaps by the time he wins the primary, he would be as legitimate a candidate as Walker, but without as many visible stains from recent political battles.

Ultimately, I buy more into the Con argument.

How did the crazies come to Wisconsin?

And this story has nothing to do with the guy who sold his name to a Finnish electronics company. That’s just a shrewd businessman.

Those of you who have read The Sconz regularly are likely familiar with my feelings about the Wisconsin Republican Party. I have often wondered aloud how a moderate state with a strong progressive tradition managed to develop such a group of psychos in one party. The theory I would most likely accept is that cable media and the internet have contributed to a development of concrete, national political ideologies which give less regard to local interests and culture. Hence, the days of the moderate Republican Party – even the days of Tommy Thompson – are long gone in Wisconsin (I’m pretty sure Thompson’s not going to run for governor).

So it’s not surprising to see state GOP candidates rallying around the same Glenn Beck-infused conspiracy theory that defines the GOP in D.C.

Sue Lynch of Onalaska, newly elected president of the National Federation of Republican Women, said the Democratic administration of President Barack Obama is “taking our rights away every single day.”

State Rep. Brett Davis, R-Monroe, is the other candidate for lieutenant governor. He said he had 100 percent ratings from pro-life, pro-gun and pro-Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce, the state’s biggest business lobby group.

He also has experience at the staff level, having served Tommy Thompson when he was governor and later when he went to Washington as Secretary of Health and Human Services.

David King of Milwaukee is running for Secretary of State. He is a minister and father of 10 who uses Bible stories to illustrate his political views. He also was the only black candidate at the meeting and said that Republicans need to make an effort to outline their views to inner-city residents.

Tommy Thompson’s brother, Tomah Mayor Ed Thompson, posed this question to the audience:

“How in the world can you increase taxes and increase spending when you have a deficit?” he asked.

How in the WORLD can you increase taxes when you have a deficit? Back in the day a fiscal conservative might have been somebody who’d support raising taxes to fund essential services. Today fiscal conservative is simply a euphemism for a neo-liberal.

Can Labor sway Edgewater project?

According to the State Journal, labor unions are spending tens of thousands of dollars on a campaign to win support for the Edgewater renovation.

How many local officeholders will react strongly to the project’s endorsement by organized labor? Does labor still bring a powerful emotional appeal to left-leaning local politicos? Does it dispel beliefs that the Edgewater renovation would primarily benefit the wealthy?

I would say that it won’t make a huge difference with those in charge of making the decisions. The project has been marketed as a job-creator from the beginning, and those who oppose the renovation will likely continue to do so based on preservation and environmental grounds. Fred Mohs probably isn’t going to stay up at night thinking about the construction jobs that would have been. However, it could push more residents to actively engage in favor of the project. It could remove the taint of fat-catism that is attached to Bob Dunn’s latest real estate adventure.

Brunch Links

Incredible…not only beautiful day, but a beautiful week. High of 63 today. A margarita from Pedro’s Mexican Restaurant, which not only got a D from Eating in Madison A to Z, but was referred to as a “Mexican’t Restaurant.” By the way, I had the pleasure of meeting the good people from A to Z this weekend and in several weeks my own input (on a eatery I am not allowed to reveal) may actually appear on their site!

Tammy Baldwin says health care bill will cover 35 million people who currently have none. Optimist.

Steve Kagen says the bill “will immediately help senior citizens by beginning to close the Donut Hole in Medicare Part D and eliminating deductibles and co-pays for preventive services in Medicare.”

Jim Sensenbrenner says “The U.S. Constitution declares “We the people,” not “we the government.” Joe Lieberman agrees. He can’t help – it’s “a matter of conscience.”

“These people aren’t smooth, easy speaking politicians, they’re judges. They wear robes to work. Judges are old, white men who read too much; legislators are old, white men who don’t read anything.“

A new exhibit on Wisconsin war veterans will be at the Chazen Museum of Art until March.

Donations to UW have dropped 12 percent in last year.

Assembly Democrats claim education reforms in compliance with federal “race to the top” grant requirements. Republicans, however, say the Assembly simply sent the recommendation to the districts, where teacher’s unions will collectively bargain on it.

Michael Schumacher continues efforts to get TIF money out of Edgewater project, at least until plans are finalized. And look, there’s Schumacher’s name again in the Herald, this time concerning funds for the Central Library.

Lena Taylor is a witness in an increasingly fishy John Doe corruption case. Taylor has agreed to testify after winning assurance of immunity. But this might hurt more: a version of Taylor’s bill that will authorize the mayoral takeover of the Milwaukee Public Schools was leaked.

Tammy Baldwin one of only 36 in House to support investigation of crimes against humanity by Israeli forces in Gaza. Maybe the poor schmuck who’s thinking about running against her can use that in his campaign.

LTE from school board member: Charter schools are a means, not an end.

I’ve never liked Kos much, but seeing Tom Tancredo get served raises his stock in my book. But why does he put the president’s approval ratings at the top of the page?

And is there a more virulently right-wing blog in Madison than Althouse?

Need a job?

Sounds like a great opportunity for many of my readers.

Wisconsin’s 47,000 jobs will be parceled out in eight regions; in the Madison region – southern and southwestern Wisconsin – the goal will be to fill 4,200 jobs that pay $13 an hour.

Most of the jobs are for “enumerators,” and field operations. A job candidate must be a U.S. citizen, have a driver’s license and use of a vehicle, and the ability to go door-to-door to interview residents. Bilingual applicants are encouraged, and all applicants must pass a background check, complete a basic skills test, be older than 18 and literate.

Most of you could at least pass as literate.

Bubble Island: Bubbling with potential

Today I am featuring a guest “restaurant” review by Jaimie Chapman, from Yes Mom and the Badger Herald. This is the first review of any non-alcohol serving eatery ever published on The Sconz.

Bubble Island: Located inside the University Square Food Court

(it’s by the bathrooms)

Kids packaging for an adult's drink.

It’ll catch on. Right now it’s clear that Bubble Island derives the majority of its clientele from Madison’s population of foreign exchange students. The place is undoubtedly itching for new customers. And they deserve them.

The rest of the University Square complex is nothing to ever go out of your way for, but Bubble Island is truly unique to Madison. It is unlike anything else in the downtown (or city-wide, for that matter) area.

Once you can get your straw through the plastic cover, you’re set. The straws are about a centimeter wide and the drinks are covered in plastic, so you have to punch the straw through the plastic fast (much like those little juice containers from hot lunch in high school).

The staff generally seems pretty bored, but is very polite and quick on their feet once they get a customer. They always ask me if I have a punch card and because they ask, I do have one and it is filling up quite nicely. Once in a while, they have someone walk around the food court with samples, which is a nice treat. Unfortunately, I did have a sample of (something) that I thought was far too sweet. The texture was too thick for my liking, more like a liquid medication than a blended drink. Perhaps it had been sitting a while?

Despite the bad sample, some of their drinks are delicious. “The Millionaire,” for example, is a blended apple drink. The flavor was clean and fresh and not too sweet at all. I did receive different shaped and colored “bubbles” the two times that I ordered this drink. The first were round and red and the second were more oval and clear. The second set of bubbles was much more difficult to suck through the straw – but I managed. Overall, the drink is refreshing and unlike a smoothie, is nice and icy.

No doubt, the most popular beverage on their menu is the “Classic Milk Tea.” Black tea, sugar and milk blended together and served with colored bubbles, the drink is really fun. Though it is tea, the sugar makes it slightly sweet and floral. It gave me the caffeine satisfaction of coffee without the stained teeth feeling I get from a latte. The best part was that the menu priced it a little higher than 3 dollars and really, it was only $2 for a medium. For $2, it is at least worth a try, but I will definitely be ordering it again.

Bubble Island isn’t just drinks. They also have frozen yogurt, which you can hardly find downtown. They have vanilla and mango and plenty of yummy fruit toppings and some exciting finds- Fruity Pebbles and Captain Crunch!

In an effort to create a fun hang-out atmosphere at the new complex, Bubble Island has a nice shelf of a variety of board games, including Apples to Apples and Pictionary Man. I spend my time at U-Square studying, but if I had a buddy at lunch, I might consider pulling one of them out.

The drink consistency is a little annoying, but once they get that under control, Bubble Island clientele should be growing in no time.

Sam Clegg: “French food is horrible”

Former Opinion Page Editor Sam Clegg told The Sconz that his time spent abroad in Grenoble, France has been stained by what he calls the “worst food on the face of the earth.”

In a press release titled “Fuck French Food,” Clegg expressed regret for not having packed more ham and cheese sandwiches for the 4 and a half month stay in the Alpine city.

Clegg, was a vociferous opponent of the Olive Garden during his time at the Herald, said his experience in France has made him re-think his position on the popular Italian-style chain. “The Olive Garden is unnecessary in a land with so many options – Applebee’s, Chili’s, TGI Friday’s – just to name a few. But I am confident when I say that if the Olive Garden came to this godforsaken land, I’d spend every goddamn Euro penny on those all-you-can-eat spaghetti dishes. And what I’d give to eat some salad that isn’t sprayed with pesticides at the dinner table!”

David Blaska’s secret climate models

There’s nothing better than getting out of an exam on a Friday afternoon, opening a beer, and indulging in the most recent David Blaska treatise. This week, Blaska gives in depth analysis of the imminent takeover of the American economy by the U.S. government. He laments the corporate welfare given to GM and Chrysler (businesses in the private sector) and then takes an interesting turn:

No, our two Americas consist of the makers and the takers — the private sector versus the government sector. And never the twain shall meet.

A little more poetic than Glenn Beck but not yet worthy of a Nobel Prize (whatever that’s worth these days). However, Blaska’s genius comes out when he reveals the end result of the proposed Cap and Trade legislation:

Cap and Trade that will cost families $1,700 a year to reduce the world’s temperature by one degree.

You heard it folks. Cap and Trade WILL reduce global temperatures by one degree.

 

Brunch Links

And he bowed his head to Jesus… and he stood for Uncle Sam…Excuse me, Alan Jackson will just not get out of my head. Getting up to 55 with a low of 47. No food today. Just a ringing endorsement of northern secession.

Public financing for Supreme Court races passes both houses of the legislature!

Dane County passes Regional Transit Authority.

Not gonna lie, I did not expect “Heroin problem increases in city” to be the Herald headline today.

I do generally expect fights at the worst bar in Madison, however, I do not expect them to involve NFL players.

Alcohol Policy Coordinator Katherine Plominski is cool says Holly Hartung.

Senate passes drunk driving bill, but it still needs to reconcile its version with the Assembly bill.

Damn right we need public access TV. Flowing waterfalls are a great substitute for commercials, especially ones made by Miller or Bud. By the way, the Cardinal opinion page should start coming up with sexier article titles. And I really shouldn’t mention the College Republicans piece about, omg, the Nobel Prize, but…

Madison resident and Holocaust survivor Jake Heifeitz dies at age 92. Incredible story of survival.

John Nichols calls Obama’s lackluster visit to Madison a “hallmark of his mild presidency.”

Wow, Blogging Blue has secured an interview with Jared Christiansen, the 18 year old Democratic gubernatorial candidate.

Liberal blogosphere is uniting behind health care. Look what the tea-baggers are uniting behind.

Wisconsin lawmaker concerned about federal government’s financial commitment to “Race to the Top.”

An amusing anti-Walker rant from Chris Liebenthal.