Common Ground
A homeowner in Waukesha for 20 years, Steve is president of the Waukesha Dog Parks Organization and enjoys motorcycling, fishing and staying on top of politics.
Local Stimulus
Last week Pat and I went to the NARI Home Improvement show at State Fair Park. We've been in dire need of some bathroom repairs and remodeling so that was our primary target as we walked the aisles while munching on candy roasted almonds from a vendor. Being in the heating and cooling trade, I would come across some acquaintances from time to time and we'd spend a few moments exchanging niceties. My secondary target was something to reduce the need to clean out the gutters once or twice each year. Doing that isn't fun on a single level ranch house and I can't imagine doing it on a two floor house. There's a variety of methods out there. I need something that will shed the maple seeds and walnuts.
There's lots of other things that need to be done around the house and I'm sure the same can be said for any house in Waukesha that's been home to people since the 1960's. I also imagine that many people are like me. I've got much less money in my retirement account and withdrawing any of it for repairs or improvements would be insane. Money that is needed to pay for these things will be done on credit. These types of needs are what provides jobs to our neighbors. In turn the material they use provides jobs for people working in factories around the country. Home improvements, if materials and fixtures are American made, will help our country recover.
I've been trying to keep up on the so called Stimulus bill. So far all I see to help the middle class amounts to around $13 a week in tax cuts. While watching television, the bankruptcy lawyers and credit counselors still dominate the commercials.
Did we really expect help from politicians? If miracles exist, maybe President Obama will realize what an expensive and off target mess the Stimulus bill is and veto it. Yes, such a bill is badly needed, but it needs to be done better than it is and truly bipartisan. As it is, it does little to nothing for the people who really make the economy work, the middle class. And for those in misery that would like some company, the day after arranging for estimates at the show, our company announced some cost cutting measures too. Looks like the place to be is working for the government, until the last taxpayer goes down.
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