Waukesha's upcoming Mayoral primary election has 4 candidates - each with their own platform and agenda for the future of their City. After reading about their concerns, it is obvious they care about the Community they live in. A full-time vs part-time Mayor differentiates one of the candidates. The ongoing "Waukesha Water/Radium" issue shows differences of opinion on the plan and urgency of this looming challenge. There are other items and areas where the candidates differ and agree including job development, retaining businesses, housing, etc...

But - They all are committed to Waukesha and the years ahead!

Fast forward to the Nation's Capital where our Country's agenda is set...

The Republican Massachusetts victory apparently re-defined and re-focused our President's agenda...

Is it jobs?  NO!    Is it reducing our grandchildren's paying down the new National debt?  NO!    Is it stimulating the economy in a new direction with a new thought process behind it?  NO!    Is it now following through on his 2008 campaign promises for bipartisan politics?  NO!    Could it now be that he puts our Country's well-being ahead of the rest of the World?  NO!    How about a serious action plan for the future of education in this Country which recognizes budget constraints will cripple our youths' ability to compete for future jobs?  NO!

As reported by all the major and news networks, the President highlighted his ever-increasing tendency to ignore the above true core issues facing our Country and act as if only He knows what the National constituency needs. His "takeaway" and reaction to these election results was to immediately appoint David Plouffe, his 2008 Campaign Manager, to an incredibly high level of influence position within the Obama Administration!   "Even before the polls closed in the special election to succeed Kennedy, who died in August, the president called Plouffe to the White House to talk."  Plouffe's mission?  "Plouffe's primary job on behalf of the White House will be to devise, coordinate and analyze strategies for the House, Senate and governor's races in November."

This is sickening, maddening, and disappointing. Millions of people hopeful for change listened to his campaign stump for "bi-partisan politics with hope for all". They voted on these hopes. Instead, we have gotten a President with a laser-like focus on maintaining a Democratic stronghold in this Country first and policy second.

He dismissed the true message of the Massachusetts voters - "We are not happy with the debts we are leaving our great-grandchildren. We are not happy with closed door, backroom, partisan politics and lobbyists setting National Healthcare. We do not accept the current stimulus plans as working. We need true job creation. We have domestic problems which supersede all international problems. We demand change!"

Congrats to the Massachusetts voters for voting the issues.

A huge "thumbs-down" to this President for proving electability takes precedence above all.

Disclaimer: This is not intended as a hack-job on Democrats. My political values are framed by issues...and I vote accordingly regardless of Party.

Back to Waukesha  -  It is suddenly that much more refreshing to have the Mayoral Campaign being waged by people who are framing their own issues and their visions on the future of Waukesha. They care about local issues which are and will impact this Community for years to come.

There is a lesson to be learned here about what is really important. We should be thankful our local politicians seem to "get it".

It was announced today that Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett will be running for Governor of Wisconsin. He will probably be pitted against current Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker.
Will this be good for Waukesha?

First - An overview assessment. The State of Wisconsin is financially in a "world of hurt". A November 13th USA Today article lists Wisconsin as a "Top Ten" State facing financial ruin. Our local newspapers, pundits, and radio stations are filled with stories on current and projected shortfalls in the State budget. Daily, there are stories (with 2 notable exceptions - Thank you Mercury Marine and Republic Airlines!) about businesses cutting back; laying-off; closing; moving operations out of State; and unemployment rising Statewide. This week Anheuser Busch announced a 45 person layoff  (out of a 60 person workforce) in Manitowoc. In addition to losing 45 well-paid jobs, Manitowoc is now in imminent danger of losing its' largest utility consumer. Couple this with GM in Janesville, Harley in Milwaukee, and too many more to mention, and the real world is not bright in the immediate Wisconsin future.

Now let's look at the 2 candidates together. Remember - they are the 2 highest ranking politicians in Southeastern Wisconsin.

Scott Walker has been Milwaukee County Executive since 2002. A career politician since 1993, Scott proudly states that he "authored seven consecutive budgets without increasing the property tax levy from the previous year."  Problem with that statement is none of his budgets were passed! Unquestionably Scott is a fiscal conservative - and that is much needed in these times. But look ahead to Scott as Governor... Following form, he will present budgets to the Legislature which shift the unpleasantness of determining which cuts to make and which programs to save from himself to others while touting his conservative ways. In short - he could soon be fighting with the Legislature just as he now fights with the Milwaukee County Board, and he will continue proposing unpassable budgets.  Wonderful...

Tom Barrett has been Mayor of Milwaukee since 2004, and a career politician since 1984. Overwhelmingly popular, this affable man presides over, arguably, the most challenging constituency in Wisconsin. However, with 5 years under his belt, there are no solutions to the problems endemic to Milwaukee. His 2009 budget didn't offer much hope as major deficits were forecast - again. One of his solutions? He stated "The city is looking for ways other than taxes to raise more money, Barrett said, including getting more money from the Milwaukee Water Works, which collects rates from other communities that buy water from Milwaukee."  Is that going to be good for the adjacent communities (Waukesha!)?

Career politicians have gotten Wisconsin to where it is (Anyone remember Tommy Thompson leaving his Lt. Governor Scott McCallum with a $1.6 billion dollar budget deficit as his going away gift?). Both Walker and Barrett have proven themselves to be "electable" time and again. But isn't it time to look beyond career politicians and get practical candidates with real-world business skillsets in office? Our recent Wisconsin history is also blemished with the likes of Chuck Chvala and Scott Jenson. Don't these extraordinary times call for extraordinary candidates and new perspectives on old problems?

Sorry Waukesha - Neither Tom Barrett nor Scott Walker will be an ally of our County after the upcoming elections. They will be far too busy producing bills and budgets which are advantageous to them personally as they polish their professional bios for Wikipedia and future elections.

How sad...

Our oldest daughter, Kelly, has joined the ranks of Waukesha Homeowners. It was her stated goal approximately 1 year ago to save enough money and buy her own home. Last Thursday she achieved this milestone.

The journey of home-buying was interesting, challenging, frustrating, daunting, exciting, and filled with emotional highs and lows. There were over-promising ads, slightly fuzzy pictures, deals "too good to be true" (they were!), below appraised prices (with good reasons), open houses where the homeowners forgot and didn't clean or hide dirty laundry, offers put in prior to the "For Sale" signs being posted, and far too many with the ominous "Short Sale" noted.

As she searched the internet and kept expanding her price and location options, there was a palpable sense of growing frustration that the 'right" house didn't exist for her budget and needs in SE Wisconsin. This was compounded by any number of television shows where buyers in other geographic markets get their dream house, and within their budgets...  These,  along with the genre of "How to Re-do your entire home - with furniture - for under $2,000!"  shows, compounded the situation.

Reflecting back on our own experiences going back 26 years ago, we offered encouragement to keep searching with the advice that it would pay off in the long run.  My own most far-sighted comment was "Keep looking - you will be that much more knowledgeable and ready to act decisively when the right opportunity presents itself". Another close friend said "You will just know when it's a good fit..."

Kelly  bounced from a narrow geographic and price point, to areas far afield as well as low-priced fix-me-ups and houses well beyond her affordability. She went "Home - Condo - Duplex - Home - Condo - Home - Home - Condo - Home".  All this time the $8,000 First-Time Homebuyer clock was ticking down...

Ultimately, she contacted a realtor referred to us by friends: Mr. Steve Bauman of Shorewest. Kelly asked for help in setting up 2 showings. We accompanied her and Steve and finished house #1 when he asked if we had time to look at another home which had come on the market earlier in the day. Reading-off the realtor's listing sheet, Steve announced "The furnace, air conditioning, Aprilaire, water softener, dishwasher, stove, refrigerator (all included), and windows were between 1-2 years new!" We arrived and... Kelly knew! Nice neighborhood where pride of ownership is readily apparent; big flat fenced-in yard; 2-car garage; a nearby park and school; 3 bedrooms; nice kitchen/dinette/living room arrangement; and a whole lot of potential for her to make this house her home! 10 minutes into the tour and... Kelly knew! She took charge, asked Steve for his input and if he could prepare an offer that night. Being an extremely nice gentleman (and a realtor!), Steve met with her that night and thoroughly went through the "Offer to Purchase" process. He called the listing agent and let her know an offer was forthcoming.

Offer - Counter - Accepted Offer - Inspection - Financing (Thank you- First Federal ) - Closing...and the house is Kelly's! And she could not be more thrilled! The long months of searching and building her knowledge base positioned her perfectly, and the timing could not be better with competitive home pricing, low interest rates, and the $8,000 homebuyer credit. She got the perfect home in her first choice of neighborhoods at a price within her budget. 

Kind of a nice "Waukesha Story" - Local graduate of Waukesha Schools buys Waukesha house through Waukesha realtors, financing through a Waukesha bank, and the City of Waukesha retains an energetic, tax-paying,  promising  young resident.   

That's a true Waukesha Stimulus Package!

Our president proposes and asks for bi-partisan support of his National Healthcare proposal on nation-wide television. He asks for this support while blasting Republican programs, people, and past policy decisions.

Our president  explains that his plan will cost $900 billion over 10 years. Amazingly, this is proposed one day after the federal government announces they might recover their investment in Chrysler, but there was no possibility the government will ever recover their much larger investment in General Motors!

Speaker of the House Nancy (a compelling example of why any plan should never include plastic surgery or botox injections...) Pelosi states "We (the government) will squeeze this $900 billion money out of the system..." That's it - No examples, no plan whatsoever, nothing but a self-serving/no accountability concept. If you know where these savings are, why not "squeeze" these savings out of the system immediately? 

Our president's plan makes no mention of tort reform as part of his plan. Amusingly, even lay people understand malpractice lawyers are steadfastly against tort reform because it would put an accountability factor into the medical lawsuit process. Lawyers who were found to have filed  frivolous lawsuits could be compelled to pay the expenses associated with these suits. It's no wonder the lawyers (and by association - the government) are against tort reform... 

Let's localize - Ask any Waukesha area business executive and we will all acknowledge the need to control ever-increasing healthcare premiums. Ask any executive from any of SE Wisconsin's Hospitals and they will readily acknowledge the need to contain healthcare costs, but will ask for answers on how they reduce costs while providing more and more "free" healthcare to the growing ranks of uninsured patients. And while speaking with all of these area businesspeople, ask how many have had their businesses positively impacted by the government's "Stimulus Plan"? 

Summary:  Almost everyone agrees the need for healthcare reform is urgent. But let's be fair - this government has provided an emotional, partisan response completely lacking in factual detail to this issue. "Promising" to find savings later by "squeezing" the system while spending $900 billion is inane... It's time to get the private sector involved and have "businesspeople" bring factual data and proposals to the table before acting.

My take: To our government - Demonstrate a competency in problem-solving by following basic business rules. Get buy-in from all parties; have a concrete basis in fact for your proposals; run a "trial" beta test on a smaller scale to ensure the plan will work; remedy any unexpected quirks during this beta cycle; and have defined goals by which to measure the plan long-term.

And, to our government - Please, please...Don't tell businesspeople that a track record of borrowing trillions of dollars without a plan of repayment now qualifies the government as an expert in anything...

Seems like it was just May and we were looking towards our 2 youngest coming home from college. Areas in the lower level were cleaned out for their transient belongings which follow them from UW LaCrosse and back again. Bedrooms were freshened, fresh foodstuffs were stockpiled into pantries, and we looked forward to their arrival.

BANG! They hit home and everyone reverts to their established behavior, patterns, and always-shifting familial alliances. I mentally plan "cooperative" tasks including getting the cottage Summer-ready; fishing with my son; taking the kids out to dinner; making the annual family Eagle River trek in July; and many other small events which have been meaningful over the years.  Well...

A new pattern is emerging and it was and is inevitable - the kids are "growing-up". And with that, their lives are a lot less dependent on us or even each other. Real jobs/internships, expanding circles of friends, new forms and areas of entertainment, a trip to Vegas; re-joining a water ski club; numerous parties; and many other out-of-home diversions have replaced "Hey - Let's go miniature golfing!" or "How about Okauchee for a family day on the water?"

Just "yesterday" and looking ahead to their arrival home in May, I can't believe the summer is almost over and school beckons them once again. Time flew by. Happy for them and their resumption of the college experience, the past months reminded us of how far they have come in recent years - and how they are now carving out their own lives and futures. This is the natural progression, and one we as parents hope we prepared them for. 

Call me sentimental, view me as an idealist, or chastise me as a "softie", their near-departure leaves me somewhat saddened. There was so much more to do...together. And yet the summer was full and rich with memories for all. Our kids are growing, maturing, and looking ahead at full-speed to whatever the next few years will bring. We, on the other hand, are trying to slow things down a bit... and savor the moments.

Maybe the natural progression of moving forward attributed above continues to apply to me as well - Hopefully I am prepared. 

If we want the convenience of using most Illinois expressways on our way to, or through, Chicago – we pay. And… we pay again for the privilege of returning home to Wisconsin.

And in an ironic twist, IL would have you believe the funds we pay go to “improving” their tollways. Ironic because I cannot recall the last time these tollways could be used without experiencing delays due to construction. It’s almost a self-fulfilling prophecy for the IL Tollway authorities – keep collecting/keep constructing.

So now fast forward to SE Wisconsin. The recently completed Marquette Interchange; the under-construction I-94 rebuild from Milwaukee to the IL border; and the now-being-planned Zoo Interchange reconstruction.  Yes, the majority of funding is from the Federal budget. The balance is from us – Wisconsin taxpayers.

What is wrong with the above and why are we not acting in reciprocal good faith with our neighbors to the South…and charging them to use our “Freeways”?

Before Wisconsinites scream “That means every time I travel to and from IL, I will pay double”, take pause and consider a reasonable alternative. WI residents who live and are employed here could buy a “W-Pass” which would allow passage through the WI tolls at a reduced cost (we pay enough taxes in WI – there have to be some perks…). In reality, it would become a usage tax. Travel to or through IL, whether for employment or recreation, and WI drivers would pay a nominal sum as they leave/enter the State. WI recreation spots could offer reimbursement for the tolls if it becomes an issue: Check out prime season room rates in the Dells and challenge if another $4.00 will deter anyone…  

Everyone else – pay! And pay just like we currently pay. And we won’t play unfair, we will only construct tolls at Kenosha and Beloit mirroring IL (I suggest we consider one more toll in WI at IL roads leading to Lake Geneva, i.e. “Chicago’s Vacationland”). It’s absurd to think there would be a hint of backlash. Many IL workers take advantage of lower WI real estate prices and commute daily – Why exempt them? WI resident vacationers going through Illinois on their way to Florida – Another $2.00 will not preclude their taking a family vacation.

Let’s not forget the number of IL residents who own “2’nd Home” vacation properties – think Door County and “Up North”. They pay property taxes on these vacation properties, but they don’t pay State income taxes – therefore they would pay full rate. Trucking/freight companies would now pay for the heavy wear and tear their 18 wheelers have taken on WI roads.

The current WI tax climate is becoming unbearable. You cannot keep levying taxes to balance a broke system. Far too many WI residents are losing jobs while their former employers explain “WI was unable to match other States and their incentives”.

We must think outside of the box…and fast. Let’s follow the lead of IL and help the WI roads pay for themselves with the tens of millions of dollars this proposal would generate. And to think - this revenue would come into the State instead of coming from the State!

Lastly, on an emotional level… Bears fans attending Packers games at Lambeau, and Cubs fans attending Brewers games at Miller Park would generate more dollars for the “home” team – Wisconsin!  

Summer's arrival drives different behavior patterns in all of us. Many more outdoor activities beckon including the Brewers, Summerfest and many other lakefront festivals, fishing, backyard barbeques, Downtown Friday Nights in Waukesha and countless others.

The multitude of Summer opportunities also changes our dining-out habits. Culver's, Kopps, Murph's, Mack's and more get a real workout serving cool, smooth custard treats. Stop at John's and get a creamy, chilled root beer. Divino Gelato's unique lower-in-butterfat Italian frozen custard draws people to downtown Waukesha with good cause. Great treats from local mainstays, and many serving-up memories to go along with relief from the heat of Summer.

Push on and you will also discover another locally-owned hidden Waukesha gem awaiting - Albanese's Roadhouse. Located on Bluemound Road, Albanese's serves up authentic Italian hospitality, a wide array of menu offerings, an Italian deli, catering, and Summer bocce ball leagues. It's not the only Italian Restaurant in town (think Michael's, Matteo's and more), but it's the one my wife and I think of first.

Maybe it's the firm handshake and hug from Joey when you enter the restaurant. Or it's quite possibly the easy affability and Italian charm from Dominic in the Deli (Honestly, we purchase deli items we didn't plan on just to engage Dom at the register...). It could be the olive salad, the "Dago Red" house wine, the pizza, the fabulous "Saturday Night Pork Chop Special" (ask for a side of sauce), the too-generous Mostaccioli Sorrentina pasta, or a multitude of other menu offerings. Let's not forget the personalized service from Judy and Mary who are both legendary in their remembering your past choices and filling-in-the-blanks as you order. Over the years, my much-younger kids always were made to feel "extra-special" as Judy or Mary would address them and just say "The usual?". 

Why single out Albanese's among the many family-owned, quality restaurants in Waukesha? I asked my son Jordan and he replied "Good bread, good pizza". Colleen responded "They will personalize and make it the way I like it". My daughter Kelly: "I love Albanese's - Great food, great wine, warm atmosphere". 

My reflections included all of the above, but I would need to add "My personal thanks for the many, many memories my family and friends carry forward from this quaint third-generation family restaurant. Wonderful food - Value priced - Great times!" 

Summer and Albanese's: A great The best combo!

On Tuesday May 12th, 2009, I gave my best in trying to duplicate the incredible work done on a minute-by-minute basis at your local Culver's location.

It was "Culvers Cares" day of giving and the Waukesha Education Foundation is the fortunate recipient of 10% of the days' proceeds from Gary and Jill Beres's Culvers on Hwy 164 as well as Sunset, and Greg Howes' store on Grandview.

Waukesha School Superintendent Todd Gray and I ran orders out to and bussed tables during Tuesday's lunch hour. And while it was fun to join this high-energy crew for a bit, my firm belief is we slowed them down a bit.

Now our snappy rapport with the customers undoubtedly helped mask our shortcomings as servers, but that would not work day after day. Todd and I both recognize brilliance in execution, and that happens seamlessly at Culvers.

Thank you Culvers! You are great employers providing a positive work environment for employees of all ages. Your dedication to charitable causes is almost legendary, and the Waukesha Community is a better place because you are here.

Gary, Jill, and Greg - You truly embody the spirit of giving. Your selection of the WEF for Culver's Cares Day is greatly appreciated!

(And I will continue in my present career for the foreseeable future...)

The Culvers Custard Chain has historically selected a National Day of Giving and a percentage of the days' sales were donated to a National Charity.

This year, the local Culvers franchisees have been offered the opportunity to select their own charities.  Jill and Gary Beres, owners of Culver’s on Hwy 164 as well as Sunset, and Greg Howe, owner of Culver's-Silvernail, have selected the Waukesha Education Foundation (WEF) as the recipient of the "Culvers Cares" day of giving on Tuesday, May 12th.

On May 12th, 2009, these three Culvers will donate 10% of their entire days sales to the WEF!

Our Waukesha students ultimately benefit as funds raised will go to grants and programs within the District. This is one more show of support from Culvers. Jill and Gary were honored for their many acts of ongoing giving at the 2007 Celebration of Excellence with the "Corporate Partners in Education" Award.

Events will be occurring through the day at these stores. Stop in and you might hear jazz groups breathing life into music; volunteers from the adult, teaching, student and administrative levels could be serving your delicious Culvers food, cleaning tables, or ????

Hit the right Culvers ay the right times and you might find myself and the Waukesha School Superintendent, Mr. Todd Gray, rushing orders out - or any other tasks the Beres's or Greg Howe think we might be capable of doing without screwing-up or slowing-down the always prompt Culvers level of service...

No matter - Please come out to a Waukesha Culvers on Tuesday May 12'th. While there - please find time to thank one of the owners and/or managers for their incredibly generous offering to the WEF and our local students.

Run, walk, stride, or drive-through Culvers on Tuesday May 12'th. Visit often and savor their delicious brand of food followed by a "never to duplicated" smooth scoop of Culvers custard.

This is truly a "WIN! - WIN! - WIN!" for all. The WEF wins; the sudents win; and YOU win.

THIS JUST IN!!!

Thanks to HMS art teacher Bill Schuele for setting up an art display from Horning MS that will be inside the Hwy 164 Culvers for the enjoyment of the patrons! Glen Lunde, HMS band director, has put together a Horning MS Jazz Combo that will perform outside Culver’s from 11 am to 12:15pm. (Weather permitting!)

At the Sunset Ave Culvers, South HS Art Teacher Mary Windler will be putting up a display of the South HS Visual Arts Classic team, which was funded by the WEF last year. Jason Brinker, South HS Vocal director, will be bringing a vocal ensemble to the Culvers for a brief musical presentation.

The Grandview Ave site will enjoy art work from North HS, with art teachers Dave Koel, Chad Zimmerman, and Dave Cicero putting up work from their students. Schedule permitting, Joey Hyland, choral director at North HS, will be bringing the North HS Chamber Singers for a short presentation.

Tonight, a news story highlighted the challenges facing traditional newspapers across the Country. The Boston Globe, an old-line almost historical newspaper is in a bitter fight with its' ownership and unions, and it is ugly...

Declining ad revenue and on-line competition are usually listed as major contributors to the demise of local newspapers. Given the already declining ads prior to our current economic "challenges", the newspapers were already locked in a survivorship struggle. The problem compounds and accelerates when the economy nose-dives. And, suddenly, you can advertise free of charge your personal items and services via Craigslist. 

Not a pretty sight...

But... Where does that leave me? Sure, I catch-up with quickie local news blurbs via WaukeshaNow and BrookfieldNow on-line. And bloggers add their thoughts on local issues. Nice to see the current weather. And if I have a pressing need for immediacy, I cue-up JSOnline and satisfy my needs.

But... I like opening a regular newspaper. I look forward to the comfortable feeling which comes from knowing where your favorites are; which section gets priority; and how many times I fold one open and pass on an article for others to read (without crowding around a computer screen). Don't most of us sometimes miss reading that day's paper and come back to the kitchen table the next morning where it rests awaiting a fresh reading? There is a subliminal feeling that you are "the first" to read the paper in your household which provides gives you a short-term conversational edge with them. And the walk to the mailbox early in the day helps me clear my head...

And... Who was with me when Nixon resigned?  When the Brewers had that mind-bending 1982 Championship Season? When we invaded Iraq? When John Lennon was shot? When the Dahmer horrors unfolded daily? When the Soviet Union fell apart? During the Milwaukee riots and subsequent Groppi marches? When John Norquists's need for an "apple a day" was satisfied by Marilyn Figueroa?

One answer - My local newspaper!

But... Some will argue/rationalize, you can get whatever you need on-line. And if a superficial national scan on your Blackberry is what you want - Great! USA Today is one of three papers I read daily, and they occasionally bring depth to issues which probably would not get the same local media attention. But usually, unless a "Headline Story" pops, Wisconsin merits a single paragraph buried deep.

 A simple summation - Without local ad  revenue, there can be no local reporting. Talented, very real people (Yes - many reporters I have met are actually good, decent people) are losing their jobs as a result. Local union production teams continue with givebacks trying to help the papers survive. But the trend of local newspapers shutting down continues...

I truly hope a mystery source of revenue appears ensuring the survival of our local newspapers. And let's hope the answer for declining revenues, even in this economy, is right around the corner -  before it's too late.

I need a "printed" newspaper - There is simply no substitute!

 April 27'th through May 3'rd 2009 is National Oral, Head, and Neck Cancer Awareness Week.

I was diagnosed in September with Stage 4 Tongue Cancer with a 1 1/4" tumor on my cervical lymph nodes.

The only...and I mean "only" symptom I had was a bump on the left side of my neck. Otherwise - I felt fine! Absolutely no other symptoms whatsoever...

And yet, on that September day, I walked from the Froedtert Hospital Cancer Center with Stage 4 Cancer! And the prognosis for Stage 4 cancer patients is "not typically the best.." Earlier diagnosis would have greatly improved that prognosis.

Froedtert is offering the opportunity for earlier awareness with Free Screenings for Oral, Head, and Neck Cancer on Tuesday April 28'th. Screenings require an appointment and will be performed between 4:00 and 6:00.There will be information available as well as guest speakers to provide additional knowledge and answer questions between 5-7 pm.

Dr. Bruce Campbell, the Head and Neck Cancer Center Director, and my diagnosing surgeon, offers additional information in his blog - "Reflections in a Head Mirror".

Assuredly, these cancers are insidious... and they affect you and your family in ways never imagined. If we can help even one person with an early diagnosis, we will also have ultimately touched the lives of those around that individual.

My own improvement and healing continues due to the expertise and dedication of the professionals at the Froedtert Cancer Center.

I count my blessings daily.

My wife and I are have been going through our "Gift Card Envelopes" more frequently these days. Let me explain why....

Between Holidays, Birthdays, raffles, and a host of other events we have accumulated a large cache of gift cards. It seems that our friends and family have run out of ideas for a middle-aged couple. Typical lines (excuses) are related to "I didn't know what to get you - you have almost everything!" These cards/certificates include overnight stays in Bed & Breakfasts; Spa Certificates; restaurant cards ranging from in value from $10 to $100; retailer gift cards; and others. Some are new and many older.

With the kids not joining us for dinner nearly as often as in the past (school, jobs...), and falling into the occasional rut of going to the usual stand-bys, Colleen and I are treating the envelope as a freshening to go places we might not have been to for quite some time. Conversations debate what type of food; how far to drive, should we go with friends, etc..

A few weeks back, gift certificate in hand, we went to a locally-owned, higher end restaurant where the food and service have been amongst our favorites for many, many years. My first hint that things are different for restaurants these days was the ease with which we got a same day Saturday early evening reservation. Seated immediately, there were empty tables at 7 on a Saturday. Years past? Unthinkable! The bigger hint of the pressure facing restaurants was the table service - charitably I would call the service "weak". When our server first appeared 10 minutes after were seated, she was harried, unapologetic, and cursory in her approach to us. As dinner wore on, we realized she was harried because they were not scheduled/staffed for any crowd beyond a half-full dining room. Ironically, I remarked that they must have fired the cleaning service as an unnecessary cost because there was a thick, streaked dusty window sill adjacent to us.

The long and short - we were pushed through a thoroughly unenjoyable dinner which we paid for with a combination of a gift card and cash. On the ride home, I told Colleen it was fortunate we used the gift card because I feared they were "on the ropes". Coincidentally - the restaurant owner announced to the press the next week that they were closing... 

Needless to say, we inventoried our gift card stash and have been using them much more regularly. Since that night, we are much more cognizant that these are the most challenging times to face many restaurants - ever. But there is a hidden benefit to some of these places with our use of these overlooked gift cards in lieu of cash. We are re-discovering places which were off of our radar. If we have a positive experience, we have, in some cases, returned with friends... and cash! 

My point? This is a good time to be conserving cash, and using these cards serves that purpose. However - This will be a thoroughly homogenized society of national restaurants if we lose the local flavor of our local entrepeneurs because of the economic pressures facing the "non-chains".

Soooo... Use gift cards if you have them. If you have a pleasant experience and finances allow for it, and particularly if it is a locally-owned business, return and patronize them as a full-pay customer. Most of the best restaurants in Southeastern WI are depending on us...

First - Regardless of political beliefs and persuasions - I really want our Government to succeed in turning this economy around. This is one of those moments in history where solidarity is critical, and it should take precedence over Party loyalties. But my patience has been tried...and it hurts, and it goes to the core of the various elements of the Stimulus Plan.

Federal money is given to some industries and sectors...but not others. Some of this money is given without strings attached while other government investments empower them to create retro-taxes (on bonuses which should never have occurred in the first place) as well as firing CEO's. A Trillion Dollars has been invested/gambled in just a few months on the future success of these government plans, and more initiatives are seemingly announced weekly. (Hopefully there are adequate accountability and monitoring resources allocated to ensure the money is used as intended...)    

Whew! The scope of this should give anyone reason to pause and try to absorb the enormity and speed of what's happening.

And now, when there is time to take a breath, we are witnessing a huge class distinction being made by our government between those individuals who will be helped by the Plan, and those who will be penalized.

Please - Why does this have to happen??? Why, when the government is trying to gather unanimity, do they polarize many with a plan which targets the "wealthy" (Obama's words) ...and provides aid to the "non-wealthy"?

For the "Wealthy" - Increase the tax rate; reduce (or eliminate) write-offs; make them non-eligible for stimuli checks, and on and on...This distinction creates something very important - CONSEQUENCES! - and in many cases misses the mark of common sense.

Waukesha charities benefit thousands of people of divergent needs daily. The needs continue to grow as we read about companies - many local, announcing layoffs impacting dozens, hundreds, maybe thousands of employees. More than ever, donated dollars are needed to meet these challenges. However, under one of the government proposals floating around, many donors would now get a lesser value on their taxes for donations than their tax rate (Don't get idealistic here and question the motives behind the person giving - No one forces anyone to "give" and many don't, regardless of wealth).  Net result? Fewer dollars to local charities at a time of greatest needs.  

Next - How about helping those of us who treated their mortgages as sacrosanct and have toiled for years to make timely payments? Again, government plans are afoot to help banks and lenders help those who are upside-down on their mortgages. Unquestionably there are many who need and deserve assistance because of circumstances outside of their control. But many have been, and will be given assistance who were "flipping" real estate (while our financial institutions turned a blind eye to annual housing inflation rates of 20, 30, and 40% in some markets...). Early results show many of those "helped" have already missed early, more favorable payments.

Why not underwrite or match an extremely favorable interest rate for mortgages to those who have proven to be responsible? Maybe offer a "Government Match" of 2 ½% to the lending institution who offers the "Responsible Borrower" a 2 ½% rate? At a 2 ½% mortgage rate, the real estate inventory will be quickly reduced, prices will stabilize, home improvements will take place, and "new" home starts (with thousands of trades people favorably affected) will begin anew. And imagine - a plan which could be easily tracked as to its effectiveness!

Let's go back to the start - We all really need the Government to succeed with its' varying stimuli plans, and these plans need to succeed quickly. There is, unfortunately, real pain ahead for many groups (auto unions?).

Maybe it's time to slow down and give thought to offering incentives to proven, responsible individuals that could have additional benefits to all Americans?

It just might feel better to "invest" in something than"bail" another group out...

The traditional news outlets have to "report the facts". The editorials and opinions on subject matters are carried elsewhere in their contents. But what about the human side of some of these stories?

The Mark Benson case demands accountability and outrage. Accountability and outrage towards every person who was involved in seeing his bail recently reduced. That's right - case workers, psychologists, the judge, Benson's lawyer, whoever monitors people out on bail...and his family! Every single one of these people now should be brought to task for either facilitating his release by recommending a lower bail amount, or miserably failing in their responsibility to the Waukesha community by maintaining their silence while Benson amassed an arsenal of prescription drugs, guns, and ammunition. He had more firepower than the Columbine killers... enough prescriptions to readily lose control of his faculties, and a large supply of alcohol - all of which could have contributed to a "perfect storm" of mayhem and more pain for more innocent families.

And this arsenal was built-up and kept in his $1.6 million dollar Town of Summit lake home! The same home he shares with his family!

Please....

Unless this home has secret passageways, sliding walls, or walk-in safes that only Mark has the combination to...his family knew much earlier than the rest of us that Mark Benson was in direct violation of his bail conditions. Think about it - who was/is paying the bills to a phantom pharmaceutical company in FL; gun dealers; ammo suppliers for products running in what could have easily been in the tens of thousands of dollars? Much more importantly - What does this say about the moral judgment running rampant in this household? He is accused of essentially destroying another family's life - now and for years to come. He has demonstrated that he drove "under the influence", endangering countless others several times prior (his arrests and convictions validate that). He was caught transferring assets immediately following his arrest in the Bukosky killings. And are we to now believe for even one instant that his family was unaware? Sorry - familial loyalty goes only so far. 

So this sad, sordid tale brings me to this dilemma. If these are not grounds for accountability on the part of the courts, case workers, psychologists and revocation of the posted bail - what is??? The story states it was his mother and stepfather who posted for this $500,000. Sorry... but a really bad decision on your part. You knew the potential risks when you posted bail. Whether he be son or father or husband, this man is very, very sick. How could anyone, even close family members, allow, with full knowledge (unless the drug company, ammo, and gun suppliers donated their goods...) Mark Benson to continue on this path of destruction? If bail is not forfeited in this case - when would it be? Or are we to listen to his lawyer argue that there are enough "victims" in this case?  Nonsense! Additional contributing "enablers" are the ones who lowered his bail thereby allowing Mark to enjoy "lake-living" while the Bukosky family grieves and awaits justice in this case.

For gosh sakes - the man even purchased tracer bullets! He was preparing for a night-time shootout!

This is a prime example of the system failing the victim(s) while allowing those with wealth to openly flaunt the privileges that must come with large sums of money.

Mark Benson is either a master manipulator or an intimidating presence who controls everyone in his closest sphere - except himself.

Normally I consider the family and the tragic consequences of having a father-example like this. And it is and will be tragic for them for many years. But where was his wife (is he still married?) during this? 20,000 to 50,000 rounds of ammo and someone pays for it? Thousands of dollars in out-of-state prescriptions and you simply pay your charge card bill? This really is very sad for the children who have every right to expect their parents to be role models.

Mark Benson is a heinous human being who has spun wildly out of control for many years. Unquestionably, his family was aware. Unfortunately, the legal system was also aware and yet chose to ignore every warning signal. We as citizens must insist that a strong message be sent to others that bail should be/must be forfeited in this case. 

And then... take the forfeited bail and establish a trust fund in the Bukosky name which would be directed by the family.

This won't assuage my personal anger at the incredible failings of the legal system and family in this case, but it might be the only way to make lemonade out of lemons....

I just found out what it is like to hold your breath for 3 months or so…and how good that first exhale feels…and the second…and the third…

My wife Colleen and I met with our team of experts following my first post-treatment PET scan: the chemo oncologist, the radiation oncologist, the diagnosing surgeon, and the radiologist. Anyone having gone through cancer treatment themselves, or through a loved one, are aware of the fear, dread, anticipation, uncertainty, and hope that accompanies this test and its’ results. A dye is administered and this glucose-like product is more readily absorbed by cancer cells than other cells. Your fervent hope is that there are no telltale “glows” on the scans.

My scans were “glow-free”!

This is my first scan, and there will be others in the coming months (and years), but I needed to get a good reading the first scan to move to the second..and so on…After all, the doctors all said the same thing with the same caveat: “Jay – You are cancer-free…at this time…”

Assuredly bouncing back from a Stage 4 cancer diagnosis owes much to modern medicine. However, I attribute an equally large part of the recovery to the power of the human spirit, and the prayers and support I was blessed to receive from more people than I can ever remember to thank. To all – I thank you! Your support strengthened my resolve to fight this challenge while also providing solace and comfort to my family. Today I truly have a greater, deeper appreciation for good health as well as a stronger faith.

I encourage all to take nothing for granted… 

Please note: “I felt great, really great, right up until the time I had the lump on the side of my throat checked…the lump I had felt…and ignored for 3 or 4 months.” My cancer started at the base of my tongue without noticeable side effects, and then progressed to my lymph nodes where it evolved into a 1 ¼” tumor.  

Early screening for this would have greatly improved my prognosis.April 27 – May 3, 2009 is the National Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week.  In support of this, Froedtert  and the Medical College  are offering free screening in the Froedtert and MCW Clinical Cancer Center on the mezzanine level from 4-6pm (call 414-805-3666 to pre-register) on Tuesday, April 28, 2009. Support information, educational materials, and guest speakers will be on hand. There are 2 featured speakers... Dr. Bruce Campbell is the compassionate Director of the Froedtert Head and Neck Cancer Clinic who also happens to be a blogger . The other invited “guest” speaker will be a recovering cancer patient who also blogs – myself!   

 It just has to be another bad dream....

The Federal Government offers a new $8,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers. On the surface - this should, along with low interest rates, stimulate sales volume. More buyers will be able to afford the purchase of a new home. Furniture, home remodeling, and home repair stores and trades will find new business and this is, I believe the intent of the Stimulus Plan - Hooray!!

And then the bad dream sets in....

My daughter is a searching First-Time Home Buyer. Single, Kelly makes a decent wage at a local insurance company. However, being single and with only her income to depend on, she is limited by the "Sell" price of whatever home she chooses. Literally, a $5,000 difference above her "max" could be a deal-killer for her.

Bad Dream Time....Some of the realtors she is working with told her that as soon as the Stimulus Plan looked as if it would go through ($8,000 tax credit; good through end of 2009; does not have to be re-paid), many of their listings have called and want to "raise their listing prices". Now I understand the difference between the motives of buyers (Low Price) and sellers (Top Price). However everyone should take a breath and pause... and give this a thorough thinking-through. 

Raise prices and the gap between sell price and affordability remains "as is". The prior First-Time Homebuyer credit was $7,500, and it needed to be repaid interest-free over 15 years. Even that incentive was not driving home sales  I honestly understand this current economy, and if selling, I would want and probably need "best-buck" for my home. But read any and all publications, and current homes that sell are averaging - that's right - averaging 9.9% below assessed values!

So back to my Bad Dream - This is my first-hand experience with the new stimulus plan, but unless realtors (and sellers) can understand the down-side of a sudden increase in sell prices - this aspect of the Stimulus Plan is doomed! Those who were capable of buying will still buy, but there won't be any new buyers. In fact, raise prices and there will be fewer home sales...

And there are so many of us hoping and needing the success of this Stimulus Package. We've mortgaged our grandchildren's futures with the costs of this plan.

Please don't let my bad dream become reality.

Our Country is in a recession/depression. Much of the banking industry is very much to blame. Whether it was greed or the incessant need to grow to satisfy investors, or whether it was to increase executive compensation levels - whatever! It's evident they cannot regulate themselves.

Banks have a myriad of challenges and problems - some of their own doing, some not. They are impacting both companies as well as individuals with their lending (or lack of lending) practices. They blame the economy, Wall Street, housing, business downturns, underwriters, unemployment, "The Market", bad debts, bundled mortgages, upside-down mortgages, and quite possibly they will soon include "gum on the sidewalk" as a banking cause for concern.

Moving forward, I purchased two bank stocks in the mid-90's as investments for my kids' future college education costs. I invested in M & I, and I invested in a start-up bank in Delavan - Community Bank of Delavan.

M & I really appeared to be the more conservative choice. Our company continues banking with them; we know the local bank officials, our company headquarters is financed with them; they had diversification in owning their own (now Metavante) data-processing center; they reliably paid dividends; good well-managed growth; their stock continued to increase in value; and their underwriting standards were rigid and uncompromising. All in all -  a safe investment for my kids' future.

Community Bank of Delavan was a start-up. A local group of Delavan business people were dissatisfied with the de-personalization of services from the major bank chains. They brought investors together - mostly local, and started from a house trailer in a parking lot. I believe at the time I purchased one half of one percent of the initial stock offering. I knew some of the business investors, and I believe in the concept of personalized service. More risky than M & I, but I truly believed in their mission statement.

Fast-forward to today --- M & I and their executive team went off in search of profits in new, exotic, faraway places including Florida, Arizona, and Las Vegas; ostensibly to "service their relocating former WI client base". Locally, we noticed no change in their banking methodologies. Strict, rigid, well-documented transactions continue to be the norm. But somehow, without notice to the shareholders, things changed out of our eyesight in these new lands of promise. They accepted the notion that having 2 business models was acceptable. They suddenly "believed" property values could sustain inflationary rates which ballooned with every "flip" of every property! They believed it to be the norm to grant second mortgages on this sudden increase in value which almost seemed too good to be true. They suddenly became a bank of choice for FL, AZ, and NV developers who were "ridin' the wave". In short - they rationalized away every value they were founded upon back here in conservative Milwaukee. As an aside, their bank stock pricing really never reflected these gains during these cycles. Metavante was contributing greatly to their earnings and this masked their increasingly poor banking performance (Really! - Break out the earnings and then compare M & I to other local banks...). Oh - another tidbit - I re-invested dividends in additional M & I stock... sigh...

Net result for M & I for the last 5 years? Stock price is down 85%!! 

Community Bank of Delavan? Well...They expanded too. Except they expanded to now include small branches in nearby Clinton and Sharon. Same personalized business model - and they stayed true to their mission statement.

Net result for Cummunity Bank of Delavan for the last 5 years? Stock price is up 20%!!

My own opinion is it's very easy for M & I to "blame the economy". Nonsense! Blame the executive team and move forward with new responsible leadership starting at the top. If the economy were to improve, I certainly don't want the people who were totally, wholly responsible for M & I's straying off-course back in charge. What other businesses would retain their leadership after disingenuous, disastrous performances similar to M & I ? Absurdity...

As for my kids? Fortunately the family finances allowed for the ongoing support for all three kids. They should all graduate (eventually) without debt. Mission accomplished!

But their college education certainly will be without the slightest bit of help from M & I!  

On September 5th, 3008, I was diagnosed with stage 4 Squamous Cell tongue cancer. Our lives changed forever on that day...

The Christmas Holidays are descending upon us. Winter has made her presence known. Holiday parties are underway and travel plans are finalized. School age kids will soon be enjoying a break from their studies (Our younger 2 will be home from college). Decorations - some wonderfully creative... and some just plain gaudy, are ensuring We Energies executives their Christmas bonuses. Presents are bought, credit cards are worn, and property tax bills have been mailed.

For me, this Holiday is a stand-alone, one-of-a-kind, different. I guess cancer will do that to you.

My meeting this past week with my radiation oncologist was very positive. If you are a person who reads the "vibes" in a room, everything should turn out fine as my body has responded favorably to the treatments. I was relieved because my current weight (down "about" 45 lbs.) is now the same as what I weighed at my wedding 25 years ago. Colleen has been asking for years "If only you could be the same size as you were back then". Since a more traditional menu (You mean there is life after yogurt, soup, Boost, and Ensure?) is in my near future - Mission accomplished and Colleen should be happy. Except for the wisps of grey that weren't there back then...

Given the good news, I am internally frustrated as my inner thoughts have been occupied with pain management instead of exalting in the great news of having completed the cancer treatment leading to a Cure... My hopes are that once my body no longer has need for "pain meds", my mind will fully come back to the positive place it was when this challenge hit. In fact - it is encouraging just to now have the awareness and understanding that drugs are a two-pronged sword - great for pain/bad for true interaction with others.The past few months are a blur. Memories are sporadic and dull. Today my conversations have more relavance and it can only get better with time...

So how and why will this Holiday be different? 

• I can begin to reconnect with my wife Colleen. The cancer treatment robbed me of normal interaction with her and turned her into an almost full-time caregiver. We both lost social and personal experiences, we both worried incessantly, and neither of us were prepared for the different emotional phases we experienced.  Nothing can replace this lost time, but the Holidays are an excellent milepost to start with.
• Christmases at the Walt household have been filled with a special happiness and joy since the birth of our kids. Cancer turned their invincible father into a human being who is vulnerable -  I cannot wait to hug them early in the morning this December 25th and reassure them I am here to stay.
• As result of completing my treatment, I have been given a "second chance"... A second chance to really appreciate the true meanings of Christmas (oops...did you just hear Charlie Brown Christmas music?). A second chance to use Christmas as a springboard to an even better appreciation for the wonderful friendships and relationships I know I have. A second chance to wake up and honestly value and respect basic good health.
• This Christmas will undoubtedly be forever referred to and tagged as "That's the year Dad had cancer". And it's good, and humbling, to remember that...          
  

Thank you!

Thank you to my close and extended family for your unswerving support!

Thank you to my incredible friends who brightened many dull days with your writings and calls.

And Thank You to the Waukesha Community. The outpouring of concern expressed to my wife and myself  from people in the area, often just casual acquaintances, is a wonderful example of why we feel fortunate, now more than ever, to call Waukesha "Home". 

And a very special Merry Christmas and Happy New Year's to all! 

 (Note: On September 5th, 2008, I was diagnosed with Squamous Cell Tongue Cancer - Stage 4. Following is the 9'th blog on my journey)

First - My apologies. When I pledged to writing this, my commitment was to keep it fairly current without resorting to dragging out the smallest details. It's now about been about 2 1/2 weeks, but that leads me to the newest phase of my experiences - "It's pretty well become all about me."

Chemo was completed, and a week later the 35 radiation sessions were finally finalized on November 14'th. And during this time is where my thoughts, feelings, and state of well-being were taken over by a new physicality of the healing process. This has been an intense period where I awoke and dreaded whatever and however many pains that day would bring. While my brain was telling me "Good job Jay! You finished the chemo and radiation! Healing's on the way!", my body was on a completely different page of a new and strange book. A real "page-turner", every chapter twists, turns, and contorts you emotionally and physically.

Based on our typical, built up over the years medical experiences, I expect that when we get ill or injured, we follow a prescribed treatment for a certain length of time and... we get better. Throw this conventional thought process out when dealing with cancer! I really, honestly felt the fight rage within me between my past healing experiences and this newest "treatment's done - now you are really going to experience things". Only in the last day or two have I been able to step away from this conflict and assess and recognize that all of my focus has been on me. While the searing intensity of the past few weeks makes it easy for me to readily accept this, I am now surprised at how everything "non-me" has been blocked out. It also brings back that the medical professionals did provide some warnings about the lingering chemo and radiation effects, but there is no way they could have put a factor on them because "Everyone handles it differently".

By now you have figured out that my post chemo and radiation time has not gone quite as expected. You would be correct. Everything is still on track towards healing and a cure. However, it would be difficult to quantify the levels of discomfort when compounded with the perceived angst of not healing when you think you should be. 

This most recent, negative phase has thrown everyone here a curve. Many comments during the prior treatment process were directed at how well I appeared to handle whatever was directed to me, and how strong I was in my fight against cancer. And we all therefore believed that this would continue throughout. In fact, I expected that from me. It truly was nice to hear compliments, and that motivated me in the same positive direction.

Therefore, it is important that I take pause and remember the "why's" of my treatment. This is also the time to review, respect, and thank the countless people who have said or are saying prayers in support of my full recovery. It's also important for me to put the past few weeks in perspective (and hopefully leave them there). But most importantly, I need to reestablish a positive approach in my fight against cancer. I just visited "the dark side" for a couple weeks...and I am not the better for it.

Almost everyone concurs on one point - a positive approach is the most important aspect in fighting cancer. The last phase (post chemo/radiation) pulled me away from that mindset - albeit for a short while.

Again moving forward, I have etched out the differences felt when challenging this miserable, miscreant disease from a positive perspective. One cannot put up a weak or neutral posture in this fight - cancer preys upon this.

Lessons learned... 

(Note: On September 5th, 2008, I was diagnosed with Squamous Cell Tongue Cancer - Stage 4. Following is the 8'th blog on my journey)

Week 4 brought me the very welcome news that my tumor was shrinking. The relief - immediate! And Colleen and I now had something to build on looking forward. And ... I freely admit it - I immediately did countdowns on just about everything related to the illness and cure. How many more chemo IV sessions; how many radiation treatments; how many days for this/weeks for that... How many more plastic bottles of fine, vintage Boost/Ensure to accompany my main courses of pudding or chicken broth??

But, out of nowhere - an unexpected swerve in my thinking process. The rationalization of; treatment of; and living with cancer  precludes giving a lot of thought to anything else. I recognized the need to re-indoctrinate back with family, friends, and co-workers. 

**My co-workers at Automatic Entrances of Wisconsin have been supportive to the max. They understood where it is appropriate to bring my health challenge into their conversations with customers, and the context to use it. The open, forthright approach on my part has made it easier for them to address and move past my cancer in their jobs...

**Friends now breeze past the initial awkwardness of the "first" cancer conversation. As soon as you add "The tumor is shrinking", the conversational tone lightens up and optimism dominates your talk.

**The "Kids" understand and appreciate the concrete statement - "The tumor is shrinking". Their mindsets, rightfully so, tell them "Tumor gone - Cancer gone".

**Sister, brother, mother, in-laws, cousins and more all explore the myriad of following questions generated by this phrase. And these are pleasant, welcomed conversations.

**Colleen now goes into the fully-protective mode. Her relief at the good news is self-evident, but her RN experience dictates that every rule is to followed - to the end. No cheating on menu; prescriptions are maintained; rest; every treatment appointment will be kept, etc.. And suddenly the Christmas Menu is wide-open for discussion (Does Boost come in a Turkey or ham flavor?).

...And she quietly looks to me for a small acknowledgement of what she has experienced emotionally and physically over the past few months...

Thank you - Colleen! 

Me? ...Truth is - the experts tell you chemo and radiation effects will compound as treatment times run on. And I would offer - the experts are correct on this as well. I am fortunate to have a pat answer to use in a conversation when asked  "Hey Jay - How are you feeling?"

While good "luck" seems to be avoiding me recently, it's great to be able to answer - "Better - The tumor is shrinking." 

Next: "The end of chemo therapy!"