Is this controlling Wisconsin's budget?

From NBC's John Yang
At least one Wisconsin state employee seems to be doing just fine without collective bargaining.

As Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker (R) tries to rein in public worker's pay and benefits in the name of controlling the state budget, he's dealing with the disclosure that his administration hired the 27-year-old son of a veteran lobbyist for a management job and has already promoted him and given him a 26% pay raise -- despite not having a college degree and having two drunk-driving convictions.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported that Walker's campaign manager and now chief of staff, Keith Gilkes, recommended Brian Deschane for a job interview at the state's Department of Regulation and Licensing. In January, he was hired as a $64,728-a-year manager in that department. A month later, Commerce Secretary Paul Jadin put Deschane in charge of a reorganization of his agency -- boosting his salary to $81,500.

Deschane is the son of Jerry Deschane, the long-time lobbyist for the Wisconsin Builders Association, whose political action committee gave Walker's campaign $29,000 and whose members contributed at least another $92,000.

The elder Deschane acknowledges mentioning to Gilkes that his son was looking for a job. The younger Deschane didn't return messages from either the Milwaukee newspaper or the Associated Press.

Walker spokesman Cullen Werwie said the administration knew of the younger Deschane's drunk-driving convictions, but "felt he had changed his habits and that these past incidents would in no way affect his performance at this job."

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A politically connecting hiring in a state govt job?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?

I'M SHOCKED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Say it ain't so.

THIS is "news" from "The first place for key political news and analysis from the NBC News Political Unit"??

Former Chicago mayors must be spinning in their graves, because they are laughing so hard.

  • 10 votes
#1 - Tue Apr 5, 2011 10:29 AM EDT

Scott Walker's days are numbered. There is not enough Koch money to hide the nefarious actions of Scott. The Wisconsin supreme court justice, some Republican senators and Scott himself will become the dinner of the "Sleeping Giant".

  • 23 votes
#1.1 - Tue Apr 5, 2011 10:35 AM EDT

some Republican senators and Scott himself will become the dinner of the "Sleeping Giant".

And what is this "Sleeping Giants" plan for closing the $3+ billion dollar budget gap? Tax the taxpayers some more, you know, so the state union workers don't have to pay for their fair share of their pensions and benefits?

The "Sleeping Giant" looks more like a "Delusional Midget".

  • 10 votes
#1.2 - Tue Apr 5, 2011 10:48 AM EDT

Here's the problem in a nutshell. The "parent" who donated so much money to Gov. Walker's campaign had hired his son, "part-time." And he has a powerful, PRIVATE SECTOR job and knows other people like himself. Somehow none of them wanted to hire the son....so he essentially pays Gov. Walker's administration to find the son a job, a job for which he is clearly not qualified, and at a salary that Gov. Walker himself claims is extravagant for public sector workers. Why does Gov. Walker so disrespect the people of Wisconsin that he would "appoint" someone to a high-paying job while claiming that the "state is broke" and that everyone has to share in the sacrifice? Furthermore, the son didn't even apply for the job. When people say that they want transparency in government, this is what they mean. Maybe old-time pols would be surprised that patronage is out of fashion, but so be it.

  • 13 votes
#1.3 - Tue Apr 5, 2011 10:53 AM EDT

Joe in Albany

Say it ain't so.

THIS is "news" from "The first place for key political news and analysis from the NBC News Political Unit"??

Former Chicago mayors must be spinning in their graves, because they are laughing so hard

So what do you think "Boss" Tweed you know the one buried in your state who ran an efficient and corrupt political machine based on patronage and graft is doing?

Tammany Hall had nothing unique on Chicago. Huh?

  • 8 votes
#1.4 - Tue Apr 5, 2011 11:11 AM EDT

Is this controlling Wisconsin's budget?

Or is this story trying to effect to the outcome of the state's Supreme Court race today, a race that will dramatically effect big unions war with Walker?

  • 9 votes
#1.5 - Tue Apr 5, 2011 11:15 AM EDT

What is he regulating and licensing, anything to do with daddy's construction business? Great job Gov uneducated drunks get a 26% raise (a $16,772 raise) after a few months on the job- paid for by teachers and nurses.

  • 12 votes
#1.6 - Tue Apr 5, 2011 11:19 AM EDT

C'mon FR:

This happens ALL OF THE TIME on EVERY job. Everything is about who you know. This is definately not news except to the "Oh my God, he gave a job to an unqualified person" crowd.

  • 6 votes
#1.7 - Tue Apr 5, 2011 11:32 AM EDT

What everyone seems to forget is--getting most jobs isn't about "what you know" it is about "who you know".

But as a wise old man once told me--"it's not how you get in the door, it's what you do once you get in that allows you to continue".

If we all look back at our job histories--how many jobs--part-time in HS--or that first job--did we know someone that got us in the door.

I will admit-I have used that several times in my lifetime--but I keep my jobs because of what I do--work hard.

  • 5 votes
#1.9 - Tue Apr 5, 2011 11:39 AM EDT

Tammany Hall had nothing unique on Chicago. Huh?

____________________________________

Only that Tammany Hall was put out of existence early in the last century. Chicago and Illinois are still corrupt today.

How many Ill governors have taken up residence in prison in the last 30 years, Bev??

_______________________________

msnbc.com staff and news service reports

updated 12/9/2008 2:36:33 PM ET 2008-12-09T19:36:33

Illinois’ official slogan is the “Land of Lincoln,” but an equally apt descriptor would be the “Land of Greased Palms.”

The state, Cook County and its governmental seat, Chicago, have a long history of corruption by elected and appointed officials.

The culture of corruption dates back to the late 19th century, when a gambling-house owner named Michael Cassius McDonald created the city's first political machine, establishing a model in which officials would distribute contracts, jobs and social services in exchange for political support, according to a scholarly history of organized crime in Chicago by Robert Lombardo, a sociology professor and former Chicago and Cook County police officer.

Its persistence was documented in Sept. 7, 2006 by the Chicago Sun-Times, which reported that at least 79 current or former Illinois, Chicago or Cook County elected officials had been found guilty of a crime by judges, juries or their own pleas since 1972. The paper provided this tally of the tarnished: three governors, two other state officials, 15 state legislators, two congressmen, one mayor, three other city officials, 27 aldermen, 19 Cook County judges and seven other Cook County officials.

The article noted that so many aldermen had been jailed that the newspaper ran a front-page-story in 1991 when the year passed with none being indicted or convicted.

The Daley legacy
Investigations of possible mayoral misbehavior have been commonplace in recent years.

Current Mayor Richard Daley's administration has been investigated for corruption. In a federal probe that is ongoing, Robert Sorich, Daley's patronage chief, was convicted in 2006 for rewarding the mayor's political allies with city jobs and promotions. Daley has not been accused of wrongdoing.

His father, the late Mayor Richard J. Daley, built the once-mighty machine that doled out jobs and favors in exchange for support for Democrats on Election Day. He was never charged with criminal wrongdoing, but several of his high-ranking aides were sent to prison for political patronage.


  • 6 votes
#1.10 - Tue Apr 5, 2011 11:49 AM EDT

Why isn't MSNBC reporting on this..... 26-year-old Katherine R. Windels, a TEACHER in Wisconsin, sent two death-threat e-mails to Republicans

It doesn't fit the narrative. It doesn't fit the template. Only Tea Party people do these kinds of things, at least according to "news" organizations.

  • 9 votes
#1.11 - Tue Apr 5, 2011 11:53 AM EDT

These teabag governors are corrupt. The one in Florida was a Medicare fraudster in a past life. They're all lying about their concern for budget problems. Their goal is to punish the unions and reward the corporate interests that bought their services with campaign donations.

  • 9 votes
#1.12 - Tue Apr 5, 2011 12:04 PM EDT

Houston:

I guess you know a man's heart now. How do you know the yare not concerned? Is it maybe because they aren't speaking or acting in a manner that subscribe to liberal ideology? Is it just that you don't like the idea that Republicans are running these states?

I guess you feel entitled to just arbitrarily lable these governors teapartier's. IF they are so corrupt embellish us with the evidence. I'm sure there are many Liberal State Atorney's General that would love to speak with you.

  • 7 votes
#1.13 - Tue Apr 5, 2011 12:28 PM EDT

True American and JAS1: "Why isn't MSNBC reporting on this....."

Umm, maybe because they already DID report on it - last week, in fact:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/42369823

And as I responded to TA at that time, good luck finding anyone - Democrat or Republican - who says they condone that type of behavior against anyone in the other party. Have you yet?

  • 8 votes
#1.14 - Tue Apr 5, 2011 12:41 PM EDT
RVZ555Deleted

Now we know where the government can cut expenses. Cut congressional pay and their staff. Cut the Congressional staff and any other hand out jobs. Walker exhibits cronyismat it worst. I am sure there are others on both sides that have done the same, but it should not be tolerated.

  • 6 votes
#1.16 - Tue Apr 5, 2011 12:50 PM EDT

IntheMiddle, TX

C'mon FR:

This happens ALL OF THE TIME on EVERY job. Everything is about who you know. This is definately not news except to the "Oh my God, he gave a job to an unqualified person" crowd.

Inthemiddle, for a minute i thought this story was from Chicago, i though we were the only people that gave patronage jobs.

this guy will give a patronage job to the son of a the long-time lobbyist for the Wisconsin Builders Association, making $81,500 who is not qulafied. but refuses to pay a teacher who is qualified the same thing, something is wrong in Wisconsin.

  • 2 votes
#1.17 - Tue Apr 5, 2011 1:52 PM EDT

Joe in Albany

Joe i will say this, considering the History of corruption in chicago and cook county, the elected officals, if they are dumb enough to do wrong considering the feds are always watching them, the deserve to get caught and sent to jail. the feds are always investigating some on in chicago, look at how dumb Blago was, he knew the feds were watching him, and did not care if he was heard on wire taps asking for $ for obama seat.
last year another investigation found that in Todd strogers (former cook county board president) administration he has a lady that bilked the county out of about 100k. she was caught and jailed, Joe this lady after she was freed on bond tied to collect umemployment. the new president Toni prepwinkle has come in and cleaned house, rolled back a sales tax increase and made the unions give back a whole lot.
Sorry but mayor Daley to his credit was never dumb enough to get mixed up in any thing, but some of his administrators were not so smart. including Robert Sorich, and his head of street and sanitary, he is sitting in jail right now for the next 3 years for illegal hiring.
I remember the Mole the feds sent to chicago to uncover corruption(operation silver shovel) about 25 years ago, i think this is the head line your were talking about, at least 6 aldermen were convicted of corruption. one they had on video tape collecting the money. I was so glad my alderman was one who threw this mole out of his office and before he did, he made it known to his staff that if this guy is allowed back in his office he would contact the feds his self.
Joe is was not just chicago, In Niles Illinois there long time mayor was caught up in a federal invertigation as well.

If your a elected offical in cook county or in northern Illinois, why would you take the chance, you have a better chance winning the lottery than not getting caught doing wrong.

  • 1 vote
#1.18 - Tue Apr 5, 2011 2:24 PM EDT
Reply

Wisconson Teacher Compensation by District!

* $103,315.00, Nicolet UHS School District
* $96,259.00, Maple Dale-Indian Hill School District
* $95,308.00, Swallow School District

MORE... All 425 Districts... Find your district...

STOP telling us how underpaid you are, your salaries plus benefits, for 8 months, exceed that of most taxpayers FOR A FULL YEAR!

UNIONS FUND STATE POLITICIANS (98% Democrats)
Democrats vote to INCREASE UNION PAY AND BENEFITS.
Democrats vote to RAISE TAXES TO FUND THE INCREASES.
Repeat until bankrupt...

  • 7 votes
Reply#2 - Tue Apr 5, 2011 10:30 AM EDT

Are you going to list the source of your accusations?

Hope you don't mind if we don't take 'your' word for it! lol

  • 21 votes
#2.1 - Tue Apr 5, 2011 10:37 AM EDT

Heck, if teachers are getting paid that much in Wisconsin--I am making the move there:)

But I will agree with Feisty--can you send us a link--I need to know how to apply.

  • 11 votes
#2.2 - Tue Apr 5, 2011 10:54 AM EDT

With a name like fantum-1301618 who wouldnt think those would be phantom figures pulled out of a phantom arse! That maybe one persons pay but really whats the average compensation for those districts?

This may help you pull your phantom head outta your phantom arse!

teacher-world.com/teacher-salary/wisconsin.html

  • 6 votes
#2.3 - Tue Apr 5, 2011 11:17 AM EDT

I have a teacher in the family. Has a bachelors degree plus a year to get the teaching certification, two masters degrees, six years of experience, and making less than $40K/year. How is that overpaid?

Jim

  • 11 votes
#2.4 - Tue Apr 5, 2011 11:19 AM EDT

fantum1301618

But what do you think about Deshane? Is he worth the money Lets see no experience, undereducated, 2 D.U.I. convictions. I`d say no. I thinks he is doing too well and he`s only 27 years old. Why is anyone okay with this?

  • 10 votes
#2.5 - Tue Apr 5, 2011 11:28 AM EDT

It's not Jim, if he was making twice that it he would not be overpaid. Uneducated, drunks make $81,500 a year in Wisconsin.

  • 9 votes
#2.6 - Tue Apr 5, 2011 11:29 AM EDT

Don't know about the teachers but here is the spending per student and the salaries of the administrators for Nicolet UHS District. If they're spending 17K on each student and a teacher is in charge of 14 kids then the cost per teacher is around 238K. I don't think its a big stretch to assume that 100K of that is salary.

I've no idea what prorated salary or fringe actually means so I'll make no comment.

sunshinereview.org/index.php/Nicolet_UHS_School_District,_Wisconsin#Budget

www.education.com/schoolfinder/us/wisconsin/district/nicolet-uhs-school-district/

District Spending

The Nicolet Uhs School District spends $17,048 per pupil in current expenditures. The district spends 52% on instruction, 44% on support services, and 4% on other elementary and secondary expenditures.

District Student-Teacher Ratio

The Nicolet Uhs School District has 14 students for every full-time equivalent teacher, with the WI state average being 15 students per full-time equivalent teacher.

Administrative staff

Below are the administrative staff members and their 2010 pay:[11]

Full Name
Position Title
Prorated Salary
Prorated Fringe

Jeanne Likes
Director of Special Education
$84,653.00
$26,232.00

Jason Kestner
Assistant Principal
$76,887.00
$37,436.00

Gregory Depue
Principal
$102,000.00
$42,066.00

Mora Snowden
Assistant Principal
$76,887.00
$37,436.00

Richard Monroe
District Administrator
$148,884.00
$50,667.00

John Reiels
District Instructional Technology Coordinator
$105,000.00
$50,554.00

Jeffrey Dellutri
Business Manager
$126,044.00
$46,498.00

  • 3 votes
#2.7 - Tue Apr 5, 2011 11:37 AM EDT

Welcome to Glendale
Welcome to Glendale, one of Wisconsin's premier communities. Glendale has experienced exceptional growth and development since its official incorporation as a city in 1950. Today, it is recognized as one of the most progressive of the northeast Milwaukee suburbs. Located on a narrow corridor of 5.7 square miles to the west of Fox Point, Whitefish Bay and Shorewood, Glendale has grown steadily since its separation from the old Town of Milwaukee. Local leaders have encouraged controlled industrial expansion and commercial development along with high quality residential development.

Although Glendale's population is modest in size at approximately 13,000, it is a dynamic and vibrant community consisting of a diversity of people and a balanced mix of residential, commercial, industrial and recreational opportunities. Its resulting broad tax base is the envy of southeastern Wisconsin.

Glendale is one of 35 suburban communities that surround the City of Milwaukee and is less than 10 miles north of downtown Milwaukee, connected via Interstate I-43. Its proximity to many Milwaukee County facilities and its separated suburban location give Glendale a distinct advantage in the metropolitan area.

Two beautiful, large and well-maintained Milwaukee County Parks within the City limits, as well as the meandering Milwaukee River, give Glendale a natural landscape that is a treat to its citizens and visitors, old and young alike. The Milwaukee River has an exciting waterfall in Glendale that attracts many fishermen, from all over the Midwest, to try to catch spawning salmon and other migrating fish.

Glendale boasts one of the finest school systems in the nation, led by highly rated Nicolet High School, which serves three other North Shore communities as well. In combination with its fine Glendale-River Hills K-4 through 8th grade school system, and Cardinal Stritch University, Glendale arguably leads the North Shore in quality educational opportunities. Together with outstanding sports and recreational facilities for the children, Glendale enhances the life for all who reside here.

--Milwaukee suburb

  • 2 votes
#2.8 - Tue Apr 5, 2011 11:43 AM EDT

What about the coaches and athletic departments salaries. How much do they spend on athletics? How many big pro quality stadiums and gyms have they built?

  • 1 vote
#2.9 - Tue Apr 5, 2011 12:58 PM EDT

Forest Grump, you're right- even our former AG was a drunk- nailed for a DUI while driving her state provided car. Sure, her salary was higher than $81k...

And before anyone asks for proof, do your own research. Peg Lautenschlager. Served as AG under Jim Doyle.

  • 3 votes
#2.10 - Tue Apr 5, 2011 1:03 PM EDT

Salt,

Don't you be going after Athletics! You just touched a nerve:)

  • 1 vote
#2.11 - Tue Apr 5, 2011 1:47 PM EDT

I am a sports fan, but some districts take tax money and build extravagant stadiums when we are cutting billions form the education funds. Google Woodforest National Bank Stadium and Natatorium and you see what I mean.

    #2.12 - Tue Apr 5, 2011 4:29 PM EDT

    Salt Grass,

    That stadium like all stadiums built in Texas are approved by referrendum.ie...vote. That stadium ws voted on years prior to it being built. Property taxes were raised about 3 cents to every 100. The Berry Center is by far the most extravagant in the Houston area at a cost of 11 million until that 19 million dollar one that Lamar Consolidated will have in 4 yrs.

      #2.13 - Tue Apr 5, 2011 8:55 PM EDT
      Reply

      WOW!!!!! Sunlight sucks...... I learned long ago from first hand experience, when you piss on people and tell them it is rain.... eventually the sun comes out on you and you realized that the strong wind you pissed in gets some on you too......

      • 11 votes
      Reply#3 - Tue Apr 5, 2011 10:34 AM EDT

      Joe in Albany

      SHOCKED?.....AHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA.....OMG. Teabagger/Republicants, defend this. common....BOGO brains.

      • 9 votes
      Reply#4 - Tue Apr 5, 2011 10:36 AM EDT

      Fascinating, and a graphic demonstration of the Republican "teabagger" hypocrisy. They have NO interest in the budget of anything. They have no interest in controlling spending. What they want to do is rip off state, local, and national governments to their personal benefit. This is a prime example, as are the activities of the Florida "governor". Remember what I have told you is the motto of the "teabaggers": Don't tread on me...let ME tread on THEE. An objective observer to the antics of this bunch must be horrified. Wonder if the voters are catching up with the idea that they have put a bunch of"teabagger" grifters in charge of governments

      • 19 votes
      Reply#5 - Tue Apr 5, 2011 10:39 AM EDT

      Hi Dawn,

      I love your little twist on the Gadsden flag text...very appropriate!

      • 6 votes
      #5.1 - Tue Apr 5, 2011 11:06 AM EDT

      Thanks, Mickey!

      • 3 votes
      #5.2 - Tue Apr 5, 2011 11:13 AM EDT

      Perfectly said, newdayD.

      • 6 votes
      #5.3 - Tue Apr 5, 2011 11:14 AM EDT

      "In January, he was hired as a $64,728-a-year manager in that department"

      Gee, our Republican governor, Paul LePage's, 22 year old daughter only earns $41,000 for an entry level job in her father's administration, but then, Maine's salaries are lower, in general.

      • 10 votes
      #5.4 - Tue Apr 5, 2011 11:18 AM EDT
      Reply

      As usual, the Left-wing media like FR here plays small-ball and goes after the little stuff while ignoring the multi-billion dollar budget hole left by the previous Wisconsin Democratic governor and state legislator. Should this Walker stooge have this job at that pay? No. Now, lets move on to plugging that $3.5 billion gap in the Wisconsin budget, shall we?

      And of course we can expect FR to chronicle the actions of, oh, lets say their parent companies GM's CEO Jeffrey Immelt being on what seems every board Obama creates, all the while that very same company pays zero dollars in federal taxes due to some fancy footwork and Congressional payoffs from their lobbyists.

      Get a grip guys.

      • 7 votes
      Reply#6 - Tue Apr 5, 2011 10:40 AM EDT

      GE, not GM. GM is another matter, now #2 in domestic sales behind Ford.

      • 4 votes
      #6.1 - Tue Apr 5, 2011 10:50 AM EDT

      JoAnnaSmith1

      As usual, the Left-wing media like FR here plays small-ball and goes after the little stuff while ignoring the multi-billion dollar budget hole left by the previous Wisconsin Democratic governor and state legislator. Should this Walker stooge have this job at that pay? No. Now, lets move

      No matter how big or small it is still corrupt. Besides, I saw on TV he fixed it before Walker got in. But, I don't see any republican fixing anything.


      • 8 votes
      #6.2 - Tue Apr 5, 2011 11:21 AM EDT

      Beverly in Chicago

      No matter how big or small it is still corrupt. Besides, I saw on TV he fixed it before Walker got in. But, I don't see any republican fixing anything.

      W-T-H is she talking about? As usual the Chicago parasite just does not get it and posts comments that are at best... incoherent.

      • 4 votes
      #6.3 - Tue Apr 5, 2011 12:59 PM EDT

      So what happen to the conservative mantra of:

      That coporations should not have to pay taxes.

      That all corporate taxes are passed onto the consumer.

      Corporations pay to much taxes.

      Coporate taxes kills Jobs.

      • 1 vote
      #6.4 - Tue Apr 5, 2011 1:05 PM EDT
      Reply

      Almost down to his skivies. It's not going to be a pretty sight. Another piece of Scott Walker's clothing comes off.

      • 17 votes
      Reply#7 - Tue Apr 5, 2011 10:45 AM EDT

      Doesn't surprise me at all. Governor Walker, the GOP/TP who over-reached, who revealed the real GOP/TP agenda and has shown the American people exactly what the future looks like when it is run by radicals. Governor Scott Walker added 30-some politically appointed czars to his administration--positions that were previously just ordinary public sector jobs. Two years ago, the right was screaming about President Obama (who had fewer czar slots that Bush 43) being a communist because of all those Czars.

      • 22 votes
      Reply#8 - Tue Apr 5, 2011 11:10 AM EDT

      Jody, I don't know what it will take to get voters to understand exactly what you have said. There must be some serious buyers remorse out there.

      • 10 votes
      #8.1 - Tue Apr 5, 2011 11:20 AM EDT
      RVZ555Deleted
      Reply

      Wow, this man has no shame. Typical Republican, though.....lies, lies, and then on top of that, more lies. Why would ANYONE defend this clown at this point? Can't wait for the recall in January, along with all his other cronies.

      • 16 votes
      Reply#9 - Tue Apr 5, 2011 11:10 AM EDT

      I heard the kid made a prank call to Walker and wound up getting hired over the phone.

      • 12 votes
      Reply#10 - Tue Apr 5, 2011 11:11 AM EDT

      Forrest Grump

      I heard the kid made a prank call to Walker and wound up getting hired over the phone.

      LOL I heard because Walker is crossed-eyed he made a mistake in the hiring process.

      • 5 votes
      #10.1 - Tue Apr 5, 2011 11:30 AM EDT

      The crossed eyes work well with the forked tongue.

      • 5 votes
      #10.2 - Tue Apr 5, 2011 11:47 AM EDT
      Reply

      This is a beautiful story of a young man pulling himself up by his bootstraps.

      • 4 votes
      Reply#11 - Tue Apr 5, 2011 11:19 AM EDT

      Yes a story of American exceptionalism, self reliance, individual responsibility, effort and perseverance. This young man waited for 27 years for his daddy to make a phone call and get his sorry drunken butt an 81,500 a year job. It is inspirational!

      • 8 votes
      #11.1 - Tue Apr 5, 2011 12:05 PM EDT
      Reply

      The GOP/Teabagger Party is going to throw Walker under the bus on this one. The bought him his seat at the Governors table knowing that if he fails, it's no big "brain drain". And, they could always say that he "acted alone", and the GOP/Teabagger Party knows nothing about it.

      And after being made into a total fool, I'm sure Walker will want to defend his reputation, and the truth in all this will come out, and I'm willing to bet money that Mr. Karl Rove has his fat, stubby little fingerprints all over this as well.

      • 9 votes
      Reply#12 - Tue Apr 5, 2011 11:22 AM EDT

      Mickey - You hit the nail on the head.

      • 6 votes
      #12.1 - Tue Apr 5, 2011 11:34 AM EDT
      Reply

      The RECALL is coming.

      • 7 votes
      Reply#13 - Tue Apr 5, 2011 11:37 AM EDT

      I'm going to go out on a limb here and guess that the salary wasn't determined by, say, pulling a random number out of the air. Not saying I agree with it nor do I have any basis to know if a promotion was a political buy or warranted (lefties need not opine on the subject for me, either, I know where you stand on this one) but government positions are usually salaried based on some sort of scale so I'd suspect that this falls right in line with the jobs handed out by Saint Doyle to his political backers. Yep, overall a disgusting policy from anyone in government no matter your stripes but considering the entrenchment of the union in the public sector I'd guess this guy's salary was no different than anyone else in the department. But it makes for such a fun story since it can be used against Walker whether warranted or not.

      • 5 votes
      Reply#14 - Tue Apr 5, 2011 11:43 AM EDT

      AMEN Suzy... AMEN! (If we were using military terms we might call them 'Targets of opportunity' for the media!)

      • 5 votes
      #14.1 - Tue Apr 5, 2011 1:05 PM EDT

      This type of action from those who complain the loudest about those (lefties) who do it. When you set your self or your party as above political chicanery and then caught doing is called........Hypocrisy! Do as I say not as I do. Where there's no expectations there's no disappointments. The Tea party /conservative politicians have placed themselves in a higher moral category, their talents have taken them to a place where their Character can't keep them. Its really not about the salary its actually about integrity. You must first be what you want other to become. I'm not complaining about what the the Tea Party is doing, but rather that they are doing what they complain about others doing. You guys (conservatives) don't seem to appreciate that irony.

      • 4 votes
      #14.2 - Tue Apr 5, 2011 2:25 PM EDT
      Reply

      All this Republican douchebaggery should end by the end of the day when Democrats in Wisconsin give the Republicans in Wisconsin their first loss by defeating Prosser, Walker's self professed "compliment" in Wisconsin's Supreme Court. Vote everyone in Wisconsin. Get out and vote today.

      • 10 votes
      Reply#15 - Tue Apr 5, 2011 11:46 AM EDT

      Thus far, the reports seem to indicate a higher turn out in republican areas than anyone expected so I think it's going to be an interesting night for watching the returns. The democrats aren't the only folks who've been motivated by recent events.

      • 3 votes
      #15.1 - Tue Apr 5, 2011 12:56 PM EDT

      Keep dreamin Suzy! Walker has pissed off both Democrats and Republicans who are showing up to vote against Prosser.

      • 1 vote
      #15.2 - Tue Apr 5, 2011 5:00 PM EDT

      Ana, you may well be right. Time will tell. I just won't be surprised if it's closer than expected.

        #15.3 - Tue Apr 5, 2011 5:33 PM EDT
        Reply

        I love it!!! What a loser!!! Walker, who is your puppet master? I certainly hope all the fine people of wisconsin are deeply offended and demand the govenor to step down. HAHAHAHAHA, what idiots!!! that's what happens when you play God.

        • 6 votes
        Reply#16 - Tue Apr 5, 2011 11:57 AM EDT

        Wisconsin Teaching Salaries and Benefits

        In Wisconsin, teaching salaries averaged $52,644 in 2009-10, according to the National Education Association, with most school districts offering benefits that range from health insurance to retirement plans. (1)

        In May 2009, preschool teachers in Wisconsin earned an average salary of $23,460, elementary school teachers earned $51,240, and secondary school teachers earned $49,400. (2) Education and experience level also make a difference in teacher salaries: secondary school teachers in the 90th wage percentile earned $69,550, while the entry-level teacher salary is generally in the $30,000s. (3)

        Geographic location is another significant reason for variation in Wisconsin teaching salaries. Areas that have a higher cost of living often pay correspondingly higher salaries. Below are average annual earnings for secondary school teachers in five of the largest metropolitan areas in the state: (4)

        • Green Bay: $55,110
        • Kenosha: $68,400
        • Madison: $50,770
        • Milwaukee: $54,620
        • Racine: $49,710

        Sources: www.teacher-world.com

        (1) Milwaukee Public Schools
        (2) Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development
        (3) Wisconsin's Worknet
        (4) U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

        • 5 votes
        Reply#17 - Tue Apr 5, 2011 12:40 PM EDT

        What is funny and friggin phenominal is that some people think that is a lot of money. Maybe in 1955 but that is equivalent to a Mcdonald's assitant manager. My daughter used to want to be a school teacher and she is a really smart girl, now she wants a safe job somewhere in corporate America but i told her that she's not even safe there. Every year they eat up your health care and I see more and more 1099 workers every year. The professional contractor is the new way of life facebook kids. So get linked in and prepair to live the single one bedroom life. That is the new reality, I hope you like cats.

        • 7 votes
        #17.1 - Tue Apr 5, 2011 12:57 PM EDT

        Those numbers do not include their benefitrs paid for by the taxpayers. That would add an additional $31,000 per teacher.

        Funny, I didn't realize McDonald's paid that well for an assistant manager in 1955. You should try to get that job back...

        • 1 vote
        #17.2 - Tue Apr 5, 2011 1:42 PM EDT

        I like how you threw in the $31K like it's real take home pay. Healthcare plus pension plus summer vacations and they still end up under class. The average corporate job is 110K in total benefits and people struggle today to afford a comfortable lifestyle which includes affordable health care and a good education, THE MOST IMPORTANT staples of American life. Assuming the pension is netpresent value, amoratized over their career and compounded annually at 3% each year against health care costs which increase by 8% each year and a cost of living that increases adjusted by inflation at a rate of 3% year, that 31K that you are so jealous of is worth jack isht in 20 years because it's cancelled out by HC costs and living plus all the corporate pilfering of bad pension investments. 31K is hardly a knife fight (though you exagerate as if the teachers are in New Jersey instead of Wisc). In 20 years, you won't be able to afford ANYTHING worth working for.

        You'll be begging for your gov't cheese like your good ol boy buddies with the rest of the old chumps when it's your time though.

          #17.3 - Tue Apr 5, 2011 3:01 PM EDT

          Bama-How'd you come up with $31K? If you're just making stuff up, why not $60k or $80K.

          • 1 vote
          #17.4 - Tue Apr 5, 2011 3:21 PM EDT
          Reply

          Wow, I can't believe anyone would defend this, I don't care what party they are from. This is a 27 year old kid who was put in charge of a department making over 81K a year and some of you think it's just par for the course and in the same breath call the unions corrupt, my goodness you people are freaking crazy. You simply can't have it both ways, you can't yell and scream about lavish benefits and salaries and be ok with someone being put in a position with lavish benefits and salary, that would be the definition of hypocrisy.

          • 10 votes
          Reply#18 - Tue Apr 5, 2011 12:44 PM EDT

          Retired, the flaw in your theory is that it's generally the unions that have bargained for the pay scale. So I'm pretty sure I can argue the obscenity of the salary and the union's role in setting it without the least bit of hypocrisy.

          • 3 votes
          #18.1 - Tue Apr 5, 2011 12:55 PM EDT

          Suzy, are you saying that being head of the Dept. of Commerce (newly organized) is a union job???

          • 6 votes
          #18.2 - Tue Apr 5, 2011 12:58 PM EDT

          Kate, stop being ridiculous! You know that is not what she is saying. Quit trying to twist statements.

          If you are the head of the department it is conceivable that you would earn at least as much and probably more than your direct reports... which are union jobs and have had their salaries set by unions thugs.

          Now... can you take the next step on your own or should we spell it out for you?

          (BTW... Kate demonstrates the kind of BS attitude and word games that get in the way of making any REAL progress.)

          • 3 votes
          #18.3 - Tue Apr 5, 2011 1:10 PM EDT

          Ok suzy, go ahead and defend this kid getting an 81K job based on his Daddy.

          • 4 votes
          #18.4 - Tue Apr 5, 2011 1:17 PM EDT

          I would imagine this is not a union job, since most management positions in federal and state positions are not union jobs and are not allowed to belong to the union, not to mention if the union knew about this don't you think they would be screaming bloody murder. Honestly I could care less if you are republican or democrat, this kind of BS is wrong no matter who does it.

          • 4 votes
          #18.5 - Tue Apr 5, 2011 1:21 PM EDT

          I don't think I am being ridiculous, Sick of the Bickering. Gov. Walker has publicly stated many times that the state is "broke," that there's NO money -- and yet somehow, his administration shifts around a few positions, appoints someone with no experience in the field (yet who will be supervising others) and earns a salary of $81,000 (we will wait to see what his benefit package is). Suzy tries to blame this on unions who collectively bargain for wages and benefits. Nope. It's a NEW position, for a NEW administration to set the tone and keep government in check. And instead we see an example of government run amok. It doesn't matter if it's a democratic or republican administration....it's hypocrisy.

          • 3 votes
          #18.6 - Tue Apr 5, 2011 1:39 PM EDT

          Retired & Kate, I never said it was defensable, just that the starting salary for the original position was likely determined on a union-established scale. AS Sick of the Bickering pointed out, logically, when one is promoted to a management level position, there is a salary increase associated with the promotion and even if it was a brand new position, there are likely others in management positions making similar scale pay so it likely falls in line. I don't like it. It's crap that I have to pay more in taxes to support this sort of shenanigans, but its not a new invention on the part of Scott Walker. Hypocrisy is calling Walker out on it while ignoring the same practice by his predecessor or other Democratic leaders.

          • 1 vote
          #18.7 - Tue Apr 5, 2011 2:18 PM EDT

          (BTW... Kate demonstrates the kind of BS attitude and word games that get in the way of making any REAL progress.)

          In the same post "sick of bickering" says salaries are determined by union thugs.

          The union is every individual member, is your kid's school teacher a thug?, is the snow plow driver a thug? How about the cops, fireman, postman, all thugs?. Unions help negotiate pay and benefits, members vote on those proposed contracts, the members vote on their union leadership, nothing is predetermined by thugs. Any union negotiator would like to able to say they got a $16,700 - 26% pay raise after 4 months for their members. Maybe Scott walker missed his calling maybe he should be negotiating on behalf of state workers, no union rep has ever gotten a 26% pay increase for his members from the state.

          • 3 votes
          #18.8 - Tue Apr 5, 2011 3:19 PM EDT
          Reply

          The Walker boys and girls are on fire today with misfires and redirects. They want to destroy your LIVELYHOOD you morons for the sake of a big buck! The ate up Saturdays in Corporate America already, now they are after your Sundays. They send your children to fight wars to protect their money. They've been doing it for 10thousand years and finally the people got smart and formed unions. Now they trick and hoodwink you into believing you are like them, that business will bring you a job and good benefits, that buying into their companies will save your house and make life better, so your vote wit h them while you eat your own brothers and sisters alive. They see you like they see them, you're all poor working class Americans. They promote their own and pluck your last dollars of freedom from your education and public safety systems. You had your chance. Welcome to the oven.

          • 6 votes
          Reply#19 - Tue Apr 5, 2011 12:50 PM EDT

          Attention all Wisconsin government employees, whether or not you have a collective bargaining agreement you should ask for a 26% pay raise (not to exceed an extra $16,700 a year) evidently that is currently the going rate for a state that is broke. Note: you must have been on the job for 4 months before you are eligible for your $16,700 raise.

          • 5 votes
          Reply#20 - Tue Apr 5, 2011 12:53 PM EDT

          Realy,grow up you guys. In Chicago it's 79 out of how many officials? Really? That's a city of a cuople a million there. New york's even more..just the simple law of averages should tell you there's gonna be crooks. we always hear the "otemora,oh themorals"-goes back to Demonthelens' and Cicreo--which is a fitting thing because Al Capone was in Cicero Illinios.

          Now as to Scott Walker: Yes we notice you don't need a union to get a pay raise-you need a governor instead. He's raised the ante"-go to the gov to do what you lov" Nice ring to it.

          The real question I have is: if Wisconsin is so broke why are you ginving out pay increeases anyway? You just finished saying uhions don't need collective bargaining because they don't compete with anybody. You can hardly argue here now that one needs to keep pace with the public sector.

          In other words, Scott , my boy, you can't have it both ways-which is exaclly what Walker is attemptimg to do.

          Walker never answered the question about what's wrong with negiationg class sizes? This only reseponse is "it costs money" Big news there-everything costs money. The point is what contributes to the results? And there is a definite body of eveidence that in some-not all cases-that individual attention prodjced superior results. That part of what the Charter school fight has been about.

          What this is about really-is taking teahing out of the hands of teachers and putting in the hands of people who know ablsolutely nothing about it-and for that matter have left the classroom years ago. That's why you still have these poor folks rjunning around waving their McGuffey readers at you. "You gotta learn it the way I did" they shout.

          Well the world has changed. The Scott Walkers of the world haven't. Let's ask Scott Walker this: are the reading scores gonna rise by 10% next year? Science? Math?

          They'd better cause your ass is on the line now buddy. And if the results ain't there you wont be either.

          • 4 votes
          Reply#21 - Tue Apr 5, 2011 12:57 PM EDT

          Wow, I wonder what kind of spin the Tea Baggers can put on this news. The tea cup is now full of chafe. Karl Rove probably doesn't even know how to handle this mess.

          • 5 votes
          Reply#22 - Tue Apr 5, 2011 12:58 PM EDT

          Wisconsin is so broke theycan give pay increases to people who've only woorked four months. May be economy is turning around faster than Obama thought.

          • 5 votes
          Reply#23 - Tue Apr 5, 2011 1:01 PM EDT

          Great feed Forrest Grump!! Teabaggers and their party of Hate! They can find money to give a raise to a drunk, but nothing for the police and teachers!!

          • 4 votes
          Reply#24 - Tue Apr 5, 2011 1:04 PM EDT

          And don't forget....

          'Broke Wisconsin' Gave State Senator Randy Hopper's Mistress a Job

          March 21, 2011 07:30 PM EDT

          from

          The governor of Wisconsin and his Republicans cohorts continue to prove their budget repair bill’s purpose was to bust unions and not to alleviate any financial hardships. Since collective bargaining was not a fiscal issue, the Republicans were able to remove the measures from the bill and pass it as a separate bill without a quorum. Now comes the information that the Walker administration was able to find money in their cash-strapped budget to hire State Senator Randy Hopper’s mistress.

          As reported earlier, a bunch of protesters descended on Randy Hopper’s Fond du Lac home to voice their displeasure with his vote. The senator’s wife met the protesters and she gave them an earful about his affair. She also accused him of not living in his district.

          Now the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel is reporting that Valerie Cass, identified as the senator’s girlfriend, obtained a job with the state on February 7, 2011. She holds the position of communication specialist with the Department of Regulation and Licensing. It is a temporary post paying $20.35 an hour, although she is listed as an assistant to the executive assistant.

          Ms. Cass was recommended to the position by Scott Walker’s chief of staff, Keith Gilkes. According to David Carlson, the spokesman for the department Ms. Cass works for, “Ms. Cass' name was among many forwarded to DRL by the Governor's Transition Team as potential candidates for positions with the department.” This seems to conflict with the report that her name was not on the list of applicants to the governor’s transition team.

          The statement also conflicts with e-mails sent from Cass to Walker’s chief of staff. In the first one dated December 28, she says, “I enjoyed talking with you a few weeks ago, and I'm excited about the news I read today regarding Governor-elect Walker's plans for the Department of Commerce . . . It's about time Wisconsin starts creating jobs - and I look forward to helping make that happen.”

          In another e-mail sent in January Cass says, “Things are really heating up with Reince's campaign and shaping up nicely. With the RNC vote coming up in a few weeks and Governor-elect Walker's inauguration this week, I was wondering if you had any more details about when you would have a spot ready for me?”

          Valerie Cass finally received her job on February 7th. Not only did she get the position, she also received a substantial pay raise. The person doing the job previously earned $31,200 a year. Cass earns, if she stays for a year, $43,200; almost a 35 percent increase.

          No one knows if Randy Hopper had anything to do with Valerie Cass receiving the job. So far, no evidence exists. The problem is, Scott Walker spent the last couple of months telling anyone who would listen that the state Wisconsin was broke and everyone had to sacrifice. Apparently that does not apply to his administration. Not only did they not sacrifice, they found an additional $11,000 to pay Cass. The governor and his administration seem to not walk the walk.

          • 4 votes
          Reply#25 - Tue Apr 5, 2011 1:06 PM EDT

          Wow, you really think you're on to something BIG here, huh?

          Nothing like what Obama did for Immelt though, right? Immelt makes a $14 billion profit and pays no taxes. I think there is way bigger fish to fry in the WH and Obama's administration than you care to look at - and admit to.

          Try focusing on the nation's budget woes rather than Wisconsin's. It's Governor Walker's job - he was elected and he will fix it. Other states will follow as he has set a precident!

          We all know now that the unions are trying to rule the world and they are even using Obama as their puppet.

          • 1 vote
          #25.1 - Tue Apr 5, 2011 2:01 PM EDT

          Yes they are trying to rule the world by insuring people have a reasonably safe work place and are paid a fair days wage for a fair days work. It is horrible, just horrible

          • 1 vote
          #25.2 - Tue Apr 5, 2011 3:29 PM EDT
          Reply
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