Second Dane Co Exec Debate: Impressive

Update: See also Falk, Mistele highlight differences on economy (DeFour, WSJ)

Some quick impressions from the Dane County Executive candidates’ debate held this early morning at American Family Insurance suggest that the race may prove to be an eye opener.



Kathleen Falk and Nancy Mistele both presented erudite performances matched by an intense level of disagreement between the two on major policy issues before an audience of some 80 people. No policy lightweights here.

The debate questions prepared beforehand by the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce included questions on public safety, the 911 emergency center [correction - candidates' statements addressed the 911 center], the regional transit authority, the proposed commuter railroad/trolley and shore land zoning.

Mistele ridiculed the notion that a large number of commuters would avail themselves of the proposed trolley-rail system calling herself the “last line of defense” against the multi-million dollar proposed project. Mistele said that she would, however, support the construction of a labor-intensive, fast-rail system to Chicago and Milwaukee that is seen across the political spectrum as a big job creator.

The three-term incumbent Falk defended the rail-trolley project, pointing out that some 80 percent of Dane County residents are sited to use the system and told the audience that Falk advocated a binding referendum.

The race may hinge on whether Dane County policy is perceived to represent a collaborative effort vis a vis a heavy-handed weight on municipalities and property owners.

Falk currently holds a large fundraising advantage and is considered the odds-on favorite, but look for a fast closing up of the race up to the election held April 7.

Both campaigns are going negative early and often in a sign that the campaigns see their respective opponents as formidable.

Damn, They're Dumb

Speaking Truth to Power, or Toeing the Line?

Ever wonder if those encrusted with the mantle of "progressive" are more open-minded and rational than political rightwingers?

Here's some evidence that many calling themselves progressive are just as bone-headed as the neocons. See the commentary responding to a piece in Uppity Wisconsin on the Dane County Executive's race at http://www.uppitywis.org/cap-times-civil-liberties-yes

The arguments made against presenting facts on Kathleen Falk's (and former Supreme Court Justice Louis Butler's) joining the War on Drugs and the Fourth Amendment boils down to this: Pointing out the facts on policy, judicial campaigns catering to self-proclaimed impartiality and bad government administration is bad for Democrats and progressives, hence not to be spoken or written.

Vis:

- ... Perhaps you can disclose whether you are paid by the Mistele campaign or the Republican party for the service you are doing for them in attacking Falk. ... It's shocking you can call yourself a progreessive after attacking Butler and now Falk.

- You slammed Louis Butler last year ...

Unconvincing.

Cap Times: Civil Liberties, Yes

It's about time someone spoke up against Kathleen Falk's bone-headed approach to addressing the issue of operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI) and the non-issue of Wisconsin's alleged drinking "culture" problem.

Falk's criminalization and anti-civil liberties OWI agenda drew reproach from her opponent, Nancy Mistele, at the first debate (January) between the two likely candidates for Dane County Executive in the general election in April.

Mistele hit the statist, heavy-handed Falk program by pointing out that personal responsibility and private action were critical vis a vis government's involvement of changing the "culture," to a round of groans from Falk supporters.

Today's Captial Times hits Falk's approach, though not naming Falk as a leading advocate; [wish they had].

... But the drinking culture of Wisconsin -- rooted as it is in the state's broader culture -- is not the problem. There is nothing wrong, per se, with a drinking culture -- especially if it is rooted in good fellowship and good times. ...

But no moves should be made to implement or fund wrongheaded proposals to permit law enforcement authorities to establish checkpoints on Wisconsin roadways.

No matter how they are operated, checkpoints where motorists are forced to pull over even where there is no indication of impaired driving are a form of unreasonable search and seizure that cannot be sanctioned in Wisconsin. Other states, with less regard for basic liberties, may allow checkpoints. But there is insufficient legal or scientific justification to warrant such an intrusion by state and local authorities in a state that has always set a higher standard when it comes to protecting the right to privacy. ...

Checkpoints draw the attention of law enforcement authorities away from the offenders they say they are out to catch and turn it toward citizens who would not be under suspicion.

Wisconsin can crack down on drunken driving without cracking down on the Constitution.

Myself, I'm waiting for Falk to advocate mandatory arrests for being German, Irish or being in college at UW-Madison.

That ought to fix this alleged drinking "culture" problem.

Kathleen Falk's screw-ups on the 911 Center and UW-Madison student Brittany Zimmermann murder alone disqualify her from this voter's choice for Dane County Executive. The fact that Falk chooses to advocate chopping away at what little is left of the Fourth Amendment just closes the deal to give Falk the boot. Proust!