Healthcare Is Winning Issue for Democratic Candidates

Wisconisn Democrats are giving pass to Tea Party whacks
who oppose healthcare, but have made an
election-year transformation.

Madison, Wisconsin — Ten days out from Election Day and Republicans have discovered families like healthcare.

In six years, Wisconsin Republicans have moved from vowing to arrest any federal official who helps implement Obamacare health protections such as preexisting condition coverage to less-than-credible declarations that the Republican Party is now the guardian of healthcare for all.

Ali Valshi has a compelling piece on the election-year transformation on Republicans and healthcare.

WATCH: @AliVelshi breaks down how President Trump misleads about the GOP and healthcare. https://t.co/MvP1OFnSU2

— MSNBC (@MSNBC) October 25, 2018

Of-course, the white supremacist Trump knows healthcare is a losing proposition so better to point the finger at pressing issues, the real enemy — brown people walking up through Mexico who are coming to kill us.

If Democrats and progressives can make the midterm elections about healthcare, the blue wave builds and overwhelms.

Every pol knows this, but judging from messaging, the knowledge seems not operative, and Democrats, especially Wisconsin Democrats, are playing not to lose.

Wisconsin Waters Hailed by Citizens as Ag Interests Poison and Plunder

Citizens lobby Wisconsin legislators at the Wisconsin capitol
for clean and safe water in February 2017. Image is taken
from a video produced by Eric Peterson.

Madison, Wisconsin — A video is out offering a look into the efforts of Wisconsinites fighting for clean and safe water.

People want responsible water policy in Wisconsin.

Yet, the legislators shown in the video, constantly, (invariably), vote against the protection of clean water.

State Senator Patrick Testin, (Stevens Point), State Rep. Scott Krug, (R-Nekoosa), and State Rep. Joel Kleefisch, (R-Sturgeon Bay) are the worst offenders. They represent Wisconsin residents who are being hit hardest by Republican efforts to facilitate the poisoning and plundering of Wisconsin waters.

Donald Ystad of Rome, Wisconsin in Adams County sent an email out Sunday night to 100s of supporters and other interested parties., flush off a major legal victory by central Wisconisn residents over the proposed operation of a massive factory, a CAFO or Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation, that would devastate the waters of an entire region.

By Donald Ystad

Concerned citizens,

Many of you were among the nearly 500 people who attended the first ever Citizens Water Lobby Day in Madison on Feb 8th this year, and thanks to a very generous Rome donor, many of you rode to Madison in comfort on motor coaches.

That day was the genesis for the new statewide citizens lobby, Citizens Water Action Coalition.

Watch this video and think of all the grass roots groups from all over the state who are now joined together in the common fight to protect our water. You should recognize more than a few faces.

Then, when you read about the legislature pandering to the mega-farm lobby, the administration out of ​touch with citizens' rights to clean and abundant water, and the increasing number of incidents degrading our lakes and streams, make a pact with yourself to be a stronger part of this citizens lobby. It may be the only way to counter the big money interests buying their way through our legislature.

T​hank you to Eric Peterson for his efforts ​on this video.

Wisconsin Candidates Run for Clean Water Against Historic Attacks by Republicans

Wisconsin Faces a Crisis Unprecedented in Its History by Republicans Ruining the State

At least three Wisconsin state assembly candidates are making fighting Republicans and corporate agriculture's unprecedented attack on clean and safe water the central basis of seeking office to knock off sitting Republican state representatives.

Two of the most troubled regions in Wisconsin are the central sands and northeastern peninsula regions. Much of those regions are part of the 72nd and First assembly districts respectively.

Both districts have drawn challenges from Democratic Party activists facing Republican-drawn gerrymandereding and incumbent Republicans who are political allies of industrialized agricultural polluters.

"Are we going to stand by and watch as our precious resources and our environment are being destroyed for the benefit of a few corporate elite? If we choose to be helpless and invisible, then perhaps we deserve the tragedy that looms up before us," wrote Jack Stewart of Washburn, Wisconsin in a Facebook posting. Stewart belongs to a citizens' group, Citizens Concerned about Lake Superior CAFOs, fighting the siting of a proposed massive swine CAFO from an operation run out of Iowa.

Citizens Concerned with the assistance of the networking capacity of social media such as Facebook, (and academics, citizen media, and legal groups), is linked with similar-minded citizen groups in central and northeastern Wisconsin.

Central Wisconsin

In central Wisconsin, two candidates are challenging the anti-clean water and polluting factory farm champion, State Rep. Scott Krug (R-Nekoosa, Wisconsin) in assembly district 72. In 2010. Krug ran on the promise he would only serve four years if elected, and would never accept one cent of per diem money. Both promises were broken, as Krug continues to run political interference for the Wysocki corporation that wants to build a massive factory farm in the town of Saratoga in Wood County.

The two challenging candidates are: Dave Gorski, (D-Grand Rapids), and Russ Brown (D-Richford), (a small farmer and former community banker). Both candidates gain plaudits from pro-clean water advocates in Wood and Adams counties.

Krug is now almost universally regarded by clean water workers as bought-and-paid-for by polluters.

Northeastern Wisconsin

In northeastern Wisconsin, first-term incumbent and pollution-friendly State Rep. Joel Kitchens (R-Sturgeon Bay), faces a challenge from small farmer, veteran and clean water activist, Lynn Utesch, (Lunstrom, Door County Pulse), (Mal Contends).

The Republican Kitchens is a close political ally of Scott Walker and Scott Krug, and is similarly regarded with disdain by clean water activists.

Republicans

Part of the incredible political strategy of Walker, Krug and Kitchens is to transform Wisconsin into a polluted, corrupt and anti-education colony of corporations, so repellent the effort will drive non-Republican Wisconsinites out of the state, and minimize educated and socially conscious out-of-state citizens from locating in Wisconsin.

The leading Wisconsin progressive daily newspaper, (Paul Fanlund, The Capital Times) has adopted a defensive stop-hurting-us posture warning citizens, academics and progressive organs not to antagonize Scott Walker and other Republicans, lest Republicans retaliate against the University of Wisconsin System, for example. Fanlund should be rallying citizens, not asking for silence.

As Walker, with all Republicans following with no dissent, work to inflict catastrophe on the environment, the University system, public education, local control, state budget, voting, and cities (to list just a few sectors), at least three political candidates advocate fighting back.

The scope of the Wisconsin Republicans' inflict-disaster approach to public policy cannot be overstated.

This site will keep readers abreast of other candidates working for Wisconsin against baleful assaults, incursions, encroachments and befouling unprecedented in Wisconsin history.

Republican Pols' Words Should Point to Halting Wysocki CAFO in Central Sands

Sites of High Capacity Wells in Central Wisconsin
Map by D.J. Mechenich

Big Ag Propaganda Supported by Tax Payers

Last week Wisconsin agricultural groups were given $10,000s to pretend these heavy polluters are really conservationists concerned about the health of their respective regions' watersheds, (Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection). They are not so concerned, it's about public relations and probing how gullible the public is to Big Ag and Wisconsin Republicans.

Also last week Wisconsin Republican politicians met with Scott Walker to discuss the diminished groundwater protection by the Walker administration, (Ebert Yancey, USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin).

The meeting agenda is not public. But judging from the Walker administration's devastation of Wisconsin's generations-long commitment to protecting water, it's fair to assume Scott Walker and Republican pols are not joining the John Muir Chapter of the Sierra Club, though the famed environmental group notes "70 percent of Wisconsinites depend on groundwater for drinking water."

The meeting reportedly included State Rep. Joel Kitchens (R-Sturgeon Bay) and State Rep. Scott Krug (R-Nekoosa) both of whom will face strong Democratic Party challengers this November in their gerrymandered assembly districts, (Mal Contends).

Reports Karen Ebert Yancey:

Kitchens, R-Sturgeon Bay, met with Gov. Scott Walker Wednesday and said that they had agreed that different DNR rules governing agriculture were needed for 'unique geological areas of the state.'

'He understands that one size fits all doesn't work,' Kitchen(s) said, referring to DNR regulations that govern statewide agricultural practices, particularly for manure spreading. ... Rep. Scott Krug, who represents the Central Sands areas of the state, also participated in the meeting with the Governor because of that region's unique geology, Kitchens said. Krug recently spoke in Kewaunee County and said that issues due to runoff polluting rivers and lakes was one of the biggest concerns of residents in the state.

Let's assume for the sake of argument that Scott Walker understands and cares different DNR rules governing agriculture are needed for different geological areas of the state.

Consider the Central Sands of Wisconsin, (Central Sands Hydrology Working Group).

Adams and Wood county residents have been arguing the Central Sands region is uniquely unsuited for industrialized agriculture operations. The Central Sands already has over 3,000 high-capacity, industrial water pumps drawing over 100,000 gallons of water per day, (Prengaman, WisconsinWatch).

Residents point to research in support of their conclusion the geology and composition of the Central Sands make the region unsuitable for industrialized agriculture operations, (United States Department of Agriculture - Natural Resources Conservation Service) (Water Resources Committee, Town of Saratoga).

Will Walker and State Rep. Scott Krug (R-Nekoosa) now demand the Wysocki corporate interests withdraw its proposal for a massive factory farm in Saratoga in light of this unique geological area of the state?

No.

Wisconsin's industrialized agriculture and the politicians bought have to shape up their public image, an enterprise now underway nationally as well, (Eller, Des Moines Register).


Politicians Lie

Walker and the two politically endangered Big Ag frontmen, Kitchens and Krug, have been hostile to clean water advocates to the point of supporting the decimation of the Department of Natural Resources and facilitating the depletion of aquifers and surface waters by statute.

The meeting was about keeping Republicans in power and allowing polluters and poisoners to keep their operations going irrespective of citizen concerns over the depletion and pollution of aquifers and surface waters.

Last week Walker tried to shore up Joel Kitchens' non-existent environmental bona fides by appointing him to Wisconsin Coastal Management Council, (Kowols, Door County Daily News).

Walker, Krug and Kitchens will say or do anything to hang onto political power, and selling out their constituents' safe and clean drinking and recreational waters is high on the list.

Krug and Kitchens will disingenuously acclaim they are really champions of clean water, and Gannett Co. newspapers and other outlets will dutifully and uncritically pass on the news.

Scott Walker, GOP Reps Probe Public's Gullibility on Clean Water

Protect our water, say Wisconsin residents. No, says Big Ag
and its Republican protectors in Wisconsin.

Clean water is necessary for life, and is good business. Wisconsin Republican politicians won't listen.

Don Ystad, a retired business consultant living in Adams County Wisconsin, has penned 10,000s of words to Wisconsin policymakers and officials charged with protecting the water.

Ystad has met with success in forming alliances with local citizens across the political spectrum in central Wisconsin, but Scott Walker and the Republican Party remain in unified opposition to clean water advocates as 1,000s in central Wisconsin fight a proposed massive factory farm sited in the town of Saratoga in Wood County and the vile practice of dumping millions of tons of cow manure into the environment.

Wisconsin State Reps. Joel Kitchens (R-Sturgeon Bay) and Scott Krug (R-Nekoosa) represent districts in which aquifers and surface waters are being depleted and toxified by industrialized agriculture.

Both legislators are notorious yes men to Big Ag polluters in northeastern and central Wisconsin respectively. Both run political interference for industrialized agriculture operations as children are literally being sent to the emergency room after bathing or drinking water contaminated by the massive amount of cow manure and associated pathogens vectored into the environment.

"When Doug Jones and his wife, Sherryl,
bought their home in Spring Green
15 years ago, they had a vision of a place
where their family could gather,
enjoy the beauty of a restored prairie,
and where their grandchildren could
experience fresh air and a peaceful, rural life.
Their land included an 11-acre oxbow lake
and sloughs connected to the
Lower Wisconsin Riverway."
(Midwest Environmental Advocates)

Clean water advocates and other citizen groups—Kewaunee Cares, Saratoga Concerned and Citizens Concerned about Lake Superior CAFOs, for example—have worked for years with municipal, county and state policymakers only to find themselves blacklisted by the Department of Natural Resources and besmirched by Republican legislators such as we-don't-need-the-EPA Joel Kitchens and Krug, and some have become the victims of threats and vandalism in their very homes.

Now, water advocates, (aka Wisconsin families), are fed-up and frustrated as children are poisoned, well water continually contaminated and property valuations plummeting.

"We have played nice with our County Board of Supervisors long enough, it is time to start calling them out publicly on their lack of leadership and accountability to citizen concerns," notes Saratoga Concerned Friday night on their Facebook page.

In a letter to the Wisconsin Rapids City Times, Criste Greening of Protect Wood County and Its Neighbors rips the Wood County Board (central Wisconsin) pointing to outright hostility from Scott Walker ally, Wood County Board Supervisor and Chairman Lance Pliml and other Board members politically allied with Big Ag in Wisconsin.

Citizen groups across the state are aligning, a phenomenon assisted by social media such as Facebook. Look for a change in tone this election cycle.

Following a report from northeastern Wisconsin that two schools in embattered Kewaunee County received letters warning of well contamination last week, (Karen Ebert Yancey, USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin), Scott Walker, Kitchens and Krug were featured in a piece yesterday morning reporting:

In response to continued groundwater problems in Kewaunee County, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) expects to issue new administrative regulations for concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) and other farmers in karst areas, state Rep. Joel Kitchens said Thursday.

Kitchens, R-Sturgeon Bay, met with Gov. Scott Walker Wednesday and said that they had agreed that different DNR rules governing agriculture were needed for 'unique geological areas of the state.'

'He understands that one size fits all doesn't work,' Kitchen said, referring to DNR regulations that govern statewide agricultural practices, particularly for manure spreading, (Karen Ebert Yancey, USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin)

No activist reached expects anything to come from the latest lip service from Scott Walker and Republican representatives who have decimated the DNR, and who use the hyper-partisan Republican attorney general to further the aims of polluters, money donors and anybody willing to pay to play.

Will Republicans stop the proposed Wysocki factory farm? Will Republicans restore scientists and the autonomy of the DNR? Will Republicans restore the autonomy of administrative law judges?

One thing is certain: 'No' to all questions.

Said one clean water advocate from Door County, (aka 'Wisconsin's Martha Vineyard'): "I won't hold my breath on anything actually happening, but the heat is apparently on."

Wisconsin Attorney General Brad Schimel fetes Big Ag's candidate for state
senate, Patrick Testin, on Feb. 14, 2016, (Twitter)

Citizen to State Rep. Scott Krug: YOU SOLD US OUT

Long Lake in Wisconsin - Used to be a lot of water
Kate Golden, Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism

By Patt Pisellini (of central Wisconsin)

Scott [Rep. Scott Krug (R-Nekoosa)],

I have tried - really tried - to believe you. As our local representative, I have always given you the benefit of the doubt, hoping your motives were concerned with protecting your constituents. But, your performance on bill AB 874 leaves little doubt that you care very little about us.

First, your method of contacting me, by hacking Criste's (Greening's) email list, is unconscionable. It demonstrates a total lack of concern for private communications.

From your opening paragraph, you have shown total disrespect for the intelligence of your constituents. Intimating this bill would have gone forward out of committee regardless of your vote, is ridiculous. 

Second, the fact you offer elaborate scientific studies of watersheds, is nothing more than smoke and mirrors. There is scientific research already available. The vegetable growers have been conducting research for years. They know exactly what the performance of each watershed is. They just choose not to share it with the general public because it might force them to admit their agricultural practices need to be altered.

I watched your entire performance on the floor. Suggesting we drill more HCWs (High Capacity Wells) to fill up dried-up lakes, such as Long Lake, to study the hydrology is ludicrous. There are 5 monitoring wells already in place around Long Lake, that could, and should, have been used to study the hydrology over the past few years, but NOTHING has been done with them. We don't need to study the hydrology; all we need to do is take a drive around the perimeter of Long Lake, and the other Channel Lakes, and look at the proliferation of HCWs.

Your letter is a ploy to justify your actions, in hopes of getting back into our good graces.  Unfortunately, it is disingenuous, and lacks any substance. YOU SOLD US OUT - period. You have lost our trust, and do not deserve our respect.  I agree with Criste, I intend to support your opponent, and to actively campaign to oust you from office.

Rep. Krug Votes Against His Own Proposal … After He Voted for It

State Rep. Scott Krug (R-Nekoosa) cannot decide what lie to tell his constituents as he works to deplete and poison his own constituents' waters.

So Krug last night decided to vote against his own bill.

Notes Assistant Democratic Leader Katrina Shankland (D-Stevens Point) in a press releases: 

MADISON – Last night on the Assembly floor, in a highly unusual action, Rep. Scott Krug (R-Nekoosa) voted against final passage of his own substitute amendment to Assembly Bill 874, which grants indefinite water rights to some large water users at the expense of the average citizen.

This comes on the heels of Rep. Krug casting the deciding vote in favor of Assembly Bill 874 just two days prior in the Assembly Committee on Environment and Forestry, and voting in favor of adoption of his substitute amendment on the Assembly floor last night.

“In all my years, I have never, ever, seen someone write their own amendment, vote for it in committee, and then vote against it on the Assembly floor. These are the kinds of twisted, political games that people are just fed up with,” commented Assembly Democratic Leader Peter Barca (D-Kenosha).  “Does he really think he can have a vote in both pockets, mislead his constituents, and get away with it?”  

When asked on the Assembly floor why he voted against his own proposal, which he claimed to have worked on for three and a half years and previously voted for, Rep. Krug said the proposal “fell a little bit short.”   

“The only person that can be blamed for this proposal falling short is Scott Krug. He wrote the proposal that he voted against. Is this really the best he could do for his constituents?” said Assistant Democratic Leader Katrina Shankland (D-Stevens Point).  “In a desperate attempt to protect himself and save face in an election year, he is willing to intentionally mislead our Central Sands community.” 

“The people of the Central Sands have asked for and negotiated in good faith for years for responsible groundwater management policy,” continued Rep. Shankland. “Instead, Rep. Krug fulfilled the Republican party’s and special interests’ bidding by casting the deciding vote in committee, voting for the adoption of his proposal, and then voting against its passage. This continues a clear pattern of Rep. Krug promising his constituents one thing and then doing another. It’s cynical and manipulative politics that he believes will fool people and protect his seat while selling out his constituents’ water interests.”

Walker Sells Out Wisconsin Peoples' Water

"As Flint residents are forced to drink, cook with and even bathe in bottled water, while still paying some of the highest water bills in the county for their poisoned water, we turn to a little-known story about the bottled water industry in Michigan. In 2001 and 2002, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality issued permits to Nestlé, the largest water bottling company in the world, to pump up to 400 gallons of water per minute from aquifers that feed Lake Michigan," (Goodman, Democracy Now).

Now that Scott Walker and legislative Republicans are set on a course of giving away the people of the state of Wisconsin's water, the water that has not been polluted yet, residents from around the state remain in a state ranging from trauma to disbelief.

Notes a friend from central Wisconsin:

In Rome, Wisconsin in Adams County, in there is a 40-acre piece of property on Alpine Drive and 15th, that is up for sale. It contains a high-capacity well that was never used by the former owner, Jim Hoffman. Jim lost the property through foreclosure. If this bill, (AB 874), goes through, anyone purchasing that piece of property could set up for extraction for bottled water, and no one will be able to do a thing about it. Very few people realize that the well is there.

Wisconsin is a trajectory as the new Flint, Michigan. Whether this stops is up to the people.

Central Wisconsin Legislator Has Residents Seeing Red, Feeling Betrayed

Increasing opposition to a proposed massive CAFO in Wood
County in central Wisconsin spurs State Rep. Scott Krug (R)
to lie he has support of clean water advocates for legislation
he is co-sponsoring in the state assembly. Krug's bill would
facilitate the permitting of high capacity water wells drawing
100,000 gallons of groundwater per day and used by CAFOs
to create pathogen-laden liquid cow manure that is dumped
into the environment.
- Photo by Mary Captain-Braund

Update: WisPolitics notes, "The GOP author, (State Rep. Scott Krug) of a sub amendment for a high-capacity well bill got his proposal adopted and then voted against the bill."
---
State Rep. Scott Krug (R-Nekoosa) has rarely made a promise he has kept.

Krug was elected in 2010 after a solemn promise to serve two terms, and never accept a penny of per diem money. Both were lies. "I'm for real," two terms and I'm out, declared Scott Krug in a campaign plank in 2010.

Now Krug has committed another betrayal on protecting fresh water.

Wisconsin Assembly Bill 874, a dangerous anti-groundwater bill that would facilitate the operation and permitting of high capacity wells drawing over 100,000 gallons of water per day, was passed out of the Assembly Committee on Environment and Forestry yesterday. Krug voted for AB 874 and broke his promise.

Krug serves as Vice-Chair of the Committee. He had promised citizen groups privately in the Central Sands region AB 874 would not advance in a series of emails last year.

"We are under assault by the state legislature. Krug has totally betrayed us," said a Saratoga man fighting the siting of a Concentrated (Confined) Agricultural Feeding Operation (CAFO) in central Wisconsin. CAFOs use massive amounts of water, and vector it back laden with toxins and feces into the environment.

Krug is a champion of Big Ag in Wisconsin and polluting CAFOs but in a particularly brazen series of moves has has told groups such as Protect Wood County and Our Neighbors that he opposes a proposed massive new CAFO and anti-clean water legislation opposed by citizen groups

"I’m very disappointed that Rep. Krug had the opportunity to kill Assembly Bill 874, but instead he chose to side with the lobbyists and special interests. I’ve heard overwhelmingly from you about your strong opposition to this legislation and appreciate your advocacy on this vital issue for the Central Sands," said State Rep. Katrina Shankland (D-Stevens Point).

Krug's advocacy for AB 874 comes after a raft of anti-clean water bills and other legislation giving away the fresh water of Wisconsin to special interests have been passed by Wisconsin Republicans. Special interests have also enlisted the Republican attorney general to provide legal backing to water depletion initiatives.

The betrayal following other betrayals and broken promises by Krug was feared.

"As feared, Assembly Bill 874 (Gudex bill) was approved in committee and now moves to the Assembly for approval.  It shortcuts the process for high cap well replacement, creates a 'de facto' water right and takes the DNR out of the permitting process when wells are replaced or ownership transferred.  Notice that our Representative Scott Krug was one of those approving it in committee.  So much for protecting groundwater in our district.  Don't forget the over 3,000 high cap wells in our central sands area.  It's up to voters like you and me," writes Don Ystad of Adams County in an email to fresh water advocates.

Writes the Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters in a press release:

From the start, the intent of the Death by a Thousand Straws Bill has been clear. Big Ag has lobbied legislators to advance the interests of their thirsty clients at the expense of the state’s valuable groundwater and the many people who rely on it.

Today, in the year 2016, there are people whose drinking water wells are running dry and lakes and rivers are drying up because high capacity wells are over pumping our groundwater supply. Yet, Death by a Thousand Straws moves forward and heads to the floor of the Assembly later this week.

We are very concerned that, despite an outpouring of opposition from thousands of Wisconsinites, including many who are directly impacted by loss of groundwater, legislators chose to listen to special interests rather than their constituents. We have a real groundwater crisis in this state and Death by a Thousand Straws not only refuses to address this problem – it makes it so we can never reach a commonsense, bipartisan solution.

The people of Wisconsin – especially those affected by careless and irresponsible groundwater management – deserve better.

Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters was disappointed to see Representatives Mursau, Krug, Czaja, Kitchens, Swearingen, Edming, and R. Brooks vote in favor of AB 874 during the executive session committee vote. Representatives Mason, Milroy, Hebl, Stuck, Considine, and Allen voted against the bill.

Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters is calling on members of the Assembly to stand in opposition to Death by a Thousand Straws and with their constituents who have taken action thousands of times and urged their decision makers to vote no on this bill.

Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to electing conservation leaders, holding decision makers accountable, and encouraging lawmakers to champion conservation policies that effectively protect Wisconsin’s public health and natural resources.

The lifeblood of civilization, clean water, is now a just another commodity Republicans are giving away to special interests, as they eviscerate protections against polluters.

When Big Ag Comes to Your Community

Clean Air and Water - Fighting the James Wysocki
proposed CAFO in central Wisconsin in Saratoga
as property values plummet, and Wysocki
sucks up the area's fresh water from
high-capacity wells used in Wysocki's
potato-growing operations. Wysocki, the
model of the sociopathic industrialized
CAFO factory owner lives far away from the
devastation he inflicts on central Wisconsin.
I wonder how a sick bastard like James Wysocki
sleeps at night.

Industrial agriculture is making Americans sick and is literally killing us

Update: Big Ag and the Wisconsin DNR have crafted an emergency rule, EmR 1417, secretly sprung onto Wisconsin citizens last year, blocking citizen input into any DNR policymaking across the state. The Emergency rule also has the effect of enabling the DNR to "ignore local (read town and county) ordinances as long as state and federal environmental policies are taken into account," as noted by Protect Wood County and Its Neighbors and Jimmy Parra, Staff Attorney of Midwest Environmental Advocates.

The Wood County Board of Supervisors is considering a resolution challenging Wisconsin Emergency Rule EmR 1417 on Tuesday morning, March 17, 2015.

The Emergency Rule is set to expire March 28, 2015, and citizens are working to voice their concerns that the Rule does not become permanent. Who knew the DNR could block out citizen input with a rule?

It is clear that Scott Walker's proposed budgetary moves to move administrative law judges adjudicating citizen complaints against the DNR (for example) and the DNR itself under the purview of Walker's Department of Administration (DOA), or the Department of All as it is known in the Capitol, is simply a means of blocking Wisconsin citizens and selling out Wisconsin to Big Ag and other Walker contributors.

Any Wisconsin citizen marginally concerned about the health of drinking water and surface water who voted for Scott Walker or sat out the election just might be rethinking that vote or instance of doing nothing.
 ---
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, NASA, the World Health Organization (WHO), and medical health professionals warn time and again against the health consequences of Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs), now proliferating in Wisconsin as Scott Walker green-lights the destruction of the regulatory and family health protection agencies.

Public safety will have to move over for Scott Walker's presidential ambitions as Walker dismantles health protections in his quite insane budget proposal.

At the bottom of an ancient glacial lake, Mike Keiser plans a spectacular golf resort in the Golden Sands of Wisconsin in the center of the state.

Tourism, recreational and family health advocates are uniting so this beautiful region of Wisconsin can prosper in Adams, Wood, Juneau and Portage counties.

But a predator is active, a venomous monster destroying the environment and poisoning the waters: Big Ag.

Big Ag has its protectors, Wisconsin State Rep. Scott Krug (R-Nekoosa in Wood County), State Rep. Joel Kitchens (R-Sturgeon Bay), Scott Walker and the Republican Party of Wisconsin dedicated to carrying the poisoned water of Concentrated (Confined) Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) spreading like a virus.

Communities can fight back.

The citizens of the central Wisconsin region have not connected all the dots yet, but they have made substantial progress in less than three years in fighting James Wysocki's proposed dairy Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO).

In Bayfield and Ashland counties in the far north, communities are more profoundly in touch with protecting the environment and are more successfully working in enacting community ordinances to ultimately halt the operation of a proposed swine factory operation before it begins.

Lake Erie - The future of Lake Michigan and Lake Superior
if Wisconsin Republicans and Big Ag get their way
Image: Tom Archer

In Kewaunee, Brown and Door counties in northeast Wisconsin, once a thriving tourist area, you won't find many people on the beaches of Lake Michigan in the Door Peninsula any more. The 'carrying capacities' of the Green Bay and Fox River Valley watersheds have been exceeded.

You will find nearly one in three aquifers unfit to drink in Kewaunee County, a common state of affairs.

You'll hear stories of children poisoned and hospitalized by Ecoli from local liquid manure runoff from Big Ag operations. People—and this is astonishing that Big Ag's factory owners fail to realize this—do not like their children poisoned and their aquifers and surface waters destroyed as a growing oxygen-deprived Dead Zone in Lake Michigan looms as Spring approaches. At the present rate of CAFO proliferation and pollution, Lake Michigan will rival Lake Erie and its Dead Zone in the future. 

E.coli - The new face of America's Dairy State. From the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Know what billions of tons of liquid manure dumped annually does to water? This summer, take a small glass, fill it up with water from Lake Mendota, Lake Michigan, Lake Winnebago or Nepco Lake and drink up. Just have the location of the nearest poison center on hand because you will need it.

You can find the empirical, scientific case against dumping pathogens, nitrates and phosphorus into the environment via billions of tons of liquid cow manure vectored annually. Reading up is much safer than drinking up.

Mike Keiser's plans for a golf resort in the Golden Sands are going to run head-on into the pathology of Big Ag, and if Keiser is thinking strategically about his golf resort project, his investment syndicate had better join the fight against James Wysocki and proposed giant poisoning operation a few miles north of Keiser's planned resort as Wysocki calls the shots from Custer or Plover or whatever gated community from which he takes refuge from the poison he delivers to his factories' neighbors.

Below, Gordon Stevenson, Wisconsin DNR runoff chief from 2001-11, delivers a Feb. presentation in Bayfield County with scholars, farmers and activists fighting a proposed massive swine Iowa-based Reicks View CAFO:

Clean Water Group: Dana Duncan Gives Unique Access for Concerns, Scott Krug Ignored Outcry

Protect Wood County and Its Neighbors released a statement regarding Wisconsin's 72nd Assembly district race.

The Dana Duncan (D-Port Edwards) campaign released the following statement in response: "I am pleased that Protect Wood County (PWC) has recognized me as the candidate best poised to deal with the dangers posed by high capacity wells and CAFOs. Before becoming a candidate, I did not grasp the dangers facing the Town of Saratoga and Wisconsin from high capacity wells and CAFOs.  After looking at the issues, I took a clear stand without any equivocation. It was the right thing to do then and is the right thing to do now, regardless of political ramifications. This endorsement by PWC shows that they are frustrated by Scott Krug's efforts to protect the interest of big money donors to the detriment of the people of his district. They recognize commitment versus political expedience.  They see determination to act versus delay and apprehension.  I look forward to go to Madison to work on these problems and to provide real leadership for the 72nd District."

From Protect Wood County and Its Neighbors:

Dear friends and concerned citizens,

Election day on Tuesday, November 4th, is fast approaching. The Assembly race for District 72 and the Governor’s race are of utmost importance as the "Winners" will have a direct impact on the future of Wisconsin’s natural resources and environmental protection. The purpose of this email is not to direct you how to vote, but to briefly present some of the key environmental issues and candidate positions.

There are many among us who have misgivings about continuing to work with our current representatives.  The question has been posed, "Is it better to have a mediocre representative from the party in power or a strong representative from the opposing camp?" Ultimately, that decision is going to be left to the voters.

How you choose to vote is your choice.  What is ultimately important is that you vote.

As with the Gubernatorial email, comments provided below are from local residents who have been actively involved in our battle from the beginning and frequently communicate with our representatives. Comments have been edited to reflect environmental topics only and not those on education or the economy.

Representative Krug - Rep. Krug has been our elected official throughout the duration of our battle against the Wysocki group and their proposal to site a dairy CAFO in our backyards. Rep. Krug initially was determined that a “Win / Win” situation could be reached between the dueling parties, ignoring the outcry from his citizenry. Although continuing to sit solidly on the fence regarding the proposed CAFO, Rep. Krug created a Groundwater Advisory Committee in August 2013 in response to community outrage over Motion 375 sneaking into the budget bill.   The citizen committee never addressed Motion 375 because Senate Bill 302 was introduced and dominated the discussion by Krug’s lead.  Krug attempted to bring interested parties to the table to reach an acceptable compromise regarding water usage in the Central Sands.   The Groundwater Advisory group did not address the CAFO concerns. 
The following is an overview of citizen input regarding representation of our concerns over the past 2 years:
•Proposed CAFO announced in June 2012 - community research completed and given to Rep. Krug in September 2012.  Rep Krug did not stand with his constituents publicly until Aug. 21st of 2014 - two full years after the initial announcement.

•Rep. Krug takes sole credit for the defeat of Senate Bill 302 and indeed he played a part in the victory.  However, in actuality SB 302 was so bad it was defeated by a tremendous amount of statewide citizen opposition and activism preventing it from ever reaching the Senate or Assembly floor. 

•League of Conservation Voters Award - Voting for conservation bills 57% of the time and with a lifetime record of 38%, Krug ranked highest among Assembly Republicans.  Democrats like Katrina Shankland were typically at 100%.

•Rep. Krug formed the Groundwater Advisory Committee after significant pressure from environmental groups and touts the success of the group's accomplishments. However, numerous participants feel very differently regarding the accomplishments noting:

◦meetings were casual/informal and lacked focus - Follow-through from the previous meeting decisions hardly happened 

◦group had questionable objectives

◦creation of draft legislation was completed by Rep. Krug without the group’s input or knowledge - group actively spoke with Rep. Krug to NOT introduce this legislation due to its unacceptable content.

◦Rep. Krug had an ineffective communication style and often cancelled/rescheduled meetings.  The last meeting was held on May 23, 2014. However, Rep. Krug did try to get the group to meet in June and August - no one was available.

•Rep. Krug attended CAFO update meetings hosted by citizen groups but has also backed out of pre-scheduled appearances on multiple occasions.  Most recently, the following venues:

◦August Groundwater Summit (Almond)

◦Living Better/Longer Health Forum on Oct. 2 (Wisc. Rapids)

◦Ho Chunk candidate forum on Oct. 9 (Black River Falls)

◦League of Women Voters Forum on Oct. 20 (Wisc. Rapids)

◦Waushara County Debate on Oct. 22 (Wautoma)

•When asked on Wisconsin Public Radio about the vicious attack mailer being delivered to constituents, Rep. Krug admitted he was aware of the flyers and supported their distribution.

•Additionally, Rep. Krug takes credit for bringing tourism to Rome.  In actuality, both the State Trap Shooters and new Sand Valley Golf Course sought out the Rome location independent of any local representation.

•Rep. Krug voted for the 2013 AB 1/ SB 1 Gogebic Taconite Bill that removed many environmental safeguards from mining regulations.

Dana Duncan (D-Port Edwards) - Candidate Duncan is an attorney and local resident in the Central Wisconsin area.  Mr. Duncan officially announced his candidacy in January of 2014 to challenge Rep. Krug for the 72nd Assembly District seat.  Mr. Duncan has been an outspoken candidate on environmental issues. Provided below are comments and testimonials supplied by local residents who have communicated with candidate Duncan and asked difficult questions pertaining to our concerns.

•Citizens met with Candidate Duncan to share concerns on the proposed CAFO and water issues associated with the facility in late 2013. Citizen research was shared at that time.  Mr. Duncan studied the information and completed his own investigation leading to his announcement against the proposed Golden Sands Dairy proposed for Saratoga on June 12th, 2014.  Candidate Duncan continues to utilize citizen groups for insight and information regarding the proposed CAFO.

•Candidate Duncan believes the Department of Natural Resources should be an elected position not appointed by the Governor and will work to initiate this change to eliminate party politics from the DNR.

•Candidate Duncan has publicly called for a moratorium on high capacity well expansion until a further evaluation is done by the DNR assessing cumulative impact

•There are concerns that Candidate Duncan will have little clout with veteran lawmakers due to being a freshman in the Assembly.  When hearing this concern, Mr. Duncan outlined how he plans to form a freshman caucus so the new hires to the Assembly have more clout working together than standing alone independently. This idea was stated publicly at a meeting with members of the Protect Wood County group on July 21, 2014.

•An Attorney background provides knowledge of law and organizational ability not available to our current incumbent.

•Candidate Duncan ran his campaign with little monetary assistance from his political party.  After being the target of numerous mud-slinging ads from his opponent, Mr. Duncan’s campaign team continued to take the high road, including rejection of a mailer designed to strike back at his opponent even though he was encouraged to circulate it.

•Early on, Candidate Duncan chose two members of the Protect Wood County group, Bill Leichtnam and Bruce Dimick, to be on his Advisory Committee.  This has given our group unique access to the Candidate.

As with all political campaign seasons, deciphering fact from party propaganda is at times very difficult.  Do not believe every radio commercial you hear or every slam ad that hits your mailbox.  Comments provided here are from individuals who have been front and center in the fight to protect and preserve our townships and who are deeply concerned with current trends in our state government.  Unfortunately, our environmental battle has become very political.

Please honor their hard work by voting on November 4th.

Sincerely
Protect Wood County
Core Leader Group

Where Is Scott Krug?

Where Is Scott Krug? Not even Krug's
caucus trust him to show at joint
appearances with his opponent.

State Rep. Scott Krug (R-Nekoosa) has gone dark, refusing any more appearances with his opponent between now and Election Day.

Krug pretends to buck the Republican Party, but the GOP assembly caucus is his boss, sending money his way and advisors so Krug does not appear the clown at joint forums.

But not even the Republican Caucus trusts Krug anymore.

Word is Krug is forbidden to show anywhere where he would encounter his opponent, Dana Duncan (D-Port Edwards).

The fear is that Krug's opponent, Dana Duncan, is an attorney with the ability to cross-examine Krug and make him look foolish.

Moreover Duncan reportedly gets under Krug's skin and makes him say stupid things, e.g., "(my water committee) stopped meeting when they started campaigning for you."

This comment refers to Krug's recent line at one forum where Krug claimed to be studying a proposed massive CAFO sited in Saratoga because Krug says he is not afraid of his own party and concluded he against this one CAFO, though outside his district Krug is silent on other CAFOs.

Scott Krug Is No-show at League of Women Voters Debate Monday

Rep. Scott Krug (R-Nekoosa) is a no-show at Monday's League of Women Voters of Wisconsin Rapids candidate forum.

One citizen from the Town of Saratoga said, "the League would fry Krug alive with questions over Krug's broken promise."

Krug had made a promise at a 2010 League forum that he would not be running in this election.

In 2010, Krug said during a videotaped League forum on Oct. 20, 2010. "I'm for real. ... So even if I don't favor term limits. I'm putting a term limit on myself right now for all the audience out there listening. Four years — done." (Bice, Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel)

Krug has skipped several candidate debates and forums this summer and fall after promising his attendance.

Krug contacted the League last week and said he couldn't attend this year because October is too busy.

Krug does not do well at forums in front of voters.

To make up for this deficiency, from appearances Krug is coordinating the timing of his mailings with that of sleazy allies.

Krug's allies are mailing repulsive hate mail that the Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune advises residents to toss in the recycle bin.

Meanwhile Scott Krug is making news after it was reported that Krug "publicly supported nullifying federal laws (he doesn't like) and arresting federal officials." (Prairie Badger).

Krug is also a pro-CAFO legislator who has been running political interference for Big Ag.

Krug threatened to sue this writer for libel this summer for pointing out the above fact. Krug backed down from his threat after I advised him truth is an absolute defense against libel accusations.

Scott Krug Is Last-minute No-show to Meet with Voters at "Living Better" Forum

Update: A source close to the event said that Krug's office claimed a "scheduling conflict." A phone call mad this morning to Krug's Madison office was not answered.
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In a bizarre move State Rep. Scott Krug (R-Nekoosa) has backed out at the last minute from a candidate forum co-sponsored by public health groups.

Krug's opponent, Dana Duncan, said Krug's action was "disrespectful."

The Living Better forum was planned by the Healthy People Wood County, the Asian American Tobacco Prevention Network of Wisconsin, the Central Wisconsin Tobacco Free Coalition and the Northwoods Coalition and had received confirmations from both candidates for the 72nd assembly district, Scott Krug and Dana Duncan.

Scott Krug

Krug's move came with no public explanation or mention on his campaign or office site.

The amount of work and planning that goes into hosting a candidate forum is immense and for Krug to back out at the last minute evinces the conventional wisdom that Krug is disconnected from his district in central Wisconsin.

Krug is generally regarded as the most vulnerable of Wisconsin candidates running for office.

The forum was to take place this Thursday evening at 5:00 at the Wisconsin Rapids Community Theater.

Krug's personal history is also bizarre. In his campaign site where political candidates typically offer a self-serving bio, Krug offers an "About Scott" section composed entirely of vague Issue positions.

Regarded as a political lightweight who cannot think well on his feet, Krug is also confirmed to meet at a candidate forum on October 6 at 6:30 pm at the Wisconsin Rapids Performing Arts Center, co-sponsored by Protect Wood County and Its Neighbors and Rome and Saratoga Friendly (Facebook), two pro-water groups opposing the siting of a hazardous concentrated agricultural feeding operation (CAFO).

Krug was the 2012 recipient of the Dairy Business Association's (DBA) Legislative Excellence Award. The DBA is the primary political and industry force behind CAFOs.

Krug's opponent, Dana Duncan, was harshly critical of Krug backing out of the forum at the last minute calling the move another "broken promise" referring to Krug's broken campaign pledges to serve only two terms and to not accept "one cent" of per diem money from tax payers.

Both promises were broken by Krug drawing high-profile commentary around the state. See "Wisconsin Rep. Scott Krug shrugs off broken campaign promises" (Bice, May 12, 2012) and "Rep. Scott Krug reneges on promise to never take per diem money" (Bice, March 2, 1014)

Reads Duncan's press release:

Krug continues to break promises to the people of the 72nd District

PORT EDWARDS - Despite previously confirming his attendance, Rep. Scott Krug (R-Nekoosa) has chosen at the last minute to back out of the upcoming Living Better and Longer Candidate Forum in Wisconsin Rapids. Unfortunately, this is just the latest in a long line of broken promises from Rep. Krug.

“Since Scott Krug has already broken promises to only serve two terms in the Assembly and to never claim a dime of legislative per diem money, his latest actions are unfortunately not at all surprising,” Dana Duncan (D-Port Edwards), candidate for the 72nd Assembly District, said. “By going back on his word again and dodging questions about how to improve public health in our community, Scott Krug is being disrespectful to his constituents and to the groups that take the time to help inform voters about these important issues.”

Dana Duncan will attend the forum to discuss critical public health topics such as alcohol and tobacco use, combating obesity and improving oral health.

“As a candidate for State Assembly, I believe it’s important to be accessible and accountable to the voters of the 72nd District, even if Rep. Krug does not,” Duncan said. “It is important to examine and think about important issues if you want to do what is right for your constituents and not just rely on party policies and ideology. I look forward to tackling these important public health issues and I want to thank the organizers for giving us the opportunity to do so.”0

The forum will take place Thursday evening at 5:00 at the Wisconsin Rapids Community Theater. Sponsoring the forum are Healthy People Wood County, the Asian American Tobacco Prevention Network of Wisconsin, the Central Wisconsin Tobacco Free Coalition and the Northwoods Coalition.

Dana Duncan has been the President of the Port Edwards School and has faced challenging issues in public education. Dana is also a small business owner who started his own law firm in May 2011 with three employees that has since grown to 13 regular employees. His business involves complex issues in disability law and is also an active member of the Heart of Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce.

Pro-Water Group Announces Candidate Forum in Central Wisconsin

Two pro-environmental citizens groups announced this weekend they are holding a state assembly candidate forum on October 6 at the Wisconsin Rapids Performing Arts Center.

The groups are trying to stop a massive, proposed CAFO bordering four counties in central Wisconsin.

Protect Wood County and Its Neighbors and Rome and Saratoga Friendly (Facebook) also say that tourism and recreation are threatened by the Concentrated Agricultural Feeding Operations (CAFOs) and non-point pollution runoff that befoul lakes, trout streams and drinking water aquifers.

The two candidates fielding questions are State Rep. Scott Krug (R-Nekoosa) and Dana Duncan (D-Port Edwards), nominee for the Democratic Party and a disability rights attorney.

The announcement reads:

72nd Assembly Debate - Scott Krug vs Dana Duncan
Monday October 6th from 6:30-8:30 PM
Wisconsin Rapids Performing Arts Center

After an incredible amount of work in a very short period of time, a small group of volunteers have come together and are dedicated to organizing this very important event. 

As we all know, who Wisconsinites decide to vote into office will affect the progress of our fight.  We need to decide who we feel will fight along side us to preserve our precious resources.

The Protect Wood County and Rome Saratoga Friendly groups are committed to supplying non-biased and non-partisan information to our followers in an attempt to allow you to make the best possible choice at the voting booths this coming November. 

Questions will be generated from constituents of the 72nd district and cover issues such as education, health care, tourism, the economy and much more.  To submit a question for consideration reply to this email, visit our website at www.protectwoodcounty.org , or mail your questions to P.O. Box 1532 Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54495

Attached is the flyer created to promote this event. We need your help in getting our announcement in workplaces and break-rooms all over the 72nd district.  No printer? No problem!  If you are willing to distribute flyers at your place of work or share them with community or church groups you attend, we will mail flyers to you.  This is a big undertaking and we need everyone's help getting the word out.

Mark Your calendars, you will not want to miss this debate!