What a great Brewers game to be at last night. The highlight was Ryan Braun’s double that turned into an inside the park home run and broke the game open. My “I’m good luck for the Brewers” streak continues. Celebrating a birthday today is none other than my very own wife and love of my life, Jenny. Happy Birthday!

• Mark Neumann announces he’ll be running as a Republican for Governor of Wisconsin today. The timing is smart as he preempts Scott Walker’s quarterly fundraising numbers. Neumann is clearly setting the table to position Walker as a “lifelong politician” with no private business experience. It will be interesting to see how that message resonates with Republicans.
• Idiots vandalize the Milwaukee County Parks system yet again. This time it’s Brown Deer golf course just weeks before the U.S. Bank Championship comes to Milwaukee. The folks at the Park Department have done a heck of a job to scramble and get the course in shape by next week. You can help by donating to The Park People for golf course repairs and to replant the trees that had to be removed parkpeoplemke.org or 414-273-7275.
• First it’s County Board Chairman Lee Holloway threatening to kill funding for the KRM as retaliation against Gov. Doyle vetoing a dedicated sales tax for Milwaukee County Transit, now the State Legislature is doing the same. Can we put the adults back in charge please? Seriously. On one hand, yes I’m just as upset as Rep. Grigsby and Rep. Colon about what the Governor did, but there’s got to be a more productive way  to go about this. Successful cities or States aren’t the ones who spend their time in a circular firing squad.

If I’m part of the Scott Walker campaign for Governor, I’m not sure I’d really be welcoming a public endorsement from Jessica McBride barely a week after her name is splashed throughout the media for cheating on her husband and having an affair with Milwaukee’s Police Chief.

At the same time, my support is with Walker. Simply put, I believe that Walker can win. I believe that he can change the political calculus in this state from “we can’t do anything” or “must raise taxes” inertia into “we can properly manage our fiscal house.”

Interesting that the Waukesha Freeman continues to keep her on as a “columnist” on their highly conservative opinion page. Oh, and one thing Jessica: County Executive Walker has never run for his position as a Republican.

A gentleman by the name of Dan Sebring is apparently running as a Republican in Wisconsin’s reliably Democratic 4th Congressional District against two term Congresswoman Gwen Moore.

Welcome to the race Mr. Sebring, good for you for getting involved in the political process. I do however have one small piece of advice. I know it may seem silly that the oppositions Vice Chair of the district would offer advice, but it’s true!

When announcing your candidacy in your initial press release, starting it off with:

Previously unknown Republican business owner ramps up campaign

Might not exactly be how you want to set the tone, ya know? I could be wrong of course, but when trying to gain visibility and name ID, it’s usually a good idea to not come across as forgettable in the very first sentence.

I’ll leave it there for now, but you get the idea I think. Good luck in your campaign.

Brewers go for the sweep tonight in against the Tribe, my kickball team is in action tonight with our awesome 0-0-1 record, and today marks the 15 year anniversary of the infamous low speed chase of OJ Simpson and a white Bronco. I still remember where I was when watching that… Anywho, happy Wednesday!

• I’ve been hearing about some local handgun folks making some noise about their “right” to carry handguns in Milwaukee County Parks. It’s no secret I feel some of these people are off their rockers, and the last wave of hate mail and threats that I got after I last expressed that opinion only confirms that suspicion. Parks are a place for peace and enjoyment. A bunch of gun totting cowboys trying to prove a point about the manhood on their hip is directly in conflict with the mission of the parks. Plus, it’s illegal to carry firearms on County Grounds…
• There’s a disturbing trend that’s being noticed over the past several months by myself and others of local “citizen journalists/bloggers” writing something one week and it magically appearing in the paper or on TV the next. Some of it may be coincidence of course, but the “coincidences” are happening with more regularity of late. It’s almost as if local bloggers are doing all the legwork and some reporters are just trolling local weblogs for story ideas without crediting their source. Not cool.
• It’s about time that Federal employees who are gay/lesbian will get benefits for their partners. One local radio talk show host seems very upset that “OUR!” tax dollars are being used for something like this! He’s completely missing the point, as often happens with debates about “taxpayers”, that same sex couples, you know, pay taxes too… Also, I’m sure there are racists out there who are equally angry that “THEIR!” tax dollars are being spent on benefits for mixed or interracial couples as well. Nuts aside, it’s something that’s been long overdue, and is one less instance of discrimination in America.
• Oh, and another sitting Republican Senator in hot water. This time, it’s Senator John Ensign of Nevada admitting an affair with a female aide… Moral majority!

I’m on a bit of a roll with rap artist birthdays lately, so how about this: Tupac Shakur, had he not been killed in 1996, would be turning 38 today. Happy Tuesday!

• If certain Republican Senators are so against a “public” insurance option as a way to start reforming health care in this Country, maybe they should refuse to take their government provided insurance as a way to show just how “against” it they are. It is in effect what the Obama administration is proposing.. Oh wait, then they’d be uninsured?? Exactly.
• Just a thought… If Iranians do manage to overthrow a corrupt government, it won’t be because a bunch of Twitter icons were shaded green. Show your support and stand in solidarity and all, but there’s a bit of a difference between literally putting your life on the line against a corrupt government because you believe in freedom and coloring your picture green on a social networking site.
• I very much had a case of the Mondays when I failed to mention that over the course of the weekend at the DPW convention, we elected the youngest party chair in the Country. Mike Tate, the new DPW chair, is 30 years old and I personally look forward to working with him.

I also failed to note that my Red Wings lost the Stanley Cup finals last Friday night. They had a great season and all, but losing the championship is always tough.

Congratulations are in order!  Today there was an unveiling ceremony for Bradford Beach’s new “Blue Wave” certification, the first national environmental certification for beaches.  The Blue Wave certification process is designed to help maintain robust, healthy, and vibrant beaches. Milwaukee’s Bradford Beach is one of a handful of beaches in the Country to receive this very important award.

County Exec. Walker and Parks Director Sue Black were on hand to announce the certification and to recognize the significant contributions of the private and public sector to make this happen. I was able to speak with the Mr. Walker after the event and he was very gracious with praise for all the groups, companies and organizations that made this certification a reality.

Bradford Beach had a reputation for many years as being dirty, smelly and something to be avoided at all costs, which was really a tragedy considering what a great summertime destination it used to be. In fact, when Jenny and I were married in Lake Park which overlooks Bradford Beach, I was worried that if the wind wasn’t blowing the right direction, our wedding ceremony would be best remembered for the terrible rotting smell rolling up off the lake.

Thankfully that didn’t happen on our wedding day, and thanks to this certification, it’s not likely to happen in the future. The turnaround of Bradford Beach over the past few years has been nothing short of amazing.

Finally, a beautiful weekend weather wise in Milwaukee! Believe it or not one of the rap worlds most enduring icons, O’Shea Jackson, turns 40 today. You may recognize him by his stage name, Ice Cube.

• The Brewers continue to suffer from some tough losses in June, going 3-7 in their last 10. On the upside: if you’re going to get cold, it helps to be cold when the rest of your division is. Despite a rocky June, they’re still in first place by a half game.
• Had a good time in Green Bay this weekend at the Democratic Party of Wisconsin convention. It’s always nice to network with folks from across the State and hear the enthusiasm of so many of our members. It’s hard to believe, but around this time last year, Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton were still fighting for the Democratic nomination. And how about Charles Woodson for Governor?!
• Speaking of politics, the Park People are going to be issuing a press release later today to clarify our desire for parks, recreation and culture to be included in any proposed sales tax coming out of the budget process. Many of us were caught a bit off guard when the parks component of the funding was removed in the Assembly and have to redouble our efforts with State Senators.

The Citizens for Responsible Government (CRG) announced it will file the paperwork today to begin the recall of State Senator Jim Sullivan.  I was one of the first to write about this back in the middle of May, saying the CRG was overstepping by attempting to recall Sen. Sullivan under the week cover that he voted for the smoking ban.

Once they file the paperwork, they’ll need to collect 25 percent of the number of persons that voted in the last Governor’s election in the 5th Senate district. By my quick math, there were 71720 votes cast in the 5th Senate District for Governor in 2006. So the CRG would need to collect 17,900 valid signatures from residents of the 5th Senate District by Friday August 7th to initiate a recall election.

It goes without saying that’s a substantial number of signatures to collect within sixty days.

But beyond the process questions regarding this recall, there are two important points that need to be raised as well:

1.) If the CRG is going after Sen. Sullivan for his vote to ban smoking in Wisconsin businesses, why aren’t they trying to recall any other elected officials who did the same? The ban had bi-partisan support in the legislature after all. The answer is simple: the smoking ban vote excuse is simply a smokescreen to go after the the Democratic Sen. Sullivan, one of the top targets for the Wisconsin GOP in the 2010 elections.

2.) The person leading the charge against Sen. Sullivan, Bill Savage, is a paid legislative staffer to Republican Rep. Don Pridemore. Furthermore, Mr. Savage doesn’t even live in the 5th Senate district, but instead resides in Mequon. So one of the “leaders” of this recall won’t even be able to sign the recall papers himself. It’s hardly “representative” Government when you have a paid staffer of the opposite party who doesn’t even reside in the district threatening to recall an elected official!

Rep. Pridemore (middle), Bill Savage (right)

I’ll repeat what I said a month ago about Sen. Sullivan: He’s an engaged and effective representative for his district and it’s constituents. He’s one of the most genuine and open elected officials I know.

I personally look forward to not only watching this recall stunt fall flat on it’s face while continuing to highlight the increased irrelevance the of the CRG, but doing everything I can to get Jim Sullivan elected to another four year term next fall.

Happy Friday and happy birthday to Houston Texas, the Apple II computer and of course, Mark Wahlberg. Say hi to your mother for him!

• Good news from the transit front: Milwaukee County buses are now equipped with front loading bike racks, just in time for bike to work week. There are many a time when I’ve wanted to take the bus somewhere, but the walk from the stop to where I wanted to go was just a bit to far. Being able to ride a bike to and from any stop in Milwaukee really opens up the possibilities for using the bus system, and personally will cut down on a transfer for when I take the bus to work. Good work by the Milwaukee County Board to override the County Exec. and make this happen.
• The long anticipated Schulz aquatic center in Lincoln Park opens tomorrow. It’s an awesome facility with lap lanes, zero depth entry, and slides. Basically something for the whole family to enjoy. While the weather may not be the best for it this weekend, it should prove to be a popular attraction the whole summer. MilwaukeeMoms.com has pictures.
• Another fun this on tap this weekend: Drive in movies at Miller Park! Tonight is Anchorman and Jaws, tomorrow they’re showing the Sandlot and Major League. The cost per car and 2 people is $20, which isn’t bad. The website for the movies is here if you want more details. While the two R rated movies tonight don’t exactly make it something for the kids, it’s great idea and a good use for the space which otherwise sits empty when the team is out of town.
• Several people emailed in puzzlement about why I mentioned yesterday that it was a good thing when public officials can come together to get things done. They were confused because I didn’t criticize County Exec. Walker, but instead praised the ability of he and others to get something done working through three levels of government. It happens, and as I’ve always said, when politicians do something right, they deserve kudos for it. The “right” in this case wasn’t the sale in my opinion, but working together to get it done. Some people have a hard time believing me when I say that, but it’s true. I often disagree with  Mr. Walker, but there’s a difference between disagreeing with his policies and going after him personally for the sole reason that he’s named Scott Walker. Kind of hard to explain in a short amount of space, but hopefully you get the picture.  It’s what makes me a “biased partisan hack” I guess.

For those who may be interested, I was able to get a bit of video from the signing ceremony between Milwaukee County and UW Milwaukee that took place yesterday. This is the actual signing part of the ceremony by County Exec. Walker.

Sound isn’t the best, but it was extremely windy so I was lucky to pick up anything decent.. Appreciate any feedback.

The Hoff notches his 14th consecutive save last night for the Brewers, Red Wings back in action tonight against the Pens, and mother nature still has the temperature turned to “Early Spring” instead of “Summer” here in Milwaukee…

• If you’re going to run a weblog, turn on comments. It’s kind of the whole idea behind weblogs… that readers can challenge you or post feedback on what you’ve written. If you can’t take the heat of defending the argument you’re placing on the Web, keep a diary next to your bed instead. Lobbing verbal hand grenades is easy and cowardly when you don’t allow any feedback on your weblog.
• I’ve been unfollowing people on Twitter at an alarming rate lately. As with anything new, the signal to noise ratio is a problem. But spamming twitter with news stories (Fox 6, looking at you) or the same plug for your PR company over and over (Rad!) isn’t really capitalizing on the medium, it’s exploiting it, and not in a good way. And as I said a few months ago, “Tweeple” who tweet about twitter is as boorish as bloggers who blog about blogging.
• While I’m on the subject of twitter, the trend of certain people forcing a prefix on everything with “Tw” is annoying. Just like the fascination of the late 90’s of prefixing everything with “E” (E-pets, E-toys, E-conference, E-banking!) Tweeple, Tweeciprocity, Tweetpresentative., Twsenator? All twannoying.
• And lest I sound like I woke up on the wrong side of the bed today and offer nothing but criticism, kudos to the city, county and state politicians who came together to come to an agreement on the County Grounds sale. Even if I don’t agree with the outcome, people on opposite sides of the aisle like Sen. Jim Sullivan and County Exec. Walker deserve credit for showing us that they can work together to get things done.