November 21, 2008

Guest article: the public’s right to know vs. individual’s right to privacy

My friend Lavilla Capener is a budding journalist student at the University of Wisconsin Madison. She recently had an feature article published online regarding privacy rights, discrimination, and Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (CCAP). I think the article is very well written, and thought my blog readers would find it interesting as well. Below is an excerpt, along with a link to the full article.

Nice job Lavilla!

Online court records raise new questions about access and privacy

By Lavilla Capener

“Matt” could have been any college kid in Wisconsin. A shy honors student who enjoyed composing music and creative writing, Matt was three credits away from graduating from UW-Madison when he had his first manic episode in 2006.

Later diagnosed with bi-polar disorder, Matt sent out threatening e-mails to several professors and female students. As a result, Matt was charged with four disorderly conduct misdemeanors, was under restraining order and spent some time in jail. As Matt attempted to find a job after the episode, he discovered that employers did not want anything to do with him.

Although Matt’s mother knows it is illegal to discriminate based on convictions or pending court cases, she says she believes potential employers are checking her son’s record on Wisconsin’s online database, commonly referred to as CCAP, and not hiring him because of it.

“He’s a wonderful and gifted writer, but it will be difficult for him to get a job as a writer with this CCAP situation as it is,” said Matt’s mom, who asked that her family’s names not be used for this story. “He has this stigma now attached to his name.”

Matt’s cases are currently pending in Dane County Circuit Court. Meanwhile, he has yet to find stable employment. Matt currently works at Chrysalis, an organization that provides sheltered employment to people with mental illnesses.

Millions of people use the state’s online court records database every day without restriction to look up the records of their friends, neighbors and co-workers. But at what cost?

Before the Internet, a person had to physically visit a county courthouse to access court records to learn about the arrests or convictions of a neighbor, relative or teacher. Now, more than 3 million people a day view Wisconsin circuit court records online. This has ignited a debate about the precarious balance between the public’s right to know and an individual’s right to privacy, bringing out passionate opinions on all sides of the issue.

read more

November 20, 2008

Building destroyed in fire complete loss

I stopped by the scene of last night's fire at the old Krispy Kreme building on the corner of College Ave and Bluemound Dr. The building was under renovation with Aspen Dental set to move in as part of it's expansion. I spoke with the project manager (who happens to be my cousin). He said the building is a complete loss and will need to be leveled. He said he believes plans are for a rebuild.

The assistant fire chief was there as well. He indicated the wind was blowing so hard, crews had their hands full trying to contain the fire so it wouldn't spread to nearby buildings. Kudos to our fire department!

November 18, 2008

Special Town meeting tonight

Tonight's meeting at 7:15 is the resolution to approve additional 2009 highway expenditures. The proposed expenditures exceed the maximum of $615,000 allowed by state statutes. This special meeting is a town vote, and includes capital improvement projects scheduled for next year, such as Casaloma West. The regular Town Board meeting will follow.

The late posting is due to the meeting being announced on the Town of Grand Chute web site as under November 20th. The official posting is November 18th.

Tuesday, November 18th meeting agenda

The agenda for tonight's Town Board meeting is available for download. One of the items added to the Chairman's report is discussion of reconstruction of the State 96 (Wisconsin Ave.) corridor near the Fox River Mall. If you've been by this area, it's a real mess with single late roads and construction stoplights restricting traffic. I spoke with Representative Tom Nelson this morning regarding the construction delays. He's calling DOT officials to see if there is some way to improve traffic flow before next week's Thanksgiving shopping season. I'll keep readers updated after he calls me back.

Update: A representative from Tom Nelson's office said the goal is to have the Casaloma and Wisconsin Ave intersection open, and the orange barrels removed before Thanksgiving weekend.

VHBA coordinates Toys for Tots Program

The Valley Home Builders Association, (of which I am a member) is a coordinating office for the 2008 Toys for Tots program, assisting the United States Marine Corps. The following link provides a list of businesses throughout the Fox Cities that have drop off boxes for this year's collection. Please consider a donation to this worthy program.

November 13, 2008

Behind the 2009 Budget: COLA increases

As a Grand Chute Town Supervisor, I make a little over $10,800 a year serving residents. I noticed in the 2009 budget that salaries for the next supervisors' terms were increased over $300. I asked why there was an increase. Apparently, compensation is automatically increased by the cost of living after each supervisors two year term.

In these tough economic times, I feel it's important that every area of the town cuts back on spending. I declined the increase in salary for the supervisor's term for 2009-2011. The raise has been taken off the budget.

November 12, 2008

Sustainable Fox Valley meeting tonight

A message from Leslie Taylor:

Hi,

This is a reminder that there will be an orientation meeting tomorrow, Wednesday November 12th, 7 - 8 p.m. at Appleton Public Library, for everyone in the area who is interested in the sustainable community "movement" or in being part of local eco-municipality efforts.
So far it looks like we will have at least 3 circles coming together & ready to start meeting in early January. The Town of Grand Chute, Heckrodt Wetland Reserve in Menasha, and an Appleton city neighborhood are each planning to host circle meetings. Other new circles can form wherever there is interest and a sponsoring community organization, business or municipality.
If you're interested but can't make it tomorrow, let me know and I'll find another opportunity to connect you with a circle.
Also please pass this message on to others who might like to be involved in exploring the possibilities.
Thank you!
Leslie Taylor
Sustainable Fox Valley Initiative
--
Leslie Taylor
920-739-7307

November 7, 2008

Meeting minutes updated

Expect to see a flurry of posts coming up in the next few days.
For now, here are links to the September 23 Police Advisory Committee Meeting, the October 7 Town Board Meeting and the October 10 Special Meeting.

November 4, 2008

Thursday, November 6th meeting agenda

Staff at the Town Hall is understandably busy with Election Day, so I am posting this week's Town Board meeting agenda on my site.

November 3, 2008

Town Board meeting changed to Thursday, November 6th

The Town Board meeting has been changed to Thursday, November 6th, due to Election Day November 4th. I will post the agenda as soon as it becomes available.