Academy of Local Politics

I was taught as a young lad that a rivalry existed between Minnesota and Wisconsin by a couple of the best.

One was St. Paul Pioneer Press Sports writer/columnist, Don Reilly. Oh, how Don Reilly would rip Wisconsin every chance he would get. Which was daily. The other was WCCO-TV Sports Anchor Hal Scott. Growing up in northern Wisconsin, reading and watching those two individuals, it was almost impossible not to dislike Minnesota. After all it was their job to increase readership and viewers by being controversial and they did their jobs extremely well. There was, and still is, nothing wrong with disliking Minnesota because as far as I'm concerned, they started it. They are just a bunch of Mud Ducks.

So, now we come to the I-35W bridge collapse. A bridge that I have crossed a countless number of times. I would be hard pressed to find anyone I know who hasn't crossed that bridge. The Twin Cities area is much closer to northwest Wisconsin than Milwaukee. It is the major metro area for those of us who live in this part of the state.

Even though I don't like Minnesota, I have never, ever, wished something like this on them. That is going beyond the bounds of rivalry. However, I will honor the memory of Don and Hal  and not let this bridge collapse reduce my dislike of Minnesota. That is the least I can do. 

Don and Hal would want it that way.

Mayor Al

Dorothy Malzone won't like this, but I will be attending a Fundraiser for the Boys and Girls Club today. I will be golfing. Yes Dorothy, you read that right. I will be golfing today.

It is incredible how many golf outing fund raisers there are now days. I could be out of the office at least once a week if I could, golfing at a fundraiser.

There is a bank (name to remain anonymous)  in Eau Claire  who employs someone to just attend all the golf outings they are expected to attend. That's his job, golf for the bank.  And, I thought I had a great job!

Mayor Al

Random thoughts while attending the Oak Ridge Boys concert at LCO Casino in Hayward.

1) It is a shame that everyone doesn't enjoy their job as much as the Oak Ridge Boys (and myself) enjoy our jobs. It was their infectious energy (for old codgers) and sheer joy of entertaining that most impressed me.

2) As much as I enjoy my job, it is great to get lost in a crowd where nobody knows you and asks questions or make comments. Many thanks to Ed and Sue  and Jack and Joyce who did spot me from across the crowd and simply waved. I remember one time I was lining up a pool shot at Ceaser's in Milwaukee when I heard a shout across the room "Hey Mayor"!

3) Whenever I see devoted fans of a musician or group, I feel cheated that Jim Croce was taken from us so soon. He was, and still is, my all time favorite and I never had a chance to see him perform. Jus think of the music he could have created in the past 35 years. If your all time favorite is still around, you are indeed fortunate. (I did get to see Jerry Lee Lewis, but second place is still second place.)

Mayor Al

The Mayor will be out of the office until Monday afternoon.

We learned on Tuesday night of the death of an Uncle of my wife. So, we are off to Tipton, Iowa. We will be returning on Monday afternoon. So, do not expect any news or views until then.

I know it will tough for you...

Mayor Al

Many years ago when I was in college, I remember one of my roommates having a shirt with CR & SU written on it. Stood for Crude, Rude and Socially Unacceptable. I was reminded of that shirt last night. I had been called by Scooter McGee of KFKA 1310 (Greeely, CO) and scheduled to be interviewed last night. He wanted to talk about the legalization of hemp. He never called back. He had a different guest. Now, I don't mind being canceled, but I don't really appreciated being treated Crude, Rude and Socially Unacceptable. After all, he called me to set up the appointment. Now he's blaming an un-named assistant for not getting back to me to cancel.

Who is the most vocal critics of politicians? Well, that would be radio talk show hosts. After all, that's their job.

Scooter, scheduling an interview then dumping the guests without notification is CR & SU. Not to mention, unprofessional. When a politician is unprofessional we can expect to get hit, and hit hard.

Back at you Scooter ... Jerk!

Mayor Al