Friends of Falk New Year 2010 Message

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Friends of Falk New Year 2010 Message

Friends of Kathleen Falk

Dear Friends,

A New Year means it is time to look back at what we accomplished and ahead to what we should do.

Despite the awful economic times, here in Dane County we didn't just hunker down; we worked hard to move the ball forward on big issues that are basic to a strong future for all of us.

A year ago, I challenged our community to work collaboratively to reduce the problems our kids and families face because of people who drink too much alcohol too often. I pulled together a first-of-its kind county coalition to work on changing cultural norms and laws.

Our pilot project in middle schools is changing kids who drink alcohol before they are 13 years old. We've lobbied the state legislature to adopt long-overdue reforms on drunk driving.

We took big steps in 2009 to clean up our lakes and create green energy and good paying jobs at the same time! Our "Cow-Power" project is a great private-public partnership, using technology to remove the phosphorous in cow manure (which we have a lot of!) to generate green electricity to run 2000 homes, help our important dairy industry expand, and serve as a model for communities across the nation.

And now we have embarked on a process to explore how to collect all the food we waste each day (30% is wasted!) in order to convert it to jobs and green electricity.

This past year we went after every federal stimulus dollar we could. As a result, we are improving our airport, fixing our roads, and building a new county nursing home – featuring solar and geothermal heat -- that will serve some of our most vulnerable citizens.

The 2010 county budget which we recently finished was the toughest in history. The key in helping us maintain essential services was our successful negations with all the unions that represent our 2500 employees. We came to the table, respectfully and honestly, to save jobs and $8.5 million for taxpayers.

As we begin 2010, I know better days are ahead. My resolution is to do as much as I can to create more jobs and more opportunity for the many who are searching for work. Together, we will all succeed.

Happy and healthy year to you all!

Sincerely,

Kathleen Falk

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Endorsement Messages

Scott Sharp is an excellent candidate for Chair of the Wisconsin 1st Congressional District PEOPLE Committee. I am pleased to endorse him in this candidacy. I believe he is the most qualified candidate as a 40 year resident of the 1st CD and an employee of the City of Racine since 1977. Scott also serves as President of AFSCME, Local 67 as well as President of the Racine County AFL-CIO and in those positions has shown both the skill and dedication needed for the role of CD chair.
The economic crisis in our country has impacted Southeastern Wisconsin heavily, with unemployment in the vicinity of 17% in Racine County and Beloit. Scott tirelessly promotes the welfare of and understands the problems of working families. As CD Chair he will provide dynamic vision and leadership to the PEOPLE Committee – one that promotes the election of political candidates that will vote in favor of working family values. His support of health care reform is a strong indication of both the courage and the compassion Scott will bring to this office. In summary, Scott Sharp is intelligent, articulate, and has proven his dedication to the members of AFSCME for thirty years.
Sue Conard

As a Correctional Officer, I know the importance of electing candidates who support working families. To accomplish this we need experienced leaders to organize all PEOPLE CD’s. There is no time for on the job training, “Elect Scott Sharp as our next CD Chair of the 1st CD.”
Mike Recklies

I am a caregiver at Ridgewood Healthcare Center in Racine, WI. I have worked closely with Scott Sharp for over 10 years through the PEOPLE program. We have worked on many campaigns together and he has made it fun! We have run phone polls together and canvassed neighborhoods to support candidates who we believed would support all working families. Please vote for Scott for our 1st CD Chair!
Jewel Hendrickson

My name is Diane Schmahl, AFSCME Council 40 Treasurer, and I encourage your participation and support for Brother Scott (Doc) Sharp for 1st CD Chair at the upcoming PEOPLE Convention October 16 – 18th.

I have had the honor and privilege to work with Scott over the last 15 years on the Council 40 Executive Board. I have witnessed his development of the position of Council 40 Treasurer from figurehead into an active and strong leadership model for the Council 40 Board and all Council 40 members. Scott “GETS IT” when it comes to promoting legislative equality for public employees, having worked tirelessly for many years for legislation that has added to the quality of life for working men and women all over this state.

Scott is not only admired by many of us but also respected in many of the worthwhile organizations he serves in the community. Scott is dedicated to AFSCME’s principles and the labor movement and this is just a few of the many reasons why I joined him as a running mate for election of statewide officers on the Council 40 Board this past spring.

Scott will work tirelessly and lead us in the right direction at this most difficult time for our public and private sector members. It is with honor and conviction that I endorse his candidacy and I ask you to join me with your voice by casting your vote for Scott (Doc) Sharp for 1st CD Chair. The future is depending on you!

In Solidarity!

Diane Schmahl
Council 40 Treasurer

This website is owned, (personally paid for), and operated by Scott Sharp, Chair 1st CD PEOPLE Program. Contributions to the PEOPLE program may only be made by AFSCME members and their family members. My editorials are not necessarily endorsed by AFSCME International, PEOPLE program, or Council 40. I speak on behalf of myself and the members whom which have elected me.

AFSCME PEOPLE 1st CD CHAIR - Scott Sharp

Wednesday, January 6, 2010