Politics - July 24, 2009
City floats water fee increase
The city is looking at raising water rates as a way to put more money in its general fund, going beyond the traditional water bills being used to cover the cost of running the Water Works. Water Works and city administration officials are looking to raise rates an additional 6.5 percent for suburban users of Milwaukee water and 5 percent for city residents on top of a 3 percent increase that takes effect soon.
Tags: Tom Barrett, Jim Doyle, Scott Walker, Republican, Democrat, Robert Puente, Bob Donovan, Joe Dudzik, Chief Ed Flynn, Robin Vos, Wisconsin Business Council, Newt Gingrich, Mark Neumann

Politics - May 8, 2009
Smoking debate leaves a few burning questions
Arguments aside, the way leading lawmakers handled the issue of a potential statewide smoking ban in taverns and restaurants this week was not in the spirit of a more transparent government. The two committee chairman handling the bill -- Jon Erpenbach and Jon Richards -- gave a just a shade more than the required 24-hour notice before holding a hearing and then voting on the bill. With the Democrats now in control of the dome, it's expected that the ban will sail through the Legislature swimmingly.
Tags: wisconsin, smoking ban, bob donovan, jon erpenbach, jon richards, jim doyle

Politics - May 1, 2009
Politics maintain low hum on energy rate hikes
Public officials in these parts seem totally silent on the effects of proposed energy cost increases on their constituents from area power monopoly WE Energies. The utility is asking that rates go up 4.9 percent in 2010 and another 4.5 percent in 2011.
Tags: WE Energies, Bob Donovan, Milwaukee Public Schools, Jim Doyle, Citizens for Responsible Government, Chris Kliesmet, Democracy Corps, Republican, Democrat, Jeff Mantes, National League of Cities Prescription Discount Card Program

Politics - April 17, 2009
Car sellers may have to pay to 'take it to the streets'
One of the easiest, most effective ways to sell a used car is to park it on the street and slap a "For Sale" sign in the window. If Milwaukee aldermen have their way, city residents will pay $40 for that right. Making matters worse, they'll have to wait in line at a tow lot in order to purchase the permit.
Tags: bob donovan, trash bash on the river, earth day, riverkeepers, nik kovak, trucking permits, menomonee river, david coles, walleyes for tomorrow, marlin schneider

Politics - April 10, 2009
A tow truck, a lawsuit and a double cheeseburger...
Never underestimate the value of fast food coupons. A Milwaukee woman claims her car was damaged when the City of Milwaukee towed it. She is trying to sue for damages, including some lost coupons for a Wendy's restaurant. Would you like fries with that deposition, ma'am?
Tags: city tow truck, wendy's, patty eggers, don pridemore, jim doyle, bob donovan, spencer coggs, jan brylow, david clarke