Taking on the tough issues of the day, state Rep. Tony Staskunas (D-West Allis) wants to put the screws on scalpers. Perhaps he couldn't get Hannah Montana tickets for his kids since his brainchild for a bill came as the mythical performer was set to perform in Milwaukee.

"The average citizen can't fairly compete with these unprincipled brokers, and even their own trade association, the National Association of Ticket Brokers, a D.C.-based advocacy organization, has expressly condemned this practice," states Staskunas about his bill regulating ticket brokers.

The bill would:

• Require resellers to register with the state.
• Require resellers to maintain a permanent office in state.
• Have resellers pay an annual registration fee of $500.
• Make the use of ticket purchasing software illegal.
• Limit brokers from acquiring more than 1 percent of the total number of tickets.
• Set maximum reselling price at 45 percent above face value if venue seats more than 6,000, and 20 percent above face value if the venue is smaller.
• Require brokers to prominently disclose its refund policy on their Web site and in any physical sales location.
• Exempt charities that use the profits wholly for the charitable purposes.

One outlet for Hannah Montana tickets is most certainly not disappointed with the dearth of tickets on the market. North Shore Bank reports that 13,000 people entered a bank-sponsored contest to win eight suite seats at the bank's Bradley Center box for the show.

Historic Status Is in the Eye of the Developer: Developer Jim Haertel has championed his Pabst Brewery buildings as historic in character. But he apparently doesn't want the city to make sure he keeps their historic character. Haertel, who owns what could be the key building in the old brewery site -- the visitor's pub -- asked to be excluded from city sustainability rules, which would require developers involved with the brewery rehab to meet energy efficiency guidelines, storm water management regulations and to preserve the historic character of the buildings. Most of the project area is owned by Towne Realty and is part of a tax incremental district.

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