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Content referencing John Torinus

Murphy’s Law: How to Grow Milwaukee to 1 Million
Murphy’s Law

How to Grow Milwaukee to 1 Million

Mayor Cavalier Johnson is missing the key way to grow the city.

Op Ed: Will Hospital Merger Help Consumers?
Op Ed

Will Hospital Merger Help Consumers?

A frank look at the impact of latest merger, of Froedtert Health and ThedaCare.

Op Ed: UWM Gets Stiffed In Governor’s Budget
Op Ed

UWM Gets Stiffed In Governor’s Budget

While UW-Madison got $347 for building projects. Will Milwaukee's leaders push for better deal from legislators?

Op Ed: 8 Ways to Reform Health Care System
Op Ed

8 Ways to Reform Health Care System

Including breaking up the big medical care monoliths.

Op Ed: 10 Questions on Rising Health Care Costs
Op Ed

10 Questions on Rising Health Care Costs

Wisconsin has 4th highest costs in nation. When will our leaders take on the issue?

Murphy’s Law: Dan Bice Undermines Elections Commission
Murphy’s Law

Dan Bice Undermines Elections Commission

Journal Sentinel reporter’s attack helps reinforce election lies.

Op Ed: Will You Vote for An Election Denier?
Op Ed

Will You Vote for An Election Denier?

It may be the most important issue in the November election.

Op Ed: Will State GOP Wake Up To Reality?
Op Ed

Will State GOP Wake Up To Reality?

Grothman, Tiffany ignore Jan. 6 hearings, threats to Pence as candidates for governor embrace Trump.

Murphy’s Law: Who’s the Real Outsider for Governor?
Murphy’s Law

Who’s the Real Outsider for Governor?

Almost every candidate claims to be. But who really, actually is?

Op Ed: Officials Should Oppose Health Care Merger
Op Ed

Officials Should Oppose Health Care Merger

Merger of Advocate Aurora and Atrium Health won't improve care but will increase prices.

Op Ed: Worker Shortage Is Top Issue In Race For Governor
Op Ed

Worker Shortage Is Top Issue In Race For Governor

Shortage is so extreme some businesses have closed or reduced services.

Op Ed: Wisconsin Exits Top 10 In Taxes
Op Ed

Wisconsin Exits Top 10 In Taxes

Now ranks average, 23rd in the nation. Credit Republican fiscal constraint.

Op Ed: Biden is Right On Vaccine Mandates
Op Ed

Biden is Right On Vaccine Mandates

The biggest beneficiaries may be anti-vaxxers.

Op Ed: Flood Control Helps Milwaukee Watershed
Op Ed

Flood Control Helps Milwaukee Watershed

MMSD, conservationists have preserved 11,000 acres to help reduce flooding caused by climate change.

Op Ed: State’s Research & Development Funding Surges
Op Ed

State’s Research & Development Funding Surges

UW-Madison total up to $1.5 billion, MCW up to $250 million.

Op Ed: New UW Regents Chair Faces Challenges
Op Ed

New UW Regents Chair Faces Challenges

Top issue: search for UW system president to replace Tommy Thompson.

Op Ed: Anti-Vaxxers Are Fake Patriots
Op Ed

Anti-Vaxxers Are Fake Patriots

Preventing nation from reaching herd immunity. That’s a grim prognosis.

Op Ed: Can We Keep the Great Lakes Great?
Op Ed

Can We Keep the Great Lakes Great?

$10 million plan for fresh water collaborative at 13 UW campuses must be funded.

Op Ed: Evers Has Chance to Stimulate Startups
Op Ed

Evers Has Chance to Stimulate Startups

But he needs to reconsider his “fund of funds” idea, consult experts.

Op Ed: Underfunded UWM Looks to Lead
Op Ed

Underfunded UWM Looks to Lead

A key to issues like minority education and freshwater research, but needs more funding.

Op Ed: Green Wave Sweeping the State
Op Ed

Green Wave Sweeping the State

Economic prosperity and environmental progress can work hand-in-hand.

Op Ed: The Good News About Vaccines
Op Ed

The Good News About Vaccines

Despite some glitches, effort is going well. And early returns suggest they are very effective.

Op Ed: Subsidy for Unemployed Too High?
Op Ed

Subsidy for Unemployed Too High?

Businesses offering good jobs having trouble finding employees.

Op Ed: Timberlake Has Chops to Ramp Up Vaccines
Op Ed

Timberlake Has Chops to Ramp Up Vaccines

Evers appointee to head state health department a seasoned pro. GOP legislators should confirm her.

Op Ed: GOP Needs to Move Beyond Trump
Op Ed

GOP Needs to Move Beyond Trump

The Grand Old Party is not so grand anymore.

Op Ed: Biden Must Address Ransomware Crisis
Op Ed

Biden Must Address Ransomware Crisis

Trump looked the other way, but Biden must fix the biggest cyber hacking heist ever seen.

Op Ed: Hagedorn Wisconsin’s Person of The Year
Op Ed

Hagedorn Wisconsin’s Person of The Year

Supreme Court justice showed a lot of backbone in following the law, not politics.

Op Ed: Tommy Gains $5 Million in Pandemic Funds
Op Ed

Tommy Gains $5 Million in Pandemic Funds

More leadership by ex-governor. Money to be used for UW’s nursing education and internships.

Op Ed: Biden Needs Some Business Experts
Op Ed

Biden Needs Some Business Experts

Pandemic undercuts economic rebound. President-elect needs expertise in job creation.

Op Ed: Amazon, Walmart Take On Health Costs
Op Ed

Amazon, Walmart Take On Health Costs

Along with Walgreens and CVS, creating their own medical clinics to cut costs.

Op Ed: Tommy to the Rescue!
Op Ed

Tommy to the Rescue!

Thompson is leading the way with solutions to the pandemic.

Op Ed: State Should Create Coronavirus Czar
Op Ed

State Should Create Coronavirus Czar

Governor and legislative leaders should mutually name a COVID czar and bipartisan task force.

Op Ed: Mistake? Foxconn Was a Whopper
Op Ed

Mistake? Foxconn Was a Whopper

How could Republican federal and state leaders have been so wrong?

Op Ed: Demand a Joint Vos and Evers Virus Plan
Op Ed

Demand a Joint Vos and Evers Virus Plan

Stop playing politics. Pass a pandemic plan with wide scale testing, rigorous tracing.

Op Ed: Will Trump’s Tax Avoidance Lose Votes?
Op Ed

Will Trump’s Tax Avoidance Lose Votes?

Many years of paying nothing, while others must pay, could hurt him in red counties.

Op Ed: Trump Tariffs Have Failed
Op Ed

Trump Tariffs Have Failed

U.S. trade imbalance has grown under Trump. Biden needs to try different approach.

Op Ed: I Was Not a ‘Sucker’ For Serving
Op Ed

I Was Not a ‘Sucker’ For Serving

I get physically upset when the president demeans men and women who served America in battle.

Op Ed: No Equality Without Specific Solutions
Op Ed

No Equality Without Specific Solutions

Yes, we need better policing and more opportunities for Black Americans. But how do we get there?

Op Ed: Management Styles of Trump vs. Biden
Op Ed

Management Styles of Trump vs. Biden

A one-man band overseeing 4.4 million federal employees versus a true team leader.

Op Ed: Harris Could Push Dems Towards Pragmatic Policies
Op Ed

Harris Could Push Dems Towards Pragmatic Policies

On health care, immigration, free college tuition there are potential compromises.

Op Ed: Businesses Struggle to Survive the Pandemic
Op Ed

Businesses Struggle to Survive the Pandemic

Payroll Protection Program helped local businesses, but state should boost startup tax credits to reinvigorate the economy

Op Ed: Trump Attacks Voting Process
Op Ed

Trump Attacks Voting Process

The president attempts to undercut mail-in voting.

Op Ed: The Constitutional Posturing on Masks
Op Ed

The Constitutional Posturing on Masks

In what article of the Constitution did the Washington County Board find masks mentioned?

Op Ed: Sell Non-Core UW System Assets
Op Ed

Sell Non-Core UW System Assets

System may face $200 million deficit. What about the golf course, real estate, cell towers?

Op Ed: Tommy Could Have Big Impact on UW
Op Ed

Tommy Could Have Big Impact on UW

Will likely serve two years as UW System President. And could re-shape entire system.

Op Ed: Pick Tommy for Interim UW President
Op Ed

Pick Tommy for Interim UW President

System in disarray, needs a firm hand — and a friend. Tommy Thompson would be ideal.

Op Ed: Why UWM Matters
Op Ed

Why UWM Matters

It’s become crucial to city, state. But will state leaders recognize this?

Op Ed: Business Owners Can’t Plan for Future
Op Ed

Business Owners Can’t Plan for Future

The pandemic leaves the future so hard to predict companies are left at sea.

Op Ed: UW System Needs New Kind of Leader
Op Ed

UW System Needs New Kind of Leader

Pandemic shutdown has added challenges for system. The typical education bureaucrat won’t cut it.

Op Ed: Biden’s Ideas Won’t Get Hearing in April Election
Op Ed

Biden’s Ideas Won’t Get Hearing in April Election

Pandemic overshadowing what could have been important election.

Op Ed: Yes, Billionaires Should Exist
Op Ed

Yes, Billionaires Should Exist

Beware of presidential candidates with all THE ANSWERS.

Op Ed: Economic Development That Works
Op Ed

Economic Development That Works

M7 efforts, TIF districts have both paid off. Now if only we find more workers.

Op Ed: Prescription Drug Prices Can Be Leveraged
Op Ed

Prescription Drug Prices Can Be Leveraged

How our company reduced the massive costs of Big Pharma's prescription drug prices.

Op Ed: Trump’s Most Formidable Foe?
Op Ed

Trump’s Most Formidable Foe?

Mike Bloomberg, a real billionaire running against an alleged one, could be a very tough opponent.

Op Ed: A Love Letter to ‘Dairylandia’
Op Ed

A Love Letter to ‘Dairylandia’

Former Milwaukee Journal managing editor Steve Hannah’s new book celebrates “modest Wisconsin.”

Op Ed: Cross Exit Opens Door to UW Reforms
Op Ed

Cross Exit Opens Door to UW Reforms

Find leader from outside academia to take fresh look, transform UW System.

Op Ed: Celebrating The Neutron Economy
Op Ed

Celebrating The Neutron Economy

The Phoenix Neutron Imaging Center points the way to state’s new economy.

Op Ed: Even Higher Wages Won’t Fill Open Jobs
Op Ed

Even Higher Wages Won’t Fill Open Jobs

Increase legal immigration as the reliable workforce dwindles.

Op Ed: Sen. Ron Johnson Mired In Trump’s Swamp
Op Ed

Sen. Ron Johnson Mired In Trump’s Swamp

Johnson attacks FBI, CIA, and the whistleblower to defend Trump.

Op Ed: Where Will Future Jobs Come From?
Op Ed

Where Will Future Jobs Come From?

Those Labor Day think pieces offered few answers. Where do we go from here?

Op Ed: State Will Be Three-Ring Political Circus
Op Ed

State Will Be Three-Ring Political Circus

An open primary, voters can cross party lines, and a huge cast of presidential candidates.

Op Ed: Finally, Some Leadership on Teen Mothers
Op Ed

Finally, Some Leadership on Teen Mothers

Republican and Democratic legislators offer separate bills to provide broader access to contraceptives.

Op Ed: It’s the Health Care Costs, Stupid
Op Ed

It’s the Health Care Costs, Stupid

Universal coverage is unaffordable without a system of managed health care.

Op Ed: How Entrepreneurs Grow Jobs
Op Ed

How Entrepreneurs Grow Jobs

Sales of companies by founding entrepreneurs cap a story of creating jobs from scratch.

Op Ed: Save the Yellow Perch!
Op Ed

Save the Yellow Perch!

Perch count way down in Lake Michigan. Strong leadership needed to protect state waters.

Op Ed: UWM Embraces Entrepreneurship
Op Ed

UWM Embraces Entrepreneurship

The university wants to be the hub of start-up activity for the region.

Op Ed: FIRE Cluster Can Help Grow Economy
Op Ed

FIRE Cluster Can Help Grow Economy

Finance, real estate and insurance businesses are one of our best bets for state prosperity.

Op Ed: Evers, GOP Leaders Need Health Care Ideas
Op Ed

Evers, GOP Leaders Need Health Care Ideas

They could learn from local experts like Albrecht Free Clinic in West Bend.

Op Ed: Evers Could Boost the Business Sector
Op Ed

Evers Could Boost the Business Sector

His promise to be “business friendly” and emphasize entrepreneurship could help state.

Op Ed: Movie “Vice” Distorts Cheney, Rumsfeld
Op Ed

Movie “Vice” Distorts Cheney, Rumsfeld

I knew them both. Movie is a distorted hit job on two long-serving patriotic Americans.

Op Ed: Evers, Vos, Fitzgerald Must Compromise
Op Ed

Evers, Vos, Fitzgerald Must Compromise

There are many issues where they can forge agreements — and lead the state forward.

Murphy’s Law: Evers Embraces Expertise
Murphy’s Law

Evers Embraces Expertise

Hiring talented people, appointing expert advisors, who knew you could govern that way?

Op Ed: Avoid Partisan Gridlock, Let Voters Decide
Op Ed

Avoid Partisan Gridlock, Let Voters Decide

Referendums on key issues like state funding for K-12 and UW System could solve partisan divide.

Op Ed: Remembering George H.W. Bush
Op Ed

Remembering George H.W. Bush

One of the most down-to-earth guys you'd ever meet, he accomplished a lot.

Op Ed: The War Against Ala Carte Medical Pricing
Op Ed

The War Against Ala Carte Medical Pricing

It's the most expensive way to go and payers are increasingly rebelling.

Op Ed: President Trump is Beyond Divisive
Op Ed

President Trump is Beyond Divisive

He respects no one, maybe not even himself, and never seeks win-win outcomes.

Op Ed: 25 UW Campuses Strapped for Funds
Op Ed

25 UW Campuses Strapped for Funds

UW-Madison doing fine but other 25 campuses, including Milwaukee, have taken big hits to funding.

Op Ed: Land Trust Groups Work on Conservation
Op Ed

Land Trust Groups Work on Conservation

State’s 46 land trusts boast 25,000 members, have protected 538,000 acres in Wisconsin.

Op Ed: Extreme Partisanship Prevents National Solutions
Op Ed

Extreme Partisanship Prevents National Solutions

Could political reforms improve the state and national political system?

Op Ed: Where Will Walker, Evers Take Economy?
Op Ed

Where Will Walker, Evers Take Economy?

State in slow growth mode. Two candidates have very different approaches to this.

Legislation Moved Quickly Under Walker

Legislation Moved Quickly Under Walker

Much quicker passage, less public input, in first legislative session under Walker, analysis finds.

Op Ed: In Defense of Journalists
Op Ed

In Defense of Journalists

Trump is the enemy of truth. Journalists are still the best protection of a democratic nation.

Op Ed: Venture Investments On the Rise
Op Ed

Venture Investments On the Rise

Half billion in angel and venture investments in last two years great news for state.

Op Ed: Another Win for M7 Partnerships
Op Ed

Another Win for M7 Partnerships

$40 Million from Northwestern Mutual for Data Sciences at MU and UWM will have big impact.

Op Ed: Trump Dead Wrong on Canadian Trade
Op Ed

Trump Dead Wrong on Canadian Trade

We have a trade surplus with Canada, so a tariff war with our closest ally will only hurt U.S.

Op Ed: UWM Is Suffering a Brain Drain
Op Ed

UWM Is Suffering a Brain Drain

Talented faculty leaving. Business leaders and others should push for greater funding.

Op Ed: Trump’s Tariffs Hurt Wisconsin Economy
Op Ed

Trump’s Tariffs Hurt Wisconsin Economy

And his immigration policies impair the ability of employers to fill jobs.

Op Ed: Will Democrat Gubernatorial Candidates Take On The Big Issues?
Op Ed

Will Democrat Gubernatorial Candidates Take On The Big Issues?

They all want to repeal Act 10. What they should do is deal with state's pressing issues.

Op Ed: It’s a Great Time to Graduate
Op Ed

It’s a Great Time to Graduate

But don’t be afraid to switch jobs, careers. And don’t ever stop learning.

Op Ed: The Fight Against Medical Industrial Complex
Op Ed

The Fight Against Medical Industrial Complex

Some signs of progress. Prices still rising but not as much.

Op Ed: Rockwell, West Bend Lead Way in Ethics
Op Ed

Rockwell, West Bend Lead Way in Ethics

In contrast to VW or Wells Fargo, two state companies lead way with ethical standards.

Op Ed: Foxconn Deal Will Actually Lose Jobs
Op Ed

Foxconn Deal Will Actually Lose Jobs

That $4 billion, if spent in usual fashion by state government, would create far more jobs.

Op Ed: UW-Oshkosh Criminal Charges a Mistake
Op Ed

UW-Oshkosh Criminal Charges a Mistake

Smells of prosecutorial overreach, but shows need for tightening UW System rules.

Op Ed: 8 Issues Facing Health Care System
Op Ed

8 Issues Facing Health Care System

There will be disruptions “at a rate and scale never seen before.”

Op Ed: State Needs to Invest More In UWM
Op Ed

State Needs to Invest More In UWM

It’s critical to region’s economy. WOW county leaders should push for this.

Op Ed: UW System Changes Too Piecemeal
Op Ed

UW System Changes Too Piecemeal

Example: UW-Stevens Point reducing liberal arts. System-wide strategic plan is needed.

Op Ed: White House Firings Are Not Okay
Op Ed

White House Firings Are Not Okay

Disarray in government ultimately hurts the people you serve.

Op Ed: Milwaukee Film Cluster Could Be a Star
Op Ed

Milwaukee Film Cluster Could Be a Star

New effort is a classic example of reinventing the Rust Belt.

Op Ed: Walker Speech More About Politics Than Policy
Op Ed

Walker Speech More About Politics Than Policy

State-of-the-state speech was politically crafty, but ignored some major issues.

Data Wonk: Will Federal Tax Plan Succeed?
Data Wonk

Will Federal Tax Plan Succeed?

Past economic data suggests it won’t. And voters think it will fail.

Op Ed: Foxconn’s Low Return on State Investment
Op Ed

Foxconn’s Low Return on State Investment

Other state subsidies will have far greater jobs created per tax dollar spent.

Op Ed: Health Care Insurers Shaking Up Market
Op Ed

Health Care Insurers Shaking Up Market

Some are even buying health care providers. Changes could be good for consumers.

Does Tax Plan Enrich Ron Johnson?

Does Tax Plan Enrich Ron Johnson?

And will changes senator championed help small businesses? A look at the numbers.

Op Ed: Ron Johnson a Hero for Small Businesses
Op Ed

Ron Johnson a Hero for Small Businesses

His objections push Republicans to add federal tax breaks for small businesses.

Op Ed: Buyout Of Rockwell A Bad Idea
Op Ed

Buyout Of Rockwell A Bad Idea

Better for the company long term if Rockwell rejects takeover bid by Emerson Electric.

Op Ed: How CROWE Can Help State Economy
Op Ed

How CROWE Can Help State Economy

The launching of UW-Madison Center for Research on the Wisconsin Economy is much needed.

Op Ed: UW System Reorganization a Bold Plan
Op Ed

UW System Reorganization a Bold Plan

What’s good and what could be improved in UW President Ray Cross’s proposal.

Op Ed: Will Governor Candidates Duck Big Issues?
Op Ed

Will Governor Candidates Duck Big Issues?

Health care reform and UW reorganization are big issues Walker and his opponent may punt.

Op Ed: Environment Fading As Public Issue
Op Ed

Environment Fading As Public Issue

Wisconsin needs a renewed dialogue on the protection of our natural resources.

Op Ed: Trump Says “You’re Fired” to Republicans
Op Ed

Trump Says “You’re Fired” to Republicans

He’s at war with nearly every GOP leader; where does that leave the party?

Presenting the Milwaukee Filmmaker Alliance
Press Release

Presenting the Milwaukee Filmmaker Alliance

Former DreamWorks SKG executive hired as director of new organization created to cultivate, connect, and catalyze Milwaukee area film industry

Op Ed: Foxconn Should Embrace Green Goals
Op Ed

Foxconn Should Embrace Green Goals

They’ve operated with high environmental standards in Mexico. Why not in Wisconsin?

Op Ed: The Health Care Speech Ryan Should Give
Op Ed

The Health Care Speech Ryan Should Give

Try a managed cared plan that covers primary care for all.

Op Ed: Lubar Center Accelerates Startups
Op Ed

Lubar Center Accelerates Startups

UWM's entrepreneurship center to be a highly visible hub for region’s startup economy.

Op Ed: Walker Is No Tommy Thompson
Op Ed

Walker Is No Tommy Thompson

But in his less inclusive, more political way, he may be just as successful.

Op Ed: Why Not a 4% Flat Tax for State?
Op Ed

Why Not a 4% Flat Tax for State?

Proposal drops income tax to 4% for all, adds sales tax on gas.

Op Ed: Trump Could Save the Great Lakes
Op Ed

Trump Could Save the Great Lakes

Instead of cutting funding, he could address invasive species.

Op Ed: Please Rethink Those Trump Tariffs
Op Ed

Please Rethink Those Trump Tariffs

A tariff wall will just force companies like mine to raise prices.

Op Ed: Where Will We Get Our Journalism?
Op Ed

Where Will We Get Our Journalism?

Journal Sentinel’s dramatic decline leaves huge void to be filled.

Op Ed: Ryan Health Care Plan Misfires
Op Ed

Ryan Health Care Plan Misfires

Private companies left out of discussion, may be pushed to drop employee coverage.

Op Ed: Milwaukee Catching Madison On Startups
Op Ed

Milwaukee Catching Madison On Startups

Two new venture funds could push this city ahead in startup companies.

Op Ed: UW System Needs Tighter Financial Controls
Op Ed

UW System Needs Tighter Financial Controls

UW-Oshkosh scandal points to problem. Yet Walker opposed UW system audit.

Op Ed: In Defense Of The Press
Op Ed

In Defense Of The Press

President declares war on the media. But we’ll get a straighter story from them.

Op Ed: Grow UWM To Grow Metro Economy
Op Ed

Grow UWM To Grow Metro Economy

More funding should get bipartisan support from governor, legislators. Will it?

Op Ed: Medicaid Block Grants Could Hurt Wisconsin
Op Ed

Medicaid Block Grants Could Hurt Wisconsin

20% of state’s citizens, 1.1 million, depend on Medicaid. Block grant system would threaten them with cutbacks.

Op Ed: Sykes Exits Cruel World He Helped Create
Op Ed

Sykes Exits Cruel World He Helped Create

His talk radio show was part of the problem. Will he help find solutions?

Op-Ed: How to Replace Obamacare
Op-Ed

How to Replace Obamacare

Here’s a blueprint for a GOP health care plan with seven key ingredients.

Op-Ed: Treat Start-up Companies Like the Bucks
Op-Ed

Treat Start-up Companies Like the Bucks

$250 million spent on NBA arena could launch 500 high-growth start-up businesses.

Op-Ed: Agenda Items for Walker’s Second Act
Op-Ed

Agenda Items for Walker’s Second Act

Gov. Walker needs to focus on policy, including job creation in Milwaukee, not politics.

Op-Ed: Two New Knees for Just $39,000
Op-Ed

Two New Knees for Just $39,000

Value healthcare approach saves thousands of dollars for both employee and company.

Op-Ed: Anti-Trade Movement Will Hurt State
Op-Ed

Anti-Trade Movement Will Hurt State

Wisconsin is a net exporter of products, yet Trump, Clinton, Feingold oppose global trade pacts.

Op-Ed: The Problem With Publicly-Owned Companies
Op-Ed

The Problem With Publicly-Owned Companies

Wall Street kingpin Byron Trott, speaking in Milwaukee, extols private and family companies.

Op-Ed: Will Republican Party Lose Its Soul?
Op-Ed

Will Republican Party Lose Its Soul?

GOP should stick to its principles and reject Trump. Ryan could lead the way.

State Is Biased Against Newer Businesses

State Is Biased Against Newer Businesses

Hundreds of million in tax breaks for big companies, peanuts for small ones that create most jobs.

Op-Ed: City’s Health Coverage a Huge Success
Op-Ed

City’s Health Coverage a Huge Success

Milwaukee's success holding down costs of employee health care echoes that of some private employers.

Torinus: Can Ryan Succeed as Speaker?
Torinus

Can Ryan Succeed as Speaker?

If he seeks innovative solutions, he might forge some grand compromises.

Valley of Death Hurts Startup Businesses

Valley of Death Hurts Startup Businesses

State could help with WHEDA funding. Why not try it on a pilot basis?

Statement from Rep. Barca on massive layoffs at long-term care organization in Slinger
Press Release

Statement from Rep. Barca on massive layoffs at long-term care organization in Slinger

"The governor’s lack of planning and inclusiveness and failure to involve people in important public policy has had devastating consequences for the citizens of our state"