From Michael Vinson: Ald. Teege Mettille will be on WORT radio at 7 p.m. discussing Appleton's battle over domestic partner benefits. Ald. Metille was an eloquent and steadfast voice for fairness in the debate:

www.wort-fm.org 

First Batch of Door Hangers Ready!

From the first 1,000

Why I'm running

Why do I want to run? In the last year, I've been galvanized to take action, to no longer sit on the sidelines and complain, but to get involved and make my voice heard.  What's more, I know I can bring my talent and effective leadership to city council, particularly on issues that matter most to me:  economic and community development, which are tied to fairness and equity.

I also believe our council should also reflect the community it represents, and the present distribution of seats on the 16 (soon to be 15) seat council includes only two women.  We can model and demonstrate our commitment to diversity by electing a council that looks more like Appleton.

I've said before that I am progressive, and that  doesn't mean spending as much as we possibly can, breaking the bank in unrealistic and idealistic ways.  It means that we can creatively and innovatively attack municipal problems without leaving behind the people who can least afford it.  It also means that, when matters of principle are on the line, I won't waver--not when our community is counting on us the most. I will never refer an important issue, such as partner benefits, back to committee for political expediency.

Fairness should not be held hostage to inconsistency.

Why should you vote for me?  I'll bring my fierce devotion to progressive ideas to the council, and while I wish to find ways to build consensus, I absolutely will not back away from these fundamental values of equity and equality, or of finding ways for the city to hear and meet the needs of all its residents.  You can count on me to hold firm, and to always explain my votes.  In particular:

Happy Holidays: Value Families

Hanukkah begins, and the Christmas season is already well under way. I hope that every one has a lovely, peaceful, and restful holiday season. Whatever your background, whatever your celebration:  enjoy!   This time of year has always meant for me family traditions that mark both beginnings and endings. In a country as large and dynamic as ours, we do not credit ourselves nearly enough with a narrow focus on somebody else's definition of "traditional family values."

Let us, instead, with empathy and compassion, value family traditions. Let us value our families.

Truly the happiest of holidays to you and yours,

MKP

Scott Walker Kills Women's Cancer Screening Program For Political Gain

Really, the story is Scott Walker vs. the health care needs of women in the state he is supposed to govern.  Whether or not PP is too controversial seems to be not his call, unless he's been a patient.  This is quite apart from the fact that someone who needs health care attention rarely, to my mind, places someone else's sense of "controversy" high on the priority list.

Yet one more example of how the state programs affect us locally, and why we need forceful, unflinchingly progressive voices at all levels representing our community. 

Scott Walker and Planned Parenthood

Rep. Bernard Schaber discusses Valley Transit

Representative Penny Bernard Schaber presents two elegant solutions to the funding problems that threaten Valley Transit:

Rep. Penny Bernard Schaber column on Valley Transit

P-C Election Central update

A nice overview of the elections so far.  In particular, the race for the 4th now includes 3 declared candidates, which means a primary election on February 21st ahead of the April election.

Post Crescent Election Central

ACLU files federal lawsuit over Wisconsin voter ID law

http://www.postcrescent.com/article/20111213/APC0101/111213072/ACLU-files-federal-lawsuit-over-Wisconsin-s-new-voter-ID-law?odyssey=mod|defcon|text|FRONTPAGE

Story in the Post-Crescent on the latest concerning the new Voter ID law in Wisconsin.  This law is as cynical as it gets, and deserves to be overturned.  In the meantime, we need to work hard to help all those who are eligible to vote exercise their right freely and without intimidation--implicit or otherwise.

Donation Allows Connector Service to Continue Through End of Year

http://www.appleton.org/alerts/8599ec806d72/

This is NOT what Democracy Looks Like

The new Voter ID Law in Wisconsin seems to be doing a great job of preventing people who have the absolute right to vote from voting.  We can do better than this.  We have to do better than this.

http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2011/12/05/381885/wisconsin-voter-id-law-may-force-84-year-old-woman-to-pay-200-to-get-a-voter-id/

Announcement in the Post Crescent

http://www.postcrescent.com/article/20111205/APC0118/312050093/-1/7daysarchives/Pickett-announces-run-District-4-

Announcement Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Megan Pickett

Phone: 920.264.5320

Email: megan.pickett.04@gmail.com

Web: www.facebook.com/MeganPickettForAlderperson

http://MeganPickettForAlderperson.blogspot.com

MEGAN PICKETT ENTERS 2012 RACE FOR APPLETON ALDERPERSON DISTRICT 4

APPLETON, WI

December 5, 2011

Megan Pickett, an associate professor of physics and chair of the Gender Studies Program at Lawrence University, has officially declared her candidacy for Appleton Alderperson in the newly created District 4. Election materials and ballot nominations forms were filed today with the City Clerk’s office.

While only 20 signatures are required to get on the ballot, Ms. Pickett’s submission of 35 signatures signifies both enthusiasm for her candidacy and her commitment to running a strong race.

“We received nearly twice the number of required signatures for the ballot—mostly in a single day of canvassing,” Ms. Pickett said. “The response to our Facebook page and campaign blog site has been exciting, too.”

Pickett’s reasons for launching her campaign are focused on her commitment to offering a progressive voice for a diverse district. “The new districting presents a powerful opportunity for the area, and the city,” she said. “District 4 combines community, businesses along College Avenue and south of the river, as well as Lawrence. We have a unique opportunity to work together to meet common problems and interests—including, in particular, economic development and a shared, inclusive representation of all in the region. I believe the district and the larger community need more progressive voices that will work with others on the Council to find areas of common agreement, while not backing away from core principles of inclusiveness and fiscal responsibility,” Pickett continued.

The new aldermanic District 4 contains parts of the current Districts 1, 2, 4, 8, and 11. Seated Alderpersons Jeff Lutz and Joe Martin also reside in the new District 4. A primary will be held February 21^st in the case of three or more candidates.

Ms. Pickett was born in Madison, WI and has lived in Appleton for 5 years with her family.

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On the Ballot!

It's official!  We've turned in to the Clerk's office almost twice the number of required signatures to be placed on the Spring 2012 ballot.  Many thanks to those who have helped get the campaign started!

Useful article, including Election Dates and Regulations

http://www.postcrescent.com/article/20111204/APC0101/112040511/Appleton-aldermen-offer-hopefuls-reality-check

Boundaries for the new District 4

http://www.appleton.org/i/d/community_development/NewADMaps/Dist4.pdf

Campaign Yardsigns Available!

Campaign Facebook Page

http://www.facebook.com/MeganPickettForAlderperson