**I have started a dialogue with the alderman in Milwaukee who is involved and received this from his ASSISTANT, I know one way to cut Milwaukee's budget! I am including a draft of what I will respond. Any suggestions would be appreciated.**Brad Sponholz
Mr. McGuire: I have no problem with two private parties reaching a free will agreement to purchase a property. I have a huge problem with a government that thinks it is their place to take from one to give to another by force or coercion. Eminent domain should not be used lightly and especially not for private gain. I am happy that Petes Market is doing well. Perhaps they should make a better offer to the current owner. The "American Dream" is not becoming rich, but about pursuing your dreams and if that dream is for Mr. Cetenas to open a business, he should be allowed to do so, success or failure, that is the American Dream. It should not be infringed, impeded, or taken away by the government in any way. The alderman is not elected to micro manage everyone's life and dreams, only to protect our rights, life, dreams and PRIVATE PROPERTY from others, but most importantly from those in power. The only issue is taking someone's private property without their consent. Brad Sponholz Chair, Libertarian Party, Milwaukee County Affiliate --- On Fri, 6/12/09, McGuire, Michael <[email protected]> wrote: From: McGuire, Michael <[email protected]> Subject: FW: apparently this is making it across the country! To: [email protected] Date: Friday, June 12, 2009, 1:07 PM BradÂ…responsible blogging is a useful endeavor in most cases. It helps keeps the public informed, interested, dialoging and involved. Below is an unsolicited e-mail letter this office received concerning the issue in question. It helps put the issue in perspective. Hopefully, the below view will receive attention also. I have deleted the full name and e-mail address. Mike McGuire 12th AD Asst. 286-2861 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: brad sponholz [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Thursday, June 11, 2009 1:18 PM To: Witkowiak, James Subject: apparently this is making it across the country! Alderman Witkowiac: http://volokh.com/posts/1244662023.shtml They are blogging about this across the country now. Brad Sponholz Chair, Libertarian Party, Milwaukee County Affiliate ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -----Original Message----- From: Clifford Sent: Thursday, June 11, 2009 8:17 PM To: McGuire, Michael Subject: Re: Ald. Witkowiak Office Dear Ald. Witkowiak: You are on the correct side of the Pete's Market issue. I have shopped there for years-it has proven itself to be a local stabilizing force. The place is jammed with families, strollers, moms and kids-exactly the group visionary entrepreneurs in that neighborhood need to serve. The many people working in the market appear to be locals, except the old Greek guy yelling about cheap mangoes. Pete's is a small,unusual,local prize, and most importantly, he is not shrinking, but trying to expand. The recent article missed ALL the issues, because the reporter is neither a community organizer, nor self-employed. I wish she had taken the trouble to visit with say, 20 random shoppers, on whether the neighborhood would be made better or worse with yet more late night alcohol selling? Could she have troubled herself to interview local homeowners if they wanted a late night bar crowd, with all that brings, in their neighborhood? And, since she's never been self- employed, here are a few questions that "small biz 101" would have demanded she ask: What demonstrated capacity for success does Mr. Cetenas have? If he has spent such a ridiculous amount to rework just two tiny lots, what chance does he have to convince a banker that the rest of his plan is plausible?Might she also survey the local bars and night clubs, and ask if they think the market for late night alcohol is under-served? Jim, I earn my living working for myself. Just because I say I have a vision, or dream,or hope doesn't mean crap to the real world. And the same goes for Mr. Cetenas' "vision" of a late-night -alcohol- selling bar. Mr. Cetenas: Why not go around to a few hundred of your neighbors, get their signatures on a document saying that they want more late- night carousing in the hood, and then take it to your banker as proof? Um? Nope? Far easier to get an apprentice reporter involved in issues above their pay grade. Get with the program to improve neighborhoods, or get gone. Regards, Cliff
