If you think your voice doesn't matter, you are worng. Thsi country and this state may be frustrating at times, but don't give up hope. We are still a democracy and speaking up for what you believe and voicing your concerns still matters. If you have been following my posts of the past few days, here's a perfect example. I can't help but wonder if her is referring to my very own email when he mentions hearing from Niles.
It doesn't really matter. What matters is that the people were heard. Someone listened!
Discussion on HB 1886
A bill to force school consolidations across the state was not even called in the Counties & Townships Committee yesterday, after Committee members received a flood of phone calls in opposition from superintendents and school board members across the state. Thank you for your hard work on this issue as we continue to fight this battle.
Both the Chair of the Committee, Rep. Patrick Verschoore (D-Rock Island) and another member, Rep. Richard Morthland (R-Moline) discussed their opposition to HB 1886 on video. You can view Verschoore's video
Verschoore on HB 1886 school consolidation
and Morthland's video
Morthland on HB 1886 school consolidation
.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Thursday, March 3, 2011
This is More Like It
This is a much more thoughtful and appreciative response to my letter (see post March 1st). I won't go so far as to say it redeems politicians in my eyes, but at least he showed some common decency and manners (an maybe even a brain)
Thank you Mr. Ramey
Ms. Johnson,
Thank you for your note. We need to take the time to scrutinize this bill and make sure the best proposal is the one that comes before the committee. House Bill 1886 will not be called in committee today. I appreciate your views on this legislation and if you have any further information on this bill I would be grateful if you passed it along to me.
Representative Randy Ramey
Thank you Mr. Ramey
Ms. Johnson,
Thank you for your note. We need to take the time to scrutinize this bill and make sure the best proposal is the one that comes before the committee. House Bill 1886 will not be called in committee today. I appreciate your views on this legislation and if you have any further information on this bill I would be grateful if you passed it along to me.
Representative Randy Ramey
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Do Politicians Really Wonder Why
people can't stand them?
This is the response I received from one of the eight state representatives I contacted with my letter yesterday.
Not only is it the only response (so, I guess there's brownie points for that), but it is completely irrelevant to my letter and addresses no one of my requests.
No letter head, no greeting, no signature. Not even a note in the email referring to this attachment. That is just lame! You would think a damned page could draft a salutation at least.
The Governor’s budget for next year is a template for budget talks. There
are a number of his proposals that will not be in the final budget that
passes the legislature. I do not believe we will have enough revenue to
support the Governor’s proposed spending level have a balanced budget. I
would anticipate a much lower spending level than the Governor requested.
The House is in the process of determining the amount of revenue we
available for next year. Once that is determined we will begin the
appropriations process. The revenue available will be distributed to the
five Appropriation committees. Each committee will need to pass
legislation, or a series of bills, to the full House that does not exceed
the amount set for each.
This method of drafting a budget will ensure that we will have a balanced
budget. I am confident that these changes in the House budget process will
produce a final product that puts us on a path to eliminating our deficit in
the next four years.
The cuts necessary to balance the budget will include education. Hopefully
the education community will have both short term and long term
suggestions.
This makes me nauseous
This is the response I received from one of the eight state representatives I contacted with my letter yesterday.
Not only is it the only response (so, I guess there's brownie points for that), but it is completely irrelevant to my letter and addresses no one of my requests.
No letter head, no greeting, no signature. Not even a note in the email referring to this attachment. That is just lame! You would think a damned page could draft a salutation at least.
The Governor’s budget for next year is a template for budget talks. There
are a number of his proposals that will not be in the final budget that
passes the legislature. I do not believe we will have enough revenue to
support the Governor’s proposed spending level have a balanced budget. I
would anticipate a much lower spending level than the Governor requested.
The House is in the process of determining the amount of revenue we
available for next year. Once that is determined we will begin the
appropriations process. The revenue available will be distributed to the
five Appropriation committees. Each committee will need to pass
legislation, or a series of bills, to the full House that does not exceed
the amount set for each.
This method of drafting a budget will ensure that we will have a balanced
budget. I am confident that these changes in the House budget process will
produce a final product that puts us on a path to eliminating our deficit in
the next four years.
The cuts necessary to balance the budget will include education. Hopefully
the education community will have both short term and long term
suggestions.
This makes me nauseous
A Letter to my State Representatives
I sent this letter to the pertinent people yesterday in hopes I will be heard. It's not often I speak out so boldly, but this really got under my skin.
Dear Representative/Senator
It is with immense concern that I write you. As a parent, a community member, a homeowner and a school board member, I urge you to seriously consider the ramifications of HB1886. I have equal concern over Governor Quinn’s consolidation proposal. Not only are these proposals ill conceived, they are unprecedented. Elementary and secondary education should be our highest priority. To leave such decisions to politicians and committeemen with no formal education training is absurd and dare I say, reckless.
To allow for no input from local districts, educators and citizens perpetuates the “behind closed doors” dirty politics for which our state is famous, as well as send a message to every person in the State of Illinois that those proposing this bill know in their hearts just how wrong it is.
I am a firm believer in standing up for your beliefs and that the right decision is very often not the easy one. If you truly believe your vision is best, you can withstand the ridicule of your opposition because in your heart you know you are doing the right thing. However, acting behind closed doors, stacking the deck with small, inept committees quickly pushing through serious issues shows the complete opposite. By sending this bill to a “committee of counties and townships” versus the education committee, you are doing just this. By avoiding careful consideration of studies such as “Consolidation of Schools and Districts: What the Research Says and What It Means” you are not making good, educated, informed decisions in the best interest of the whole. Instead, you are solving a long term problem with short term thinking and the cost of such short sightedness leaves the state’s budget woes to pale by comparison.
Please, I urge you to consider just a few of the ramifications of these actions.
o Consolidation should be intended to facilitate educational improvement rather than enrollment or geographical location
o Reorganization and consolidation should be initiated by local citizens and determined by a vote of the citizens
o Local citizens, school boards and the school district must have the authority to make decisions affecting the educational well-being of their community members.
o School district organization should reflect the community’s interest and values and not be dictated arbitrarily by the State
o Adjusting school districts by using the census could change school district boundaries every 10 years and vast increases in transportation costs related to these changes.
Equally, HB1886 serves no purpose but to give an arbitrary state run committee the power to force these and other ill conceived plans. I urge you to consider students, children, future leaders, our largest assets and the immense responsibility we have to them in every step of your decision making. “Students” should be the prevailing thought in every consideration, not money, debt or your political ambitions.
Please, do not let these ideas move forward in this way.
Sincerely,
Karen Johnson
Dear Representative/Senator
It is with immense concern that I write you. As a parent, a community member, a homeowner and a school board member, I urge you to seriously consider the ramifications of HB1886. I have equal concern over Governor Quinn’s consolidation proposal. Not only are these proposals ill conceived, they are unprecedented. Elementary and secondary education should be our highest priority. To leave such decisions to politicians and committeemen with no formal education training is absurd and dare I say, reckless.
To allow for no input from local districts, educators and citizens perpetuates the “behind closed doors” dirty politics for which our state is famous, as well as send a message to every person in the State of Illinois that those proposing this bill know in their hearts just how wrong it is.
I am a firm believer in standing up for your beliefs and that the right decision is very often not the easy one. If you truly believe your vision is best, you can withstand the ridicule of your opposition because in your heart you know you are doing the right thing. However, acting behind closed doors, stacking the deck with small, inept committees quickly pushing through serious issues shows the complete opposite. By sending this bill to a “committee of counties and townships” versus the education committee, you are doing just this. By avoiding careful consideration of studies such as “Consolidation of Schools and Districts: What the Research Says and What It Means” you are not making good, educated, informed decisions in the best interest of the whole. Instead, you are solving a long term problem with short term thinking and the cost of such short sightedness leaves the state’s budget woes to pale by comparison.
Please, I urge you to consider just a few of the ramifications of these actions.
o Consolidation should be intended to facilitate educational improvement rather than enrollment or geographical location
o Reorganization and consolidation should be initiated by local citizens and determined by a vote of the citizens
o Local citizens, school boards and the school district must have the authority to make decisions affecting the educational well-being of their community members.
o School district organization should reflect the community’s interest and values and not be dictated arbitrarily by the State
o Adjusting school districts by using the census could change school district boundaries every 10 years and vast increases in transportation costs related to these changes.
Equally, HB1886 serves no purpose but to give an arbitrary state run committee the power to force these and other ill conceived plans. I urge you to consider students, children, future leaders, our largest assets and the immense responsibility we have to them in every step of your decision making. “Students” should be the prevailing thought in every consideration, not money, debt or your political ambitions.
Please, do not let these ideas move forward in this way.
Sincerely,
Karen Johnson
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Open House March 5th, 2011
It's one of the first signs that spring is in the air and fast approaching. My annual Studio Open House. This is a great opportunity to have "first dibs" on new items and see the fresh new designs I have created over my winter hibernation.
Over the years, this has become a fun, comfortable, laid back event. In truth, maybe just a good excuse to write off the cost of a case of wine, (haha) we do tend to put a good dent in one. Nevertheless, there will be tasty snacks and treats, wine and soft drinks, fresh new jewelry creations as well as old favorites.
Be sure to stop by, and bring a firend or two. Better yet, mention you saw my blog and you'll receive a free gift.
**I know better than to publish TMI on the very public internet. If you are in the area and interested, please contact(convo) me for the nitty gritty.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Happy Birthday My Friend!
I've had an old friend in the back of my mind all week, especially through all the snow. You see, he loved the snow and would have relished in a blizzard of Epic proportions falling on Chicago. As we all grumbled and mumbled about the inconvenience, the closed schools and businesses, the shoveling and the emptying store shelves, my friend Brian would have been relishing in a state of perma-grin. Wonder in his eyes and excitement in his heart as he blazed a trail through the snow.
Yes, I said would have. We lost our friend 18 months ago to the ruthless disease of Cystic Fibrosis at the tender age of 18. You may remember me writing about it then. Well, today is his birthday, and what a day it is. Superbowl Sunday, with his most favorite Green Bay Packers playing in the big game. Two feet of snow on the ground and more fresh stuff falling as I write. What a perfect day he would have thought it to be. Somehow, I know he smiles and roars with that infectious laugh of his as he watches over us today.
So, Brian, my friend, I thank you for continuing to touch my life. I will never look a snow the same way again. I can't promise anything on the Packers, but for the first time in my life, I can smile just a little inside if they win, knowing how happy it would make you.
Happy Birthday!
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Virgin Baking (My First Recipe Creation)
Yes, it was my first time. And yes, it was fantastic. I'll admit I was nervous. A little tense and surely overthought it, but it was well worth it. Delicate, sensual, creamy, sweet with just a zing of tartness. What more could a girl ask for her first time out?
Granted, I lost my virginity in the kitchen ages ago. Cooking is always a new and exciting adventure with variety being the spice of life. Don't be asking for a repeat performance from this gal. It's rare you get the same thing twice, even when I try, but baking is a different story. It's an exact science. There's a rule book and the price for not following it can reward you with morning after regrets.
I am here to testify that my first time was legendary. Fireworks, sparklers, rock my world, lick your lips fantastic. So much so, I will definitely be replicating this experience in the near future. Don't beieve me, give this move a try for yourself.
Lemon Cupcakes with Raspberry Crème Frosting
• 1 cup butter ,softened
• 2 cups sugar
• 4eggs
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups sour cream
• 2 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Directions
In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Add lemon zest, juicel and vanilla; mix well. Combine dry ingredients; add to creamed mixture alternately with sour cream (batter will be thick). Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups ¾ full of batter. Bake at 375 degrees F for 22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.
Raspberry Buttercream Frosting:
• 1 pound unsalted butter, room temperature
• 5 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons raspberry extract
In the bowl of an electric stand mixer with a whisk attachment, whip the butter until creamed. Add the powdered sugar and extract. Mmix until the ingredients are evenly incorporated and the frosting is smooth and creamy.
Granted, I lost my virginity in the kitchen ages ago. Cooking is always a new and exciting adventure with variety being the spice of life. Don't be asking for a repeat performance from this gal. It's rare you get the same thing twice, even when I try, but baking is a different story. It's an exact science. There's a rule book and the price for not following it can reward you with morning after regrets.
I am here to testify that my first time was legendary. Fireworks, sparklers, rock my world, lick your lips fantastic. So much so, I will definitely be replicating this experience in the near future. Don't beieve me, give this move a try for yourself.
Lemon Cupcakes with Raspberry Crème Frosting
• 1 cup butter ,softened
• 2 cups sugar
• 4eggs
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups sour cream
• 2 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Directions
In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Add lemon zest, juicel and vanilla; mix well. Combine dry ingredients; add to creamed mixture alternately with sour cream (batter will be thick). Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups ¾ full of batter. Bake at 375 degrees F for 22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.
Raspberry Buttercream Frosting:
• 1 pound unsalted butter, room temperature
• 5 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons raspberry extract
In the bowl of an electric stand mixer with a whisk attachment, whip the butter until creamed. Add the powdered sugar and extract. Mmix until the ingredients are evenly incorporated and the frosting is smooth and creamy.
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