I’ve had complaints in the past week or so about the direction this blog has taken, that I’ve crossed the line and become too partisan in my posts around the state budget.
I hear you, and I agree. My blog has become something different than it was before mid-February. And that changes today.
I launched this blog to be a (somewhat) objective source of news and information on South Milwaukee and the South Shore, and it was that for its first 16 months or so. Then came Gov. Scott Walker’s budget repair bill and the state budget proposal, and, like too many in this debate, I have let my passions get the better of me on a single issue.
I owe my readers more. I owe my constituents more.
So, going forward, expect to see a return to what you were accustomated to on this website — with more of a focus on local issues, local news and local information. In other words, I will refocus on providing the service to my readers that I set out to, and, in doing so, I will continue to keep the community dialog going … without overtly injecting myself into it.
Will I still post items about the budget and collective bargaining? Yes, but in a much more straightforward way that aims to present the information objectively and let readers react to that information.
That is why I started this blog in the first place, and why it’s grown to become a pretty high-trafficked website.
Thanks for reading, and thanks for understanding. Please know that I will learn from this and continue to stay focused on serving the people I represent … no matter what happens in Madison.
South Milwaukee Blog 
Erik,
Thank you. In this hyper-charged atmosphere of change in the state we ALL need to take a deep breath, step back and act rationally. What is so great about our representative republic form of government is that we are able to debate our differences without having a violent coup to overthrow it. I look forward to keeping current on local issues on your blog and Thank you for taking the time to do it.
I’m glad. Honestly I check the blog every morning with all my other regular sites and was this close to not visiting anymore.
I don’t always agree with you on issues, Erik, but I do appreciate the seriousness and commitment with which you have undertaken your responsibilities as our alderman and your involvement in the wellbeing of the city and its residents. I read your blog with interest and try to understand your perspective and rationale. Thank you for your excellent representation and keep up the great work.
My sentiments exactly Laura.
Thanks again for reading. I hope you all agree that my newest post on the budget battle is a good example of the toned-down rhetoric on my part — and the renewed focus on presenting the information in a (somewhat) objective manner. If not, please let me know.