Posted inUncategorized

Where’s the Money Coming From?

A Look at Who is Funding 3rd District Aldermanic Candidates

by Sonya Jongsma Knauss

Candidates can — and usually do — insist that the people who give them money have little or no influence on the decisions they would make or the agenda they would pursue in City Hall. After all, Common Council members are supposed to work for the good of their constituents and the city…

Posted inNeighborhood News, Politics

Voting Judiciously

After months of mudslinging, heated accusations and controversy, the Court of Appeals race between Joan Kessler and Charles Schudson will soon end; but some local experts claim the race has left voters more confused than informed. “The truth is the typical Wisconsin citizen is given virtually no information about candidates in judicial elections by which […]

Posted inColumns

The Need for Leadership

How often events turn on the strength of leadership. The Milwaukee mayoral race is about leadership — not leadership as an abstract concept but the actual ability to guide, direct, influence and motivate. It is preferred that our next mayor be a leader. I don’t see that trait apparent in either of our choices.

Posted inEditorials

Community Building Through Journalism: Neighborhood Newspapers Make a Difference

s-mug.jpgby Sonya Jongsma Knauss

When David Burton at the University of Missouri wrote the words above, he was describing a trend towards smaller, more localized newspapers in his state. He says, “Southwest Missouri is dominated by small community newspapers, which throw their news and editorial weight behind providing local coverage. The finest community newspapers know they are key stakeholders in the forces that help build and grow their communities.”