Time to talk about something else
Don't you think?
posted by Miles Maguire at 3:01 PM
Offering a contrarian view on Oshkosh, along with takeout poetry, fresh-cut gossip and grand cru rumor. To paraphrase Gene Roberts, "Let's try not to take ourselves too seriously here."
43 Comments:
Safety Paul? Only when convenient and gives him a soapbox to get up on. Today's Northwestern indicated Esslinger is against the plan (first reviewed in 2003) for the city to buy the Chamber's building at 120 Jackson St. "to make way for the realignment of the intersection of Marion Road and Division Street at Jackson Street."
According to the city's documents: "rerouting of the intersection would improve safety in the area for both vehicles and pedestrian traffic".
Speaking out of one side of his mouth Esslinger stated (according to the ONW): "Improving the intersection was a good idea" and out of the other side of his mouth he "objected to losing the building as a property tax-paying parcel in the city and said the intersection was not as bad as portrayed." "We have to understand we are going to take it off the tax rolls," Esslinger. "I think we are making more of a monster than it is."
Hmmm, Paul, which is it? Safety or money? Now, Paul is micro-managing yet another city department and watch him pander to the "taxpayers" on this one without concern for the safety of these same taxpayers. This ought to be a good show.
Anonymous 12:10pm --- My sentiments exactly!!!
Yeah and did you see Safety Patrol Paul's letter to the ONW about the form of government. The only way this self-absorbed, attention-starved hypocrite even stands a chance of becoming mayor and having the power he wants is with a change of government. That's why he's pushing for it. But even then it's doubtful he could get elected mayor. He just doesn't have what it takes. Until the day the voters trust him enough to give him that position, Paul Esslinger will have to be content being a bully without a pulpit. (Or should that be MALcontent?)
Thanks for looking out for the taxpayer (and shoving one up the Paris Hilton neighborhood) Paul!
You have my vote everytime!
He needs every vote he can get, 9:31. The disdain and anger in your comment paint a very clear picture of the kind of people who support Mr. Esslinger.
Paul may simply be angry at the Chamber for not finding a job for him.
The hate and rage towards Paul Esslinger coming from the River Mill RoundAbout crowd is astounding.
Paul is a well placed burr under the RoundAbout resident’s saddle it appears.
It's a good thing to shake up the entitled crowd, keeps things interesting, and shows the true character of those well educated, upstanding folks that believe they should be insulated from the details of common life.
Living in homes grouped as close together as they are, you'd expect they would have more tolerance for others, but it appears that isn't true.
6:42 is a person who just doesn't get it. They've heard nothing but what they wanted to hear. Hardly a suitable candidate for reasoned debate, but very obviously the kind of person we've come to see support Safety Patrol Esslinger.
8:43 a.m. I completely agree! (And no I do not live on River Mill). Perhaps the Paul Soapbox supporters would actually like to deal with the subject at hand rather than River Mill sidewalks. They may simply be too consumed with their lack of ability to better themselves. By the way, when will Paul find a job?
8:43...It's almost noon and I expect happy hour at River Mill RoundAbout began long ago. Please stay home and don't attempt to drive. You can lounge in the comfort of your own compact enclave and dream about ways to bash Paul further as you stumble down the path of picklement.
Quench your thirst and sharpen your deep anger and rage for one of the best council members Oshkosh has ever had.
We all remain waiting for the day we can walk the RoundAbout in safety on fresh concrete sidewalks!Maybe then you can begin a new River Mill tradition...the RoundAbout Pub Crawl. Stay on those sidewalks!!
Cheers
If Paul Esslinger was truly one of the best council members Oshkosh has ever had he would have become mayor by a landslide. He needs to focus his attention on getting a job. Maybe one of "his bars" could hire him.
The Miles Memorial Pub Crawl and Sidewalk Sweeper.
All River Mill RoundAbout Residents invited to attend.
Neighborhood watcher Don Safety will provide medical and general safety services, and the Former Mayor Jon will preside over the enclave event as “Guzzler Extraordinaire”.
What fun!!
Oh what a clever one you are. Quick with the witicisms and other Esslingeresque reparte. The sad fact is that all the deflection in the world will never change Safety Paul's hypocrisy, nor defend it. And it certainly won't get him elected mayor under any form of government.
Those encased in the River Mill RoundAbout enclave are living in a cocoon of narcism.
Nothing to worry about except who's got filtered ice for the cocktails.
One less item to worry about soon, sidewalks will be installed...safe stumbling between Happy Hour Hosts.
Bring on the "Miles Memorial Pub Crawl and Sidewalk Sweeper"!
Cheers
3:13 Another mindless rambling about sidewalks that was the discussion of a prior topic. Please move on to discuss the current topic. I could really care less about sidewalks on River Mill Rd. but am interested in hearing others' views on the current topic. Thank you.
Maybe the Paris Hilton neighborhood can have the art walks when the sidewalks are put in. I can see it now, Easter bonnet hats, long flowing dresses for her, tux for him, and a drinky poo in hand while we stroll the works of art.
Maybe we can see Paris herself among the elite.
Someone make me a drink, I'm on my way!
I would like to see some facts about the safety issues at the intersection in question.
Lyrics to "River Mill Ritz"
If you're blue and you don't know
where to go to why don't you go
where sidewalks sit
River Mill Ritz
Different types who wear a day
coat pants with stripes and cutaway
coat perfect fits
River Mill Ritz
Dressed up like a million-dollar trooper
Tryin' hard to look like Gary Cooper (super duper)
Come let's mix where Rockefellers
walk with sticks or um-ber-ellas
in their mitts
River Mill Ritz
Have you seen the well-to-do up and down River Mill Avenue on that famous thoroughfare with their noses in the air, high hats, and arrow collars white spats, and lots of dollars, spending every dime for a wonderful time
If you're blue and you don't know
where to go to why don't you go
where sidewalks sit
River Mill Ritz
Different types who wear a day
coat pants with stripes and cutaway
coat perfect fits
River Mill Ritz
Dressed up like a million-dollar trooper
Tryin' hard to look like Gary Cooper (super duper)
Come let's mix where Rockefellers
walk with sticks or um-ber-ellas
in their mitts
River Mill Ritz
(tap dance break, and time for a martini)
Dressed up like a million-dollar trooper tryin' hard to look like Gary Cooper (super duper)
If you're blue and you don't know
where to go to why don't you go
where fashion sits
River Mill Ritz
River Mill Ritz
River Mill Ritz
River Mill Ritz
Can't defend the sidewalk vote. That's the sad reality of the situation.
Some of the comments on this site have been hilarious! Whoever is the person commenting about the round-about is actually funny and could make a living as stand-up comedy I’d bet. The way he pokes fun at the people in River mill has made me a regular reader of your blog. I think the River mill people are just too full of themselves and this person has been able to find a chink in their armor. Keep up the funny stuff and I’ll keep reading!
Can't defend the sidewalk vote. That's the sad reality of the situation.
10:07 A very smart man once said: "The best defense is a good offense"
At River Mill, the residents seem very offensive to many of us.
An elitist and "above the rest" is a VERY offensive attitude…so there you have it, for the average Oshkosh resident, we just don’t feel badly for you. You had it coming and you got it.
Turns out it’s tough to defend your offensive attitude.
Now like the guy said, mix yourself a double and find a shady spot and get pickled a little earlier than you normally do on a sunny weekend. You’ve had a tough year.
Beavis, Just buy some shoes, put on your best teeshirt and bring over a six-pack of the High Life to the Mill. If you can't find a garden party, go to Fratello's. I hear the bar is hiring. But tell Paul the owners have high standards for their employees.
9:08 - What is your problem? Can you not get over the River Mills Rd sidewalk issue? (Don't bother accusing me of living on River mills because I don't). Why is your hero Paul against the safety issue of re-aligning the streets indicated in the first response on this thread? Hey wait . . . Paul, is that you masquerading as the dope that cannot get over River Mills? Class envy is so unbecoming. Step one = Get a job.
Has the safety issue been pointed out yet? How many accidents are on the intersection in question per year? Is there data to support changing the intersection. If there is I would support it. If not, why take a building off the tax rolls.
To the fool who tried writing a song, keep your day job -- if you have one, that is.
When is the concrete pouring party planned for the RoundAbout?
Bet the cocktails will be flowing that day! Be sure to share with the contractors performing the work so they make sure to do a good job.
Let me know as I'd love to come on down and see the wonderful sight unfold.
Cheers.
Is this idiocy really what our community is about? I don't mean just the fighting over where not to put sidewalks, but the back and forth cranking at an elected official. Don't like the guy, get off your butt and vote or run against him. What exactly do you think this dickering accomplishes except the degrading of our community. If this behavior were only on this one blog, that would be one thing, but it carries over to several other media outlets.
Miles, is this the legacy of our community and your community website? Free speech is one thing but anonymous attacks veiled under the first amendment does not absolve anyone from responsibility for their words and actions. If this is the measure of our community, we should all be ashamed, especially those that continue the irresponsible behavior and those that promote it.
Does anyone have any clue what any of these people are even talking about anymore?
Beavis, Come on over! Bring darling Paul with you in his best Minnesota Viking togs and a six-pack so that you can both win friends and influence people. Everyone at the Mill will promise to speak slowly and use short words.
Hey Beavis (Paul),
Don't forget the cribbage board.
Only a few weeks after arguing and voting for sidewalks on River Mill Road in the name of safety, Esslinger opposed doing a roundabout at the intersection of Murdock and Jackson, which according to city staff ranks in the top 10 and possibly the top 5 intersections for the most accidents each year.
Pandering Politician Paul Esslinger is a chameleon, to be sure. He changes colors on a regular basis, depending on how much voter support and media attention he can get.
Thanks for the invite pal! We'll certainly be the first to walk the concrete on the RoundAbout when it's completed. The feeling of a safe and secure stroll 'round the River Mill RoundAbout will be second to none. We will stop at any of your cocktail Kool-Aid stands you've set up along the route. Be sure to alternate as if everyone would have one, they'd be way too close together, just like the houses are. We look forward to sharing a cool one with the hot heads on the RoundAbout sometime soon.
Cheers!
But 7:00AM and all other trail users will be taking their lives into their own hands trying to cross Congress. Way to go hypocrite Paul! Actually when you say you're concerned about safety, but in all other votes knowlingly disregard safety, that makes you a liar, Mr. Esslinger.
Beavis,
You might want to learn the diffference between a Culdesac and a Roundabout. Your budy the Paving Czar might be able to explain it to you (or NOT). Monte might even get the public schools to put you on their priority list for remdial education in civics and public safety. The time spent on something useful would save everyone your bad poetry and your fantasies about trashing lawns and garden parties.
The RMSP (River Mill Safety Patrol - River Mill Supports Paul) team would be a wonderful option for the Congress crossing. I think they need to appoint that Don Safety guy to administer breathalyzer tests to all crossing guard before they go on duty though.
Great idea, and a wonderful way for the RoundAbout residents to say "Thank You" in a meaningful way for the new concrete sidewalks they will have installed.
Cheers!
Seems we ought to give YOU a breathalyzer test, 4:29 PM ("all crossing guard" (sic)and "RoundAbout" (sic). Stay off the computer when you've been hitting the sauce.
Seriously though, you can't defend the vote or the process, can you? But be ever mindful, you or your neighborhood may be targeted next by some "community or safety-minded council member."
It really is time to talk about something else....new topic please.
-CJ
Definitely time to talk about something else.
or
Why not start a seperate spew section called "People who hate Paul" and let them vent-i-hate there.
If people want to talk about sidewalks and Paul Esslinger's micromanaging, politicizing decisions (and it looks like they do) you can have a discussion about something else and let the others have theirs. Or you can always stick to the ONW forum. But beware, they have a sidewalk section there too.
Nice day on-tap. The folks on the River Mill round-about have invited Benny G. to join them in their all day cocktail hour. This event will morph from a sidewalk whining pity party to a "What the next project for Benny" benefit.
These "progressive" people really do have the best intention of the entire City in mind....really, honest.
Have fun getting numb Jonny D and Benny G.
Anyone want to help me understand what the continued refernce to drinking regarding the River Mill neighborhood is about? I doubt that the amount of alcohol consumed in that one small neighborhood is any different on average than the city as a whole. Is there something I'm missing here?
Here's a response to those who continue to claim councilman Paul Esslinger was only doing his job when it came to the River Mill sidewalk matter...
The issue they choose to ignore is it WAS and IS an abuse of power.
There is no love lost between councilman Esslinger and former councilman/mayor Jon Dell'Antonia who happens to live in this neighborhood. It's common knowledge that the fact there were no sidewalks there has been a sore spot for Esslinger for years. When he reaized he had enough votes on the council to get it passed (or at least a good chance to do so) he brought forward a resolution ordering in sidewalks in a single neighborhood and then had the audacity to say it was in the name of safety.
If his safety argument is to be believed then one would have to belive that there were no other streets in Oshkosh that needed sidewalks, particularly where people do, in fact, walk. We all know that is not the case. If it were a matter of eliminating disparity, as you call it, he would also have done his homework and brought forward a resolution to order in sidewalks on all other streets where sections of sidewalk or walks in their entirety are missing. We all know that didn't happen either.
Mr. Maguire has published numerous photos of places in Oshkosh where sidewalks are missing, where pedestrians walk and where vehicular traffic is greater than River Mill Road. And here's one more: how many years will the city or Schwab Properties allow the section of sidewalk to be out on Jackson Street just before the bridge heading south? People walk there too and when they get to that section either have to walk on Jackson Street (not a smart thing at all) or in the grass, which has ruts in it and someone could easily fall and break an ankle or worse. Additionally it looks stupid and shabby to have the Sidewalk Closed signs sitting there as they have been for years. And with all the recent focus on that area (Five Rivers, Akcess, the Marathon building purchase, the chamber building purchase discussion) you can't tell me Esslinger (or one of the other councilors) has not seen the signs, seen the problem, seen the traffic, and said "We really ought to do something about this."
Let's get moving on this Esslinger!! Since you're so hot for taking care of things that have languished for years, how about bringing forward another resolution to order in sidewalks there, Mr. Safety and Fixer of Inequities??
If the River Mill sidewalk issue was really about safety or repairing inequities Esslinger needed to do a better job of things. He failed...and miserably. People who know the truth and have all the facts about this situation totally believe Esslinger is full of it and (ab)used his power to get these sidewalks installed. They also believe there would have been nowhere near the uproar about them if he had been more fair and equitable in his approach. He wasn't and it's one more strike against him with many who used to support him.
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