If anyone is still out there to read this, there is still one more thing I want to say:
During the candidates forum I was asked: What could be done to attract families to Monona? I declined to answer, both because of the short time allowed and because I didn't think it was an appropriate part of the debate. I did say that there were many things that could be done. Here is my list - I don't take credit for these ideas, and I don't know how practical each is or how they might be implemented. But this is just a starting point for the discussion:
1) Market - design a brochure touting the city, distribute to:
Real estate agents, UW employement relocation services,
Major employer HR departments ...
Host annual tours/events for realtors & relocation services
2) Improve Housing stock:
Homeowners' TIF
loan programs for remodeling
expedited/relaxed building permits
Remodeled home tour
Subsidize professional architecture/design consulting with homeowners in some way.
Devise a tech program around design/architecture with the high school that focuses on home remodels. (something MGSD could do)
Establish a database of contractors that includes information on customer satisfaction.
3) Pick a spring flowering tree variety appropriate to our climate and encourage homeowners to plant it in their front yards, and integrate it into the Monona drive reconstruction landscaping- so that we become known as the city with the beautiful spring display
4) Improve the streets, improve the streets, improve the streets
5) Add sidewalks
6) Improve Code enforcement to prevent unsightly properties from detracting from the value of neighboring houses. (Don't let yokels like me leave old windows from the remodel leaning on the outside of the garage for a year!)
7) Establish bike/walking corridors that make better use of our parks and give better access to commercial areas.
8) Establish a Dog park as a destination, perhaps in Maywood park
9) Establish a unified design based on unique architectural elements for new development on Monona drive and in commercial districts.
10) Clean up the beaches - add sand and remove organic debris to make these attractive places for kids to swim. This means containing our stormwater outfall - perhaps by re-establishing small wetlands in some areas that border the lake.
11) Improve lake access/useability - establish kayak/canoe racks in lakefront parks - expanding access to the marina in stonebridge park - perhaps a public marina in the development at Lottes or Tonyawatha park.
12) Discourage the conversion of owner-occupied homes to rental properties.
13) The reconstructon of Monona drive leads to all kinds of possibilities for redevelopment. I would love to have a "downtown" area in town that is a destination for people from throughout the county - how can we encourage this?
What do YOU think?
Friday, April 6, 2007
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Election Results
Susan Manning 1,926 24%
Peter Sobol 1,615 19%
John Weinberger 1,540 18%
Nancy Allen 1,332 16%
Randy Parvin 1,108 13%
Sharon Henes 870 10%
For better or worse, the citizens of Monona and Cottage Grove have seen fit to elect me to the MGSD School Board, along with Susan Manning and returning John Weinberger. I thank each of you for the confidence you have placed in me and I hope and pray that we can all live up to your expectations!
Peter Sobol 1,615 19%
John Weinberger 1,540 18%
Nancy Allen 1,332 16%
Randy Parvin 1,108 13%
Sharon Henes 870 10%
For better or worse, the citizens of Monona and Cottage Grove have seen fit to elect me to the MGSD School Board, along with Susan Manning and returning John Weinberger. I thank each of you for the confidence you have placed in me and I hope and pray that we can all live up to your expectations!
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Reading List
The issues facing the school board and the questions facing the candidates are complicated, and are not amenable to succinct answers. Try as I might, reducing answers to 20 words (WSJ) or even 100 words (H-I) - just doesn't leave me with results that I think can fairly express the issues, or my thoughts on them. Here is a list of links to items on this blog that hopefully will give the undecided voter a bit more to consider:
On the Issues
LWV Questionaire
What’s the Difference?
Candidates Forum
Letters of Endorsement
On the Issues
LWV Questionaire
What’s the Difference?
Candidates Forum
Letters of Endorsement
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Door-to-Door
It has been pointed out in the Herald Independant that some of the literature I use door-to-door in Monona and CG is different between the two communities. The first thing I have to say is that it’s nice to see someone is actually reading my literature! Yes this is a difference, but the reason is simple – that each piece tries to answer with limited resources the different questions I have received from each community.
Weeks ago (when it was still bitterly cold!), I started going door-to-door in both CG and Monona and talking with residents who didn’t yet know me. Many of you have taken the opportunity to ask me questions and discuss your concerns about the school district. But in each community I often get different questions – In addition to concerns about costs and achievement, CG voters frequently ask me why they should support someone from Monona. As a Monona resident I am asked to establish my credentials as someone who will look out for the interests of the district as a whole. The literature I hand out in CG responds directly to this question. Being better known in Monona, and as a resident, my resources are better used here by directly answering questions on other issues such as achievement, costs and leadership.
There is of course one more big thing driving the difference in literature. With no other contested elections in Cottage Grove candidates for other offices are not out to remind voters of the importance of the upcoming elections. The flyer I hand out in CG does stress the importance that a vote on April 3rd will have. In Monona, with a hotly contested city council race, that point is not necessary – and I use the space for other issues.
The literature in question I only use when going door-to-door myself, because it helps answer questions I get in person. With a very few exceptions, if you have received a piece before 3/22 – then it was because I personally stopped at your home to give you a chance to meet me and ask questions. My other pieces of literature – including my longer “On The Issues” document (also available at //petersobol.blogspot.com) and pieces distributed by the volunteers (to whom I am eternally grateful), are identical regardless of where they are distributed.
Lastly I stand behind all the statments I have made in all my pieces of literature - they represent me as truly as I can make them. Like my critics, I urge you to consider my actions before voting April 3rd.
Weeks ago (when it was still bitterly cold!), I started going door-to-door in both CG and Monona and talking with residents who didn’t yet know me. Many of you have taken the opportunity to ask me questions and discuss your concerns about the school district. But in each community I often get different questions – In addition to concerns about costs and achievement, CG voters frequently ask me why they should support someone from Monona. As a Monona resident I am asked to establish my credentials as someone who will look out for the interests of the district as a whole. The literature I hand out in CG responds directly to this question. Being better known in Monona, and as a resident, my resources are better used here by directly answering questions on other issues such as achievement, costs and leadership.
There is of course one more big thing driving the difference in literature. With no other contested elections in Cottage Grove candidates for other offices are not out to remind voters of the importance of the upcoming elections. The flyer I hand out in CG does stress the importance that a vote on April 3rd will have. In Monona, with a hotly contested city council race, that point is not necessary – and I use the space for other issues.
The literature in question I only use when going door-to-door myself, because it helps answer questions I get in person. With a very few exceptions, if you have received a piece before 3/22 – then it was because I personally stopped at your home to give you a chance to meet me and ask questions. My other pieces of literature – including my longer “On The Issues” document (also available at //petersobol.blogspot.com) and pieces distributed by the volunteers (to whom I am eternally grateful), are identical regardless of where they are distributed.
Lastly I stand behind all the statments I have made in all my pieces of literature - they represent me as truly as I can make them. Like my critics, I urge you to consider my actions before voting April 3rd.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Candidate Forum
Yesterday witnessed the Monona Grove School Board Candidate Forum hosted by the LWV, the PTO organization and Channel 12. Thanks to all that helped make this happen, and all those that tuned in.
The forum will be rebroadcast on Channel 12 in Monona and CG: Click here for Monona Schedule , Tune to channel 12 for the schedule in CG.
I have posted here my opening and closing statements for those who missed the broadcast:
Good evening, My name is Peter Sobol – I live with my wife Kristin and two children on Midwood avenue in Monona – My kids, Katherine and Will, attend Nichols elementary in the 3rd and 4th grades.
Several years ago we moved from California to Monona in large part driven by a desire to find better school options for our children. Our research convinced us that this area has some of the best public schools in the country, the tangible community support apparent in the Monona Grove schools convinced us that this would be an excellent place to educate our children. What we found here was more than great schools, but also a great community and great neighbors. There is a sense of community here that is missing in many places in this country, a sense of community that pulls you in and makes one want to be a part – to participate and give back.
I first got involved with the schools over the issue of the district split – my own analysis, backed up by the contracted studies, led me to see that this would be detrimental to the district and a threat to my investment in the community. Since then I have worked with members and leaders of both Monona and Cottage Grove in support of district unity and to meet the need for improved quality facilities in the district.
Friends and neighbors who got to know during this time convinced me that I had skills that would make me an asset to the school board, and that this would be a good way for me to take advantage of my talents to participate in the community. I am a scientist by training and profession who had moved up the corporate ladder to senior management of large successful organization. I have made a career of analysis – gathering information, assembling and analyzing it in creative ways in order to make informed decisions. More than anything else I bring to the school board the unbiased and independent analytical approach to problem solving that has made me an asset to every organization I have been a part of.
This district, compared to others, is in a great shape. Thanks to community support, we are NOT in the position where we have to make the tough decisions about cuts to services and programming that would degrade the educational experience of our students. The best way to maintain this community support is to carefully manage the resources of the district with an eye toward the future– so that it is clear that every dollar is BEST spent – and to regularly solicit and respond to feedback from all stakeholders.
Lastly, I am the challenger who has consistently supported and worked toward the continued unity of this district, and has gone to bat in support of what I honestly believe is the best interest of both communities. Although we purchased a house in Monona, an investment I want very much to protect, we also recognized we were buying into the unified Monona Grove school district. I strongly believe that the job of the school board is to place the interests of the students first, and be guided by the principle that from the point of view of the student, there should be, as much as possible, equal access to equivalent education and quality resources. By doing so the needs of both communities are served best.
Closing Statement
I want to thank the League of Women Voters, The PTO organizations and channel 12 for organizing and hosting this forum. I want to thank the other candidates for their concern for and willingness to serve the schools and the communities in which we reside. I want to thank the audience and viewers who have taken this time to become informed about the candidates. And I want to thank the community for building this quality district that drew us here – you have accomplished much to be proud of.
At the end of the day I have a vision where Dane County residents can compare school districts and conclude that the Monona Grove school district is the best place to educate their children. Parents will be able to see that this school district provides the best education, programs, opportunities and outcomes in a safe, nurturing environment. It is ambitious, but when I consider our community support, leadership focused on achievement and excellent teaching staff, I know it is within our reach. Our communities pay a lot for these schools and they have a right to demand excellence.
The forum will be rebroadcast on Channel 12 in Monona and CG: Click here for Monona Schedule , Tune to channel 12 for the schedule in CG.
I have posted here my opening and closing statements for those who missed the broadcast:
Good evening, My name is Peter Sobol – I live with my wife Kristin and two children on Midwood avenue in Monona – My kids, Katherine and Will, attend Nichols elementary in the 3rd and 4th grades.
Several years ago we moved from California to Monona in large part driven by a desire to find better school options for our children. Our research convinced us that this area has some of the best public schools in the country, the tangible community support apparent in the Monona Grove schools convinced us that this would be an excellent place to educate our children. What we found here was more than great schools, but also a great community and great neighbors. There is a sense of community here that is missing in many places in this country, a sense of community that pulls you in and makes one want to be a part – to participate and give back.
I first got involved with the schools over the issue of the district split – my own analysis, backed up by the contracted studies, led me to see that this would be detrimental to the district and a threat to my investment in the community. Since then I have worked with members and leaders of both Monona and Cottage Grove in support of district unity and to meet the need for improved quality facilities in the district.
Friends and neighbors who got to know during this time convinced me that I had skills that would make me an asset to the school board, and that this would be a good way for me to take advantage of my talents to participate in the community. I am a scientist by training and profession who had moved up the corporate ladder to senior management of large successful organization. I have made a career of analysis – gathering information, assembling and analyzing it in creative ways in order to make informed decisions. More than anything else I bring to the school board the unbiased and independent analytical approach to problem solving that has made me an asset to every organization I have been a part of.
This district, compared to others, is in a great shape. Thanks to community support, we are NOT in the position where we have to make the tough decisions about cuts to services and programming that would degrade the educational experience of our students. The best way to maintain this community support is to carefully manage the resources of the district with an eye toward the future– so that it is clear that every dollar is BEST spent – and to regularly solicit and respond to feedback from all stakeholders.
Lastly, I am the challenger who has consistently supported and worked toward the continued unity of this district, and has gone to bat in support of what I honestly believe is the best interest of both communities. Although we purchased a house in Monona, an investment I want very much to protect, we also recognized we were buying into the unified Monona Grove school district. I strongly believe that the job of the school board is to place the interests of the students first, and be guided by the principle that from the point of view of the student, there should be, as much as possible, equal access to equivalent education and quality resources. By doing so the needs of both communities are served best.
Closing Statement
I want to thank the League of Women Voters, The PTO organizations and channel 12 for organizing and hosting this forum. I want to thank the other candidates for their concern for and willingness to serve the schools and the communities in which we reside. I want to thank the audience and viewers who have taken this time to become informed about the candidates. And I want to thank the community for building this quality district that drew us here – you have accomplished much to be proud of.
At the end of the day I have a vision where Dane County residents can compare school districts and conclude that the Monona Grove school district is the best place to educate their children. Parents will be able to see that this school district provides the best education, programs, opportunities and outcomes in a safe, nurturing environment. It is ambitious, but when I consider our community support, leadership focused on achievement and excellent teaching staff, I know it is within our reach. Our communities pay a lot for these schools and they have a right to demand excellence.
Friday, February 16, 2007
What's the difference?
One of the questions I have received is: What differentiates you from the current school board members, and what differentiates you from the other candidates?
I am a scientist by profession, what has made me successful in that career is the realization that the thorough analytical approaches to problem solving one develops as a scientist are applicable to all areas of decision making. What I do best is gather information, break it down and analyze it in creative ways, and use it to provide answers and make the right decisions. I have developed an unbiased analytical approach that has made me an asset to every organization I have been a part of.
Furthermore I hear from teachers, administrators and parents that one of the areas for improvement in our district is in the math and science curriculum, especially at the high school level. My educational and professional background means that I can bring a perspective to our math and science curriculum that is otherwise lacking on the school board.
Lastly, I am a candidate who has consistently supported the continued unity of this district, and has gone to bat in support of the best interests of both communities. Although we purchased a house in Monona, we also recognized we were buying into the unified Monona Grove school district. I strongly believe that the job of the school board is to place the interests of the students first, regardless of where they come from, but by doing so both communities are served best.
Next question?
I am a scientist by profession, what has made me successful in that career is the realization that the thorough analytical approaches to problem solving one develops as a scientist are applicable to all areas of decision making. What I do best is gather information, break it down and analyze it in creative ways, and use it to provide answers and make the right decisions. I have developed an unbiased analytical approach that has made me an asset to every organization I have been a part of.
Furthermore I hear from teachers, administrators and parents that one of the areas for improvement in our district is in the math and science curriculum, especially at the high school level. My educational and professional background means that I can bring a perspective to our math and science curriculum that is otherwise lacking on the school board.
Lastly, I am a candidate who has consistently supported the continued unity of this district, and has gone to bat in support of the best interests of both communities. Although we purchased a house in Monona, we also recognized we were buying into the unified Monona Grove school district. I strongly believe that the job of the school board is to place the interests of the students first, regardless of where they come from, but by doing so both communities are served best.
Next question?
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
Questions!
Over the past few months I have been interviewing Residents, Teachers and Administrators in our School district, and asking lots of questions to try and understand all points of view. The experience has been illuminating.
Now you can help me by asking questions: about me, my vision for our Schools and what I would do for our communities. Please email them to: sobol_p@yahoo.com. I will try to give considered answers in this space!
Now you can help me by asking questions: about me, my vision for our Schools and what I would do for our communities. Please email them to: sobol_p@yahoo.com. I will try to give considered answers in this space!
Thanks
Thanks again to everyone who turned out to make our fundraising events a success! Especially the wonderful people from Monona and Cottage Grove who braved Sunday's bitter cold. For those who couldn't make it contributions are still very much appreciated - send your checks to: Sobol for School Board, 6005 Midwood Ave, Monona, WI, 53716
Another pair of fundraising events will be held for John Wienberger and Nancy Allen around the end of this month. Stay tuned for information.
Another pair of fundraising events will be held for John Wienberger and Nancy Allen around the end of this month. Stay tuned for information.
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