Your Opinions

Posted: Nov. 8, 2007

MILWAUKEE ALDERMEN

Cut council in half

Here's an idea. Give the aldermen the raise they seek, but reduce the number of aldermen by half ("Aldermen could see pay increase," Nov. 3). Calls to their offices always seems to be answered by staff.

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To receive a high salary and to want more wears on the taxpayers who pay their wages.

Larry Garland
Milwaukee

High pay not merited

I am an Iraq war veteran and a firefighter, so I can say I have two jobs that justify pay at the level Milwaukee's aldermen seek. One of the jobs is to protect my country; the other is to protect my community.

When the alderman can do that, then they will deserve a wage increase. I could only have dreamed of that kind of money while I was deployed in a hostile environment serving the United States of America.

Nathaniel C. Green
Milwaukee

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CLEAR-CUTTING

Beautiful area diminished

I am writing to express my displeasure with Heartland Development's clear-cutting of the Milwaukee River public access area in Glendale ("Denuding denounced," Nov. 2). This area is approximately one-third of a mile from my home and has been used by many for recreational uses including fishing, hiking and mountain biking.

The Milwaukee River Estuary is what led the first American Indian and European settlers here. Destroying what beauty remains so that it can be further developed is the worst kind of irony.

I feel that this clear-cutting, besides being an unfortunate surprise and an eyesore, contributes to the further deterioration of the river's already tenuous ecology.

Suzanne Kreuziger
Glendale

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TRANSPORTATION

Misguided path on region's transit

Milwaukee is one of the few major cities without a good mass transit system. In my view, this directs people, money and resources out of the city. The results are urban decay and its stepchildren: crime, violence in the schools, poverty, etc.

It is amazing to me that as soon as a developer and some constituents want a freeway interchange near the suburban Pabst Farms mall, we can find $25 million to do it. But when it comes to funding the Metra extension from Kenosha to Milwaukee, we can't find a nickel.

I guess, as the saying goes, if nothing changes, nothing changes. If the populace and the leaders they elect continue to think the automobile culture is working, it perseveres - along with its problems.

R. Bowen
Milwaukee

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JIM RYAN

Children have lost a caring advocate

As a former employee of Penfield Children's Center, I can attest to the emptiness that the loss of Jim Ryan has created, which will be felt by former and current employees. Jim was a true leader and advocate.

He was a quiet leader, never insisting on public recognition for his many contributions. In fact, I was never aware of many of the contributions for which he was responsible.

There are many people who are going to feel a void in their lives because of his passing. Wisconsin's children are going to miss a caring and gifted advocate.

Tricia Thompson
Menomonie

Heroic deeds done for young kids

As a coordinator of volunteers at Milwaukee College Prep School, I can verify that Jim Ryan was a warm and wonderful hero among children.

Not only did he provide service through his role at Penfield Children's Center and as village president of Hales Corners, he also found time to volunteer for years in our Reading is Fundamental program.

Jim would coordinate a dozen other Rotary members who would come to our school, read to our scholars and share their love of reading with young children. Often times, Jim would speak so personally about the benefits of enjoying a good book. Jim never missed an opportunity to pass on positive words of encouragement to our students.

Milwaukee College Prep School is all the better because of his extraordinary example of kindness and generosity. We already miss Jim Ryan.

Maggie Broeren
Milwaukee

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HEALTH CARE

Real competition requires transparency

The Journal Sentinel's Public Investigator report detailing the charges by John S. Lanham highlights an often overlooked problem with our health care system ("Podiatrist's $4,378 bill for hourlong visit stuns patient, other physicians," Nov. 5).

Unlike almost all other industries, the health care sector has never really competed on price. This is despite the fact that consumers are shouldering an ever-increasing portion of total health care costs. It is doubtful that anyone would have paid more than $4,000 for a single office visit and an injection.

These problems could be reduced if legislators enacted the following:

• Require menu pricing for patients out of network or with no insurance.

• Open disclosure of prices paid by insurance companies to hospitals and providers.

Real competition requires price disclosure. Let's give it a try in health care.

David Stein
Director, Milwaukee Pain Treatment Services
Milwaukee