Here are selected comments made recently on The Capital Times’ “Sound Off” phone line. To make your own comment, click on “Discussion” above or call “Sound Off” at 252-6434.

Library and bus fares

“Do you remember when we had to have the fare increase for the buses otherwise we couldn’t afford them? So they raised taxes to pay for the new library that Mayor Dave Cieslewicz wants done, but not for the buses that people use.”

Taxpayers hurting

“We’re one of the top 10 states that could end up like California in dire financial hardship yet the city approved a new library and set aside money that might subsidize a hotel expansion in the next few years. Now, Mayor Dave, explain to us taxpayers, who are being bled dry, how we are going to afford to pay for this Edgewater Hotel that we don’t need.”

Edgewater Hotel

“I saw a commercial during a recent football game that said if they build the Edgewater, the sports teams will come and stay there. I think the sports teams will stay at hotels where they can get a cheaper price. They keep wanting to subsidize all these private industries, but want us to pay for our garbage pickup and raise our taxes.”

Regional Transit Authority

“This is in regard to the Regional Transit Authority recently approved by the Dane County Board. What are those people thinking? They’ve wasted millions on a study for a train that people in this area do not want and will not use. It has nothing good for the rest of Dane County and they’ve decided to waste our tax dollars on something that only helps Madison.”

Obama verses Bush

“Our conservative friends are criticizing President Obama and all the liberals. It’s pretty funny these people weren’t saying anything during eight years of Bush where unemployment was going up and jobs were shrinking. But after only 10 months of Obama, all of a sudden it’s all his fault and the Bush administration has nothing to do with it. I don’t know what you people are smoking, but pass some my way.”

Focus on heroin

“All of the legislators are trying to make their name by prosecuting drunken drivers, increasing the penalties to felonies, and raising taxes on alcohol. Instead they should refocus on the heroin situation because it isn’t drunken drivers breaking into houses, stealing jewelry while people are at work.”

Taking care of vets

“People talk about saluting Veterans Day. I remember fishing with my grandfather and a friend of his, both veterans, in the 1960s when Congress took away their pensions. My dad was in just about every battle in North Africa, but he couldn’t even get a state VA loan when he got out. I hope these young guys thinking about enlisting look at the real facts because they don’t take care of you like they say they will.”

Heroin discharges

“Another comment on how the country takes care of veterans. I personally pulled guard duty on heroin discharges in Vietnam. Guys who got hooked on smack were sent back to Fort Lewis and discharged right into the streets with no treatment whatsoever. This is how they take care of people.”

Cheesehead turnover

“It’s nice Mansfield Neblett was going to donate his cheesehead signed by President Obama to the Wisconsin Historical Society. But why does the ceremony have to take place on Nov. 11? That is the same time the veterans are celebrating. They could have picked a different day for the turnover.”

Caveman backers

“The only question for the followers of the Caveman (Citizens Against Voting for Endless Madison Area Nonsense) movement is: Cro-Magnon or Neanderthal?”

Offers for apartments

“Had these Badger Road landlords been responsible throughout their ownership I might have some level of sympathy when the city wants to buy their properties at less than assessed values. In fact, these apartments have been the site of prostitution and drug sales. They contributed to the devaluation of the whole area.”

Senior housing

“You either have to stand behind the city of Madison acquiring these properties for senior housing on Badger Road, or you’re going to set a precedent that’s going to slow them down from doing anything. This is the beginning of trying to improve the lives of everyone.”

Green Bay Packers

“Two seasons ago the Packers were one pass away from the Super Bowl. Now I think it’s time for coach Mike McCarthy and general manager Ted Thompson to resign. A lot of Packer fans should remember this phrase: After further review, the Packers still suck.”

Packers coaches

“Callers to and hosts of local sports talk shows are pathetically parochial. The idea that coaches would want to go to Green Bay because it is a storied franchise is delusional. Vince Lombardi and Mike Holmgren wanted out. Green Bay has terrible weather and no action for millionaire players.”

CFLs didn’t last

“I’ve had about 20 compact fluorescent light bulbs blow out so far. They are supposed to last seven years. I am going back to incandescent bulbs. Before I’m ever going to buy a compact fluorescent light bulb again, they should have a date on them, and if they blow before then, I should get my money back.”

Add or View Comment

Login to post your comment. If you don't have an account, you may register for one.