Why care about these water meters?

Reading my comments about the water meter controversy, you might be left wondering why I bother writing about it. So what if folks come across studies on the Internet that tell them radio waves cause cancer? Why shouldn't they be free to make their own choice?

It's true that I experience no harm from my neighbor not wanting a wireless meter. But the discussion on this issue -- the alarmist rhetoric, studies from a small group of 'concerned scientists,' implications of corporate greed, accusations of trampling on freedom -- has a familiar, disturbing ring to it.

More on smart meters and science abuse

The Northside listserv has been atwitter the last few days with more discussion about the smart water meters issue. Unfortunately, fearmongering seems to be getting the upper hand. One of the lead advocates against smart meters, Maria Powell of MEJO, repeats her claim that "studies have shown" these meters and other RF sources cause cancer and other health problems, comparing them to lead and DDT. The increasingly shrill and alarmist nature of these comments aside, what about these studies?

The fact of the matter is, the science on this issue is uncertain and not nearly as relevant to smart meters as Ms. Powell would have Northsiders believe.

Community responds to Brentwood shooting

Last week's shooting on Brentwood Parkway, near Warner Park, has catalyzed a growing response in our neighborhood. Come show your support this Wednesday the 16th:

In response to the shooting that occurred recently on Brentwood Parkway, we will have a Community Response Walk in support of our neighborhood and all the good people living here. City of Madison Police will join us on foot, bicycle, and horseback!

We will meet at St. Paul Church, the parking lot located off of Fremont at 7:00, Wednesday, May 16. The walk will leave from behind the church.

As a group we will then walk down Fremont to Trailsway, up Calypso, cross to Brentwood Parkway on Wyldewood, down Brentwood Parkway and on Trailsway and up Monterey.

We will then have some refreshments and social time in Monterey Park. Others from the Northside will be joining us. Dr. Wayne Dyer says there are only two important things to remember, either we have fear or we have love. Let's all put some love out there.

We plan to continue this on a weekly basis.

Questions – contact Dolly O'Laughlin, President, Brentwood Village Assn. 249-8796 or the Northside Planning Council are 661-0060 ext 2.

Water meters get ire flowing

Yeah, I haven't written in awhile. Turns out that starting a blog while starting a new job and expecting/having one's first baby isn't the best idea. So what's the explosive issue bringing me back to Ruskin Street?

Water meters.

Smoky Jon's robbed...help 'em out!

Madison's best barbeque joint was robbed Saturday night by a masked, gun-toting thug. This is particularly disturbing for me, given that he fled down Manley Street toward my house and neither I nor my family were any the wiser. And those of us who live nearby and frequent Smoky Jon's know the employee who had a gun pointed in her face; it must've been terrifying.

So if you're grabbing a bite to eat over the next few weeks, make a point of patronizing Smoky Jon's. Show this local treasure the neighborhood has their back.

Standing up for Vera Court

With 7 (!) charged in the apparent gang homicide on October 20th, neighbors and community leaders are getting together Thursday night to organize against this crime. The meeting is at 6:30 p.m. at the Vera Court Neighborhood Center, and everyone in the neighborhood is invited to attend.

Community involvement is crucial to ensuring that isolated incidents of gang violence do not metastasize into ongoing problems. A meeting like this is a great place to start, but it's just that - a start. Keeping this from growing into a problem requires a real commitment. Fortunately Ald. Weier and other neighborhood leaders seem to get that, and I'm hopeful for the future.

Johnson/Gorham moving forward...where are our alders?

As mentioned a month ago, the City will soon conduct a study on switching East Johnson and Gorham Streets to two-way traffic, as part of the reconstruction of Johnson. What's billed as the first of four meetings on the proposal will be held on November 10th.

Where are our Northside alders on this?