Tami_Hughes' Blog

Did you get to see my story on Friday about the Sales Tax Referndum facing voters in Milwaukee County of Tuesday?  You should, it's very intersting, just search "sales tax" and you can watch it on our website.

It calls for a 1% sales tax increase... saying that money will go to transit, parks and emergency management services, PLUS provide property property tax relief.  Well, County Executive Scott Walker says when the sales tax was increased back in 1991, it was also said that it would provide tax relief for property owners.  However, he showed charts that illustrated property taxes GOING UP every year since.  From 1992 to 2007, he says they've gone up 71%!!  So he's encouraging people to vote 'no' saying you just shouldn't trust that your property taxes will go down as a result of increasing the sales tax.

However, several county Supervisors spoke out, about how bad of shape those agencies are in, one even called it a "life and death situation"-- referring to the EMS budget.  They say the sales tax increase would result in a property tax savings of  about $150 a year, on a $150,000 home. 

Watch my story so you can decide for yourself!

I can't stop eating candy!!  I NEVER buy candy, ever.  But of course, at Halloween I have to, my neighborhood is a big Trick-or-Treat spot.  Here are a few observations:  lots of people passed out little bags of chips this year.  Not sure what to make of that-- it's definitely a generous treat, but my kids really only seem to care about the candy. 

Also-Halloween reminds me how much I hate candy like Now 'n Laters (they'll rip your teeth out!:) Smarties, and Dots (my kids love them.)  But I LOVE anything Butterfinger, Twizzlers, and my new favorite is a weird one called Take 5- it's got sweet chocolate and caramel with a salty twist of a pretzel!  Love it!

 

 

I was going to title this post "Will race matter?" but changed my mind because I already know the answer to that, the real question is how much.  People who say America isn't ready for a black president... well we're never ready until we're ready.  America wasn't ready for a black baseball player, but we were ready for Jackie Robinson. 

While I think the majority of America will not consider race when they cast their ballot, I can't help but wonder about how many people will.  I, unfortunately, grew up in a town in Southeastern Ohio where the 'n' word was not common, but not that rare.  I hate to admit, I have relatives who still use it today.  There is no diversity there, only white people.  Perhaps that makes me overly sensitive to the issue... others who were raised in a more diverse, tolerant climate may be less pessimistic, and rightly so.  

So here's the question- how big of a role will race be and will it be a decisive factor? 

 

Ok, this is directed mainly for the ladies, because, well it just is.  I know this sounds lame and perhaps opportunistic, but is it just me or is Aaron Rodgers kinda hot?  I've seriously never really noticed before- but he's been so smiley lately, and he's got the big blue eyes- he's sort of hot!  I mean thank goodness he cut his hair, that was definitely not working for him.  I don't know if it's the appeal of success or just a man that's stepping up and taking charge (don't go there, you know what I'm saying!  :)  But honestly, let me be the first to say, Goodbye Brett!!  Hello, Aaron!!

I know the title sounds horrible- let me explain.  It was no nice and refreshing, on this, the anniversary of that horrible day, to see our political leaders STOP for a moment and get back to what matters.  I have been so sickened over the last few weeks with the horrible tone of the presidential campaign- it really doesn't do anyone any good.  I wish the general public and especially the media didn't feed into it like we do.

And that's why I'm thankful for today- to have a ceasefire in all the campaign B.S. and have Americans be civil to one another again.  I know tomorrow will likely be back to the drama again, but that makes me sad.  Aren't we better than that? Didn't that day teach us anything?

I have a question for all you runners- Is there a right way to breathe when you run?  I ran a lot in college and then had a baby, so I've been walking awhile.  Well I'm trying to do more running again, and I can't get a good breathing pattern going!  I remember a guy telling me a long time ago how to breathe- but I can't remember.  Is it in through your mouth and out through your nose?  Does it even matter? 

 

 

I'm sure you've heard that McCain's choice for VP, Alaskan Gov. Sarah Palin has announced her unmarried, 17-year-old daughter, is pregnant.  Obama said right away, "Family members are off limits!"  He says it's a non-issue, after all his mother had him when she was just 18.

So I ask- whether or not it's something the candidates discuss, which I'm sure they'll take the high road-- What do you, as voters, think about it?  Does it matter? 

I suppose I shouldn't be surprised... BUT.  I've noticed quite often that when I ask someone about the Presidential election, people are not quite excited as I am, and I'm a little surprised.  I hear things like "Oh, they all lie anyway, who cares?"  "They all say whatever to get eleced, I don't believe either of them!"  "I'm not voting for either one of them!"

I understand frustration with the political process, we have a lot invested in what happens, and we often get disappointed.  But when I look at the options this year- A first ever African American President, or now a woman Vice President- I think this is so exciting!  Am I just a delusional optimist?  I'm not a fan of the political ads, but I absorb what I can in interviews and on their websites, because I guess I feel a responsibility to know where the candidates stand-- and these two tickets are awfully different this year.

So I'm just wondering- Are you jaded, too?

I can't really talk about it on the air, since it would be promoting another network (shame, shame)- but I can blog about just about anything!  :)

Have you been watching the Olympics from Beijing?  I have missed a lot of sleep because I can't get myself to turn off the gymnastics coverage at night!  Thank goodness that's over.

My favorite so far has definitley been the men's 4x100 freestyle relay in which Jason Lezak had the swim of his life to put the U.S. ahead of the trash talking Frenchies.  It was an unbelievable finish, and helped give Phelps one of his EIGHT golds!  That, and watching Usein Bolt just destroy everyone in his path- that is without a doubt the fastest thing I've ever seen, unbelievable.  He's like superhuman.

What are your faves?

I understand the wide range of emotions regarding the Brett Favre/Packers saga.  It is absolutely sad what's happened between the two.  I understand people choosing sides or feeling more allegiance to one or the other-people are entitled to their feelings and opinions.

But here's what I don't understand, these people who are lined up at the fence as the Packers practice and cheer to "Bring Brett Back"- you're doing nothing but being a disruption to the team who's name you wear on your chest.  Again, they are entitled to their opinions-write the front office, leave Ted Thompson messages demanding a change- But don't stand outside the team practice and create even more of a distraction for "your" team.  Honestly, it's like standing outside our studio and yelling at Ted Perry as he comes in to work about how much you love and want Jerry Taff to unretire.  Weird analogy, I know, but you hear what I'm saying.

Honestly those people should lose their game seats (if they have them) and any right to wear a Packers jersey or hat.  They may be fans, but they're not Packers fans. With fans like that- who needs Bears fans.