On September 1 the Brewers will make their last stand. It is the time that major league teams can expand their rosters. It is the time when tems decide which minor league players are in their future plans. It is the time when players are either upgraded, downgraded or traded. A few are just released. it is the time when contracts are an issue. It is the time to decide if a team is a real contender.

So let us take a look.

Right now the brewers are in 3rd place in their division about 12 games out of 1st place. Their pitching staff has not been improved enough to have 4 dependable starting pitchers. STOP THERE. HEARD ENOUGH ?

The plus factors are a team that can and should produce runs but do not do so each day. A defense that is at least even with other teams. But baseball history says that the winners are those with outstanding pitching in the final analysis.

This is no time to blame the front office or the manager. Good teams still win. This is no time to use hindsight cause foresight is proven to be better.

This is the time to make some important franchise decisions.

In my opinion the brewers must keep their lineup intact and at the same time start working on obtaining 2 or 3 frontline pitchers. First get rid of the weak links in the pitching staff : Parra, Davis, Hawkins, Bush and the pitching coach. None will makeup a championship team. It is not my problem how this is done, maybe eating some salaries, trades or outright releases. That done the front office needs to bring in any and all minor league pitchers that can throw strikes and from there take youth over experience. After that it is time to look at who is available under 30 years of age on other rosters. The trade bait are the above pitchers, Prince Fielder, Escobar (slightly overrated), Gomez, Dickerson, Gerut and Kottarus. Who stays? The entire bullpen including Hoffman for his team value and maybe pitching coach, outfielders, Braun, Cain and Hart; infielders Mcghee and Weeks and catcher Lucroy. What no Fielder or Escobar. Right. Mcghee or Hart can play  1st base and there are minor leaguers who can play shortstop and 1st base. Amongst them are Kohansky 1B, Lawrie (anywhere), Salmones C, and in spring training the entire AAA roster. Foolish ? No. There is an entire winter for these guys to improve their ability. There is an entire winter to coax JJ Hardy to come back. There is an entire winter to make decisions. Who will carry the offense. Not Fielder. Pitchers have his number. Not Escobar. A good talent but not a good bet. They are Braun, Hart, Mcghee, Weeks and Cain who I really like.

I was hoping to get Roy Oswalt and maybe next year. Lee is always available. Zambrano (Cubs) may be available.

Change Managers? Not now. Macha was not my favorite but he has proven to be a good example and a good baseball man. In the meantime. Dale Sveum and Don Money are ready and waiting.

Not a bad start the have Yo and Wolff as starters, with Narveson in the wings. Thats 3. Only need 1 more.

Go Prince or Prince Go. I had written this blog a few weeks ago and kept putting it aside because each game might change things. But things are not going to change. The Brewers cannot win their division with the present pitching staff even if Prince becomes an all-star first baseman, which he is not. There are many first basemen in the major leagues that are better.

At the end of next season Prince and/or his agent will demand a huge salary far above his weight which is another problem. The Brewers will not pay him.

We need a gold glove first baseman who can also hit in the clutch, if even a single, like former Cub Mark Grace. There are players on the present roster who can do that at first base. Corey Hart, a former infielder, Casey at bat who needs a position without more movement (bad legs). Ryan Braun will not switch cause he won't be an all star at first base. Matt Gamel is having a weak year in the minors.

To the point, Prince is not a game breaker.

Trade Prince now for someone like who I like Oswalt of Houston.

Look at the bright side. Rickie Weeks finally became a good lead off hitter. The relief pitching is very good. The catchers are an improvement. Escobar keeps his cool. Lorenzo Cain may now  be ready for game time. The pitching for next year has only 2 starters, Yo and Randy W. The rest can take a long rest.  Get pitching while you can. On or two more proven starting pitchers and Prince will not be missed.

LAWYERS. My ambition was to be a baseball player, with an education to boot. After getting my B.A. degree My family was adament that I be the first professional person so I gave it a try. Not too long after enrolling in law school my competitive instincts kicked in and I became determined to learn the law as it was taught. Then came an interruption with military service and after an honorable discharge I returned to law school and graduated from Marquette University. All this time I was working to raise and save money for my legal education without any federal or state benefits. I was not interested in working for someone else so I opened a law office on 35th and W.Vliet St., moved my location a few times and now am an 50+ year member of the State Bar of Wisconsin still working in my profession.

My law practice included personal injury, criminal law, real estate and property law, corporation law and a general field of almost any other subject. The courtroom was my favorite place and I was a trial lawyer for my entire career. My story is quite common amongst my peers and also with my son and daughter, both lawyers, who are still paying off student loans for their legal education.

To be a solo practitioner is amost impossible today. The cost of operating a law office is very steep with equipment, secretarial, rent, advertising and numerous other expenses to pay. In addition the solo lawyer does it all, faxing, copying, phoning, word processing, running errands, research and whatever it takes. The only satisfaction is that you are your own boss and personally service your clients, which for someone like me has been worth the efforts.

Collecting attorney fees is the biggest problem for a lawyer. Lawyers have no insurance coverage like physicians, cannot withhold (mostly) advice once a client is taken in, and because many clients have financial issues take on cases that may or may not gain financial return. The US Supreme Court years ago decided that lawyer advertising was legal which led to the promotional ads now seen on TV, phone books, mailings, web sites and all other forms. There are many efficient lawyers who do not advertise,as such, and I have been one of them. Unlike most business instutions lawyers are subject to punishment for unethical behavior.

For a lawyer the hours are long, the cases are complex, the clients are already in trouble, the learning process is never ending, the adverse system is either win or lose, and their creditors want to be paid like anyone else.

Over time many young people and their parents have asked me if I recommend a legal education. My answer is always YES. President Lincoln said: "a lawyers time and advice is his stock in trade".

Packer Draft nite was something to remember. I watched the drama unfold not knowing who would be left for the Pack to pick. There were quarterbacks, running backs, defensive backs and wide receivers available. The suspense ended when the Pack chose a huge offensive lineman from Iowa/big ten conference. Bryan Bulaga at 316 lbs is the designated blocker assigned to protect Aaron Rodgers. Most experts say it is a safe choice. Most of all it is the right position to fill. With 2 aging offensive lineman coming back a rugged Big Ten performer is the primary need. More suspense from 5pm on today. So far so good. 

Then the repeat of the Brewers slugfest in a 20 to 0 thumping of the Pirates. Setting the pace were Braun and Fielder and a host of others looking to improve their stats. The shutout win from Randy Wolf was a pleasure to see. With the pressure off the Brew Crew hit everything in site. The importance is that this is the first game when both the hitting and pitching were on the same wave length. Look for more hitting from players like Escobar, SS, and Weeks 2B who were not a sure thing before the season started. 

Bucks win at home ! That is the hope when a well rested team has a chance to start over before a home crowd and in their own house. Playoff games on the road are tough especially when the opponent is tough. Saturday nite will be the same tough opponent, Atlanta, but this time before the hometown fans. To win they must shoot and score . Head Coach Skiles has challenged rookie Jennings to set the pace but the backcourt, with Salmons, cannot do it alone. Balanced scoring is the answer with a fast break into the paint.   

Steve Ponto will become the Mayor of the City of Brookfield, Tuesday, April 20, 2010, at 7:15 pm. The ceremony will take place at the common council chambers at city hall just prior to the regular council meeting.

Voters decided by a majority to select  Mayor-Elect Ponto as their leader in city government.

A 4 year term will give our new Mayor the opportunity to put into effect his policies.

These are difficult financial times and we are fortunate to have a person of his ability to resolve these challenges.

Your Milwaukee Bucks are the toast of the town and the NBA. Why? Well to begin they lost their 2 best players, Michael Redd, early in the season, and Andrew Bogut  right before the playoffs. For another team this would be the end of the season. But a smart front office and a hungry coach for a winner made them shake it off and play basketball.

The front office made a deal of deals to obtain an all star type guard and the coach made the team play like they were really friends.

The playoffs bring excitement and publicity back to us and a high level of basketball. Now the Milwaukee Bucks are a team and a franchise to listen up to.

It is not easy in the game of high salaries, higher expenses and higher expectations to become a premier team.

It also is not easy to entice hot shot players to live here in a relatively small environment. Not many NBA players will come here toattend summerfest.

I happen to be a Milwaukee guy who grew up with the old AAA Brewers, the first NBA team , the Milwaukee Shooting Stars, the state fair park Green Bay Packers and the first ladies baseball team.

Watch your Milwaukee Bucks compete.

Our new mayor is Steve Ponto. By now we all know that. It was a difficult uphill struggle to useat the incumbent in a city that supports their elected officials. And rightly so, because there is a long history of  trust in our great city.  This is supported by the close vote to keep the incumbent and still make a change. But the message came through loud and clear. We can and will do better.

Some of my friends did not agree with me on my open support for Steve Ponto. That is their right and I respect that. Maybe I got to know both candidates and decided Steve was the better choice.

Now is the time for no negative thoughts. Give Steve a chance.

The important issues facing our new administration are so voluminous that there will be dissent. I have found Steve to be a very good listener and even adopt some ideas he has heard.

I urge the common council to attempt in good faith to be  unanimous and follow your leader.

I am so impressed with the family, supporters and friends of Steve. Believe me , I have been around the block, and his campaign never had a negative thought. All their support was positive.

The City of Brookfield can be proud to be an example of people who care about each other.

Tomorrow, Tuesday, April 6, is the day residents of the City of Brookfield will elect their own CEO. The taxpayers are the final word on who will determine the future development, the future tax structure and the leader in charge of your money.

We all want the same thing, low taxes, a safe place to live , good judgment  and sound independent decisions.

We are entitled to a full time Mayor who has no outside business interests to attend to while on the job.

My personal vote is for STEVE PONTO.

Easter Greetings to all.

This is a special weekend set aside for religious reasons and for family gatherings.

In respect of such this writer will not offer any other subject matter until Monday.

Cordially,

DICK STEINBERG

Mayors March Madness is here. The incumbent mayor sent the following campaign message to City of Brookfield residents.

"What his opponent has said about Jeff Speaker..."

     "We both endorse Jeff Speaker for Mayor because of the consistent, effective and capable leadership he has demonstrated over the past four years."

     "- Steven Ponto & Mark Nelson

         4th District Aldermen

         March, 2006 "

________________________________________________________________________________________

My first thought was that the mayor had a surprise endorsement. My second thought was that the mayor implied a surprise endorsement. Call it what you want but this is the ultimate of deceit in a political campaign expecting the residents to buy into this. This is equal to a negative statement because obviously it is not true today. There are certain standards of ethical conduct in politics one of which is to obtain current endorsements of people who may have endorsed you in the past. Why? Times change, people change, elections change and issues change. Common courtesy does not change.  There will be those who think it is clever. There will be those who think it is true(4 yrs. ago) and there will be those who believe that the incumbent has no endorsements of significance. I know good citizens who support one or the other candidate and are willing to have their endorsements made public. Surely there is one alderman out there that endorses the mayor. Or is there ? 

Personal endorsements and sentiments of support are important to candidates and they should not be abused.   May I add that it is the usual ethical practice to quote the material source of an endorsement that is not current. 

MARCH MADNESS IS THIS TIME OF YEAR IN COLLEGE BASKETBALL WHEN THE TOP RATED COLLEGE TEAMS COMPETE FOR THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP. IT IS ALSO CALLED "THE BIG DANCE". IT MEANS PRESTIGE, MONEY, RECRUITING AND BRAGGING RIGHTS FOR THOSE TEAMS THAT REACH THE FINAL 4 OR COMPETE WELL.

OUR OWN BRADLEY CENTER IS HOST TO THE NCAA TOURNAMENT ALTHOUGH NONE OF THE TEAMS ARE FROM HERE. IT BRINGS PUBLICITY TO US AND GIVES THE FANS A CHANCE TO SEE IN PERSON THE GAMES OF THEIR CHOICE.

WISCONSIN HAS HAD MANY TEAMS REACH THIS LOFTY GOAL SUCH AS UWM, UW-GREEN BAY AMONGST THE DIVISION 1 SCHOOLS.

MARQUETTE AND UW-MADISON HAS BEEN THERE BEFORE AND ARE GOING AGAIN. BOTH HAVE HAD SUCCESSFUL SEASONS AND AN OPPORTUNITY TO GO FURTHER.

MARQUETTE: STARTED THE SEASON WITH LOW RATINGS AND A LINEUP THAT DID NOT LOOK LIKE A WINNER. LOST GAMES BY SMALL MARGINS THAT COULD HAVE BEEN WON. LACK SIZE AND STRENGTH. SURPRISED THE BASKETBALL WORLD WITH A SEASON THAT SHOWED CHARACTER. THEY PLAY MOSTLY THE STARTING 5 LINEUP, DEPEND ON 3 POINTERS AND AT TIMES HAVE DEFENSIVE LAPSES. BY HUSTLE, A TIGHT DEFENSE AND CONSISTENT SCORING THEY MAY BE ABLE TO WIN 1 OR 2 GAMES.

UW-WISCONSIN: a TYPICAL BO RYAN TEAM THAT AT TIMES LOOKS LACKLUSTER BUT ALWAYS HAS A GAME PLAN, TO CONTROL THE BALL. BY ROTATING PLAYERS THEY KEEP THOSE ON THE FLOOR FRESH AND ALWAYS COME TO PLAY DEFENSE. THEY WILL FRUSTRATE THE QUICK OFFENSE TEAMS AND SLOW DOWN THE PACE TO THEIR OWN LIKING. IF THE BADGERS CAN WIN THEIR FIRST 2 GAMES LOOK FOR THEIR LEVEL OF INTENSITY TO INCREASE AND BECOME A SLEEPER TO KEEP GOING.

ALL IN ALL MARCH MADNESS WILL BE JUST THAT.

With the olympics being the current story in all sports here is an update about our local teams, starting with the professional teams.

BREWERS. Spring training is opening and the boys of summer will soon be testing their skills. The outlook for the Brewers is that there is not much difference from last years team. The big change is that 32 pitchers will vie for the final roster. Left handed pitchers are more available than before and the idea is to have 3 pitchers who do not miss their assignments. The competition will be keen but spring training games normally do not determine which pitchers stay. Braun and Fielder again give the brew crew an exceptional 1/2 punch in hitting and with Escobar at shortstop and Weeks back the infield should be better. Corey Hart must, and I repeat must have a standout season equal to his big payday. Catching is so-so and is a big question mark and changing catchers every year does not help the pitchers much. Badly needed is someone who can drive in runs. Early season wins over the Cubs and Cardinals and winning the one run games are mandatory.

BUCKS. Still not as good without a healthy Michael Redd Coach Skiles has done a good job and is ready for a play-off run. The strange trade with the Chicago Bull is hard to understand when teams do not make deals when competing in their own division. But then, what does make sense in pro basketball ? Andrew Bogut has the keys to success and it would help if the referees give him more respect when he is bullied by opposing Centers. Jennings is still a rookie and cannot carry the team alone. Your guess is as good as mine for the playoffs.

MARQUETTE. Buzz Williams has proven to be a coach who can field a competitive team with a minimum of talent and size. Some say the Big East is not too strong this year but then the eastern sports writers have no use for the midwest. Not very deep MU will most likely not make the big dance and will settle for second best. The future is bright.

WISCONSIN. Say what you want but Bo Ryan always gets the most from his players and this year is no exception. Anything can happen in the Big Ten tournament and the Badgers are in a good position to make a credible run. Complain about their slow deliberate style if you want but their winning record speaks for itself.  

As for the Packers first the game is to not lose starting players to free agency, but it will happen. Set for QB and a potent offense in order to improve the Pack has to acquire offensive linemen. Another running back never hurts. The defense just has to find a way to keep pressure on the opposing QB.

The potential for a pro football lockout will cause permanent damage to the game.

The debates for Mayor ended last evening and Steve Ponto leads by a wide margin.

I was there and personally observed the ability of the candidates to field a variety of questions and form an intelligent and comprehensive response.

In particular, my notes reflect the remarks made by the incumbent.

The printed handout written  by the Mayor begins with "Jeff Speaker Priorities: Keep taxes and spending in check". How does one keep taxes and spending in check ? "Preserve Public Safety". How does one preserve public safety?

These are boilerplate issues for any candidate and are without substance in his handout.

The Mayor in his handout states"I have added officers to our police department". In our city government city staff and aldermen make those decisions by recommendation and vote. The job descriptions for the officers and whether they fill newly created or existing positions is not clear.

In his responses to the questions the Mayor took credit for computer software upgrades, which is a normal task. When asked about high speed rail he first joked and then concluded that the old train station in the village would make a good railroad museum.

Steve Ponto responded like a professional. That is what we need.

Since my withdrawal as a candidate for Mayor of the City of Brookfield,my friends and supporters have sought my recommendation.

After a careful review of all the candidates and their positions on the issues and needs of the residents there is one candidate who meets the criteria, in my opinion.

That criteria includes, but is not limited to, competence and an understanding of the function of city government, with the ability to make important decisions that are in the best interests of the residents.

That candidate for Mayor is STEVE PONTO.

During an extensive meeting with Alderman Ponto I was impressed with his willingness to discuss with me all of my concerns and he expressed an open mind to consider every issue and subject matter on the table.

STEVE PONTO is a very engaging and personable gentleman which qualities will bode him well in interaction with people. He will be a leader who searches for solutions and will use his own sound judgment to be the decision maker.

STEVE PONTO is not just another politician seeking a job. He is a successful corporate lawyer, a veteran alderman and student of government with an informed business background.

By far the better choice to be your voice is STEVE PONTO. See for yourself at pontoformayor.com

Today, January 5, 2010 I issued the following press release.

When I filed a Campaign Registration Statement on December 10, 2009 it was for the purpose of debating the incumbent Mayor on his record in office and the future needs of the residents in the City of Brookfield.

The entry of other candidates made it certain that there will be a primary election on February 16, 2010.

This short time period to conduct a mid-winter campaign has resulted in a massive advertising effort instead of an issue oriented election.

The residents deserve to make an informed choice by having public debates which is not likely before the upcoming primary election date.

One thing is certain. There will be a strong challenge to the incumbent Mayor in the general election on April 6, 2010.

I have decided not to file my nomination papers and to withdraw my candidacy for Mayor.

The support and encouragement from my family and friends will be my fond memory.

Also, by not being a candidate I concentrate on my private law practice and being a Reserve Municipal Judge.

DICK STEINBERG

2010. To one and all a very healthy and happy New Year.

My efforts to bring the Senior Viewpoint to your attention will continue.

Deuteronomy. Ch.1. Appointment of Elders. Moses. Choose wise, intelligent and experienced men from each of your tribes, that I may appoint them as your leaders.

Deuteronomy. Ch. 32. The Song of Moses for the whole assembly of Israel.  Think back to the days of old, reflect on the years of age upon age. Ask your father and he will inform you. Ask your elders and they will tell you.

The Pack is playoff bound after trouncing the Seahawks on a cold day in Green Bay. Just in time for the New Year our team looks like a winner. Sure, Seattle is not a contender but neither are  some others we played.

Aaron Rodgers although under some pressure had enough to put the game away early and save his body for another day. The defense proved they are one of the best. And, most of all Coach Mike had his team ready and confident.

If you think this is easy take the Bears who paid a small fortune for a QB who may not be around much longer.  

And for those who still wanted Brett back, we now have 2 QB's and and a starter equal to the task who will come out of the game when told by the Coach.

Every team has injuries but the Packers fought them off to show their grit and determination and desire to succeed.

 Football like many sports is a team game and each one depends on the other to do the job.

The Pack is back for now so let the playoffs begin.

Welcome Home to the students, family members and those just visiting to The City of Brookfield where we call home. And to the military who serve us so well a special greeting and our heartfelt appreciation for keeping us safe.

The children have some anxious moments until the big day arrives and the parents/grandparents and others can't wait to see the joy of their precious youngsters opening gifts.

The music that fills the air reminds us of memorable times.

 The last minute shopping,trips to the airport, phone calls and emails to the from loved ones who are elsewhere are part of the celebration.

Savor every minute because every year it seems to come and go so fast.

My best personal wishes for a safe and happy holiday season.  

Yes that's right, let it snow, let it snow. 

If you are looking for a white christmas look no further and there is more coming. 

If like one comment you believe that municipal courts do nothing but sign off on traffic tickets then try city of brookfield.com, wicourts.gov or just click municipal courts and read on and on. Municipal Judges has jurisdiction over all traffic in their locality, incluiding OWI 1st and city ordinance cases adopted by his/her municipality, including drug cases, disorderly conduct, retail theft, battery, vandalism, party to a crime, concealed weapon, fireworks, trespassing, and many other law violations that used to be crimes. In addition there  are special juvenile court sessions held in private pursuant to the law. A municipal judge must participate in continuing judicial education and keep up with the current changes in the laws. In some cases lawyers appear and challenge legal issues which require   written decisions. The judge does not participate in plea bargaining and has the duty to approve and/or disapprove of a stipulation. My practice was to read each stipulation and sometimes conduct a hearing on the legal issue before signing off. The defendant had to show a reason/s for the agreement and the prosecutor must carry the burden of proof for the city.     

This past Sunday I went with my wife to mass at SJV and this was in the booklet Living Faith: 

"We would do well each day to pray for wisdom---not just knowledge but wisdom. Knowledge can accomplish much good, but it can also be used to harm and destroy. Wisdom lives not only in the intellect but in the heart.Wisdom will never do wrong. Wisdom is precious, and the more we have the better the world will be".                               

*****Alert*****

IN THE SPIRIT OF THE SEASON KINDLY REFRAIN FROM ANY MORE COMMENTS OTHER THAN TO WISH EVERYONE A WONDERFUL HOLIDAY.