Community Corner

Week in Review: Have You De-Friended Anyone Yet?

Tense week of protests in Madison as Elmbrook Schools and local government employees await their fate.

It's been a long week for many public workers (and politicians and journalists). 

Starting and ending with snow, this week was dominated by news about Republican Gov. Scott Walker's controversial budget repair bill, which was passed in the early-morning hours Friday, and now waits action in the state Senate, should that body ever regain a quorum. The Senate's 14 Democrats remain hiding out in Illinois, where they can't be compelled to the state Capitol chambers.

The divisive reaction to the bill - which would require most public employees to contribute more to their health care and pensions, limit their wage increases to the consumer price index and strip away all other collective bargaining rights - has led to some heated debate around town and in virtual town squares like Brookfield Patch, Facebook and Twitter. Some people have de-friended or hid others' social media updates when it got too nasty, a JSOnline.com story noted. 

Find out what's happening in Brookfieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Here's a look back at some of this week's stories on Brookfield Patch:

SUNDAY: Mark Hagen has played in countless soccer games in front of large crowds in his lifelong career. But he's more nervous about an upcoming speech before roughly 300 to400 people when on April 2. Enjoyable feature story on this seasoned pro and  coach.

Find out what's happening in Brookfieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

MONDAY: Looking for some more upscale apartments for yourself or a loved one with walking distance to Brookfield Square mall and its restaurants? Wait some more. A developer asked for more time  planned as phase 2 to  and pay a sewer bill. The city Plan Commission endorsed an extension.

TUESDAY: Should the Elmbrook School District ? The School Board, after debating this issue again, said it needs more time to analyze the state's budget repair bill and next biennial budget before making a decision. The board could vote on 4K at its March 8 meeting, but it is unclear whether that will be enough time to study the state budget scheduled to be unveiled March 1.

WEDNESDAY: About 200 homeowners in the west and southwest part of the city and in the town of Brookfield are and leave the Waukesha School District. It's a battle many of these residents have fought - and lost - before. But now there's at least talk of a possible agreement being negotiated between the two districts to end this recurring dispute.

THURSDAY: Last week Elmbrook Schools Superintendent Matt Gibson said he favored the governor's mandated concessions on educators. This week the teacher's union says its members are willing to make concessions. But on not just financial issues, but also the school calendar, teacher assignments and other working conditions. Also: the union and school district reach an to have more time to study the state budget impact.

FRIDAY: After 61 hours of debate and shortly after 1 a.m. Friday, the state . Brookfield's two state representatives  join the majority in voting in favor. 

SATURDAY: Amazingly talented in the Wisconsin High School Ski Championships. Nice story about her parents as inspiration, her skiing efforts and her other talents - academic, athletics and arts. 

Have a great week, everyone.


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