MONday, January 5, 2009
2:00 P.M.
Ninety-Ninth Regular Session
The Assembly met in the Assembly Chamber located in the State Capitol. Pursuant to Section
13.02 of the Wisconsin Statutes and Assembly Rule
5, the Assembly was called to order by the Chief Clerk of the 2007-2008 session, Patrick Fuller.
The prayer was offered by the Reverend Doctor Steven Nelson, Senior Pastor of St. Mark's Lutheran Church in North St. Paul, Minnesota:
"Thank you for the opportunity to speak and pray with you today. It is an honor for me to be standing here.
If you are wondering why the leadership had to go to St. Paul, Minnesota to find someone to do the invocation, it's because I'm Thomas Nelson's Dad. When he asked me to do it, he told me I could be the Rick Warren of Wisconsin, at least for a day. Who could resist that?
I bring to you today this word from the Old Testament, 2 Chronicles 1:10. It's the story of Solomon becoming King of Israel, following in his father David's footsteps. God appears to Solomon in the night and, almost like a genie, says, "Ask what I should give you." Solomon replies,
"Give me now wisdom and knowledge to go out and come in before this people; for who can govern this great people of yours?" (2 Chronicles 1:10).
I'm struck by the question, "who can govern this great people of yours?" As you know, campaigning is over, and governing now begins. Remember, it wasn't about getting elected; it's about governing! And yes, who can govern? In a climate of budget shortfalls and uncertain economic times, it will be a challenge to govern a great and diverse people like the citizens of Wisconsin.
Solomon was wise enough though to know that governing could only be done with knowledge and wisdom.
Knowledge is a grocery store stocked with food; wisdom is the ability to select the right items to make your holiday dinner. You'll need both to govern. You'll need to know what's really happening in this state and your options for dealing with these issues. You'll need to be receptive and perceptive, and that requires listening. By trade we preachers and politicians are much better at speaking than listening. But if we are going to learn anything, we have to listen. As an old Christmas card once said, "May the Baby Jesus open your mind and shut your mouth." Ah, the road to knowledge! Listening and learning.
But wisdom is even more important. Wisdom means to choose rightly from among all the options. Solomon knew that wisdom comes from outside of us. He asked God for wisdom. Wisdom is intuitive. It is a gift of the Creator. I hope you will remain open to God's wisdom as you govern. As we parents say to our children, "Do your best, but don't be afraid to ask for help."
You legislators get paid to think in terms of a two-year budget cycle. I get paid to think about now and eternity. So my final wish is that all of you will be wise enough to appreciate the magnitude of this moment and the fleeting chance to be alive and make a difference in the world today. The 2009-10 session will be your legacy. May God generously grant you both knowledge and wisdom to govern in the months ahead.
I invite you to pray with me:
Holy God, you graced your servant Solomon with great knowledge and wisdom, and you stand ready to give us the same. Bless these your servants as they struggle with the challenges of today. Give them patience to listen, and a heart for all of your people.
We thank you Lord for all who have helped these Assembly members to reach this day. Give family and friends a true sense of pride in what has been accomplished. Bless them for their sacrifices and give all of us the wisdom and patience to help our loved ones fulfill their calling.
As the generations rise and fall before you, O God, teach us to treasure every moment to be alive and be productive in your wonderful world. Amen."
__________________
The Colors were presented by Company G, 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines, 4th Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Forces Reserves.
Representatives-elect Penny Bernard Schaber and Keith Ripp led the membership in reciting the pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.
Dana Marie Carlson from Somerset led the membership in singing the "Star Spangled Banner."
__________________
State of Wisconsin
Government Accountability Board
Madison
December 4, 2008
The Honorable Patrick Fuller, Chief Clerk
Wisconsin State Assembly
17 West Main Street, Suite 401
Madison, WI 53701
Dear Chief Clerk Fuller:
I am pleased to provide you with a copy of the official canvass of the November 4, 2008 General Election vote for representative to the assembly along with the determination by the Chairperson of the Government Accountability Board of the winners.
With this letter, I am delivering the Certificates of Election for the winners to you for distribution.
If the Government Accountability Board can provide you with further information or assistance, please contact our office.
Government Accountability Board,
Kevin J. Kennedy
Director and General Counsel
__________________
1st - Garey D. Bies
2520 Settlement Road
Sister Bay 54234
Republican
2nd - Ted Zigmunt
305 Oakwood Drive
Francis Creek 54214
Democrat
3rd - Alvin R. Ott
W2168 Campground Road
P.O. Box 112
Forest Junction 54123
Republican
4th - Phil Montgomery
1305 Oak Crest Drive
Green Bay 54313
Republican
5th - Tom Nelson
1510 Orchard Drive
Kaukauna 54130
Democrat
6th - Gary J. Tauchen
N3397 South Broadway Road
Bonduel 54107
Republican
7th - Peggy Krusick
3426 South 69th Street
Milwaukee 53219
Democrat
8th - Pedro A. Colon
821 South 3rd Street
Milwaukee 53204
Democrat
9th - Josh Zepnick
3173 South 49th Street
Milwaukee 53219
Democrat
10th - Annette Polly Williams
3927 North 16th Street
Milwaukee 53206
Democrat
11th - Jason Fields
5686 North 60th Street
Milwaukee 53218
Democrat
12th - Frederick Kessler
11221 West Sanctuary Drive
Milwaukee 53224
Democrat
13th - David A. Cullen
2845 North 68th Street
Milwaukee 53210
Democrat
14th - Leah Vukmir
2544 North 93rd Street
Wauwatosa 53226
Republican
15th - Tony Staskunas
2010 South 103rd Court
West Allis 53227
Democrat
16th - Leon D. Young
2224 North 17th Street
Milwaukee 53205
Democrat
17th - Barbara Toles
3835 North 56th Street
Milwaukee 53216
Democrat
18th - Tamara Grigsby
2354 North 41st Street
Milwaukee 53208
Democrat
