Racine mayor says he’d be jailed to ‘defend democracy’

From WISN12ABC:

Racine mask mandate temporarily suspended, permanent suspension heads to common council

From TMJ4:

Photo by: Pexels

By: TMJ4 Web Staff

Posted at 12:00 PM, Feb 24, 2022

 

and last updated 12:00 PM, Feb 24, 2022

RACINE — Racine Mayor Cory Mason announced Thursday that he signed an executive order suspending the mask mandate, effective at noon.

Now, the common council will vote on making the suspension permanent during its regular meeting on Tuesday.

“I have been in discussion with the Public Health Department for several weeks, monitoring the trend of the case rate of COVID-19 in our community. With the decline in cases, the Public Health Department is comfortable suspending enforcement on the City’s mask ordinance and recommend the ordinance be permitted to expire at next week’s meeting of the Common Council,” said Mason.

The mayor emphasized that this does not mean the pandemic is over, and his executive order could be repealed on Tuesday.

"I encourage everyone to continue to take precautions they feel are best to protect themselves and their loved ones,” said Mason.

From: https://www.tmj4.com/news/coronavirus/racine-mask-mandate-temporarily-suspended-permanent-suspension-heads-to-common-council

WEC Receives Election Bribery Complaint About Racine City Officials

 Center For Tech and Civic Life, City of Kenosha, City of Madison, City of Milwaukee, City of Racine, CTCL, Mayor Cory Mason, Michael Spitzer-Rubenstein

Racine Mayor Mason And Racine Clerk Coolidge Accused Of Violating The Prohibition On Election Bribery In A Criminal Complaint Filed With The Wisconsin Elections Commission

Outside consultant Ryan Chew to Milwaukee Elections Clerk – “Damn Claire, you have a flair for drama, delivering just the margin needed at 3:00 a.m.”

City of Milwaukee wanted to spend outside private money on edgy campaign to “harness current protests”

 

Feb. 23, 2022

By Brett Healy

Two Racine residents, Sandy Weidner and Kim Morrison, filed a complaint with the Wisconsin Election Commission on Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2022 against the Mayor of Racine alleging he illegally took over $900,000 from an outside private group, the Center for Tech and Civic Life (CTCL), to “facilitate in-person and absentee voting.”

The complaint alleges that taking the private money and using it for get out the vote (GOTV) efforts which campaigns normally pay for, using it to pay for clearly illegal drop boxes and using it to target only certain individuals within the city rather than every city resident to vote violates “the election bribery prohibition of Wisconsin Statutes ss 12.11.

CTCL approached just five cities originally in Wisconsin to offer substantial private money to supposedly assist with elections and election administration during a pandemic. The five cities – Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, Kenosha and Racine – are thoroughly controlled by Democrats and have historically overwhelmingly supported the Democratic candidate in Presidential elections. While CTCL did eventually hand out money to municipalities in other parts of the state, including some areas considered conservative leaning, the vast majority of the money, $8.8 million out of the $10 million total, CTCL handed out in Wisconsin went to the five cities. CTCL referred to them as the “Wisconsin 5,” in documents provided with the complaint.

Read more: https://www.maciverinstitute.com/2022/02/wec-receives-election-bribery-complaint-about-racine-city-officials/

Racine firefighter death; homicide investigation underway

From Fox6Now:

RACINE, Wis. - The death of a Racine firefighter on Sunday, Feb. 20 is being investigated as a homicide. 

Just before noon on Sunday, officers were sent to an address on Pinehurst Avenue in Racine in reference to a man not breathing. First responders located a deceased 50-year-old man. Officials say he was a 21-year veteran of the Racine Fire Department. Fire officials identified him as Christopher Lalor. 

"It hits especially close to home," said Racine Mayor Cory Mason. "Obviously, our hearts go out to his family but also to his firefighting colleagues who are like family. They spend a lot of time with each other in close proximity, in training with each other."

Lalor most recently served as a driver-operator.

Mayor Mason said the city has extended mental health and other counseling resources to members of both the police and fire departments following Lalor's death.

"They're, of course, professional about it, but we're also concerned about them and we make sure they have resources available to make sure everyone's OK," said Mason.

Mason touted their courage to continue protecting the public even while battling their own tragedy.

Police haven't shared any information about who caused Lalor's death or what led up to it, wanting to protect their investigation. Neighbors told FOX6 that Lalor was friendly and quick to greet them with a wave and smile.

"We know that the entire city will feel this loss," said Mason.

The Racine Fire Department plans to address the situation at a Tuesday morning press conference.

Racine Police investigators are interested in any additional information that anyone may have about this incident. Any witnesses, or citizens with information, are urged to call the Racine Police Department Investigations Unit at 262-635-7756. 

Those who wish to remain anonymous may contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 262-636-9330, or through the Crime Stoppers app by using the p3 app.

From:  https://www.fox6now.com/news/racine-firefighter-death-homicide-investigation

Electric city buses arrive in Racine, expected to be transporting riders this spring

From TMJ4:

Photo by: Office of the Mayor

New electric city buses are coming to Racine

By: TMJ4 Web Staff

Posted at 9:20 PM, Feb 08, 2022

 

and last updated 9:20 PM, Feb 08, 2022

RACINE, Wisc. — All nine electric buses have arrived in Racine on Tuesday and should be fully deployed and transporting riders this spring, Racine Mayor Cory Mason announced.

Officials say the RYDE Racine transit system is training their operators and technicians on the electric technology and testing the battery power of the new buses.

“I am proud of the fact that soon the City of Racine will have the largest electric bus fleet in Wisconsin,” said Mayor Cory Mason. “We are excited to have received the nine new electric buses and our transit employees are working diligently to prepare them for service. You may have already seen them driving around the City as we test their batteries. We’re benefiting the environment by moving away from polluting diesel, and we will be saving approximately $60,000 on fuel each year.”

The new electric buses were purchaed from Proterra. They can travel about 175 miles, which avoids the need for mid-route charging during the day, city officials say. Instead, the buses will charge at night.

• MCTS selects electric bus contractor for upcoming rapid transit line

According to a news release, it is estimated that the city of Racine will save 56,000 gallons of diesel fuel a year, which creates an annual financial savings of $60,000 for the city.

From: https://www.tmj4.com/news/local-news/electric-city-buses-arrive-in-racine-expected-to-be-transporting-riders-this-spring

Racine declares Feb., 4, Rosa Park's birthday, Transit Equity Day

From TMJ4:

Photo by: City of Racine

By: TMJ4 Web Staff

Posted at 3:17 PM, Feb 02, 2022

 

and last updated 3:20 PM, Feb 02, 2022

RACINE — The City of Racine has announced that Feb. 4, Rosa Park's birthday, will be Transit Equity Day.

This is a national day of action designed to promote safe, sustainable, and equitable transportation for everyone.

Upon entering the bus, riders will see a spot reserved for Rosa Parks. The seat will have a single rose plus a Rosa Parks poster that says 'We mus have courage - determination - to go on with the task of becoming free - not only for ourselves, but for the nation and the world."

On Transit Equity Day, it is important to highlight not only the contributions of Rosa Parks, but also local civil rights pioneers who made the cause of justice their own. Corinne Reid-Owens, who is memorialized by the name of our historic Transit Center, was a leading figure in the civil rights movement, championing issues like fair housing and education locally. Racine is a stronger community today because of leaders like Parks and Reid-Owens who had the bravery and determination to create change," said Racine Mayor Cory Mason.

From: https://www.tmj4.com/news/local-news/racine-declares-feb-4-rosa-parks-birthday-transit-equity-day

COVID in Racine; leaders address omicron surge

From Fox6Now:



Racine County leaders are encouraging residents to do their part to stop the spread of COVID-19 as they see positive cases rise—especially among essential workers.

From: https://www.fox6now.com/video/1026105

Racine dedicates historical markers for abolitionist history

From TMJ4:

Photo by: City of Racine

By: TMJ4 Web Staff

Posted at 8:11 AM, Dec 10, 2021

 

and last updated 10:24 AM, Dec 10, 2021

RACINE, Wis. — A dedication ceremony was held in Racine on Thursday for the installation of 9 historical abolitionist markers, which are spread throughout the downtown area. The markers are placed at sites that were involved in the Underground Railroad.

Racine Mayor Cory Mason said that “Racine has rich abolitionist history and I grateful for the work we have all done to commemorate the places and people that helped bring slaves to freedom. It is important that future generations know the role our City played in freeing slaves and these historical markers a great reminder of our legacy.”

Other speakers at the dedication ceremony included GeorgAnn Stinson, president of Professional Women's Network for Service, and Pauline G. Mitchell, the Underground Railroad Project Director. Some of the markers were placed at the Racine Heritage Museum, Monument Square, 826 State Street, and First Presbyterian Church.

Chris Paulson, executive director of the Racine Heritage Museum, said, "We are thrilled to see this project underway. These permanent markers, together, comprise a remarkable educational resource for the community, and a lasting reminder of Racine County’s unique role in a very critical time in our nation’s history.

From: https://www.tmj4.com/news/local-news/racine-dedicates-historical-markers-for-abolitionist-history

From Ratcine Uncensored

 

Driverless public transportation in Racine; the 'Badger' unveiled

From Fox6Now:

RACINE, Wis. - The future is here in Racine, where officials unveiled the "Badger" on Monday, Oct. 18, a fully autonomous, all-electric, zero-emission shuttle.

"It is my distinct pleasure to introduce to all of you the Racine Badger, which is our autonomous vehicle right here," said Racine Mayor Cory Mason.

The newest car to take up residence in the Gateway Technical College parking lot is arguably more of a computer than an automobile.

"Many people think about connected and automated vehicle technology as something that’s far off into the future, but as today is going to demonstrate, the future is now," said Wisconsin Transportation Secretary Craig Thompson.

The Racine Badger is an autonomous shuttle, meaning, thanks to a complicated system of geo-mapping, numerous censors, cameras and complicated algorithms. the van drives itself.

"We’ll start down here in the parking lots and on Pershing Park Drive, but the ambition is to make the city itself a laboratory for experimentation on this emerging technology around mobility and transit," said Mayor Mason.

Monday’s demonstration showed this technology’s growth locally, but Thompson said what’s being worked on here goes far beyond city limits.

'Long before vehicles like the Badger here are common on streets, Wisconsin will be using this technology to enable emergency vehicles, snowplows and other official vehicles to communicate with traffic management systems to ensure better response times in emergencies," said Thompson.

For now, it's just a prototype, but rest assured, this technology is coming to a city street near you. 

For now, it's only being tested on select city streets. There's no word yet on if, or when, city residents will be able to check it out for themselves.

From: https://www.fox6now.com/news/driverless-public-transportation-in-racine-the-badger-unveiled

Racine vaccine incentives working, 19% increase in 1st doses

From Fox6Now:

RACINE, Wis. - Less than a month after a vaccine incentive program was implemented in Racine, we’re hearing from city health officials that it’s working, with the daily average of people getting their first shot increasing by nearly 20%.

The program aims to encourage the remaining 60% of eligible residents who are still unvaccinated to get the shot.

"At this point, we’ve seen a 19% increase in the daily number of first doses for those individuals that are residents in the city of Racine," said Dottie-Kay Bowersox, Racine public health administrator.

It's taken the daily average of residents getting vaccinated from 96 people and increasing it to 114.

"We’re still making headway on that percent, so we still have a long way to go," said Bowersox. "We would like all eligible individuals in the city of Racine to get vaccinated, so we have a while to go yet."

"We know that the incentives work," said Racine Mayor Cory Mason. "We have our local incentives, there is the statewide incentive and we even have a good neighbor incentive, so if you’ve already been vaccinated but you bring somebody who is unvaccinated there, there is an incentive for those individuals, as well."  

Mayor Mason said with all the ways the vaccinated and unvaccinated can profit off of getting their shots, people are getting serious about making money with this.

"We have a few people who have made it a little bit of a side hustle to find their neighbors and family members who haven’t been vaccinated yet and bring them in," said Mason. "That’s great. That’s part of what we wanted the incentive to do."

But this win is short-lived due to variants spreading fast.

"We’re still in this race against the delta variant, though, so it’s good that we’re getting more people vaccinated every day, but delta is spreading fast," said Mason.

From: https://www.fox6now.com/news/racine-vaccine-incentives-working-19-increase-in-1st-doses

Racine COVID vaccine incentive program begins

From Fox6Now:

RACINE, Wis. - City of Racine health officials say roughly 40% of those eligible have been vaccinated against the coronavirus.

For the rest, Wednesday, Aug. 18 was the first day of a new program to reward Racine residents who get the shot.

"We still have 60% of the eligible population in the city of Racine that are unvaccinated for COVID-19," said Dottie-Kay Bowersox, Racine public health administrator.

For Racine, the coronavirus is a major problem.

"If I take a look at the numbers here in the city of Racine, we’re very close to the numbers that we were last year at the same time. After Labor Day is when our numbers started to increase," Bowersox said.

Trying to combat the rise in cases, city leaders have followed suit in what is becoming a popular approach to encourage vaccinations.

"It’s a $50 gift card that city residents will get for each shot. So if it’s a two-shot vaccination you’ll get $50 for each shot, so $100 total if you’re fully vaccinated," Racine Mayor Cory Mason said.

The money is coming from federal pandemic relief funds.

"We have a variety of options that people can use. Whether it’s a gas card, a grocery card or a big box store card," said Mason. "People will have their options of which gift card they want, but it does create a number of options for people."

For those who are already vaccinated, there is a chance to cash in, too.

"If you’ve already been vaccinated and want to know how you can participate in our incentive program; if you bring a friend or a family member who is a city resident to get vaccinated you will also get the $50 gift card incentives," Mason said.

How to get incentive

Racine's gift card incentive program is available at the following clinic sites:  

• Racine Public Health Department’s vaccine clinic at City Hall; appointments can be made online atracinepublichealth.as.me/schedule.php; walk-ins are allowed every Thursday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• AMI Health vaccine clinic at Regency Mall; walk-in hours on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Thursdays from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• City or AMI Health’s supported pop-up clinics throughout the community; a list of those pop-up clinics can be found at vaccinateracine.org

City residents looking to get vaccinated and Good Neighbors will need to verify their addresses with clinic support staff and fill out an entry form to receive the gift card incentive. Should a clinic run out of gift card stock, the entry forms will be used to contact and deliver gift cards at a later date. 

The gift card incentive program goes into effect on Aug. 18, and will be in place as long as gifts cards are available.

For more information about the location of eligible clinics and the gift card incentive program visit vaccinateracine.org.

From: https://www.fox6now.com/news/racine-covid-vaccine-incentives

Once again, Racine rewards bad behavior.  As long as this type of thinking predominates, Racine will remain a toilet.

City Of Racine Pondering Incentives Program To Boost Vaccinations

Aug. 10, 2021 1:20p

(WGTD)---The City of Racine is thinking about offering $50 gift cards to anyone who gets a COVID shot, or brings in a friend or a relative for shots. 

A Racine city council committee Monday night unanimously approved the recommendation from Mayor Cory Mason.

Vicky Selkowe, manager of strategic initiatives and community partnerships for the city, said incentives have proven effective in other communities. She suggested that incentives might be more effective than continuing to pursue other strategies, although she said a sweepstakes-styled incentive program for various prizes that was conducted earlier this year hit its goals.  

The incentive program--$50 per dose---would be funded with federal COVID recovery dollars. The mayor’s office is recommending that $600,000 be set aside. 

Only about 39% of city residents have received the COVID vaccine.

Not everyone on the committee was immediately supportive of the idea. Jason Meekma was planning to vote against paying people to get vaccinated while others who did get inoculated without being prodded get nothing. But he changed his mind when it was made clear that the second half of the mayor's proposal involved paying vaccinated people to bring in the unvaccinated. "You're letting the people who are most passionate about this do the leg work and put in the effort and we're going to reward them. That feels right," Meekma said.

The program, if approved by the full council, would only be open to City of Racine residents. 

No other details were provided at Monday's committee meeting. 

From: https://www.wgtd.org/news/city-racine-pondering-incentives-program-boost-vaccinations

Once again, McMayor Butterball Mason rewards those who drag their feet and endanger all of the city's residents.  The damn prizes should be given to those who first got vaccinated, not those who have to be bribed.  Once again, McMayor Butterball Mason ensures that Racine will always be a third-rate city.  Party on, Butterball!