Editor’s Notebook: Goodbye, Sussex
This is my first editorial on Sussex Patch, and sadly, it will also be my last. I’m sharing my opinions on Sussex’s biggest topics once and for all.
Sussex, you’ve been a real treat.
It’s impossible not to sound cliché while writing this, but this moment is bittersweet. I’m both ecstatic and disheartened to announce that Wednesday will be my last day in Sussex, and consequently, my last day as editor of Sussex Patch.
I know, I know. Fight back your tears.
I’m obviously sad because Sussex has been an absolute delight. This small community has welcomed me with open arms. I’ve been invited into your homes, laughed with you at community events and tried my best to deliver some pretty stellar news articles.
However, I’m happy to start this new chapter of my life while staying loyal to a company that blows me away by how amazing it is. I’m now the new editor of Patch in Winnetka and Glencoe, two small communities in Chicago’s north shore.
After being in a long distance relationship for more than two years between Chicago and Milwaukee, my 2007 Nissan Murano with 104,000 miles on it is crying tears of joy, knowing the endless weekend road trips are finally over. Yes, this is the reason you rarely see me taking pictures at weekend events. I’m in another state 50 percent of the time.
I fully plan to read a handful of comments like “Andy, you’re an idiot” below, but whatever.
Exactly one year ago Patch took a real risk on me, in my opinion. Fresh out of college at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, I’ve had plenty of internships, but never a full-time job in the media. Managing a news website as my first gig isn’t something I even considered as a possibility. Who would?
But thankfully it paid off. I somehow understood Sussex, a community I never visited before my first day on the job, and Sussex understood me. Because readers like you took a chance on something new, Patch’s readership numbers in Sussex are higher than the actual population. Don’t ask me how that happened, but I’m hoping my new readers in Chicago are even remotely as amazing as you.
And don’t fret. Sussex Patch isn’t shutting down. You’re getting an absolutely outstanding fill-in editor — veteran journalist Brendan O'Briens — who has been fully briefed on all the village’s hot topics. He already covered a story for me on the Sussex-Lisbon merger and blew it out of the park. He’ll make sure the site is just as interesting until they find another full-time editor to take my place.
However, now that my time in Sussex is over, I’d like to share my opinion on a few topics. I’ve held back on my personal opinions in the past, so my articles were as unbiased as possible, but considering that I’m leaving, I’m tossing that mentality in the trash.
I’ve been to nearly every village meeting in the last year, talked with the right people on and off the record and really thought this all through. I fully plan to read a handful of comments like “Andy, you’re an idiot” below, but whatever. As one of the most immersed individuals in the Sussex community, these are my opinions:
Bugline Paving Project
While this is happening regardless of how loud people whine, I’m completely in favor of paving the Bugline trail. None of the trees outside of ash and sick elm trees will be removed, so the trail will remain extremely secluded and rustic. Also, as someone who runs roughly 20 miles a week, I understand the “It’s hard on my joints” argument, but why can’t you just run on the gravel/dirt edge on the side of the pavement? I do on other paved trails and roads.
And, yes, it’s a lot of taxpayer money. However, if Waukesha County doesn’t take the funding, it’s going to be used for the same project in another state, so we might as well use our own money in our own backyard. Paving the trail will also make it more accessible to rollerbladers and bikers. And if your main argument is regarding the speed of street bikes, you seriously need a new argument.
Is the Village Board Evil?
I can’t count the number of comments I've read about voting out the members on the Village Board because they have some sort of twisted agenda. This is absolutely not true. The people on the board are 100 percent nonpartisan, extremely smart, incredibly nice and truly have Sussex’s best interest in mind.
If you’re unconvinced, please attend just one Village Board meeting. I’ve attended enough for everyone to say the amount of detail they go into for a project like the failed corporate park is amazing. These people are doing their homework, listening to the residents and are still extremely conservative and careful when it comes to spending money.
Please don’t spit out angry comments about things like the board wanting to replace the dirty, deteriorating Sussex “Welcome” signs with donated money from Quad/Graphics because you think subsidizing the small remaining costs is unnecessary. Making a community beautiful ties into attracting new businesses and supporting the local economy.
Sussex-Lisbon Merger
I could talk about this forever, but apparently I don’t need to as the merger was just voted down. That was incredibly sad. Residents were voting to simply learn more about the complicated issues with the merger, like the disproportion of debt between the communities, but they wouldn’t even do that.
The Lisbon Town Board was ready and willing to firmly negotiate deals surrounding important issues like taxes, debt and maintaining the same style of life, but Lisbon voted against even considering it. In my opinion, that was very foolish — considering that taxes would rise very minimally for residents and Lisbon is currently worried about a shrinking tax base.
It could have been vetoed in a few months when officials learned some details wouldn’t work out, but a vast majority of Lisbon residents voted against educating themselves.
Cannery Corner/Mammoth Springs/Quarry
This was by far my favorite topic to report on. That development is going to be amazing when it’s finally approved. Also, I wish the village and developer would somehow find a way to open the quarry to swimmers again. When walking through the thick woods to get these photos, I was blown away.
Village Park Redesign
Yes, I understand, this project is a lot of money. It’s a lot of your taxpayer money for things you most likely won’t use very often. I personally don’t play baseball, I don’t have children to play in a splash pad, I don’t play disc golf and I might get a game of tennis in once a year.
However, I have to admit, those photos of the completed park look pretty awesome. I also have to admit that those updates will most likely attract more residents to Sussex, keep current residents living in Sussex, thus attracting more business to Sussex. All of those benefits sound pretty attractive from a taxpayer’s perspective. So sure, update the park, but maybe keep a lid on the costs as much as possible.
The Hamilton School District
There is no argument here, just uninformed residents. Yes, Hamilton had to raise taxes this school year. However, it’s still one of the lowest-spending districts in the area, as well as one of the top performing districts. When people make comments about Hamilton raising taxes and how they’re wasting taxpayer money, they look very foolish.
I know those are some very strong opinions on some big topics, but I hope my informed opinion has also informed you! I’ll miss the people in Sussex, as well as all these interesting topics that made writing articles so much fun.
Stay awesome, Sussex!
Andy Ambrosius
Barbara Barnes
6:56 am on Tuesday, August 21, 2012
I guess I'm foolish but maybe the patch will hire someone with a little bit of life experience and not dismiss and name call other ideas. Your liberal bias is now evident. Good luck in Illinois, they love to spend money.
Bill K.
6:43 pm on Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Really? Barbara you must be one of those so called Lisbon conservatives that voted no on the consolidation vote. It is evident thru your comments you don’t have any vision for this community beyond the tip of your nose let alone be able to blast Andy for his views. Andy has been a great reporter and his comments above are refreshing to hear from someone who has been a part of our community for a short period of time. His articles have been fair, accurate and I have enjoyed every one of them. It apparently takes someone looking in from the outside to see who and what is fact and what is fiction.
Good luck Andy
Kristi
11:10 am on Wednesday, August 22, 2012
I normally don't like to get involved with things like this but this upset me, I'm not sure why you thought this was at all necessary to say. He is a human being who is allowed to have his own opinions - just like you - and he gave it.
I'm going to assume that you don't like it if people tell you that your opinion is the 'wrong one' so why would you do it to someone else?
'If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say it at all'
I may not have a bit more 'life experience' but I know that you shouldn't bash other people just because they don't agree with you .. especially if it's their last few days.
Barbara Barnes
6:35 pm on Wednesday, August 22, 2012
For those of you who think I'm harsh, Andy is the one who decided on the way out the door to call his readers whiners and foolish (twice). He could have easily said I'm leaving without adding his insults and everyone would have wished him good luck. He wanted the parting shot and that's too bad. The media has a lot of power and when the media starts to editorialize they should expect comment.
Luke
7:20 am on Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Andy, you're an idiot.
Just kidding. I've told you a number of times that you are doing a fantastic job. I wish you the best, along with your significant other.
I guess I won't be able to stalk you from the shadows around Sussex any longer, but at least I will have Brendan O'Briens to follow.
Regarding the merger, the issue isn't the taxes for most, but the potential to have to pay 25k a second time for sewer and water, given that we've all had to pay for our private septic systems and wells already. You're too young to remember, but when it happened to parts of Brookfield years ago a lot of people did not recover. You don't have any skin in this game, so I don't expect much sympathy.
Anyhow, best wishes, Andy!!
Pete
7:48 am on Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Finally headed to the Land of Liberalism! Good for you! After reading your opinions thats just where you belong! But since the Patch is just another liberal arm of AOL/Huffington Post I guess I should not expect the next editor to be any different. I think when we finish the fence on the border with Mexico the next one should be on the Wisconsin/Illinois border to keep you Liberals in IL with Emanual and Obama!
Angie
8:00 am on Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Wow, Winnetka is sure some prime real estate! Have fun covering New Trier! I can't even afford the cheapest rental over there ....
That's ok, you are liberal, and now rich, to boot! Live the dream, buddy!!!
Sofia Reino
8:09 am on Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Andy,
Myself I think you did a fantastic job, especially considering it was your very first full time job out of college and above all much luck to you in Illinois where I am sure you will keep up your good work ethics and lucky them for getting you as their "patcher". I wouldn't be surprised that indeed you will have lots of negative comments in here and it saddens me as we had for the past year a person who was diligent about bringing all that was happening in our community and allowing for great conversation whether people agreed or not.
We will only be able to grow and move forward if discussions are opened and people talk and hopefully people listen to all sides prior to making a decision. A good example is the bugline. Living close to it and using it often I was at first opposed to the idea of paving it, then decided to go check out others that are paved and sure enough bikers and roller bladers were not a problem with runners or walkers. Also having lived in many other places/states I was lucky enough to see many communities grow and I do believe that Sussex needs to be a tad more open to new ideas to keep on growing and attracting newcomers (as ourselves) and new business. ohhh and welcome Brendan!
Richard Head
8:48 am on Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Wow!! Sounds like alot of people out there have nothing better to do than complain about something and everything. Andy, nice job. Not every person will agree what other people may write about. It's only the new's.... It's alot easier to be happy and smile. You can't fix grumpy.
Jen McFarland
9:30 am on Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Far as I'm concerned, you did your job exceptionally well if you can make so many people bitch like that! That's the fantastic point of the First Amendment, write what you want! Haven't always agreed Andy, but I'll say you'll be missed!! Good luck down there, but don't let them fool you, Wisconsin is who Illinois wants to be. :)
Alberta Mess
8:52 am on Tuesday, August 21, 2012
I'm really sorry to hear you are leaving. I really enjoyed keeping up with the Sussex news and hearing about some of the positive events in Sussex.
It is always hard for people envision the future without seeing it through the eyes of their wallet.
In this day and age of newspapers and TV stations that are endorsing candidates and biasly reporting the news, it is refreshing to hear that there is one person who still believes news should be written without bias.
Thank you:)
Victor Drover
9:18 am on Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Andy,
Your thorough and thoughtful reporting was a blessing for our community. Keep up the good work and they'll have you up at corporate in no time. And remember, if you are not pissing off someone, you aren't doing your job as a journalist. And if you keep up the good work, you just might re-engineer the return of true journalism and debate in this country.
You were a great encouragement personally to do some more writing and it was great to get to know you a little better.
Cheers!
Kelly Wasserburger
9:41 am on Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Best of luck on your new adventure and many thanks for all you have added to our community.
Rachael Jurek
10:11 am on Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Good for you! The humbugger comments can't be avoided. But hey, at least they are readers, hence upping the numbers/hits/views. It's too bad so many "angries" can't get past the notion that there is often more to the issues than "Liberal" or not (whatever that means). They don't read the news to be informed. They're happy being angry. Maybe they'll attend an evil board meeting and see for themselves. I would - but I left Wisconsin too. Be happy and enjoy your next journey. Work your way up to NYC and you can visit us in the North Country! :)
Jane
10:32 am on Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Andy, we will miss you!
You did a great job of presenting information with a minimum of bias. Good luck on your new job!
Sarah Millard
10:50 am on Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Just don't become a Chicago Bears fan. Seriously, anything but that...
Luke
3:46 pm on Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Word.
Jennifer Menzia
12:01 pm on Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Good luck Andy! I have enjoyed reading your articles. You will be missed.
Jean Ambrosius
5:46 pm on Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Andy, I remember when everyone fought paving our Fox River Trail in De Pere. And now it is loved by everyone. Homeowners even put out water dishes for pets! I am very proud of you, for your accomplishments in life so far. I always knew you were going to 'fly'. You are an amazing person and son.
Me in the Falls
8:51 pm on Tuesday, August 21, 2012
You did a good job here, Andy. Glad you have found a way to be closer to whomever it that made you drive so much. Enjoy your new community!
Katie Mescher Glafcke
9:03 pm on Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Farewell, Andy! You will certainly be missed. I am still in awe of how many hours you put in to reporting all the goings-on in Sussex. Thank you for all your hard work! And thanks for getting me back on the writing train. Best of luck at your new position.
Kristi
11:00 am on Wednesday, August 22, 2012
You've done a great job Andy!
You will be missed and you have done an amazing job on keeping this community informed on what is going on around town :)
As stated by the who actually have nice things to say, you can't avoid the people who want to just complain! Sad to see you go, but happy you are moving to bigger and better things!! Good luck!
M C
11:54 pm on Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Andy,
Congratulations on your new job! I thought you did a great job reporting here. I don't quite understand all the "liberal bias" comments about you. I tend conservative and I thought your articles were quite neutral and unbiased. That's a compliment in the days when so many editorials are embedded into "news" items. You did a great job reporting and brought some energy to the Patch. Only it's too bad I didn't convince you with my Bug line article to oppose paving… :-)
Thanks again and best of luck in your future ventures.
Mike B
8:41 am on Thursday, August 23, 2012
Thanks for getting the Sussex Patch off the ground and into what it is today. I hope the new person keeps things updatesa as often as you did so the site and FB page don't dwindle off and die.
Good luck with your new endeavors. And don't pay any attention to the whiners up above. Everyone is entitled to their opinion but some people just like to think (and say) that if you don't agree with them, then you must be wrong. I guess they just don't like to keep an open mind or respect other people's thoughts.
Anyway, have a great time in Chi-town. Just don't become a crappy driver like most of the others down there. ;)