County Board Chairman Theodore Lipscomb, Sr.
Press Release

Abele Thumbs Nose at Court

Attempts to Ignore County Policy on Estabrook Dam

By - Sep 15th, 2015 03:13 pm

Milwaukee County Board Chairman Theodore Lipscomb, Sr. said today that County Executive Chris Abele is ignoring County policy on the repair of the Estabrook Dam and acting contrary to a recent understanding reached in a Circuit Court case.

  • Milwaukee County authorized repair of the dam in 2009 and allocated all necessary funds for the repair, but the Parks Department has failed to implement the policy.
  • The policy of Milwaukee County is to repair the dam, and all necessary funding is available.
  • Circuit Court Judge Christopher Foley accepted that the County is pursuing repair of the dam.
  • The County Executive is operating outside the law by not effectuating the project.
  • There is no further action necessary by the County Board to repair the dam.

“Since he took office in 2011, the actions of the County Executive on the Estabrook Dam have subjected the County to increased costs of litigation,” Lipscomb said. “All necessary authorization and funding has been approved, secured and re-affirmed. It is time to move forward on dam repair and conform to the assurances the County provided to the court in July of 2015 and to the public in November of 2009.”

The City of Glendale will hold a public information session for residents to learn about the debate that has surrounded the Estabrook Dam, as well as the dam’s history and significance, tonight from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Glen-Hills Middle School, 2600 W. Mill Rd.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.

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6 thoughts on “Abele Thumbs Nose at Court”

  1. Ryan says:

    You mean like how you slipped into a bill that it should be repaired instead of demolished like the board had voted on before? Bravo Abele for standing up to your undemocratic, elitist behavior to repair the dam for a few rich owners who probably donate money to you.

  2. Sam says:

    @ Ryan Right? Getting rid of the dam is going to be a lot cheaper for the county then repairing it so a few people can play with their boat toys.

  3. Kathleen says:

    …and Lipscomb thumbs nose at administrative responsibilities of County Executive.

  4. Ryan says:

    @Sam

    It’s also better for the environment/the river to demolish it as well and restore a fully natural river to that spot too. Plus, like you said, it’s the cheaper option so as a “conservative” Lipscomb should support that option as well.

  5. Frank Galvan says:

    Thanks Theo…you’re really turning me around on this Abele fellow. If he opposes your Estabrook Dam boondoggle then he can’t be all bad!

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