State Rep. Bob Donovan
Press Release

Thanks to rally attendees, and Mayor Zeidler’s position on streetcars

I firmly believe the big turnout is indicative of how strong the public opposition is to the massive boondoggle and waste of public money that is the proposed downtown streetcar.

By - Sep 21st, 2012 09:19 am

I would like to offer a hearty ‘Thank You’ to everyone who attended Tuesday’s rally against the streetcar project at Serb Hall. The event was a rousing success, and I firmly believe the big turnout is indicative of how strong the public opposition is to the massive boondoggle and waste of public money that is the proposed downtown streetcar.

If approved, my resolution for immediate adoption that will be before the full Common Council next Tuesday (Sept. 25) would cease any and all work on the streetcar project by city personnel until a majority of Milwaukee voters approve a referendum question asking whether they support construction of the massive public project. I urge all Milwaukee residents to contact their Alderperson at 414-286-2221 and ask that they do the right thing on Tuesday so we can put the brakes on this ridiculous, wasteful project!

In a streetcar related matter, the ceremony yesterday at City Hall honoring the late Mayor Frank P. Zeidler on the 100th anniversary of his birth reminded me of just how lucky we were to have had such a forward-thinking and bright leader of our great city. Mayor Zeidler’s common sense approach to fixing problems was but just one of his many great qualities.

In fact, Mayor Zeidler prepared a report in 1956 entitled “A Course of Action for the City of Milwaukee for 1956 and the Following Years: A Report on Some of Milwaukee’s Problems and Recommendations for their Solution.” In this report, Mayor Zeidler writes: “Apart from expressway improvement, the city should concentrate on improving the carrying capacities of its main arteries.”

He continues: “All streetcars should be removed as promptly as possible to permit a better flow of traffic.

I believe we DO need to improve our transit systems in Milwaukee and even those outside the city limits – especially to make it easier for people to get to jobs. But I DO NOT support a wasteful streetcar system that would serve only a tiny part of our downtown!

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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