Scottie Lee Meyers

Scottie Lee Meyers. Photo courtesy of NEWaukee.

What is your job and its responsibilities?

I’m a Multimedia Producer at Wisconsin Public Radio. That’s 90.7 on your FM dial. I know the radio presets in your car and on your digital devices are coveted real estate, and we’d love to occupy a spot there. I produce “The Kathleen Dunn Show.” I’m proud of the conversations we facilitate through our diverse programming — everything from issues of economic inequality and education reform, to NASA space missions and online dating. It’s a sound salvation.

What strikes you as the most unique thing about Milwaukee?

We’re distinguished by our cream-colored bricks, density of bars and socialist mayors. There’s the Calatrava, slanted bridges and German heritage. Unfortunately, there’s also extreme racial disparities and segregation. But for me, it’s Lake Michigan. In her book “Milwaukee Does Strange Things To People,” local poet Susan Firer begins her poem “Michigan” with a rule I think many of us Milwaukeeans abide by: “To live on this lake is to never go straight home. My mother taught me, even if it’s only for eggs, you’re out, go, look. I do…” Amen. You could blindfold me, stuff me in a trunk and abandon me anywhere in the city and I will always know the direction east. I can sense it. A cat always lands on its feet; Milwaukeeans always know where Lake Michigan is, even when you can’t see her. She’s in our DNA.

Favorite little known fact/secret/hidden gem in Milwaukee?

No disrespect to Pizza Man, Zaffiro’s or Transfer, but Milwaukee’s best pizza comes from a small green shack on the north side called Hup’s Pizza (54th and Hampton). Nothing fancy, just pie done right with a thin crust, rich sauce and quality toppings. Plus, it’s cut into squares. Pizza with right angles tastes better.

What is your favorite Milwaukee event?

A tip of the hat to Doors Open Milwaukee, the Riverwest 24 bike race and the Wisconsin State Fair, but I probably look most forward to Brewers opening day at Miller Park. It’s when we emerge from winter’s hibernation with unfettered optimism. Plus, Bob Uecker comes back into our lives.

Still between Wauwatosa and Lake Michigan. But seriously, I’m optimistic that we’ll work together to increase graduation rates and produce better outcomes for our children, create a more equitable criminal justice system, install more comprehensive and inclusive transportation systems, attract investors and young talent and trust the growing corps of artists to do their work in public spaces. There’s a new generation of leaders here who are reverent about the past and devoted to the future.

What is the most effective way to implement change in Milwaukee?

Vote.

What have you seen in other cities that you’d like to see in Milwaukee?

More murals and more collaboration between the inner city and the suburbs.

Is there an issue you believe all Milwaukeeans should turn our attention to?

Broadly speaking, issues reflected in the Black Lives Matter movement.

What do you think of Milwaukee as a place to socialize and play?

Let’s put it this way, Jun Song, the highly influential travel blogger from China, whose recommendations and reviews results in millions of dollars in tourism, visited Chicago and Milwaukee over the summer. Here’s the Chicago Tribune’s headline on Song’s sentiments about the trip: “Chinese travel blogger likes Chicago but loves Milwaukee.” I’m with Song.