Taylor Blames FPC Problems on Mayor
Mayoral opponent accuses Barrett of mismanagement, corruption, cronyism.
It was a roasting of Mayor Tom Barrett by state senator and mayoral candidate Lena Taylor at a press conference today outside City Hall.
“The Fire and Police Commission is just one example of a department that is in turmoil,” Taylor declared, referencing the second public resignation of a commission staffer since Griselda Aldrete was appointed executive director — and placing all the blame on Barrett.
“This mismanagement under Tom Barrett, this cronyism, has to stop,” said Taylor.
Taylor said the Aldrete’s appointment was rushed. The senator said pushing Aldrete through was similar to Barrett’s efforts to locate Strauss Brands in Century City, a move she said was pushed “rapidly” and without community input. Urban Milwaukee has previously reported that Taylor’s legislative aide, through her radio show, incited opposition to the deal that ultimately killed it.
The speed of Aldrete’s appointment came up during her July confirmation process before the Common Council, but a supermajority of the body voted to confirm her. Aldrete even drew praise from frequent Barrett opponents Robert Donovan and Mark Borkowski.
“The turmoil is scary,” said Taylor. She said one thing that would add stability is if Barrett appointed a full complement of nine individuals to the board. A change in state law added two members to the maximum board size. But Taylor said Barrett has failed to take advantage of it.
Currently six members serve on the commission, including a member whose term expired in 2017 (Ann Wilson), while a seventh member had their initial confirmation hearing Thursday morning (Raymond Robakowski).
Taylor said the commission should not be considering a new four-year contract for Milwaukee Police Department Chief Alfonso Morales in its current state. “This Fire and Police Commission cannot be trusted to that make decision,” said the senator. When asked if she was referring to the staff or commissioners, Taylor said both.
“The buck stops with the Mayor,” said Taylor. She called on Barrett to resign. “We have an alternative that is prepared to run the city.”
Taylor also issued a press release with her charges which included this salvo: “Barrett and his administration have been in office for over 15 years and at present, gun violence, crime, reckless driving are all completely out of control.”
Barrett’s office did not respond to a request for comment.
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More about the 2020 Mayoral Race
- City Hall: Barrett, Taylor Debate Remotely for Mayor - Jeramey Jannene - Mar 30th, 2020
- 9 Election Takeaways - Jeramey Jannene - Feb 19th, 2020
- Vote Tuesday: Mayoral Candidates - Jeramey Jannene - Feb 14th, 2020
- City Hall: Presenting the “Real State of the City” - Jeramey Jannene - Feb 12th, 2020
- State of the Other City Address - Ald. Tony Zielinski - Feb 10th, 2020
- Barrett dodges debate? - Ald. Tony Zielinski - Feb 9th, 2020
- Slow To Question, Slow To Respond - State Sen. Lena Taylor - Jan 30th, 2020
- City Hall: Meet the Candidates for City Offices - Jeramey Jannene - Jan 15th, 2020
- City Hall: Conservative in Mayor Race Ejected - Jeramey Jannene - Jan 15th, 2020
- City Hall: Taylor Blames FPC Problems on Mayor - Jeramey Jannene - Dec 5th, 2019
Read more about 2020 Mayoral Race here
More about the Fire & Police Commission's Troubles
- Mayor Tom Barrett released the following statement: - Mayor Tom Barrett - Feb 15th, 2021
- City Hall: DeVougas Resigns From Fire & Police Commission - Jeramey Jannene - Feb 15th, 2021
- City Hall: FPC Members, City Attorney Blew Off Inspector General Interview Requests - Jeramey Jannene - Feb 15th, 2021
- City Hall: Attorney Didn’t Want Inspector General Report Made Public - Jeramey Jannene - Feb 12th, 2021
- City Hall: Council Confirms Avalos, Adds Tie-Breaking Vote to Fire & Police Commission - Jeramey Jannene - Jan 19th, 2021
- City Hall: City Attorney Issues Confidential Opinion Regarding Morales Demotion - Jeramey Jannene - Jan 15th, 2021
- City Hall: Committee Rejects Ann Wilson’s FPC Reappointment - Jeramey Jannene - Jan 7th, 2021
- Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office Completes FPC Background Investigation - Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office - Jan 7th, 2021
- FPC should halt selection of new police chief - Common Council President Cavalier Johnson - Jan 4th, 2021
- Op Ed: Mayor Barrett Is Asleep At The Switch - Jordan Morales - Dec 26th, 2020
Read more about Fire & Police Commission's Troubles here