Herb Kohl, former U.S. Senator.

Former president and owner of the Milwaukee Bucks.

Public servant, philanthropist, businessman and professional sports team owner. All four accurately describe Herb Kohl, who begins his 29th season as president and owner of the Milwaukee Bucks organization. Kohl purchased the team on March 1, 1985 from Jim Fitzgerald, ensuring it would remain in Milwaukee.

“From the very beginning, my association with the Bucks has been a wonderful experience,” Kohl remarked. “Wherever I go, people come up to me and talk about the team. The opportunity I was given to purchase and to keep the team here in Milwaukee is one of the most unique and fortunate experiences I’ve ever enjoyed.”

In 1988, Kohl was elected to a six-­‐year term as Wisconsin’s 25th United States Senator, and he would go on to serve four terms in office. Having announced he would not seek re-­‐election, Senator Kohl completed 24 years of public service at the end of 2012.

A Milwaukee native who grew up in the Sherman Park neighborhood, Kohl has maintained a lifetime commitment to his home city and state. He attended Sherman Elementary School and Milwaukee Washington High School. Kohl graduated from the University of Wisconsin-­‐Madison in 1956,
and went on to earn a Master’s degree from the Harvard University Graduate School of Business Administration in 1958. Kohl served in the Army Reserve from 1958-­‐64.

From 1959-­‐69, Kohl served in many capacities with the then family-­‐owned Kohl Corporation, operators of grocery and department stores. His parents had built their first Kohl’s Food Market in the late ’20s, and from that inauspicious beginning, grew the business into one of the Midwest’s leading grocery and department store chains. Kohl was president from 1970 through the sale of the corporation by the family in 1979, and the Kohl’s Department Stores have now expanded throughout the United States.

After years of involvement in public affairs in Wisconsin, having served as general chairman of Milwaukee’s United Way campaign and state chairman of the Wisconsin Democratic Party, Kohl decided to run for the United States Senate seat vacated by William Proxmire. He was first elected to a six-­‐year term in 1988, re-­‐elected in November of 1994, in November of 2000, and again in November of 2006. His fourth and final term expired at the end of the 112th Congress on January 3, 2013.

Involved in a vast array of community-­‐minded projects, Kohl has consistently championed the cause of education. He established the Herb Kohl Educational Foundation Excellence Scholarship and Fellowship Award Program in 1990. As of August 2013, the Herb Kohl Educational Foundation has awarded a total of $8.6 million to Wisconsin educators, students and schools.

With a life-­‐long interest in sports, Kohl was one of 10 original investors in the Milwaukee Brewers, and he also initiated negotiations with then NBA commissioner Walter Kennedy, which ultimately led to the granting of a franchise in January of 1968 to a group of Milwaukee investors.

Kohl’s interest in sports does not stop at the professional level. In April of 1995, Kohl donated $25 million to his alma mater to help provide a state-­‐of-­‐the-­‐art new home for the University of Wisconsin-­‐Madison men’s and women’s basketball teams, as well as the men’s hockey team.

“I was very happy to be in a position to help build a first-­‐rate, state-­‐of-­‐the-­‐art sports arena,”said Kohl. “I think it enhances the university’s reputation as one of the premier athletic programs in the Big Ten and the country.”

Recognized for his many efforts, Kohl has received numerous awards from throughout the state of Wisconsin, including: the 2013 Fellowship Open Legends Award from the Fellowship Open, one of the country’s largest diversity charity golf outings, for his contributions in government service, business and in philanthropy; induction into the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame in 2007; an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Ripon College in 1999; Best Corporate Citizen of 1997 by Madison Magazine; the “Kiwanis Milwaukee Award” in 1987; an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Cardinal Stritch College of Milwaukee in 1986; the Greater Milwaukee Convention and Visitors Bureau “Lamplighter Award” in 1986; named “Humanitarian of the Year” in 1986 by the Wisconsin Parkinson Association; “Wisconsin Sports Personality of the Year” in 1985 by the Milwaukee Pen and Mike Club; and the “Joe Killeen Memorial Sportsman of the Year” in 1985 by the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association.

Photos

Content referencing Herb Kohl

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Murphy’s Law: The King of Subprime Lending
Murphy’s Law

The King of Subprime Lending

How Bucks owner Wes Edens makes millions off troubled homeowners.

Public/Private Consortium to Invest in the YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee
Press Release

Public/Private Consortium to Invest in the YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee

These investments build on increased demand for Y programs, expanded community partnerships and continuous improvements to the Y’s operating model.

Bucks Break Ground on New Multi-Purpose Arena
Press Release

Bucks Break Ground on New Multi-Purpose Arena

Scheduled to open in time for the 2018-19 NBA season, the 714,000-square-foot arena is the centerpiece of a new sports and entertainment district in Milwaukee.

Bucks Groundbreaking and Second Annual Block Party Set for June 18
Press Release

Bucks Groundbreaking and Second Annual Block Party Set for June 18

Oscar Robertson, Jabari Parker, Bucks owners and elected officials all scheduled to attend

Herb Kohl endorses Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm for re-election
Press Release

Herb Kohl endorses Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm for re-election

“John Chisholm has proven to be an innovative and effective leader as District Attorney,” said Senator Kohl.

Milwaukee Bucks and WCD Finalize Arena Lease
Press Release

Milwaukee Bucks and WCD Finalize Arena Lease

The new arena will be publicly owned by the Wisconsin Center District and operated by the Milwaukee Bucks.

County Executive Chris Abele Announces Major Democratic Endorsements
Press Release

County Executive Chris Abele Announces Major Democratic Endorsements

Democratic Party Leaders Herb Kohl, Jim Doyle and Mary Burke stand with Abele

Milwaukee Bucks Name Mortenson as Construction Manager for New Arena
Press Release

Milwaukee Bucks Name Mortenson as Construction Manager for New Arena

Midwest-headquartered firm an industry-leader in sports construction and visible part of the Milwaukee community for over 30 years

2016 State of the City

Contribution to Tom Barrett of $5,000

2016 State of the City
Press Release

2016 State of the City

Hmong American Peace Academy - February 8, 2016

House Confidential: Ald. Wade’s Tiny Cape Cod
House Confidential

Ald. Wade’s Tiny Cape Cod

No fireplace or rec room, just 1091 square feet. A modest living politician indeed.

Chris Abele is spending early and often in re-election bid
Citation

Chris Abele is spending early and often in re-election bid

Herb Kohl endorses Judge Joe Donald for Supreme Court
Press Release

Herb Kohl endorses Judge Joe Donald for Supreme Court

“I am honored to have the support of a tremendous leader like Senator Kohl in my race for the high court,” said Judge Donald.

Data Wonk: The Fall of Scott Walker
Data Wonk

The Fall of Scott Walker

Did the Club for Growth contribute to the rise of Donald Trump and the fall of Scott Walker?

Bucks Statement on Milwaukee Common Council Vote
Press Release

Bucks Statement on Milwaukee Common Council Vote

“Today is a truly historic day for Milwaukee and Wisconsin, and the culmination of months of hard work from an incredible coalition passionate about our community’s future.”

Marc Lasry, Jason Kidd confirmed as guests at Hillary Clinton fundraiser; event was at U Club
Plenty of Horne: Bucks Sign Contract for Park East Land
Plenty of Horne

Bucks Sign Contract for Park East Land

Press conference with Abele celebrates award of 10 acres of county land for $1 and big dreams.

$5 Million Committed to Milwaukee Succeeds
Press Release

$5 Million Committed to Milwaukee Succeeds

Funding collaborative committed to continuing positive improvements outlined in 2015 Milestone Report

Will Bucks Break Their Lease?

Will Bucks Break Their Lease?

Why the new arena deal will not lock down the franchise in Milwaukee

Black City Residents Not Sold on NBA Arena

Black City Residents Not Sold on NBA Arena

African American leaders who support it face skepticism from constituents.

Van Gogh Live
Press Release

Van Gogh Live

Written and Performed by Terrence James Coffman at the Charles Allis Saturday, September 19th, 2015

Murphy’s Law: Cost for Taxpayers In Latest Bucks Deal?
Murphy’s Law

Cost for Taxpayers In Latest Bucks Deal?

Bucks gave ground. But it’s still a huge bite for taxpayers.

Supervisor Jursik Says County Arena Funding Plan is “Unconscionable”
Press Release

Supervisor Jursik Says County Arena Funding Plan is “Unconscionable”

"Bad Debt Not a Revenue Stream"

Cheaper to Keep Them: State and Local Arena Plan
Press Release

Cheaper to Keep Them: State and Local Arena Plan

For every dollar the state invests, state taxpayers will get a $3 return through income tax revenue

Back in the News: Bucks Bailout Gets Even Bigger
Back in the News

Bucks Bailout Gets Even Bigger

And the proportion paid by local taxpayers keeps rising, which the Journal Sentinel still doesn't report.

Murphy’s Law: Arena Plan is Massive Tax Shift to Milwaukee
Murphy’s Law

Arena Plan is Massive Tax Shift to Milwaukee

County taxpayers will pay far more than predicted, as state legislators back away from the deal.

Murphy’s Law: The Secret Tax Subsidy Society
Murphy’s Law

The Secret Tax Subsidy Society

Republicans and Democrats conspire to create stealth taxes to fund the NBA arena. Will they succeed?

Murphy’s Law: Should City/County Donate More to NBA Arena?
Murphy’s Law

Should City/County Donate More to NBA Arena?

Actually, local taxpayers will be donating $450 million. But the press won’t report the details.

Lobbyists Spent $57.5 Million on 2013-’14 Legislative Session

Lobbyists Spent $57.5 Million on 2013-’14 Legislative Session

That's about $150,000 for each of the 380 bills that became law.

Plenty of Horne: Milwaukeean Scores Top NYC Job
Plenty of Horne

Milwaukeean Scores Top NYC Job

Phil Walzak, who ran campaigns for Kohl, Barrett and Abele, is now a high-paid aide and good buddy of New York Mayor de Blasio.

Murphy’s Law: The Property Tax Scam for Brewers, Bucks
Murphy’s Law

The Property Tax Scam for Brewers, Bucks

Odds are, the Bucks arena will get many secret tax subsidies, as Miller Park does.

Murphy’s Law: Foundation Helps Herb Kohl Get $20 Million Windfall
Murphy’s Law

Foundation Helps Herb Kohl Get $20 Million Windfall

His “$100 million gift” to Greater Milwaukee Foundation will gain him huge tax break for supporting new NBA arena.

Murphy’s Law: How Will NBA Arena Benefit the City?
Murphy’s Law

How Will NBA Arena Benefit the City?

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver promises a new arena will launch a Downtown renewal. Is he right?

Plenty of Horne: BMO Bank Chief Hails City’s Revival
Plenty of Horne

BMO Bank Chief Hails City’s Revival

The city's infrastructure has been transformed, and the regional economy is strong, he tells a meeting of business leaders.

House Confidential: O. J. Mayo’s River Hills McMansion
House Confidential

O. J. Mayo’s River Hills McMansion

His $1.8 home mixes all sorts of architectural styles and isn't visible to passers by. Perhaps just as well.

Murphy’s Law: Dispute Over Bucks Arena Goes National
Murphy’s Law

Dispute Over Bucks Arena Goes National

New York Times dumps on Milwaukee business leaders, and city becoming divided on issue.

Build Bucks Arena in Inner City?

Build Bucks Arena in Inner City?

Community leader calls on new owners to consider North Side location.

Murphy’s Law: Will Republicans Support a Bucks Bailout?
Murphy’s Law

Will Republicans Support a Bucks Bailout?

It can’t get done without GOP legislators, but they have deeply felt reasons for opposing any deal.

Plenty of Horne: For Rail or Trail
Plenty of Horne

For Rail or Trail

A path along the lake could connect cyclists/hikers to Ozaukee County, but coal freight is hogging the line.

Senator Herb Kohl Endorses Tia Torhorst for Assembly District 10
Press Release

Senator Herb Kohl Endorses Tia Torhorst for Assembly District 10

The longtime Democratic Senator endorsed Tia because of her commitment to voters.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Visiting Leaders Pitch Pro Stadiums — And Transit!
Eyes on Milwaukee

Visiting Leaders Pitch Pro Stadiums — And Transit!

MMAC organized event to sell NBA arena, but speakers from Cleveland, Denver and OKC said Millenials want transit, too.

Murphy’s Law: Four Plans to Save the Bucks
Murphy’s Law

Four Plans to Save the Bucks

But can any of the plans create the new NBA arena they need?

Plenty of Horne: Downtown Power Brokers Mull Expanded Convention Center
Plenty of Horne

Downtown Power Brokers Mull Expanded Convention Center

Leaders of Wisconsin Center and the Bradley Center consider key changes for downtown facilities.

Common Ground Will Fight New Bucks Owners If No “Fair Play”

Common Ground Will Fight New Bucks Owners If No “Fair Play”

Group serves notice: any plan for new arena must include $200 million for children's playgrounds and athletic fields.

House Confidential: Marc Marotta’s Mequon McMansion
House Confidential

Marc Marotta’s Mequon McMansion

The Foley lawyer and Bradley Center chairman will be helping taxpayers see the wisdom of building a new NBA arena.

Bucks buyers like big-time investing, poker, mountain climbing
Citation

Bucks buyers like big-time investing, poker, mountain climbing

Plenty of Horne: Why the Bucks Arena is Downtown — And Will Stay There
Plenty of Horne

Why the Bucks Arena is Downtown — And Will Stay There

If not for an obnoxiously insistent mayor, the Bradley Center would have been built in the Menomonee Valley.

Supervisor Bown Issues Statement on Sen. Kohl’s Generosity to the Community
Press Release

Supervisor Bown Issues Statement on Sen. Kohl’s Generosity to the Community

Supervisor David Bowen released the following statement regarding Herb Kohl's generosity to the community

County Executive Abele’s Statement on Milwaukee Bucks Sale
Press Release

County Executive Abele’s Statement on Milwaukee Bucks Sale

Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele released the following statement about the sale of the Milwaukee Bucks.

Milwaukee Bucks President and Owner Herb Kohl Introduces New Team Ownership and Announces $100 Million Gift for Arena
Press Release

Milwaukee Bucks President and Owner Herb Kohl Introduces New Team Ownership and Announces $100 Million Gift for Arena

Herb Kohl, Milwaukee Bucks President and Owner, today announced that he has entered into a signed purchase agreement to transfer ownership of the Bucks to Wesley Edens and Marc Lasry.

House Confidential: The House of Hank the Dog
House Confidential

The House of Hank the Dog

The Brewer's canine mascot has a nine-room Whitefish Bay home and 10,000 square foot lot to roam in, all worth $570,000.

Arts/Industry: Collaboration and Revelation on view March 23–August 31, 2014 at John Michael Kohler Arts Center
Press Release

Arts/Industry: Collaboration and Revelation on view March 23–August 31, 2014 at John Michael Kohler Arts Center

The Arts/Industry residency program, often touted as the most unusual and successful ongoing collaboration nationwide between art and industry, celebrates 40 years with a sweeping exhibition

Milwaukee Bucks President/Owner Herb Kohl Announces Plan to Broaden Team Ownership, Strengthen the Franchise and Keep the Team in Milwaukee
Plenty of Horne: Shocking Conditions at the Courthouse
Plenty of Horne

Shocking Conditions at the Courthouse

Court Commissioner Barry Slagle electrocuted in scary, unreported incident at courthouse.

House Confidential: Herb Kohl’s Regency Condo
House Confidential

Herb Kohl’s Regency Condo

The former U.S. Senator (call him Herschel) is on the 27th floor of what was once the elite tower in town.

Two-Thirds of School Recreational Facilities are Inadequate

Two-Thirds of School Recreational Facilities are Inadequate

Study by Common Ground also demands children's facilities be fixed as part of any deal for new Bucks arena.

Activists Demand New NBA Arena Include Funding for Kids

Activists Demand New NBA Arena Include Funding for Kids

No new Bucks arena without fixing schools' rundown fields and inadequate recreation facilities, says Common Ground.

Murphy’s Law: Myths About a New NBA Arena
Murphy’s Law

Myths About a New NBA Arena

In their zeal to build new, publicly-funded arena, proponents are misleading the community.

5 MPS students, 5 MPS educators win Herb Kohl Foundation scholarships, fellowships
Press Release

5 MPS students, 5 MPS educators win Herb Kohl Foundation scholarships, fellowships

Awards net students, staff and schools $15,000

Plenty of Horne: Local Artist’s Gift to Obama Gets Complicated
Plenty of Horne

Local Artist’s Gift to Obama Gets Complicated

Tim Meyerring's present to the president gets caught up in the law on gifts and consultations with the White House assessor.

Plenty of Horne: The Holton Bridge Swings
Plenty of Horne

The Holton Bridge Swings

Kinetic sculptures enliven the gathering place below the Holton Bridge. And Weird Al holds court in MKE.

Candidates should make position known on Disclose Act
Press Release

Candidates should make position known on Disclose Act

American politics today is bursting at the seams with money, and most of it is donated anonymously. That lack of transparency is troubling to Alderman Michael J. Murphy and to members of the Common Council.

Murphy’s Law: Will Herb Kohl Blackmail Milwaukee?
Murphy’s Law

Will Herb Kohl Blackmail Milwaukee?

The Bucks need a new arena. Time to start threatening to move the team.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Did Donovan Make Bauman Soil His Pants?
Eyes on Milwaukee

Did Donovan Make Bauman Soil His Pants?

Another week, another Ald. Donovan anti-streetcar press conference. Plus: will the Bucks get a new owner and new arena? And: East Side zoning changes and the return of the Downtown Trolley loop.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Herb Kohl’s Arena Commitment, The Second Downtown Strip Club, Northwestern Mutual’s New Downtown Building, and More
Eyes on Milwaukee

Herb Kohl’s Arena Commitment, The Second Downtown Strip Club, Northwestern Mutual’s New Downtown Building, and More

This week's Eyes on Milwaukee column explores Herb Kohl's commitment to a new arena, the idea of another downtown strip club, Northwestern Mutual's potential new downtown building, and a whole lot more.

KRM and RTA Update

KRM and RTA Update

The Wisconsin state budget is now at a point where it will go to a conference committee after the Senate approved their version of the budget yesterday. The conference committee will reconcile the difference between the Assembly and Senate versions, and send the budget off to Governor Doyle. Doyle will then use his line-item veto power on certain language he doesn't like, and Wisconsin have a budget.

Milwaukee Streetcar Round-Up

Milwaukee Streetcar Round-Up

The Milwaukee circulator streetcar is moving forward, but there is still confusion in the mind of many. We've covered the issue in the past, but this article attempts to bring everything together in one place, the history, the frequently asked questions, and the proposed route.

Design Your Own Streetcar Route

Design Your Own Streetcar Route

UrbanMilwaukee would like to issue you a challenge.  With the announcement that Mayor Tom Barrett with the help of Congressman David Obey and Senator Herb Kohl managed to get 60% of the $91.5 million for his streetcar vision, it’s time to think about what the final route may be. There is a simple reality any Milwaukee streetcar proposal must deal with though, there is only enough money for an initial 3 miles. So here’s the game. 1. Create a Google Account or use an existing one. 2. Create a route (not longer than 3 miles) using Google Maps.  Don’t know how to do this?  There is an introductory video. 3. Paste a link to your route in the comments of this post. 4. Wait until Wednesday afternoon, at that point we’ll put together a poll so we can vote for the best one. Can’t wait to see what you come up with, whether it’s a line to Bay View or UWM, or perhaps a completely different loop around downtown.

Senator Kohl Earmarks $1.5 Million for the Milwaukee Intermodal Station

Senator Kohl Earmarks $1.5 Million for the Milwaukee Intermodal Station

The second phase of the Milwaukee Intermodal Station's re-development received a boost recently, when Senator Kohl included $1.5 million for the Milwaukee Intermodal Station in an appropriations bill funding the Department of Transportation in 2009.

Plenty of Horne: Site Reveals D.C. Staffer Salaries
Plenty of Horne

Site Reveals D.C. Staffer Salaries

Millionaires Kohl, Sensenbrenner, others Generous with Taxpayer Money

The Roundup: Merry Christmas From the Folks at the Death Notices
The Roundup

Merry Christmas From the Folks at the Death Notices

On Christmas Day, Saturday, December 25th, 2004, the solemnity of the Death Notices was interrupted.

The Roundup: Jim Glynn Dead at 64
The Roundup

Jim Glynn Dead at 64

I had no idea it would be this soon.

The Roundup: Dem Challenge for Panzer Seat
The Roundup

Dem Challenge for Panzer Seat

The disarray of the Republican 20th Senate District has convinced the Democratic Party to field a write-in candidate for primary.

The Roundup: The Kerry Rally
The Roundup

The Kerry Rally

Senator John Kerry paid another visit to Milwaukee on Monday, August 2nd at a public rally in Pere Marquette Park. Gates to the park opened at 4:30 p.m. while the presidential candidate was still racing across Lake Michigan on the Lake Express ferry. Access to Kerry these days requires a thorough screening by security personnel, so by 6 p.m. a line stretched from Plankinton and Kilbourn, the park’s entrance, across the river to the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, at which point it headed north, wrapped itself around the building, headed east on E. State Street and finally tapered off at N. Edison Street. For pictures click here. The line moved slowly as security guards checked the attendees, emptied pockets, etc. Once inside the secure enclosure, the crowd was able to buy bottled water and pizza from Amazon Pizza, a fun new spot on W. Wells St. However, many people never made it to the security screening, and they simply camped out along the riverfront, enjoying the event from the Marcus Center riverwalk. It made for a nice sight for cameras, since Candidate Kerry, speaking from a raised platform on the north end of the park, would gesture from time to time toward those on the distant shore. Alas, milwaukeeworld had almost resigned itself to distant coverage of the event, but as it turns out there was a special entrance to the event, and we designed to make it ours. Joe Klein and I headed to Kilbourn and N. Third Street where an officer was in place to tell us that we could not advance to the press table set up in our sight, but out of our reach. Meanwhile, he waved in such prominent figures as Sen. Herb Kohl, Rep. Sheldon Wasserman, Steve Marcus and others, all of whom had red tickets, while we had none. Providentially, Margaret Henningsen showed up on the scene with an extra red ticket, which we begged for and received. The red ticket made us legit for the officer, and we proceeded through our screening, after watching several of the people mentioned above get screened themselves. (Steve Marcus does not look like a guy who gets frisked a lot.) Inside the gates of the special section, where the red-ticketed people go, we were treated to a fascinating caste system in which our “Kerry Edwards From Sea to Shining Sea Believe in America Tour” Press pass marked us as scum. The real media stars, and there were dozens of them, were members of the “Traveling Press.” The Traveling Press spends its time apart from the regular press, and they dine together in a fancy tent. The food was from Chef Pat’s catering. Pat Houlihan said the campaign kept changing its meal plans, but he settled on roast pork sandwiches, a couple of salads, pretzels, soft drinks and Miller Beer. The Traveling Press drinks very little beer, which in the end turned out to be a blessing for Chef Pat’s weary and thirsty crew. The […]

The Roundup: Selig Take A Hit
The Roundup

Selig Take A Hit

Washington Post Trashes Commissioner and Journal Communications. Plus: The Mea Culpa of Charles J. Sykes and Thompson’s Boycott of Miller Park.

The Roundup: The Inaugural
The Roundup

The Inaugural

Marvin Pratt did not stand up with the crowd when Tom Barrett was inaugurated mayor, and the press has made a good deal of the slight. However, just after Judge Louis Butler administered the oath of office to the new mayor, Barrett’s first comments were to commend Pratt, and the former acting mayor did stand up and take a bow. The ceremonies were held April 20th outside of City Hall in some perfectly dreadful Milwaukee spring weather. So, who was the idiot who came up with that idea? “I’m the idiot who thought to hold it outside,” fessed up Kris Martinsek. After all, the president is inaugurated outdoors in January. However, January in Washington is not nearly as unpleasant as Milwaukee in April. The stage was set up on Wells Street, facing east. Upon the stage sat Milwaukee’s new leaders, including the mayor, the common council, the comptroller, treasurer, city attorney, city clerk and a municipal judge. Their families sat out in the street and in the adjacent park next to the Frank P. Zeidler Municipal Building. Frank P. Zeidler was there himself, sandwiched between Marvin Pratt and Senator Herb Kohl. Kohl was dressed as he always is around here. He wore a shirt, a tie, a Milwaukee Bucks cap and a windbreaker. Except for the tie, he pretty much looked like the guy who harvests aluminum cans from my recycling bin. If he tried to walk on to the floor of the United States Senate in that getup, the sergeant-at-arms would toss him out. But this is Milwaukee, the “come as you are” capital of America, and he fit right in. Barrett has made a list of 18 things he wants to accomplish in his first hundred days in office. I don’t know if reducing the police overtime budget is one of them, but the men in blue were certainly racking up the hours during the interminable ceremony. The aldermen were sworn in sequentially according to district. Each alderman then gave a little speech. The last district, the 15th, is occupied by Willie Hines, who is now the Common Council president. He then gave a big speech. He began by saying, “my ascent to the Council Presidency is not a compromise or consolation prize for the African-American community.” This was an effective way to defuse speculation that his election was a compromise or consolation prize, and was a rather sharp thing to do. Hines also insisted that corruption will not taint his council. (We’ll check back on that in four years.) His delivery was generally quite good, and had a hint of religious fervor to it. Moments earlier, he did have a slip up. When Valarie Hill was about to be sworn in as municipal judge, Hines said, “The City Clerk will now come to the altar – er, the podium – to take the oath.” Also, when Hines introduced the new mayor he called him “Mayor Marvin Pratt – er, Mayor Barrett.” These things happen. The Common Council […]

The Roundup: My Campaign Blog
The Roundup

My Campaign Blog

Two hundred fifty bucks or a free press pass?

The Roundup: No Challenge to Hill Papers
The Roundup

No Challenge to Hill Papers

But Halbrooks says Election Commission’s Extended Hours Helped Opponent

The Roundup: Art Jones Pension better than $100K per year
The Roundup

Art Jones Pension better than $100K per year

Two other Mayoral candidates eligible soon

The Roundup: Who’s on Fifth?
The Roundup

Who’s on Fifth?

An $89 billion bank is muscling its way into the Milwaukee market, and you read about it here first.

Murphy’s Law: The Embarrassing Failure of Miller Park
Murphy’s Law

The Embarrassing Failure of Miller Park

The Milwaukee Brewers have begun the season with a horrendous start, one that is setting franchise records for futility.

Murphy’s Law: How Scott McCallum Plans to Raise Your Taxes
Murphy’s Law

How Scott McCallum Plans to Raise Your Taxes

Sometime in the coming week, Gov. Scott McCallum will be meeting secretly with lobbyists in Minocqua, of all places, to discuss a plan to cut school spending and force property tax increases as a way to balance the state budget.

Murphy’s Law: Is Jim Sensenbrenner America’s Cheapest Congressman?
Murphy’s Law

Is Jim Sensenbrenner America’s Cheapest Congressman?

It must be tough being married to James Sensenbrenner.

Murphy’s Law: Will A New Soccer Stadium Help or Hurt the Bucks?
Murphy’s Law

Will A New Soccer Stadium Help or Hurt the Bucks?

The proposal to build a soccer stadium downtown adds another complication to what has become a political minefield around the proposed Bradley Center renovation.

Murphy’s Law: How Sen. Kohl Will Profit From Your Taxes
Murphy’s Law

How Sen. Kohl Will Profit From Your Taxes

Everybody knows the Milwaukee Bucks are losing money.

Murphy’s Law: The Raging Bull of MATC
Murphy’s Law

The Raging Bull of MATC

For eight years, Milwaukee Area Technical College President John Birkholz has terrorized his staff and even the board members who hired him, while alienating members of the business community.

Murphy’s Law: Personal Foul – Norquist Loses Points With the Business Community
Murphy’s Law

Personal Foul – Norquist Loses Points With the Business Community

The Greater Milwaukee Committee thinks it's found a way to get more revenue for the Milwaukee Bucks.