Brady Street

New Apartment Complex for Brady Street

Proposed three-floor structure would offer apartments aimed at millennials plus 2,400 square feel of retail space.

City Goes Crazy for Wine

Wine pairings with meals getting ever so popular in the city that made beer famous.

Celebrating the Life of Paul Jakubovich

A host of notables gathered to salute Jakubovich and the fabulous historic architecture of Milwaukee he helped protect.

10 Changes in Restaurants and Bars

Safe House, Wisconsin Pizza Works and Indulgence Chocolatiers lead the list.

Finally, a Beer Garden Disguised As a Polish Flat

The Nomad’s "Faux Flat" design is approved, but noise is a concern for neighbors

We Must Imitate Other Cities

New study says we must build a Bucks arena and bigger convention center. But its data actually tells a much different story.

New Bike Trails Coming

Beerline Trail from Keefe to Capitol Dr. will be completed in July and Phase 4 of Oak Leaf Trail north from Estabrook Park in November.

Will Historic Building in Third Ward Be Saved?

Third Ward review board defers decision on Historic Designation. And Milwaukee now has a Croatian sister city.

Layton Blvd. and National Ave.

Talk about car-centric. And what a huge parking lot. Yes, it can be improved.

How the Beltline Project Is Changing Atlanta

Ryan Gravel, who conceived the project that is transforming Atlanta, will speak in Milwaukee on April 17.

Are Abrahamson’s Days as Chief Justice Numbered?

Constitutional amendment on April referendum would result in her being replaced as chief justice. Even if it fails, her salary will be reduced.

The Social Scene for LGBT Folks

Sports clubs, bars, bingo and coffee shops are among the places where they meet. Second of two-part column.

Davis Sets, Cancels Meeting on Streetcar

His claim on streetcar turns out to be false. Meanwhile, new city assessor appointed with little fanfare.

Swing Park Nominated for MANDI Award

And its story -- and controversies- keep getting retold.

Water and Knapp

It’s almost an empty wasteland. It can’t get worse, but how much can it improve?

Halliday’s Is Historic Oddity

An 1888 home designed by Alfred Clas became a funny little tavern on Farwell where a bar stool always seems available.

The New Gateway to Bay View?

Development proposed at neighborhood meeting would include 5 stories, 3,000 square feet of first floor retail and 72 apartments on 4 floors above this.

Walker’s Point on the Rise

South 2nd St. is booming and redevelopment on National Ave. may follow a similar pattern.

Who Will Replace Paul Jakubovich?

Ald. Bauman is pushing for prompt action to replace the longtime historic preservation head, who died last month.

An Overlooked Gem Off Brady Street

Built in 1891 by then-prominent architect Bernard Kolpaki, the home was restored and is now owned by a Whitefish Bay school principal.

Rena’s Closet Coming to Brady Street

Another retail store run by another Glorioso, and the selection of clothes and shoes looks lovely.

The House of Holiday Lights

The building with Libby's Lounge on Van Buren St. has long had a wonderful display of lights and the show is still on, even though the bar was sold.

The Legacy of Paul Jakubovich

The City’s Historic Preservation Officer had an unmatched knowledge of and commitment to the preservation of historic buildings.

Trocadero Sold; Eitel No Longer Lowlands Group Manager

Dramatic change means owners of Red Lion also own Trocadero, giving them both bars on "Tannery Row."

Why the Swing Park Failed

It became a comedy of errors, but raises serious questions about the city’s strategy for “creative placemaking.”

Rep. Brostoff’s Historic East Side Condo

The new assemblyman lives in an 1870s building once used for rooming houses, but now elegantly refurbished, like most of the neighborhood.

The Standard Has a Strange History

Just off Brady Street, it goes back to 1888, with a long list of owners and names.

Huge Turnout for East Library Opening

It was a truly an East Side event, and a crowd with tons of notables celebrated history in the making.

Will Red Lion Roar on Water Street?

Proposed British pub would replace Brocach. Approval seems likely, despite some worries about noise from the patio.

Last Remaining Single Family Riverfront Lot

“Build your dream home in an established community.” The lot can be yours for just $79,000.

Rita DeMerit

"I truly do love the whole small city with a big city feel."

Water St. and Humboldt Ave.

Can the city upgrade and improve its design? First story in a new series.

New Development in Brady Street Area

Old Hamilton Stables will be renovated to create seven “micro-industrial spaces” on Hamilton St.

Maclovio Vega

"I remember when downtown Milwaukee didn't exist. Buildings such as the Calatrava and University Tower are creating a unique skyline."

The Cream City’s Classic Churches

Nothing better exemplifies the city’s architectural history than its cream brick churches.

Do You Want A Bike Station in Your Neighborhood?

Bublr Bikes is seeking input from community members on where to locate its new bike stations.

Bublr Bikes

I’m Milwaukee’s bike share program!

“Bublr” Bike Share System Is Launched

The $3 million system is now installing 10 bike sharing stations and could expand to 100 stations and 1,000 bikes.

Ambulance Chasing Lawyer Chases Abele

Plus: Bud Selig’s birthday bash and where will new Journal CEO live?

Brasil on Brady!

Brady Street once again shut down, as huge crowd gathers for Sunday's World Cup final, in a carnival-like celebration.

Times Square Pizzeria Will Move

But will stay in Walker's Point, in new place accommodating 100 diners.

Shelley Owen

"As cultured and progressive as Milwaukee is, the one issue where this city is far behind is our struggle with segregation."

Rochambo Coffee & Tea House

The Brady Street cafe has become a favorite for organic coffee, unique teas and Irish Whiskey.

The City’s New “Social Network for Neighbors”

National social networking platform Nextdoor.com hopes to connect every neighborhood in town.

Alaa Musa’s Penthouse Condo

Casablanca restaurant owner lives in style at very urban 601 Lofts, where John Ernst Restaurant's customers once parked.

The Resistible Rise of Public Art

More and more of it is scattered about the city. But how much of it does anyone actually like? 

Devan Brown

"I’m a big fan of the Milverine. I think it’s great he’s become Milwaukee famous just by being around and being a badass."

McKenna Shaffer

"The walking and biking trails along the lake are great, but getting to them is a like playing Frogger across Lincoln Memorial Drive."

Anodyne Coffee Roasting Company

The new cafe and coffee roasting shop in Walker's Point has an all organic coffee menu and a knowledgeable staff

Marina Will Battle Geenan for Assembly Seat

Dimitrijevic and Geenan are already competing for labor support.

Jonathan Brostoff

An aide to state Sen. Larson, he discovered politics -- and love -- while a student at UWM.

Brookfield Square Welcomes County Buses

Unlike Southridge and other suburban malls, Brookfield Square actually runs ads to attract bus-riding city residents.

Kristin Wollenberg

"I live near Brady Street and the people watching is just spectacular."

Why We Lost the Marsupial Bridge Swings

The city hasn't allocated money to maintain them. Should the nearby Business Improvement District adopt them?

Scooter Nation

Scooters and mopeds are becoming more popular, particularly in bicycle-friendly cities.

Daglas Does Dallas

After a brief stay as Milwaukee Magazine editor, Cristina Daglas is off to become editor of D Magazine!

Roman Coin’s 125-Year-Old Pabst Bar

The only tavern built by the Pabst Theater's architect has been a Brady Street mainstay since the 1890s.

The Space is the Place

How the owners of Comet, Hi Hat and Bel Air Cantina have changed the city.

St Paul Bridge Will Be Rebuilt

Seventh bridge reconstructed on Barrett's watch will include streetcar tracks.

Where July Fourth Doesn’t Happen

River Hills and West Milwaukee are the county's only communities without a July 4th celebration.

The Global Style of Nomad World Pub

It’s local but international, and rated as one nation’s top bars to watch soccer.

Brady Street BID Expands Boundaries?

And Milwaukee's corporations asleep on gay marriage issue?

Hi Hat’s Educated Cocktails

Built in a former schoolhouse, Hi Hat offers a broad education in mixology.

The Ghost Sign That Wasn’t

A bit of fake Milwaukee history, some questionable MATC ads, and debunking a war on pot.

The Nomad is Home to Milwaukee’s Second On-Street Bike Corral

Portland has 67 on-street bike corrals while Milwaukee now has just two. With the latest being installed this past week at the Nomad on the Lower East Side. The Nomad's new bike corral is located in an used space along Warren St., and just as Alterra's on-street bike corral removed no regular automobile parking spots, none were removed to install these racks.

Amongst Kaszubes

This week, we forgo the easy target of the Wisconsin State Fair and instead crash the annual Polish reunion on Jones Island.

An Urban Benefit to the Smoking Ban

The indoor smoking ban goes in to effect in Wisconsin on July 5th, 2010, and certainly there are strong arguments on both sides of this issue.

Car-free Days in Milwaukee

Recently Nick Whitaker, from Streetfilms, visited Milwaukee and captured two lively examples of car-free events here in Milwaukee.

Giovanni’s Sale Complete

It took a number of months, but the sale of Giovanni's Restaurant was finally consummated on September 7th, 2006.

Brady Street Artisan Food Festival

This year, a Ferris wheel will be erected west of N. Humboldt Av., at the east side thoroughfare's highest point. As always, there will be cheese for sale.

Tech School to Hold Ceremonies in Churhc

The public technical school will hold its events at Brookfield's Elmbrook Church.

The Governor’s Party

Governor Jim Doyle was the guest of honor at a fundraiser at Mocean's on September 16.

Buffett Tour on Hold

“Spirit – The Seventh Fire” has been put on hiatus.

Museum’s Wish List

"Many permanent exhibits will be upgraded."

Scooter Schmidt Dead

Water Street fixture Scott “Scooter” Schmidt, 42, was shot in his home at 202 E. North Avenue at 11:45 p.m. Wednesday evening.

State Elections Board Responds to Complaint Against Walker

John Weishan and Gerry Broderick filed an official complaint today with the Wisconsin State Elections Board against Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker.

Broadband Quote of the Week

"Well, if I was a consumer I would say, "Why in the hell is the United States No. 13 and heading south in broadband deployment?"

Marsupial Bridge Update

The concrete walkway of the Holton Marsupial Bridge will be poured beginning today.

Henningsen Moved

milwaukeeworld.com scoop

New Home for Lord?

Lord has been looking at the old Lou Fritzel building with owner Peter J. Kondos.

Riemer: “Ready to Run”

This terse note from Riemer almost sounds like a Bill Christofferson soundbite, which means it's a good one.

Kennedy Walks

Substantial Fine for Possession of Forged Artwork

Merry Christmas From the Folks at the Death Notices

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

Race For Governor is On!

Well, it is official

Broadband News – Thanks for Nothing

Access to the Wi-Fi zones requires a $19.95 per month membership in SBC DSL.

More OIC – George Connections

Although the Gary George – OIC-GM connections are well documented, particularly those that have led to the convictions of George, Mark Sostarich and Carl Gee, recently-released audit information and other source documents indicate that perhaps the OIC-George connection needs to be further investigated. Nobody is accusing anybody of wrongdoing, but perhaps investigators should dig a little deeper into the dealings of George and those connected with him, if only to remove any hint of suspicion from settling on the mantle of the innocent. Take, for instance, the relationship between Todd Robert Murphy, OIC-GM and Gary George. Murphy was recently relieved of his Public Relations contract with OIC-GM, and was replaced by Martin Schreiber and Associates. The recent audit of the OIC-GM accounts indicated that payments made by OIC-GM to TRM Marketing Consultants, Murphy’s firm, were “unallowable expenses,” according to Paul Steiber of the State of Wisconsin. His review included two months during which Murphy received $4,000 per month from OIC-GM. Was this a “cushy consulting job,” as Leon Todd has suggested? Todd said the Murphy-planted cover story about OIC-GM that appeared in the Shepherd Express (and, interestingly, in newspapers in the African-American community) was “not enough” to save him his job. According to the audit, OIC-GM was not authorized to hire a public relations consultant with W2 funds. The Ethics Board did not have a complete accounting of the amount of money Murphy’s firm was paid over the years. The board was investigating “direct” payments, and Murphy’s were considered “indirect.” According to John Becker of the Ethics Board, the payments to Todd Robert Murphy’s firm “were not something we focused on.” Nor has the board “seen any checks,” from OIC-GM to Murphy, he said. One wonders if the State of Wisconsin Ethics Board should have done a better job reviewing its own documents, for the Statements of Economic Interests filed by George for the years 1999-2001 show that George received more than $1,000 per year from Murphy’s firm. It would be interesting to know how much exactly per year Murphy sent to George, and what he got in exchange. George also reported receiving funds from Petrie and Stocking, the firm that employed Mark Sostarich, who gave George kickbacks from OIC funds. George also received money from Coleman & Williams, Ltd., an accounting firm. Coleman & Williams also received money from OIC – to conduct an audit of the OIC books. Isn’t it odd that an accounting firm that received money from OIC-GM would also, coincidentally, be sending more than $1,000 per year to George, who was systematically swindling OIC-GM out of money, with the connivance of Carl Gee, the group’s director, and Mark Sostarich, the Petrie and Stocking lawyer? Bill Coleman, of the accounting firm, said the relationship was quite innocent, and that he had hired Gary George to do unspecified legal work for his firm. Since many aspects of attorney-client relationships are privileged, we’ll have to take his word for it. Still, workers at the Ethics Board, the United […]

Jim Glynn Dead at 64

I had no idea it would be this soon.

Feds Stop Funding School, Library Internet and Phone Service

Two months ago, the federal grants stopped.

Burke Gets Break

The Supreme Court granted a stay Friday, and Burke’s trial is postponed.

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.

Plale Recall Drive Begins

Can a group of south side political activists pull themselves together enough to acquire 13,212 signatures to force a recall election against Sen. Jeff Plale? Rep. Jon Richards said he doubts it. “This thing is going nowhere,” says Rep. Josh Zepnick. “These people are so lazy! They’ve taken out a newspaper ad asking people to come by and sign a recall petition. Who is going to do that?” True enough. To win an election, you’ve got to knock on doors, post signs in windows and do all kinds of grass-rooted activities. There is scant evidence of this in the Plale recall attempt, and absolutely no evidence of it in the northern fringes of Plale’s district, including Brady Street and the East Side. That hasn’t stopped Plale from printing up thousands of football schedules that he is handing out at every turn. The South Milwaukeean made the journey to St. Rita’s Church last week to attend the Brady Street Association monthly meeting where he was asked about the recall. “They’ve got until September 7th to get the signatures to recall me,” Plale told the audience. When told there seemed to be no effort on the East Side to circulate petitions, Plale said, “well, these people wouldn’t know how to find Brady Street.” Plale was also in the Brady Street area for what the neighborhood hopes is an annual Artisinal Food Festival. The gig was held Sunday, July 25th, and Plale was there along with his schedules. The recall effort against him stemmed from his crucial vote to uphold Governor Doyle’s veto of a republican-sponsored measure to limit property tax increases. Plale says the upcoming plans to sponsor a constitutional amendment known as the Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights, (TABOR) is similarly flawed, and a potential recipe for disaster. He cites Colorado, a state that has enacted similar provisions into its laws and is now in the midst of its worst fiscal crisis ever. Amendment on the Run The legislature republicans spent the last unedifying session promoting the agenda of Gays, Guns and Gambling. The Madison gang came up with loads of goofy legislation, none of which could sustain a veto by the governor. Leave it to this group to be able to reconvene and pass a constitutional amendment, no less, in just one week. This was the decision of Sen. Mary Panzer, the republican leader who had earlier been criticized for not rushing a Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights law through the Solomonic deliberations of the nation’s most august lawmakers. But, as soon as she faced a primary challenge from Rep.Glenn Grothman, an ambitious fellow republican who covets her senate seat, Panzer decided to schedule a vote for this week. Then, the legislature can go home and come back next year to vote again. Then, finally, the matter will be put to public vote in a referendum, if it is still alive. But, if the legislature does not act by August 5th, the whole procedure would have to be repeated in yet one […]

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.

Lavender, Black and Green

The Green Party’s national convention will be in Milwaukee this week, with voting by delegates to be held on Saturday. The big question: will the outfit endorse Ralph Nader? This vexing question will put Milwaukee, however briefly, once again in the national spotlight. The party has endorsed the formation of several subgroups including the Black Greens, and the Lavender Greens. The first group consists of African-American members of the party, and the second with its Gay, Lesbian, Transgendered and “Intergendered” (a new one for me) members. As of May there were 297,964 registered greens from 22 states, along with an undetermined number from states like Wisconsin where voter registration does not specify political party. Candidates for the party include four for U.S. Senate, 38 for the House of Representativees, one for Governor, one for Lieutenant Governor and 94 for State Legislatures. According to the party, at least 204 Greens hold office in 27 states, including Wisconsin. Nader, who received the party’s nomination in 2000, has 50 delegates thus far, behind David Cobb, with 194 and Peter Camejo with 112. Over 200 delegates support none of the above or are uncommitted. Nader wrote the party in March to say “I am running as an Independent and am not seeking nor accepting the Green Party nomination. If you do not choose a presidential candidate in Milwaukee, I would welcome your endorsement.” You can figure out for yourself whatever that means. Whomever the candidate, the party promises to run television ads in the presidential race, another first. One of the featured speakers at a post-convention rally will be Frank P. Zeidler, a former presidential candidate himself (Socialist Party) and reason enough to attend the event. A Man in a Hurray: Marc “Leadfoot” Marotta Department of Administration head Marc Marotta has a date in the Jefferson County intake court on June 29th at 9 a.m. in conjunction with his citation on May 24th for speeding on the freeway. The 41-year old attorney and former basketball star was busted for exceeding the speed limit by 20 – 24 miles per hour, an offense that carries a $255.40 bond. Officer Michael Meyers of the Jefferson County Sheriff Department collared the Mequon resident after clocking him going 21 miles over the limit. Earlier this year, on February 25th (the day after Attorney General Peg Lautenschlager was busted for drunk driving) Peter Moe of the State Patrol cited Marotta for speeding on the freeway, also in Jefferson County. It was a more easy-going Marotta that time, since he was caught speeding 16 – 19 miles per hour above the speed limit. On April 22nd, that charge was amended to Speeding on Freeway 1 – 10 miles above the limit. Marotta pled no contest to that charge and was fined $181. The vigilant officer Moe also noted that Marotta, a senior government official, had expired plates (PUR108), so we assume it is his personal vehicle in which he was hot-rodding, but that charge was dismissed. His attorney was Michael […]

“Groundbreaking” for Bridge

Changes at the Election Commission

Mary Glorioso’s Death a Shock to Brady Street Community

A car accident Saturday claimed the life of Mary Glorioso, 83, the matriarch of the family, a long-time fixture of the Brady Street neighborhood. Glorioso died Monday evening as the result of severe trauma she suffered in an automobile accident. Glorioso and her husband Joe opened Glorioso Brothers, 1020 E. Brady Street in 1948. The firm, which remains in business, is an importer and retailer of Italian foods and goods, and was a catalyst in the Brady Street rejuvenation. The family resides a block from the store. It was while walking between the two that Mary Glorioso was struck by a vehicle at the intersection of E. Brady Street and N. Astor Street. A diminutive woman who walked with the aid of a cane, Mary Glorioso always crossed at that intersection, between Regano’s Roman Coin tavern and the Brady Street Pharmacy, often with the aid of neighbors or store employees. “We are all shocked,” an employee of the store said Tuesday. Joe Glorioso was in seclusion. His brothers Ted Glorioso, who operates Glorioso’s Gold Imports from a shop above the store, and Eddie Glorioso, who works at the store’s deli counter were also unavailable for comment. Joe and Mary Glorioso were familiar names to readers of the Italian Times. Virtually every issue of the monthly newspaper of the Italian Community Center mentioned an example of the Gloriosos’ frequent gifts to the building fund there in memory of departed friends. Now, Mary Glorioso will be the one memorialized. Mrs. Glorioso also frequently oversaw operations at the store, and was usually no more than a step or two away from her husband. The two were an extremely devoted couple. A call to Bruce Scott, public information officer for the 5th District of the Milwaukee Police Department did not yield any information about the accident. “This is the first I’ve heard of it,” he said. Members of the Brady Street Business Improvement District have put traffic concerns on the agenda for their Wednesday meeting. Just a week or so another pedestrian suffered injuries after being struck by a car on Brady Street and dragged about a half a block. Information on funeral arrangements for Mary Glorioso will be in Wednesday’s newspaper. Trolley Returns Milwaukee Downtown BID #21, along with a host of participating businesses will bring back the downtown trolleys starting May 26th. The Milwaukee Trolley Loop travels one-way in a clockwise direction with departures every minutes. The circuit takes about 36 minutes to complete. It runs from 5th and Wisconsin Avenue at the south and west to Brady Street and Farwell Avenue at the northeast as it zigs and zags its way through town. The major shopping streets of downtown and the Historic Third Ward are included in the route. It makes about 20 stops along the way. The trolley will run Wednesday-Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to midnight and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The fare is $1.00. Seniors and the […]

Liz Cheney to Open Bush-Cheney Office Here

If you are over by Mayfair Monday, you can drop by the grand opening of the Bush–Cheney’04 Wisconsin Headquarters, 2222 N. Mayfair Rd., Wauwatosa.  The opening is open to the press, and Liz Cheney will be available for interviews. The event is at noon and features such other dignitaries as Rep. Leah Vukmir, Rep. Mark Honadel, Rep. Curt Gielow, and County Executive Scott Walker. If you are in the neighborhood and would like to do something other than that, then get to the corner of Hwy. 100 and W. North Avenue where Wisconsin Citizen Action hosts a “Bash Bush” event at 11:30 a.m. Gary George Law License Suspended If you never got around to hiring Gary George as a lawyer like the Warshafsky Law Firm did, you’re “temporarily” out of luck. The disgraced former state senator’s license was temporarily suspended April 1st by an order of Cornelia G. Clark the Clerk of the Supreme Court of Wisconsin, dated March 8, 2004.. Clark acted on a motion from the Office of Lawyer Regulation “seeking the temporary suspension of the license of Attorney Gary R. George to practice law in Wisconsin. … The basis for this motion is Attorney George’s January 22, 2004 guilty plea in United States District Court, Eastern District of Wisconsin, to one count of conspiracy.” It is not common for lawyers to plead guilty to felony charges – they usually put up a fight, and a law license won’t be of much use where Gary’s going – namely, federal prison. For one thing, the competition would be intense. Paul Henningsen’s already got most of the business locked up by now, one would imagine. Along with George’s demise we lose another annoyance – we shall no longer see or hear Gary George advertisements for the Warshafsky Law Firm. George taped his advertisements in August, 2000, back when the century was new and George’s integrity was unblemished. (We were a simpler people then.) Back then I asked the law firm about the ads. “Are they designed to help George in his reelection campaign?” The Warshafsky spokesperson replied, “It has no connection to the campaign. He just brings us a lot of business.” Election Night Approaches We are down to the final hours in our Mayoral election, with the result said to be a tossup. Much will be dependent on voter turnout, which itself can depend on things like the weather. The primary election had the added allure of a presidential primary to possibly juice the vote. On the other hand, it is possible that the lack of a republican presidential race kept Milwaukee republicans at home in February, and that they will come out to vote Tuesday, if there are enough of them to count. Then we have the white people for Pratt, and the black people for Barrett contingency. I should imagine they exist in roughly the same, small numbers. Among them – former candidates Frank Cumberbatch and Leon Todd have endorsed Barrett. Sandy Folaron and Vince Bobot have […]

The Last of Kerry as a Free Man?

Last Monday February 16th – Presidents Day – John Kerry, in Milwaukee, made what might have been one of his final appearances as a “free” man. By Friday, home in Boston, Kerry had asked for and received Secret Service protection. The protection, which will last through the election should he become the nominee, and for his lifetime should he become president, will contrast greatly with the free-and-easy access enjoyed by the crowd of perhaps 400 who gathered to see the Massachusetts senator at the Italian Community Center. The event was billed as a rally and was held the day before the Wisconsin primary. As mentioned here last week, the Kerry campaign printed up thousands of leaflets for the event, hastily writing in “and Ted Kennedy,” by hand when it appeared the other Massachusetts senator would be joining him there. The closest Kennedy came to the ICC, though, was in this lame joke by candidate Kerry: “Massachusetts is a Wampanoag Indian term meaning ‘Land of Many Kennedys,’” Kerry said at the beginning of his remarks. He spoke from a raised platform in the center of the ICC east ballroom. Arrayed on three walls of the room were risers filled with local politicians, and a lot of union workers. The crowd had been placed there about an hour before Kerry’s 7:30 speech, and was kept entertained by a band playing rousing, funky music. Among those on the risers: Senator Jeff Plale, Patti Keating Kahn (Mrs. Hon. Chuck Kahn), Marlene Johnson-Odom, Vel Phillips and Supervisor Willie Johnson. Ald. Ryan Schroeder was also there representing his constituents, back in whatever city he’s from. Tom Barrett worked the room, wearing a neat tie with pink triangles. “You either get it, or you don’t,” he said about his gay cravat. Vince Bobot, then still an opponent, went up and shaked Barrett’s hand, the way politicians do with their rivals. Matt Flynn worked the room, as did County Executive candidate David Riemer. Other notables included Angelo Cataldo, who is still operating his pizza bus, along with Jim and Joanne Klisch, having a look around. No Nuts, Crackpots – Or Secret Service Access to the room was simple: you just showed up and waited for the doors to open, and then waited some more for the candidate. No metal detectors, no guys with sunglasses, no hassle. This will change considerably with the candidate’s secret service protection. The good news: there were no nuts or crackpots in the audience, just democrats. Not everybody in the room was a Kerry supporter. Michael Retzer, the controller of W. G. Strohwig Tool & Die, Inc. came down from Industrial Road, in Richfield, to hand out cards from “Save American Manufacturing,” a “national organization concerned about the loss of all areas of manufacturing and services to non-domestic sources that is causing a rapid decline in the economic condition of the United States.” Business owners are having second thoughts about NAFTA, it seems. He handed out a list of John Kerry’s top contributors, including […]

Pratt’s “Reimbursement” Mystery Money

Acting Mayor Pockets $7,500 with no explanation

Art Jones Pension better than $100K per year

Two other Mayoral candidates eligible soon