Alberta Darling

The Top 10 Stories of 2016

Readers' favorites? Stories about mansions, rich people, sports stars, politicians.

Governor Walker Appoints New Deputy Chief of Staff for Budget, Legislative, and Intergovernmental Affairs

Governor Walker’s current Deputy Chief of Staff for Budget, Legislative, and Intergovernmental Affairs, Cindy Polzin, will be leaving her role effective November 28, 2016.

Hard Right Dominates GOP Senate

Eight or nine senators could dictate much of Gov. Walker's 2017-19 state budget.

Why State’s MPS Takeover Plan Died

In changing state ratings to protect choice schools, Republicans ended up killing OSPP.

MPS Sets Sights on Increased State Funding

Buoyed by victory on OSSP takeover law, union and parents call for funding equity.

Wisconsin GOP Plan? Tax Giveaways For Not Creating Jobs?

It’s time to stop picking working taxpayers’ pockets for this entitlement for the already entitled.

Support the Blue Day rally to feature President Hamilton, Aldermen Donovan and Borkowski

“I urge citizens to come out and show their support for our brave officers,” said Alderman Bob Donovan.

Opponents Agree New Education Funding Model Needed

Union leader, key Republican and DPI all want a student centered approach to state funding.

MPS Teachers Oppose State Partnership Plan

They demand specifics; Demond Means denies he will “takeover” failing schools.

Governor Walker Signs Bill to Crack Down on Repeat Drunk Drivers

Legislation signed on the anniversary of the tragic loss of three young lives

Governor Scott Walker Signs Legislation Into Law to Expand Teacher Loan Program

It is Act 359.

Near West Side Partners Join Gov. Walker As He Signs AB628 into Law

Legislation will save taxpayer resources, reduce crime and promote economic development

Is the Republican Party of Wisconsin running Judge Michelle Havas and Justice Rebecca Bradley’s campaigns from Madison?

This highly orchestrated coordination is very new and newsworthy.

Another Abele Election Year Conversion: Won’t Follow MPS Takeover Law

The law explicitly requires the commissioner to target a public school for transfer into the separate district and then initiate a request-for-proposal to determine who should run the school.

Governor Scott Walker Signs 46 Bills Into Law

Acts 154 - 199.

Judge Joe Donald slams Rebecca Bradley’s hyper-partisan campaign tactics

Asks other candidates to join in new pledge to forgo special interest money & partisan help

Getting Tough On Drunk Driving

Legislators push to make fourth OWI a felony. But the state corrections costs are high.

Near West Side Partners Testifies in Support of SB528

Legislation will save taxpayer resources, reduce crime and promote economic development

Dr. Sheldon Wasserman’s Lesser Manse

The Democrat's $655,700 Lake Dr. home barely compares to his neighbors' mansions.

The Soaring Cost of Gun Violence

Estimated annual cost in Wisconsin is $2.9 billion, or $508 per person.

Governor Scott Walker Signs 49 Bills Into Law

Governor Scott Walker signed 49 bills into law today at the Wisconsin State Capitol.

21% of Gas Tax Will Go to Repay Debt

Debt level has doubled in a decade, yet legislators approve plan.

WEDC Leaders Resist Reforming Troubled Agency

Top brass of jobs agency miss opportunity to apologize and fix problems.

Questions Remain on “Opportunity Schools”

Republican plan giving Abele power over low-performing MPS schools offers few details.

How Republicans Worked to End Public Records

Planning began last September and would have ended open records for all local governments as well.

Governor Scott Walker Announces Administration Staff Changes

Governor Scott Walker announced the following administrative staff changes today.

Governor Scott Walker and Legislative Leaders Make Statement on Government Transparency

Governor Scott Walker, Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, and the Joint Finance Committee Co-Chairs, Senator Alberta Darling and Representative John Nygren, released the following statement

Walker Still Mum On Role Curbing Public Records

Legislature's proposal used language previously crafted by Walker administration, but governor and Vos won't discuss governor's involvement. Update of story published on July 3rd.

Legislators’ Shocking Attack on Open Government

Budget provision with no author will decimate open records rules for legislature. It will pass unless there is an outcry from legislators.

Crunch Time for Bucks Arena Deal

Joint Finance Committee needs nine of 16 members to approve it. That could be tough.

Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele Statement on the Opportunity Schools and Partnership Program Proposal

Providing the best K-12 education system for the community should be a priority for everyone who lives in Milwaukee

Statement from Milwaukee Board of School Directors President Michael Bonds and MPS Superintendent Darienne Driver regarding the Kooyenga/Darling proposal

Both Bonds and MPS Superintendent Darienne Driver expressed skepticism that the so-called "turnaround district" will do anything to improve outcomes for students.

No Christmas In May For Republicans

Tax collections haven’t risen so GOP lawmakers may have to swallow Walker budget cuts they opposed.

Republicans Target Utility Fighter CUB

Proposal would kill funding for Citizen’s Utility Board, which advocates for consumers.

Legislators Hope Tax Windfall Rescues Them

If state tax collections don’t go up -- soon -- lawmakers must swallow Walker’s unappetizing budget cuts.

Charter School Leaders Say Oversight Needed

Republican plan for Milwaukee would allow high-performing charter schools to replicate without any approving authority.

Rep. Barca Responds to GOP Finance Co-Chairs’ Attacks

"It almost appears as if Republicans are putting together a Nixon-style enemies list for anyone who dares to disagree with their agenda."

Republican Plan for MPS Attacked

Bonds says plan would be devastating financially and lay off hundreds of staff.

New Arena Plan & Pabst Brewing Returns

Will legislature pass new arena plan? Will city and county have to contribute? Will Pabst brew here again?

Exploring state lawmakers’ “New Opportunities for Milwaukee”

Statement of Alderman Ashanti Hamilton January 30, 2015

Proposal to create inner city opportunities deserves a close look

Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan January 29, 2015

“Jock Tax” Will Actually Increase Your Taxes

Proposal to fund NBA arena is really a Republican Tax Increase to help billionaire owners pay for the facility.

Why Wisconsin Has Weak Laws on Drunken Driving

Legislators reject tougher penalties, even for repeat offenders. First of a series.

Historical record shows high-performing school was always part of Malcolm X redevelopment plan

Legislators' comments show lack of awareness of facts

Malcolm X to house high-performing school

Legislative leaders misstate facts, ignore MPS efforts to place internationally recognized program in school

Is David Clarke “Sheriff Spends a Lot”?

Attack ads blast Clarke. Another targets “dysfunctional” Marina Dimitrijevic. Who’s buying all these nasty ads?

Gimbel Gets Reappointed to Wisconsin Center Board

Will continue after 3 decades as board chair! Did mayor and governor swap appointments to make this happen?

How Republicans Cause Voter Fraud

False claims of rampant voter fraud by GOP and talk radio prompt their followers to vote illegally.

State Freezes Historic Preservation Tax Credits

Worried about the cost, Gov. Walker and WEDC have halted program with big benefits for Milwaukee.

Gun Bill Dies Without Shots Being Fired

Despite overwhelming support for bill toughening penalties for felony firearms offenses, Alberta Darling and Republicans give up on it.

Gun Bills Fail, Shots Fly

Chief Flynn implores legislature to pass bill targeting illegal gun possession. Will Republicans respond?

Attorneys Rush to Chisholm’s Defense

Worried about possible recall, they plan fundraiser for the DA. But will it help him?

Wisconsin Center’s Leadership Adrift?

Many of the board's seats are either vacant or held by legally unqualified individuals.

Gwen Moore “Educates” Ted Cruz

Speaking at St. John's on the Lake, she talks about her conversation with Cruz, earmarks and voter ID.

Walker’s Book is Very Revealing

There are fascinating sections, including Walker giving staff a top ten list ridiculing public workers.

Brookfield Square Welcomes County Buses

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

Public deserves open process on Malcolm X sale and sales of other public buildings

Alderman Donovan seeks public process involving RFPs

How Republicans Will Hurt City Real Estate

Reacting to a smelly deal involving one school building, legislators are pushing a badly-flawed bill that worsens the problem.

Don’t Take Away Our School Buildings

Republican bill would force MPS to sell buildings used to expand successful schools like Golda Meir.

Milwaukee residents deserve a Milwaukee hearing on MPS buildings bill

Statement of Alderman Ashanti Hamilton October 9, 2013

Schools Want Earlier Start Date

MPS and other districts say it would improve student achievement, but tourism industry opposes change.

Southeast Wisconsin Rules the Capitol

Almost every Republican -- and Democratic -- leader is from a small part of the state.

Wisconsin Ignores Climate Change

Republicans join Koch Brothers, opposing actions to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Republicans Back Anti-Gun Bill

Mandatory three-year term for illegal gun possession has support of Flynn and Barrett. But will it pass?

Republican Dog & Pony Show

Legislators Vos and Darling tour city but offer no solutions. So why did they come?

Alberta Darling Stonewalls on Venture Capital Bill’s Economic Basis

Denies clear and reasonable open records request just ahead of Senate vote, denying public and legislator information needed for informed judgement.

Venture Capital Bill Should Be Delayed Until Evidence of Job Creation Produced

Under the guise of job creation, the State Senate is poised to pass Venture Capital Legislation (SB 169) on Tuesday. The companion bill (AB 181) has already passed the Assembly.

Why Walker Opposes Obamacare

His opposition to more federal dollars for Medicaid will hurt Wisconsin, but help his campaign for president.

Rep. Taylor statement on voucher petition drive

Democratic lawmakers delivered 16,809 petitions to Governor Scott Walker and state budget committee co-chairs.

Transit Outrage

Alberta Darling says my way or the highway. Plus: the return of Jerry Kleczka!

Republicans Move to Kill Milwaukee Streetcar

If the streetcar is killed and federal money for it is lost, it will mean the total amount of federal transit money for Wisconsin rejected by Scott Walker will exceed $1 billion.

Winners and Losers

It was a good election for Scott Walker and conservatives but there were some bright spots for liberals.

Important information from Alderman Michael J. Murphy

The City of Milwaukee needs your help with an issue that's of critical importance to our future.

Important information from Alderman Jim Bohl

The City of Milwaukee needs your help with an issue that's of critical importance to our future.

Important information from Alderman Joe Dudzik

Important information from Alderman Nik Kovac

The City of Milwaukee needs your help with an issue that's of critical importance to our future.

Important Information from Alderman Willie C. Wade

The City of Milwaukee needs your help with an issue that's of critical importance to our future.

Who’s the Conservative for Circuit Judge?

The race between Rebecca Bradley and Janet Protasiewicz is hard to call.

County Supervisor Supports New Reform Bill

Milwaukee County Supervisor Deanna Alexander is pleased to announce support for changes made in the drafting process of state legislation aimed at reforming governance in Milwaukee County.

The Money Behind the Mining Bill

Is it $15 million in campaign contributions? The tally is inexact, but it's way more than environmentalists donate.

What’s Stopping Tougher Drunk Driving Laws

The cost of enforcement has been estimated at $200 million annually, but some scoff at this figure.

Community Coalition Announces Support for Legislation to Reform Milwaukee County Governance

Reform would protect critical quality of life services, empower citizen legislators and give voters a direct voice in how they wish to be represented.

Republicans Sneaking Bill on Same Day Registration?

Voters would probably oppose it, so GOP needs to pass the legislation very, very quietly.

The Eternal Stadium Tax

It was originally supposed to end two years ago, but the Miller Park sales tax just goes on and on.

Milwaukee Taxi Cab Medallion Bill Passes Assembly

The City of Milwaukee is working on state legislation to allow the City to profit from the sale of additional taxi cab permits (to be called medallions) and address the perceived shortage of taxi cabs in the city. Currently under Wisconsin law, permit and license fees can not exceed the cost to issue said permits. This gives the Common Council and Mayor little incentive to raise the cap on the number of permits (currently capped at the seemingly random number of 321 since 1992), despite the fact that the permits are changing hands in the private market for between $80,000 to $150,000.

MPS isn’t Coke or Pepsi, it’s Walmart

America's suburban landscape has become littered with empty blight inducing big-box stores. As Walmart uses up a market, the company shutters stores and moves on to the next neighborhood, leaving hulking vacant boxes and thousands of empty, litter-filled parking spots in its wake.

Make a Difference, Help the RTA

The Regional Transit Authority, a solution to Milwaukee’s transit woes that we’ve advocated before, is coming down to the wire in the halls of the state capitol.  For the plan to move forward it needs to be included in the state budget, and for that to happen it needs to be approved by the Joint Finance Committee.  The Joint Finance Committee will vote on the matter on Thursday. The matter is anything but a done deal, and your support is turning a few votes. Please make a call Wednesday if you have the chance.  Even if it’s just a one second “vote for the RTA on Thursday”, it’ll make a difference. Please call, your city needs you. Senator John Lehman (Racine) especially needs to hear from you! (608) 266-1832 (866) 615-7510, Fax (608) 267-6793, Sen.Lehman@legis.wisconsin.gov PO Box 7882, Madison, 53707 Representative Cory Mason (Racine) (608) 266-0634, Rep.Mason@legis.wisconsin.gov PO Box 8953, Madison, 53708 Representative Robin Vos (Racine) 888 534-0063, 608 282-3663 fax, rep.vos@legis.wisconsin.gov PO Box 8953, Madison, 53708 Representative Pedro Colon (Milwaukee) 888 534-0008, 608 282-3608 fax, rep.colon@legis.wisconsin.gov PO Box 8952, Madison, 53708 Representative Tamara Grigsby (Milwaukee) 888 534-0018, 608 282-3618 fax, rep.grigsby@legis.wisconsin.gov PO Box 8952, Madison, 53708 Senator Lena Taylor (Milwaukee) 608 266-5810, 608 267-2353 fax, sen.taylor@legis.wisconsin.gov PO Box 7882, Madison, 53707 Senator Alberta Darling (Milwaukee) 608 266-5830, 608 267-0588 fax, sen.darling@legis.wisconsin.gov PO Box 7882, Madison, 53707 [Full disclosure, Jeramey is a member of the RTA Steering Committee and a passionate advocate for the efficiencies of mass transit.]

Seven Up

Business group holds gala; Website launched

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?"

Jim Glynn Dead at 64

I had no idea it would be this soon.

Burke Gets Break

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

ABC and the Gay Governor

The catch, is that McGreevey announced he was gay, while the lover says he, himself, is straight.

Morales V Darling Race Set

Milwaukee School Board member Jennifer Morales has decided to challenge Alberta Darling and her hold on the 8th Senate District Seat.

Art Dealer in Jail

Don’t bother calling Kennedy Fine Arts in Northbrook, Illinois. Don’t even try to leave a message, because the voice mailbox is full. Of course, it is easy to see why – James F. Kennedy, the art dealer, has been sitting in the Milwaukee County jail without bail since May 7th, and it looks like he’ll be there at least until a hearing date on May 18th, according to a jail spokesperson. (According to the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access, Kennedy’s offense occurred May 10th.) He is charged with a felony under statute 976.03(13), “extradition – arrest prior to requisition.” Milwaukeeworld.com told you two weeks ago that an individual was trying to peddle fake Picassos in the Milwaukee area. Although Kennedy is held on an unrelated out-of-state warrant, he is the fellow who was trying to pass off the fakes in our community. Apparently police did not have enough evidence to charge him with a crime in the matter – mere possession of fake artwork is not a crime, and there was insufficient evidence he had tried to sell the works, they say – Kennedy’s van was seized along with some 300 works of art that were allegedly fakes. He was arrested on Milwaukee Street, and is from Northbrook, Illinois. It is doubtful that Kennedy was the author of the fakes, and it is likely that he is a player in a much larger art fraud ring. So, just to remind you once again, if you have purchased any “Picasso” drawings in the last couple of weeks, contact a reputable art dealer or law enforcement authorities. Kennedy was born on May 17, 1957, so it looks like he will be spending his birthday in jail. Concordia Gets Bush President George W. Bush visited the Ozaukee County megalopolis of Mequon Thursday to deliver the commencement address at Concordia University at the Lutheran school’s very secure lakeside campus. Milwaukeeworld correspondent Patrick C. Horne, a Mequon resident, was at the intersection of Port Washington Road and Highland Road where Bush supporters and detractors hoped the presidential motorcade would pass. Of course, it didn’t, since the president’s motorcade traveled along Lake Shore Drive, far removed from the supporters, detractors, and reality. “We’ve got protestors on one side and the republicans on the other side,” Horne said via cellular telephone while awaiting the motorcade’s non-arrival. “We’ve got TV people on the other side, we’ve got Secret Service, we’ve got Germantown, Milwaukee, Ozaukee County, all sorts of people, all sorts of squads, all sorts of everything. Now, the mystery is which way he’s going to come in. I hope they take our President on LSD.” [Editor’s note: LSD is Mequon slang for Lakeshore Drive.] According to Horne, there was a good deal of “ranting and raving back and forth” between the President’s supporters and detractors. “’Give him four more years.’ ‘No, give him five more months,’” they chanted, he said. “Lot of Republicans,” Horne said. “’Oh! I forgot my flag!’ ‘Oh! Don’t they have anything better to do […]

Carpenter to Run For Congress

Rep. Jerry Kleczka is the son of a machinist. A Carpenter wants to replace him.

Art Jones Pension better than $100K per year

Two other Mayoral candidates eligible soon

Who’s on Fifth?

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

Is the State Legislature Still a Men’s Club?

It was the gunfight at the Capitol corral and only men were invited.