Chris Abele

Contribution to Andrea Pratt of $770

Contribution to Andrea Pratt of $770

Contribution to Peter Burgelis of $816

Contribution to Jason Fields of $6,000

Contribution to Patricia Najera of $794

Contribution to JoCasta Zamarripa of $792

Contribution to Cavalier Johnson of $834

Contribution to David Crowley of $1,000

Contribution to Ashanti Hamilton of $770

Contribution to Josh Zepnick of $750

Contribution to José G. Pérez of $826

Marina Dimitrijevic’s Bay View Beauty

Traditional architecture meets Space Age vinyl in the 21st Century dwelling of the Milwaukee County board chair.

Who’s Right in County Budget Battle?

County Board Chair Marina Dimitrijevic trashes Abele’s budget. But did she improve it?

County Board Junks Bus Fare Proposal

Proposal to kill transfers and cut fares suddenly lost its supporters.

Milwaukee County Parks Prepares For Effects from Hurricane Sandy

The Milwaukee County Parks Department is preparing the Lakefront for expected impacts from Hurricane Sandy.

An Open Letter to the Residents of Milwaukee County

It’s time to set the record straight and, once again, to call on the Milwaukee County Executive to focus on collaboration.

Milwaukee County Board Raises Taxes While Sacrificing Service Level, Public Safety

The Milwaukee County Board’s Budget Committee has voted to put politics above the interests of the community.

Global Rating Agency: Milwaukee County is on a Better Path

In another sign that Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele is putting the County on the right path, Fitch Global Rating Agency has upgraded Milwaukee County’s bond rating from Negative to Stable.

County Board Votes Against Taxpayers and For the Status Quo

The Milwaukee County Board’s Budget Committee voted 9 - 0 today to raise taxes on Milwaukee County citizens.

New Journalists in Town

Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service could be the future of journalism.

Green Bay Packers Partner with Milwaukee County Parks

Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele is happy to announce a new partnership between the Milwaukee County Parks, United Way, the Green Bay Packers, and the NFL.

County Executive Abele Named to Bipartisan Debt Commission

Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele has been appointed to the Wisconsin Campaign to Fix the Debt committee.

County Executive Welcomes “Flash Mob” to the Courthouse

Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele is happy to announce the Milwaukee County Courthouse will be the spot of a “flash mob” to raise awareness and celebrate the achievements of blind and visually impaired people.

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and Public Policy Forum Praise Abele’s Budget

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and the nationally respected, non-partisan, Public Policy Forum have both praised Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele’s 2013 Budget proposal.

Should Chief Flynn Resign?

The city is divided over the chief. But is it all his fault?

Too Many Cops in Milwaukee County?

The high cost of a huge sheriff’s budget and 19 local police departments.

Common Council members call for County to codify changes in Medical Examiner’s procedures

Several Council members met with the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office on Friday (Sept. 28) to discuss concerns related to the Derek Williams case.

City Seeks Candidates for 2012 City/County Christmas Tree

Your tree could decorate Red Arrow Park for all to enjoy!

Rush to Judgement

Whew. A county committee quickly approves a barely-vetted proposal for a new hotel.

The Mighty County Board

A doormat a decade ago, the board is now far more powerful -- much to Chris Abele’s chagrin.

How will Milwaukee Police Department handle extra work?

I’m disappointed the Mayor didn’t find it necessary to brief more Council members on his plans.

The Latest Journal Sentinel Purge

Some big names could be leaving the ever-shrinking newspaper.

Rich Park, Poor Park

Milwaukee County Parks is increasingly a two-tier system, with the worst maintained parks in poor areas.

Can Tammy Beat Tommy?

She wouldn’t have a chance against the old Tommy, but the newer edition could be beat.

Abele Under Fire

Has the Johnny Thomas situation poisoned relations between the county exec and county board?

The Tragedy of Chris and Sue

How the friendship of Abele and Black turned into bitter enmity.

Beer Gardens Back at Pere Marquette

It was off after Sue Black's firing. Now it's back on.

Myths About Black’s Firing

Strip away the myths and you begin to see why Abele dumped her.

Milwaukee County Chairwoman Reacts To Parks Director Depature

Milwaukee County Board Chairwoman Marina Dimitrijevic released the following statement upon learning of the departure of Milwaukee County Parks Director Sue Black:

Why Was Sue Black Fired?

The development is a shocker as Abele was a friend and supporter of the highly regarded parks director.

County Executive Abele Announces National Search for New Parks Director

Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele is announcing a national search for a new Parks Director to replace Sue Black. Black is no longer with Milwaukee County.

The Milwaukee Olympics

Why Milwaukee isn't likely to ever to host the Olympics, and why it would have been nice if Chicago did.

Chris Abele’s Castle

The County Executive calls the largest house in Milwaukee home.

100 Days of Progress at the County Board

Milwaukee County Board Chairwoman Marina Dimitrijevic released the following progress report on her first 100 days in office.

Downtown Employee Appreciation Week kicks off Monday

Monday marks the start of the 7th Annual Downtown Employee Appreciation Week, July 30 – August 3.

County Board Approves Negotiations for The Couture

Proposed 44-floor building for lakefront stays on track

The Couture Press Conference

Developers and politicians unite behind the podium to unveil 44-story project.

Abele vs County Board — Again

Someone leaked the info on Abele's plan for a 44 story lakefront tower, leaving him apologizing to the board.

44-Floor Tower Proposed for Lakefront

A new 44-story tower proposed for Milwaukee.

Rocky Road

Some aldermen want to dump DCD head Rocky Marcoux, but Mayor Barrett disagrees.

Will Allen Goes Viral

From ABC News to Colbert, everybody is celebrating Will Allen.

The Trial of Chris Abele

Sued by Shepherd Express editor Lou Fortis, Abele goes on the stand for allegedly stealing a film festival.

The Farley Fiasco

Is the County board punishing Abele’s aide Patrick Farley for whistle blowing?

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.

Will Abele Run for Mayor?

That's one way to consolidate city and county government, by grabbing both executive positions.

Common Council Committee Appointments, Milwaukee County Attraction Pass, The Moderne Lands a Restaurant, and More

Eyes on Milwaukee this week focuses on the committee appointments by Milwaukee Common Council President Willie Hines, Supervisor Haas' efforts for a Milwaukee County attraction pass, the restaurant coming to The Moderne, and more.

Suburbs Overwhelmingly Want to Reduce Size of the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors

Almost all of Milwaukee County's suburbs had a referendum questions that asked for voter's opinions on reducing the size of the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors and reducing the position to part-time during Tuesday's election. In every community it was asked, voters overwhelmingly voted to reduce the number and pay of supervisors, but what would that achieve?

Kohl’s, The Moral of the Story

For over a year the City of Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and various regional entities worked together in attempt to bring Kohl's corporate headquarters to downtown Milwaukee. Unfortunately, they were unsuccessful. Some have been quick to judge saying the moral of the story is, the city is a failure, and Mayor Barrett can't get the job done. Now, it is true the city didn't win, this time, but is the moral of the story, failure?

The North End Phase Two Groundbreaking Photos

A ceremonial groundbreaking took place at the corner of Pleasant and Water streets today for the Portrait and Silhouette buildings at The North End, collectively known as Phase Two of The North End. A number of public officials were on hand representing the large number of public funding sources required to get the project off the ground (or more aptly, in the ground) with the state of private financing for development.

A Year in Review

As the US economy continued it slow recovery from the Great Recession, Milwaukee was left with a couple of failed development projects to complete or redefine, a changing real estate market, the opportunity to make small infrastructure changes, and questions about the future of transit.

Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele and Transit

Chris Abele was recently elected to fill the remainder of Governor Scott Walker's term as Milwaukee County Executive. That gives Abele less than one year to accomplish anything as Milwaukee County Executive before he must seek re-election. Given the relatively short time for which Abele is assured to be in office, what can the newly-elected County Executive hope to achieve when it comes to transit?

MSO Exec Mark Hanson Moves to Houston Symphony

Hanson brought smart business practice to the Milwaukee Symphony and restored credibility with donors.

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 […]

My Campaign Blog

Two hundred fifty bucks or a free press pass?

Pratt’s “Reimbursement” Mystery Money

Acting Mayor Pockets $7,500 with no explanation

Clark Picks Up Two State Endorsements

Two of Wisconsin’s elder statespeople jumped on the Wesley Clark for President bandwagon recently. Former alderman, secretary of state and attorney Vel Phillips, who most recently issued the oath of office to Acting Mayor Marvin Pratt says she backs the Arkansas general for president. With her support, she joins such black leaders as Charles Rangel and Andrew Young. Phillips was at a fundraiser for Clark Tuesday, January 27th at the home of Julilly W. Kohler. Phillips said she had just got off the phone with Henry Aaron who has offered to send her airplane tickets and to put her up in Atlanta February 6th for his birthday party. “Oh, I’m not sure I’m going to go,” said Vel, to the dismay of partygoers who could not imagine turning down any invitation from Henry Aaron, with or without free air travel and lodging. She still hadn’t decided by Sunday. Vel Phillips faces many decisions. When she left the Common Council, she bought the old roll-top desk aldermen once used until the present gems were installed. The desk will probably go to the Historical Society of Wisconsin. Why not the city-owned Milwaukee Public Library? “Well, the historical society already has a full-size statue of me,” Phillips said. Good enough reason. The attendees, including Frank Gimbel (who has a huge Clark sign posted in his east side yard), Mort and Dani Gendelman, Curry First, Dennis Conta and about 40 others filled the Kohler residence to talk up their man and to dine on way too much food provided from such disparate sources as Sam’s Club and Watermark restaurant. A special guest of honor was to have been former Senator Gaylord Nelson, ranked fourth on a list of the most important Wisconsinites in history. He’s the only one of the top five who is still alive. Alas! Nelson hadn’t even made it as far as the end of the driveway of his Kensington, Maryland home in days, so he called in his visit by speakerphone. Heavy snowfall complicated by quaint Maryland snow removal traditions kept him home, Nelson said. He endorses Clark for president, the Earth Day founder told the attendees in Milwaukee. Nelson speaks very slowly these days. The delivery, although halting, does nothing to mute the intellectual vigor and wit of Nelson. Regarding his choice of the military man for president, the anti-Vietnam War ex-Senator said, “People were wondering how could Gaylord Nelson support a general for president?” (Pause.) “Well, George Washington was a general.” (Pause.) “And he was a pretty good president.” (Laughter.) Apparently, Nelson held republican president Dwight D. Eisenhower in high regard. He noted that General Ike warned us about the military-industrial complex. “This is a fascinating race,” Nelson said, (Pause.) But there is a long way to go.” The State of Wisconsin constitution, as amended, does not give the Lieutenant Governor much to do. This suited Scott McCallum fine, but Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton is a restless sort and has been an early supporter and campaign groupie of […]