Joe Dudzik

Council Bids Farewell To Alders Murphy, Borkowski and Rainey

Trio leaves, but not before singing, doing impersonations and issuing a challenge.

Ald. Mark Borkowski Retiring

Veteran politician won't run for reelection in 2024.

Food Truck Ban for Downer Ave. Proposed

Business owners upset that trucks have loud generators, take up parking spaces.

Food Trucks Banned on W. National Ave.

Council approves resolution to ban food trucks from S. Layton Blvd. west to city limits.

11 Things to Know Before You Ride The Hop

How many people will ride it? How is it free? Oh so many questions, all answered here.

The Fire Fighters’ Selfish Agenda

The union’s backing of Barrett recall is all about driving up their wages and benefits.

Food Trucks Banned On Brady Street

Council okays ban request by business improvement district. Mayor must approve.

County Pension Scandal Poster Boys

Six veterans seeking re-election voted for infamous pension plan that ripped off taxpayers.

Meet the Republican Candidate for Mayor, Bob Donovan

Instead of actually helping to make Milwaukee a safer place to live, Donovan has voted against increasing law enforcement officers four times in recent years.

Kenney Targets Ald. Borkowski

Should challenger win, would be only military veteran on Common Council.

The Lonely Journey of Mark Borkowski

New alderman’s crazed comments leave him only (and barely) the police union's support.

Does Milwaukee Need More Police?

Mayoral candidate Bob Donovan thinks so. How does this city compare to others?

Convicted alderman returns to politics as unpaid campaign adviser

Longtime Milwaukee Common Council member Scherbert dies

Common Council President Michael J. Murphy announces committee changes

Alderman Borkowski, who won the August 18 special election, was appointed by President Murphy to the Community and Economic Development Committee.

Memorial walk, stone dedication to honor Alderman Joe Dudzik

A memorial neighborhood walk and stepping stone dedication will be held on Saturday, August 29.

Mark Borkowski wins special aldermanic election

Mark Borkowski’s Quaint Ranch Home

County supervisor lives in suburban-style area at edge of Greenfield but wants to be alderman.

The Strange Politics of Anti-Streetcar-ites

So when is that referendum coming, and where are those aldermanic opponents?

Race for Dudzik’s Seat Could Get Heated

Will anti-streetcar group get involved? And did Journal Sentinel exaggerate the number of candidates?

President Murphy to take Council committee seats

“In the wake of the sudden and tragic passing of Alderman Dudzik, until further notice I will assume the seats on the Public Safety and Finance and Personnel committees that he very ably held.”

President Murphy calls for special election for 11th District Council seat

News release from Common Council President Michael J. Murphy

Mix of intensity, loyalty and devotion helped define Ald. Joe Dudzik

Statement from Alderman Ashanti Hamilton May 22, 2015

South Side loses a true public servant

Statement of Alderman Terry L. Witkowski May 22, 2015

Alderman Dudzik had passion, devotion as a public servant

Statement from Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II May 22, 2015

Joe Dudzik was a blue-collar leader, a quintessential Milwaukeean

Statement of Alderman Jim Bohl May 22, 2015

Statement from Dir. Claire Zautke regarding the passing of Ald. Joe Dudzik

"I'm saddened by the death of Alderman Joe Dudzik. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this time."

Ald. Dudzik Killed in Motorcycle Crash

Mourning the loss of a dedicated, respected colleague

Statement of Alderman Robert W. Puente May 22, 2015

Alderman Joe Dudzik: A life well-lived

Statement of Alderman Joe Davis, Sr. May 22, 2015

Supervisor Mark Borkowski Sends Condolences and Prayers to Dudzik Family

“He Was a Good Friend. He Will Be Dearly Missed”

The loss of a dedicated public servant, south-sider and family man

Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan May 22, 2015

The passing of Alderman Joe Dudzik

Statement of Alderman José G. Pérez May 22, 2015

Alderman Joe Dudzik’s passing marks a very sad day in Milwaukee

Mayor Barrett's Statement on Alderman Joe Dudzik

City loses a dedicated public servant in Alderman Joe Dudzik

Statement of Common Council President Michael J. Murphy May 22, 2015

Deadly crash was no accident

Statement from Alderman Joe Dudzik February 23, 2015

Milwaukee Streetcar Approved

After years of debate, streetcar will finally move forward. Final engineering will begin immediately, and construction by the end of the year.

Rep. Zepnick Says Ald. Donovan Owes Milwaukee an Apology

"I I hope Bob Donovan does the right thing and stands with the rest of Milwaukee who do not want a public infrastructure debate going into the toilet of racial and fear-mongering tactics."

Ald. Puente Responds to Ald. Dudzik’s Comments

Statement from Alderman Robert W. Puente January 26, 2015

Members of the Common Council Respond to Ald. Dudzik’s Remarks

Joint Statement from members of the Common Council

Streetcar Responses Shows Wide Support

Eleven out of 15 aldermanic districts, and 76 percent of all respondents support the proposed streetcar starter system.

Streetcar Approved, but Held

Large majority votes to approve streetcar, but parliamentary maneuver puts issue on hold until February 10th meeting.

Council Delays Streetcar Until January

Minority of aldermen were able to use city charter provision to delay project for one month, but a majority seems poised to approve it.

Barrett Moving Forward With Streetcar

If Common Council approves at December 16 meeting, construction would start in late 2015, and Milwaukee would follow in footsteps of many other cities.

51st Veterans Day Parade

Every branch of the service was represented, along with politicians, ROTC students, debutantes, Hmong police officers and military canines.

Why Bob Donovan Can’t Beat Barrett

No alderman will back him. Why he’s so disliked -- and so certain to lose.

Join Ald. Dudzik and Mayor Barrett for a Neighborhood walk

Alderman Joe Dudzik will be joined by Mayor Tom Barrett for a neighborhood walk in the 11th Aldermanic District on Thursday, August 21, as part of the “Walk 100 Miles in 100 Days” initiative launched by the Mayor earlier this summer.

We Hate This Boston Store Subsidy!

Common Council members all complain about the TIF for Boston Store, then pass it 11-3.

Mayor Tom Barrett’s 2014 State of the City Address

Milwaukee February 24, 2014 As Prepared for Delivery

Under new configuration, Finance and Personnel Committee will continue precedent of fiscal responsibility

I would like to thank Common Council President Michael Murphy for entrusting me with the responsibility of chairing the City of Milwaukee’s Finance and Personnel Committee.

Murphy Announces New Committee Assignments

The changes aren't radical but big winner is Ald. Kovac, who becomes chair of Finance and vice-chair of Steering and Rules.

Strengths, experience reflected in changes in Common Council Committee Appointments

President Murphy has appointed Alderman Nik Kovac to succeed him as the new chair of the Finance and Personnel Committee.

Betting on the Common Council

Haven't got your fix with the Super Bowl? Gamble with friends on who will be the next council president.

2013 Veterans Day Parade

Politicians, patriotism and marching bands on parade, all captured in our photos.

Strip Club Coming to Downtown?

City committee rules against exotic nightclub on Old World Third, then seems to open door to a location across from Bradley Center.

Priorities and services maintained in Council-approved 2014 budget

The 2014 amended city budget approved today by the Milwaukee Common Council addresses key priorities and maintains quality city services at current levels.

Bank where robbery took place to host community safety forum

Alderman Dudzik, who played role in nabbing suspects, to take part in event

Milwaukee Alderman Helps Police Chase Bank Robbery Suspects

King Drive Owner Under Fire, Taxpayers Could Lose $212,000

Ald. Coggs assails company for promising local grocery and leasing to Dollar Tree instead.

Hypocrisy alive and well in the 8th District

Statement of Alderman Joe Dudzik May 31. 2013

Important information from Alderman Joe Dudzik

Mayor Barrett’s 2013 State of the City Address

Monday, February 25, 2013, Pritzlaff Building

School Switcheroo?

Maryland Avenue Montessori might swap buildings with Cass Street School. And poor Sweet Water's building is available for lease.

Ald. Dudzik: Streetcar utility concerns are nothing new

I am absolutely sure this same information, and even maps of potentially problematic utilities, were available to Alderman Donovan.

Stunned by bribe allegation, Milwaukee panel rejects liquor license

Tragedy in Oak Creek

Joint Statement from Members of the Common Council

Rocky Road

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

Statement on hearing regarding MPD crime statistics

To his credit, Chief Flynn put together an impressive presentation yesterday. The police department apparently reviewed more than 34,000 crime reports.

Common Council to Mull Audit of MPD Crime-Reporting Practices

According to the resolution, a recent Milwaukee Journal Sentinel investigation found more than 500 cases in which serious assaults were misclassified by the MPD as lesser offenses.

Milwaukee Intermodal Station Train Shed Project to Start in October (Renderings)

The second phase of the redevelopment of the Milwaukee Intermodal Station will begin construction next month.

Reconstruction of S. 2nd Street Starts Today

The S. 2nd Street project, which was approved in December 2009 by the Common Council despite Alderman Dudzik’s last minute attempt to derail the project, officially gets going today.

S. 2nd Street Redesign Approved by the Common Council

The proposed improvement of S. 2nd Street, in Walker's Point, was up for approval at the December 22nd meeting of the Milwaukee Common Council.

S. 2nd Street Street Re-design Approved at Committee

For over a year business owners, property owners, and residents in Walker's Point have worked to have S. 2nd Street rebuilt with people in mind. The plan, as UrbanMilwaukee.com has covered in past, includes narrowing the street from 58 feet to 50 feet, removing travel lanes, and adding bike lanes, street trees, and new lighting with the goal of creating a street conducive to multiple modes of transportation, be it walking, biking, or driving.

Common Council Creates Streetcar Committee

The proposed snow and ice fee increase, the furloughs, the possible use of eminent domain for economic development, and the formation of a streetcar committee were topics of interest at this Common Council meeting.

Yes

Despite last ditch efforts by Alderman Dudzik to hold the project in committee, which would have effectively killed the project, Janet Zweig's public art project was approved at today's Common Council meeting.

Zweig Project Held by City Committee

This committee meeting had numerous items of significance relating to the built environment that were up for debate.  A couple highlights (or lowlights) included the holding of a file over budget concerns, a heated discussion over Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (“CMAQ”) grants, and a most intriguing debate on public art. The approval of the schematic designs of public artwork which is to be incorporated into streetscape improvements within the first block of East Wisconsin Avenue was up for approval.  The project put out a RFQ to which nearly fifty artists responded.  Artist Janet Zweig was selected to design the artwork and at a recent Streetscape Public Art Advisory Committee meeting the committee approved the schematic design.  The design would include five kiosks attached to five light poles.  Each kiosk would essentially be a historical reference to a type of flip board system that existed in train stations.  Each kiosk would display flip movies of Milwaukee, and would be custom built to hold 80 flaps.  This project was funded under the federal CMAQ program to promote walking as an alternative method of transportation by making improvements to the pedestrian experience.  Additionally, of the total project only a little over 1% of funds has been allocated to public art. Initially, Alderman Robert Bauman was concerned that there might be a cost to moving this project forward so he questioned, “tell us why this is even in front of us?”  After much discussion it became clear that this file was just the approval of the schematic design and that as he said “rejecting this concept saves no money.” At this point Alderman Bob Donovan began railing against the design saying “Thomas Edison had that 100 years ago,” and that “I refuse to have my name associated to something as ridiculous as that.”  Alderman Willie Wade took a more measured approach in his response to the work stating “I’m not impressed with this at all” and that “this is too old school for me.”  Attempting to bring the discussion back to the overall idea of improving public space through the addition of public art Alderman Bauman explained that “art is in the eye of the beholder.”  Debra Usinger, who appeared previously in regards to a Riverwalk project, explained that “public art is great” and that despite the sentiment in the room, this art works because “all of a sudden we’ve created discussion in here.”  She added that “I think this is really innovative.”  This file was held to all for public input. A file that would have funded a variety of nonassessable public improvements was held because of future budgetary concerns.  Alderman Joe Dudzik questioned the wisdom of this spending while planning on significant layoffs, which sparked the discussion regarding holding the file.  Wondering if there was a cost to delay action on the file, Alderman Dudzik questioned “is there any urgency in getting this file passed today?”  Apparently if delayed projects might see a increase of 10% to the cost so the […]

Green Initiatives Stalled by City Committee

In the name of cost savings two green efforts were stalled during today’s meeting of the Public Works Committee. The first item to run into issues with the committee was the Central Library’s resolution that would of allowed them to apply for a $250,000 Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District Stormwater Best Management Practices Partnership grant.  This grant was to be used in conjunction with $950,000 of city funds in the construction of a green roof on the Central Library.  The existing roof is in disrepair and will be in need of replacement in the near future.  Although it was presented that this green roof could potentially double the lifetime of the roof, concerns were raised over the cost of construction.  Additionally it was estimated that the green roof was would save $3,500 in energy costs per year.   Lost on the conversation regarding the increased cost was that this grant has an education component that goes above and beyond the building of a new roof.  Alderman Bob Donovan expressed his thoughts on the costs when he said “everybody likes green, well we’ve gotta have the green money”.  This file was held at the call of the chair which opens up the possibility that the City of Milwaukee could miss the deadline to request the grant. The second resolution of importance that was held up proposed having the State of Wisconsin paint bike lanes on to West Forest Home Avenue between South 68th Street and South 45th Street after completing a road construction project.  In reference to problems experienced with recently painted lane markings Alderman Robert Bauman complained that “what we’re painting doesn’t last even in months”.  Alderman Joe Dudzik argued that if the City of Milwaukee can’t keep the roads painted properly for drivers, then the City of Milwaukee can’t add the additional burden of new markings to maintain.  This file was also held to the call of the chair.

Committee Quickly Approves Road Projects

Although this meeting finished in record time due to Alderman Robert Bauman's auctioneer style meetings, there were a couple of items of interest.

Common Council Allocates Funds for Low-income Housing Development

Resolution 080196 proposed requiring taverns with three or more criminal incidents within a years time frame to install security cameras that cover both the interior and exterior of the establishment.  Alderman Jim Bohl attempted to do his due diligence by asking a series of questions regarding enforcement, when it would go into effect, and the specific definition of a “criminal act”.  He also pointed out that he normally doesn’t like the idea of cameras and “big brother” infringing on our freedoms but that “this legislation is well crafted” and he would support it.  This resolution was approved and will now go before the Mayor. Resolution 080632 generated a long debate over the re-authorization of a $500,000 grant for the Truancy Abatement and Burglary Suppression (“TABS”) program.  Alderman Bohl called this grant “marshmallow fluff” explaining that it had been funded for fifteen years and the truancy rate within Milwaukee Public Schools (“MPS”) has actually risen from 40% to 46%.  The grant currently funds four police officers who in total find nineteen truant students a day, which represent a mere .0025% of the absences within MPS.  Many council members agreed with the belief that this program wasn’t working and Alderman Jim Witkowiak went so far as to say that we “possibly we should consider not funding this anymore”.  This resolution was sent back to the Finance & Personnel Committee. Resolution 080539 proposed utilizing the funds from the sale of land for the development of Kilbourn Tower to fund loans for the low-income development and rehabilitation projects in Milwaukee.  There was a short debate spurred by Alderman Joe Dudzik that considered sending this resolution back to the Zoning, Neighborhoods & Development committee to potentially find a different use for the funds.  Alderman Willie Wade stated that “to me its a blessing to even have these funds available” and reinforced the majority of the council’s belief that this file should move forward.  The motion to send back to committee was rejected and this resolution will now go before the Mayor. Par ailleurs, d‘autres facteurs peuvent donc terrestres, sont autorisés à travers tout joueur n’étant pas accès. Les principaux établissements de l’Est, la plupart des autres nations avec les autres. La légalité des joueurs aux plus modernes, les joueurs peuvent influencer l’accès des nations avec celles-ci se . meilleurs casinos Par ailleurs, d‘autres facteurs peuvent influencer l’accès des joueurs aux établissements de cantons, soit 26 au totale. Et comme la plupart des autres nations européennes, elle offre à une panoplie de jeux. Inscrit parmi les divers établissements de jeux une nation composé de casinos physiques, donc .

Common Council Approves New Berlin Water Deal

This meeting included three highly debated resolutions, the “Wheel Tax”, the 9to5 direct legislation regarding sick pay, the water sale to New Berlin and the retirement of one of the most highly respected government officials.  Marty Collins the outgoing Commissioner of the Department of Neighborhood Services gave a heartfelt farewell speech stating “I’m proud to be a public servant”.  Then he left with some suggestions and encouraged the Common Council and city staff to promote creativity to find solutions.When the resolution known as the “Wheel Tax” came up for discussion Alderman Jim Witkowiak offered an amendment that would cap the fee at $20 for the duration of the current Common Council.  Although Alderman Michael Murphy explained that this amendment wasn’t meaningful because it could simply be overridden with a resolution in the future.  Another amendment was offered by Alderman Joe Dudzik that would allow a portion of the vehicle registration fee to support street maintenance.  Again it was suggested that this amendment had little value because it will be up to the budgetary process to determine that actual spending.  Both of these amendments and the overall resolution passed with a veto proof majority and will no go to the Mayor for action.Another hot button resolution was the piece of direct legislation brought forward by the group 9to5, National Association of Women by obtaining 42,000 signatures in sixty days.  The intention of the resolution is to force employers within the City of Milwaukee to give all employees paid sick time.  Alderman Bob Donovan spoke out against the resolution saying that “this resolution may end up hurting the very same people it is intended to help”.  Alderman Jim Bohl also expressed his concerns that this would resolution hurt business and that “if jobs leave this community there are no benefits to be had”.  The Common Council had two options regarding this resolution, either adopt it immediately without changes or let it go to binding referendum.  The Common Council voted to let it go to referendum.The most hotly debated issue of the day was the proposed water sale and the associated intergovernmental agreement with New Berlin.  Alderman Robert Bauman initially questioned the legality of the water sale saying that his concerns were “beyond the question of policy” because this transaction was outside the bounds of what the Common Council had approved in December of 2007.  He questioned if the sale was proper because the original authorization to negotiate was in reference to an area of New Berlin within the current Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (“MMSD”) service area while this transaction included a portion of New Berlin that is planned to be in the MMSD service area sometime in the future.  Alderman Murphy agreed that “the department made a mistake without a doubt” but that the City of Milwaukee needs to move forward with this transaction or New Berlin may find another solution.The intergovernmental agreement with New Berlin included a non-compete clause and a $1.5 million payment to the City of Milwaukee.  The non-compete […]

Public Works Committee Approves New Berlin Water Deal

This meeting’s highlights included the proposed water sale to New Berlin and the reappointment of Jeff Mantes to the Commissioner the Department of Public Works.The water sale involved two separate resolutions.  Resolution 080012 would handle the actual water sale and resolution 080011 will enact an intergovernmental agreement contingent on the water sale.  Water sales are regulated by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (“PSC“) which sets the wholesale price of water and oversees water contracts.  Because of this any additional constraints beyond the sales agreement had to handled in an intergovernmental agreement.  This intergovernmental agreement included a non-compete clause between the cities as well as a one time $1.5 million payment to the City of Milwaukee from New Berlin to offset some of the potential economic impact associated with this transaction.  Further as this agreement proposes the sale of water outside of the Great Lakes Basin it follows the requirements set for within the Great Lakes Compact.New Berlin is seeking to obtain the additional water source to support the middle third of the city, to large extent because of high levels of the radium existing in their water and the depletion of their aquifer.  During the discussion it was brought up, that if New Berlin isn’t able to purchase water from the City of Milwaukee that New Berlin may spend $4 million on an upgrade to their facilities or pursue purchasing water from Oak Creek.  Both of these options were potentially more expensive for New Berlin than purchasing from the City of Milwaukee but Jack F. Chiovatero, the Mayor of New Berlin, indicated the pressing need by stating that “I wouldn’t be sitting in front off you if I didn’t have the radium issue”.Alderman Robert Bauman repeatedly made the point that New Berlin fails to meet the City of Milwaukee’s guidelines for water sales. These guidelines are based on access to mass transit and affordable housing within the community wishing to purchase water.  Further he pointed out that this resolution does not reflect the original authorization to negotiate as passed by the Common Council in December 2007.  In addition to Alderman Bauman’s vocal opposition various organizations such as the Good Jobs & Livable Neighborhoods Coalition, the Metropolitan Milwaukee Fair Housing Council, and the ACLU spoke out in opposition to the water sale.  This opposition stems from the idea that sending water to sprawling communities without adequate housing or transit options makes access to the new jobs, that this transaction will support, near impossble for low-income residents of Milwaukee to access.   In addition to those concerns Bill Holahan, the Chairman of the UWM Department of Economics stated that “over the next 20 years the expansion out there will swamp the $1.5 million” and that “economic value of the water is probably not reflected in the $1.5 million”.  Despite these issues and concerns the resolution was approved and sent to a special meeting of the Finance & Personnel Committee held prior to July 30th’s Common Council Meeting.The other contentious item was the […]

Public Works Committee Approves Vehicle Registration Fee

The meeting began with public hearings regarding assessable road improvements and lead into Alderman Robert Bauman‘s opening discussion of resolution 080034, the proposed municipal vehicle registration fee.  This resolution would change the assessable portion of road improvement costs from 60%, which on average is an assessment of $2500 to the abutting property owner, to 0% being assessed to the property owner by shifting these costs onto a $20 municipal vehicle registration fee.  Additionally assessment rates for alley improvements would drop from 90% to 60% and for sidewalks it would drop from 70% to 50%.  This proposed resolution came about in response to property owners regularly voting to delete road projects due to high assessment costs.  The postponing or deletion of road repair projects has lead to crumbling streets, a proliferation of potholes and higher reconstruction costs in the future.  The Committee voted to approve this resolution with Alderman Joe Dudzik opposing the measure and it will move forward to the Finance and Personnel Committee.Resolution 080304 is an agreement between the City of Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, Discovery World and Summerfest with the intention of improving access to Discovery World and Summerfest.  The plan includes the widening of North Harbor Dr., new sidewalks, new landscaping and various pedestrian improvements.  This resolution passed with little discussion and will now go before the full Common Council.Alderman Bauman continued his efforts of improving the pedestrian experience in the City of Milwaukee by bring resolution 050096 forward.  The resolution would repaint West State St. and West Wells St. reducing traffic lanes down to one in each direction which would help to slow traffic, improve the streets walkability, and make driving conditions less of a hazard during winter months.  At the Department of Public Works request he had held off on this resolution until the near completion of the Marquette Interchange project.  This resolution passed and will now go before the full Common Council.

Marsupial Bridge Update

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

How Did Peggy Know?

Over Cocktails in 2001, then-A.G. Candidate Peg Lautenschlager Said Rival would be Indicted

Lautenschlager’s Fast Ones – Past Speeding Tickets Raise Residency Issues

Attorney General Peg Lautenschlager exploits a legal loophole.

Art Jones Pension better than $100K per year

Two other Mayoral candidates eligible soon