Robert ‘Bob’ Donovan served as alderman for District 8 from 2000 to 2020. He was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in 2022.
Born in 1956 and raised on Milwaukee’s South Side, Donovan is a graduate of Thomas More High School and has attended both St. Francis De Sales College and UW-Milwaukee and has taken additional courses at Marquette University.
During his time on the Common Council, Donovan was an outspoken advocate for rank-and-file police officers.
He challenged Tom Barrett for mayor in 2016, losing 70-30.
Donovan decided not to run for reelection in 2020, but announced a campaign for mayor in 2021 after Barrett was nominated to serve as U.S. Ambassador to Luxembourg.
On Feb. 15, 2022 Donovan came in second in a primary for mayor, earning 22.28% of the vote (13,742 votes). He listed to Acting Mayor Cavalier Johnson in the April 5, 2022 general election.
He was elected to the Assembly in 2022 and reelected in 2024.
Content referencing Bob Donovan - Page 4
Donovan the Demolisher
Ald. Bob Donovan claims he's pushing city to demolish dilapidated homes. True or false?
Mar 9th, 2016 by Jeramey Jannene
Domes Are An International Star
They are a tourist and architectural attraction. Yet there’s talk of tearing them down.
Mar 3rd, 2016 by Virginia Small
$6.5 Million in Streetcar Savings
Agreement with We Energies reduces utility relocation costs.
Feb 26th, 2016 by Jeramey Jannene
Where City’s Crime is Rising
The biggest hike is in Ald. Donovan’s district. No wonder that’s his major issue.
Feb 18th, 2016 by Bruce Murphy
Donovan Lies About Streetcar Suit
City loses challenge to state law making it pay for utilities, Donovan lies about impact.
Feb 15th, 2016 by Jeramey Jannene
Stealth Campaign Targets Mayor Barrett
He would easily win the April election. But could he take third in Tuesday’s primary?
Feb 11th, 2016 by Bruce Murphy
The Lonely Journey of Mark Borkowski
New alderman’s crazed comments leave him only (and barely) the police union's support.
Jan 21st, 2016 by Bruce Murphy
Barrett Vulnerable, Says Governing Mag
At least the headline says so. But the story is, well, a different story.
Jan 20th, 2016 by Bruce Murphy
Payday Stores Charge Average Interest of 574%!
State is a leader in payday stores per capita, creates vicious cycle for low income people.
Jan 5th, 2016 by Marlita Annette Bevenue
Ten Predictions for 2016
A new downtown strip club, less crime, more Sheriff Clarke. It's all coming… we think.
Jan 2nd, 2016 by Jeramey Jannene
Welcome to the New Layton Boulevard
A just-completed streetscaping and lighting project has enhanced Layton Boulevard.
Nov 23rd, 2015 by Michael Holloway
Donovan Wants Fewer Police “Chiefs”
And "more Indians." Alderman and mayoral candidate proposes to redo police staffing to cut higher-ups.
Oct 29th, 2015 by Michael Horne
$1 Beers Every Weekday at McKiernan’s
A classic South Side bar with cheap macro-brews, yet with Guinness and Smithwick’s.
Oct 16th, 2015 by Joey Grihalva
The Return of Gloria’s Bakery
Her old shop was robbed and vandalized several times. She's reopening in new location.
Oct 2nd, 2015 by Marlita Annette Bevenue
Anti-Streetcar Petition Dies
Paging General Bob Donovan, what happened?
Aug 28th, 2015 by Bruce Murphy
The Man Behind Bob Donovan
Steve Schumacher handles all social media for mayoral hopeful. He also has a criminal record.
Jul 22nd, 2015 by Jeramey Jannene
15 Myths About The Bus Strike (and More)
Bus service continuing, but union president references more potential work stoppages. What else did he say?
Jun 30th, 2015 by Jeramey Jannene
The Strange Politics of Anti-Streetcar-ites
So when is that referendum coming, and where are those aldermanic opponents?
Jun 18th, 2015 by Bruce Murphy
Race for Dudzik’s Seat Could Get Heated
Will anti-streetcar group get involved? And did Journal Sentinel exaggerate the number of candidates?
Jun 4th, 2015 by Michael Horne
John Shannon’s Marvelous Marietta Mansion
One of the great East Side homes, its history includes a remarkable cast of characters, almost a mini-history of Milwaukee elites.
Feb 19th, 2015 by Michael Horne
Milwaukeean Scores Top NYC Job
Phil Walzak, who ran campaigns for Kohl, Barrett and Abele, is now a high-paid aide and good buddy of New York Mayor de Blasio.
Feb 11th, 2015 by Michael Horne
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.
Feb 10th, 2015 by Jeramey Jannene
Streetcar Responses Shows Wide Support
Eleven out of 15 aldermanic districts, and 76 percent of all respondents support the proposed streetcar starter system.
Jan 22nd, 2015 by Jeramey Jannene
Streetcar Approved, but Held
Large majority votes to approve streetcar, but parliamentary maneuver puts issue on hold until February 10th meeting.
Jan 21st, 2015 by Jeramey Jannene
Koch-Funded Group Backs Anti-Streetcar Drive
Americans for Prosperity has provided paid staff for petition drive, its state director says.
Jan 20th, 2015 by Bruce Murphy
The Story Behind the Streetcar Referendum
Conservatives from outside Milwaukee hope to join forces with black city residents to oppose the streetcar.
Jan 8th, 2015 by Michael Horne and Bruce Murphy
Architects Develop Plans for Near South Side
Charette creates architectural plans for underdeveloped parts of Clarke Square and Silver City neighborhoods.
Dec 29th, 2014 by Molly Rippinger
Chisholm Decision Triggers Controversy
DA decides not to charge officer who killed mentally ill man, leaving community divided over issue.
Dec 22nd, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
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.
Dec 16th, 2014 by Jeramey Jannene
Committee Takes No Action on Streetcar
Public Works Committee votes to send streetcar proposal to full council, setting up a showdown Dec. 16th.
Dec 10th, 2014 by Jeramey Jannene
Committee Approves Milwaukee Streetcar
Mayor offers historic address to council committee on streetcar and it gains their approval. Only one person speaks in opposition.
Dec 9th, 2014 by Jeramey Jannene
How to Sell the Streetcar
Ald. Bob Bauman says mayor’s sales pitch lacks vision.
Nov 28th, 2014 by Michael Horne
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.
Nov 18th, 2014 by Jeramey Jannene
The Modest Ranch Home of Ald. Joe Davis
The mayoral candidate lives in the Hampton Heights neighborhood where assessments have declined and crime has risen. Small wonder he's concerned about that issue.
Nov 11th, 2014 by Michael Horne
51st Veterans Day Parade
Every branch of the service was represented, along with politicians, ROTC students, debutantes, Hmong police officers and military canines.
Nov 10th, 2014 by Michael Horne
Will Joe Davis Run For Mayor?
He probably has a better chance of beating Barrett than Bob Donovan. But what exactly does Davis stand for?
Sep 4th, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
The Unbearable Loudness of Harley Hogs
Why are they allowed to violate noise ordinances? No one seems to know.
Sep 2nd, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
Why Bob Donovan Can’t Beat Barrett
No alderman will back him. Why he’s so disliked -- and so certain to lose.
Aug 21st, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
McKiernan’s, the Home Base of Bob Donovan
The alderman and mayoral candidate loves hanging out here, safe from those wine-sipping streetcar fans.
Aug 5th, 2014 by Michael Horne
Media Thrilled, Donovan Will Run for Mayor!
Colorful, combative foe of Mayor Barrett will oppose him in 2016, which means far more fun for reporters covering the race.
Jul 29th, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
We Hate This Boston Store Subsidy!
Common Council members all complain about the TIF for Boston Store, then pass it 11-3.
Apr 3rd, 2014 by Dave Reid
Help Me Fight Crime, Says Bob Donovan
Alderman asks his district's residents and students to sign pledges to help fight crime.
Feb 26th, 2014 by Edgar Mendez
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.
Feb 12th, 2014 by Michael Horne
We Need Better Transit!
Suburban officials and business leaders at Downtown conference on transit call for better connections to the city.
Feb 5th, 2014 by Michael Horne
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.
Feb 2nd, 2014 by Jeramey Jannene
Crystal Ball for 2014
25 predictions that are certain (well, maybe) to come true this year.
Jan 3rd, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
Bike Share Launching in 2014
Phase I of bike share program will have at least 28 stations and 250 bikes, thanks to a federal grant.
Dec 4th, 2013 by Jeramey Jannene
Should Internet Sales Be Taxed?
Federal bill could yield more than $70 million in annual sales tax for Wisconsin. Walker says he would use for income tax relief.
Sep 18th, 2013 by Bill Lueders
Send in the Cops?
Ald. Donovan wants more cops in MPS, Chief Flynn wants a different approach. Who’s right?
Sep 5th, 2013 by Terry Falk
Republican Dog & Pony Show
Legislators Vos and Darling tour city but offer no solutions. So why did they come?
Aug 22nd, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
Governor Ignores South Side on Residency Requirement
Walker signs law, never responds to letters from South Side politicians and organizations.
Jul 11th, 2013 by Edgar Mendez
Blustery Bob Donovan’s Bungalow
The cranky South Side alderman has a modest, pleasant little home.
Jun 14th, 2013 by Michael Horne
How a Cop Can Win Over Residents
Jesus Gloria, a bilingual, award-winning police officer, has forged connections in his south side district.
Apr 5th, 2013 by Edgar Mendez
Who’s the Conservative for Circuit Judge?
The race between Rebecca Bradley and Janet Protasiewicz is hard to call.
Mar 28th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Downtown Milwaukee was filled with green this past weekend, from politicians to the hoi polloi.
Mar 15th, 2013 by Jeramey Jannene
Witkowiak Runs Off to Siberia
The former alderman is an obsessive marathon runner. And the city gets 2000 more trees.
Jan 10th, 2013 by Dave Reid
A Neighborhood On the Rise
Efforts to improve the Layton Boulevard West Neighborhood are bearing fruit.
Nov 28th, 2012 by Edgar Mendez
Home Contest is a Big Winner
Most Improved Home Contest offers $7,000 in prize money, generates $164,000 in home improvements.
Nov 20th, 2012 by Jeramey Jannene
Whoops, We Changed Our Mind
The Public Service Commission changes course and delays decision on who must pay utility costs for Milwaukee Streetcar.
Sep 27th, 2012 by Dave Reid
The Saga Continues
Once again, a city committee approved -- after disagreeing -- the reappointment of DCD Commissioner Rocky Marcoux.
Sep 19th, 2012 by Dave Reid
City Defies Journal Sentinel
Fire & Police Commission will hire consultant the newspaper repeatedly claims is biased.
Aug 27th, 2012 by Bruce Murphy
The Journal Sentinel’s Attack Dog
Two stories this week continue its relentlessly biased coverage of Chief Flynn and the police department.
Aug 22nd, 2012 by Bruce Murphy
Donovan’s New Anti-Streetcar Allies
After three press releases in three days, the alderman holds a news conference with new right-wing allies.
Aug 16th, 2012 by Jeramey Jannene
Rocky Road
Some aldermen want to dump DCD head Rocky Marcoux, but Mayor Barrett disagrees.
Jun 26th, 2012 by Bruce Murphy
The Slow Demise of Sydney Hih
Sydney Hih could be saved, a witch hunt on North Ave, UWM has a baseball team (?), and Alderman Jose Perez wins a game for the Brewers.
Jun 6th, 2012 by Jeramey Jannene
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.
May 24th, 2012 by Jeramey Jannene
Bob vs Bob (Almost)
We reached out to Aldermen Bob Bauman and Bob Donovan to get their perspective on the Milwaukee Streetcar project following the press conference "debate"
May 19th, 2012 by Jeramey Jannene
Donovan vs Bauman Streetcar Press Conference
Leave it to Ald. Bob Bauman to upstage Ald. Bob Donovan at his own press conference.
May 18th, 2012 by Jeramey Jannene
Bob Donovan’s Shadowy Charity
Operation Impact raises money to combat crime. But where are its records?
May 17th, 2012 by Bruce Murphy
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.
Apr 25th, 2012 by Jeramey Jannene
Hines for Mayor, Coggs for Life, Thomas for 34%, and More City Politics
Welcome to the seventh installment of Eyes on Milwaukee. This week the focus is all on City of Milwaukee elected officials following yesterday's election. I explore the likelihood that Willie Hines runs for Mayor, how the new Common Council will resemble the old Common Council, the wide disparity in vote totals between districts, Bob Donovan winning the war, the shocking number of votes Johnny Thomas got, and Spencer Coggs' new job.
Apr 4th, 2012 by Jeramey Jannene
Historic Preservation, Miller Park Sales Tax, The War on Bob Donovan, and More
Welcome to the sixth installment of Eyes on Milwaukee. This week I take an initial look at Alderman Witkowski's attempt to redefine Milwaukee's historic preservation ordinance, the Miller Park sales tax's sunset, the ugly turn Juarez versus Donovan has taken, and more.
Mar 28th, 2012 by Jeramey Jannene
Taxi Cabs, Elections, and More
Welcome to the first weekly installment of Eyes on the Street, a new column running down what's happening in urban Milwaukee. This week features taxi cabs, election news, a list of openings and closings, and the photo of the week.
Feb 22nd, 2012 by Jeramey Jannene
Alderman Donovan Proposes Delaying the Streetcar Project
Yesterday, Alderman Donovan called for a referendum to be held before moving forward with the Milwaukee Streetcar project. A referendum that wouldn't be held until the Spring primaries on February 21st, 2012. Making a proposal such as this reminds us that there wasn't a referendum for the Hoan Bridge reconstruction, the I-94 expansion, or the $810 million, not including utilities cost, Marquette Interchange project.
Jul 19th, 2011 by Dave Reid
MPD, MPS, and Open Data
Bradley Tech, a fight, gangs, guns, and more squad cars than you can count. And no news. Why? What happened?
Dec 10th, 2010 by Dave Reid
What Would Alderman Donovan Do?
The 2010 City of Milwaukee budget faces a series of hurdles. There is the $50 million pension fund contribution, brought on because of the stock market crash. There is also the $33 million decline in property tax levy due to declining home values.
Oct 7th, 2009 by Dave Reid
Doyle’s Decision Could Send Ripples Through Milwaukee’s Political Landscape
Governor Doyle's announcement that he will not be seeking a third term could send ripples through Milwaukee's political landscape. The most commonly mentioned named Democratic Party members that may run for Governor include, U.S. Rep. Ron Kind, State Sen. Jon Erpenbach, Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, and Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk.
Aug 19th, 2009 by Dave Reid
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.
Jun 18th, 2009 by Dave Reid
Would Neon Colored Ashtrays Have Been Acceptable?
In case you missed it, at yesterday's Public Works Committee meeting a previously contracted public art project was halted, because some of our Alderman didn't find the art to their liking.
Apr 2nd, 2009 by Dave Reid
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 […]
Apr 1st, 2009 by Dave Reid
M.O.R.E. – Common Council March 25th, 2009 Meeting Notes
The M.O.R.E ordinance was the most widely debated action taken at this Common Council meeting.
Mar 26th, 2009 by Dave Reid
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.
Jan 28th, 2009 by Dave Reid
Committee Plans to Lobby UWM to Expand Downtown
In April 2008 Alderman D'Amato, as one of his last acts in office, brought forward a resolution that stated the City of Milwaukee's position that the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee should locate its College of Engineering and Applied Science, as well asUWM's other satellite campuses, within the City of Milwaukee.
Jan 22nd, 2009 by Dave Reid
Committee Requests Federal Government Not Re-certify SEWRPC
Alderman Bauman lead the efforts to bring forward a resolution that would have the City of Milwaukee request that Milwaukee County withdraw from the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission ("SEWRPC").
Oct 28th, 2008 by Dave Reid
DPW Defends Pothole Filling Process
The hot topic of this committee meeting was a recent Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel article accusing the Department of Public Works (“DPW“) of having a racial bias in their handling of pothole filling. Jeff Mantes and Jeff Polenske laid out DPW’s process in regards to pothole repair. Explaining that they prioritize arterial roads higher than neighborhood streets because these roads impact more drivers and have greater safety concerns because of higher speeds on these roads.Alderman Joe Davis, Sr. and Alderman Ashanti Hamilton were clearly bothered by this article’s findings and let DPW know it. Alderman Hamilton stated that “my constituents can pay taxes but can’t get their potholes fixed on time” and further made his discontent clear saying “you have lost the benefit of the doubt”. Ironically he also pointed out that many of his districts major arterial roads have recently been rebuilt. This was key because representatives from DPW had explained that their priorities were to repair potholes along major arterial roads first and go into the neighborhood streets later. It was evident that the research for the article didn’t take this into account and as new roads wouldn’t need pothole filling the primarily work in this district revolved around neighborhood streets which DPW had indicated were a lower priority.The committee as whole appeared to question the report’s validity and the mayor’s staff pointed out a variety of methodology flaws. These flaws including errors that could over count requests or place requests in the wrong census track, both of which could significantly sway the outcome of the research. These concerns prompted Alderman Robert Bauman to question the article and pointed out how irresponsible an article like this is, if based on poor methodology. Alderman Willie Wade joined in expressing his displeasure with the article’s methodology saying “personally I think we’ve been had” and that “we are here because of an article from the Journal Sentinel with bogus data”. Generally the committee was concerned if the findings were valid but Alderman Bob Donovon seemed to wrap up the sentiment by repeating an old cliche, “you cant always believe everything you read in the paper”.
Sep 4th, 2008 by Dave Reid
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 […]
Jul 31st, 2008 by Dave Reid
Public Works Committee Holds Up Appointments
The reappointment of Jeff Mantes to the position of Commission of the Department of Public Works and the reappointment of Jeff Polenske to the position of City Engineer were held to the call of the chair to start off this meeting. As numerous reappointments have flown through as of late it appears this may be in response to friction the Common Council has had working with the Department of Public Works. Specifically the Common Council has expressed their concern with how DPW handled snow plowing, leaf removal, and various street improvements. File number 080238 is a grouping of numerous assessable public improvements that included items such as street and alley re-construction. Similar files have experienced an ongoing problem whereas approximately half of individual projects are deleted because property owners are unwilling to pay exorbitantly high assessments. This has lead to the slow crumbling of city streets and ever increasing maintenance costs. Alderman Bob Donovon expressed his displeasure at Mayor Tom Barrett‘s unwillingness to replace the current assessment system with a recently proposed vehicle registration fee, by stating “I am hoping that this administration and the alderman in this community have the guts to move forward and do the right thing in changing the way we pay for paving projects.” This file was approved with numerous deletions and will move on to the Common Council for approval. File number 080195 is an ordinance relating to storm water management regulations. Alderman Michael Murphy argued that this resolution is important to because the “leading cause of pollution to our water system is really through non-point water sources” and this resolution targets those sources. Those sources includes streets and parking lots and this resolution address ways to reduce the amount of paved area which improves the grounds ability to absorb storm water. This resolution was passed and will go before the City Plan Commission for approval.
Jun 21st, 2008 by Dave Reid
Public Works Committee Considers Vehicle Registration Feed
This special committee meeting was scheduled to discuss resolution 080034. It was brought forward by Alderman Robert Bauman, Alderman Bob Donovan, Alderman Wille Wade and, Alderman Willie Hines Jr. and proposed replacing large assessments on property owners to pay for road repaid projects with a $20 vehicular registration fee. Alderman Bauman laid out the three principal goals for this resolution which included improving the infrastructure of the City of Milwaukee, diversifying the City of Milwaukee’s revenue streams and to bring fairness in the assessment process. Specifically this resolution would move $3.5 million in special assessments costs and approximately $3.1 million in property taxes on to the vehicle registration fee. It was pointed out that many suburban commuters and absentee land lords utilize City of Milwaukee roads and although this resolution was held it clearly has merits in that it attempts to find a more equitable distribution of the expense of road construction.
Jun 3rd, 2008 by Dave Reid
Donovan Plays to His Base
"They said he should be governor."
Jul 7th, 2006 by Michael Horne
When the Wealthy Serve
A Look at the Commerce Secretary’s Statement of Economic Interests
Feb 25th, 2005 by Michael Horne
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.
Aug 23rd, 2004 by Michael Horne
Lame Duck Ruffles Feathers
Breier stuck on thorny hotel plan.
Mar 22nd, 2004 by Michael Horne
On the Fundraiser Trail
David Riemer held a fundraiser and art auction to advance his bid for County Executive. Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design was the place, and over a hundred people showed up to look at the art (a Guido Brink retrospective) and to meet with the candidate March 8th. Wine was served, and the food was perhaps the finest of the larger-scale campaign events this year. The snacks included hummus and all sorts of veggie-cheesy items nicely prepared and tastefully presented. Everybody had to shut up for a brief speech by the candidate. Riemer is getting better at these, and unlike certain other candidates for president or even for mayor, he is able to adjust the message to his audience with a reasonable degree of spontaneity. The crowd at MIAD learned that Riemer has two brothers who are actors, and mom was too. In college (as an undergraduate) he studied poetry. “Art is not just an add-on. Art is essential to a metropolitan area. It is essential to its success.” No argument from the crowd on that account. Marvin Pratt showed up, and that created a mild buzz for a while. Riemer campaign guru Bill Christofferson wants us all to know that his candidate’s “Last Blast” fundraiser will be held in Turner Hall on March 23rd, 5-7 p.m. The Riemer campaign sent out a news release encouraging its supporters to cast absentee ballots. Election Day, April 6th is Passover, he reminds us. It is also a time when many of us might be out of town on Spring break. Riemer would appreciate it if we voted before fleeing this miserable weather. It is all about turnout, at this point. Molly Christofferson, Bill’s daughter, did campaign work for Sandy Folaron. She now works for Marvin Pratt. Strange bedfellows. Bob Weiss held a fundraiser for Acting Mayor Pratt March 10th, at his restaurant, Shakers, 422 S. Second St. He sent me a note: “Clueless staffers, no signage, no promo materials, NO candidate, when promised 6-8 p.m. for His fundraiser.” Weiss said the event coordinator “sat by self in back corner, left after an hour. Some big hitter clients of mine left in disgust since Marvin not there. … Overall, hardly our greatest political experience.” Weiss is planning a solstice party this week (good timing), with plenty of food and booze. Forget the politics! Unopposed and Raising Money: Musings on the Common Council Presidency It is tough to draw a crowd in an election year when you have no opponent, and it’s nice for a candidate to not have to sweat his election. “I only hold one fundraiser a year and this is it,” said Ald. Michael Murphy at Derry Hegarty’s Pub, an event that perhaps saw about 75 people. The event was Thursday, March 11th, close enough to St. Patrick’s Day, which is appropriate since Murphy claims to be of Irish heritage. Since the money wasn’t absolutely necessary, and since the candidate seemed destined to win, the fundraiser easily lurched into its secondary […]
Mar 15th, 2004 by Michael Horne
Krug Scores Joint Finance Seat
Rep. Shirley Krug was chosen Monday to take a seat on the influential Joint Committee on Finance
Dec 4th, 2003 by Michael Horne
