Bob Donovan

Contribution to Patty Doherty of $700

Contribution to Bob Donovan of $6,000

Nothing substantive has changed, and nothing substantive will change

Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan September 9, 2013

Send in the Cops?

Ald. Donovan wants more cops in MPS, Chief Flynn wants a different approach. Who’s right?

Donovan urges merger of MPS public safety with MPD

Alderman says move could put hundreds of additional officers on city streets during summer months

Republican Dog & Pony Show

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

Community violence concerning, proposed solutions lacking

Ald. Hamilton offers alternative to Mayor’s plan

Mayor’s MPD overtime math doesn’t add up

Statement of Alderman Bob Donovan August 12, 2013

Where’s the Outrage? Wake Up Milwaukee!

Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan July 29, 2013

Common Council members call on state to house sex offenders elsewhere

Members of the Milwaukee Common Council sharply criticized a state program that houses dangerous sex offenders in residential neighborhoods this week, calling it “disruptive to neighborhoods” and a “foolish waste of taxpayers’ money.”

Governor Ignores South Side on Residency Requirement

Walker signs law, never responds to letters from South Side politicians and organizations.

Barrett & Council to Walker and Legislature: “Give me my ball, I’m going home”

Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan July 1, 2013

Operation Harden the Target aims to help cut crime in near south side area

News conference set for Monday, July 1st at the Burnham Park Pavilion

Blustery Bob Donovan’s Bungalow

The cranky South Side alderman has a modest, pleasant little home.

Hypocrisy alive and well in the 8th District

Statement of Alderman Joe Dudzik May 31. 2013

Business moving from Milwaukee = wake up call

Statement of Alderman Bob Donovan May 31, 2013

Proposal deserves a closer look…and perspective

Statement from Alderman Ashanti Hamilton May 9, 2013

Common sense prevails on downtown streetcar project

Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan May 9, 2013

Alderman Donovan calls for increasing police overtime funding, adding 20 new officers

Statement of Alderman Bob Donovan

Blaming and criticizing job creating businesses is a dumb thing to do

Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan

How a Cop Can Win Over Residents

Jesus Gloria, a bilingual, award-winning police officer, has forged connections in his south side district.

Who’s the Conservative for Circuit Judge?

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

News conference will announce Sunday rally at Serb Hall

10 a.m. Friday, March 22

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Downtown Milwaukee was filled with green this past weekend, from politicians to the hoi polloi.

Alderman Donovan calls for hiring 300-400 new police officers; points to New York City’s example

Statement of Alderman Bob Donovan March 11, 2013

In Derek Williams case, “justice” is in the eye of the beholder

Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan February 22, 2013

If residency requirement is lifted, Mayor Barrett needs to look in the mirror to see who’s to blame

Statement of Alderman Bob Donovan

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.

Two more reasons to say “NO!” to the downtown streetcar

Alderman Donovan outlines potential huge cost overruns

Downtown Milwaukee: “Old World Charm, New World Class”

A Plan to Revitalize and Grow Milwaukee’s Downtown: Minus the Downtown Streetcar

Instead of lifting residency requirement, let’s expand school choice and fix the “funding flaw”

As a city leader, I recognize how critically important it is that we have a city that is not only attractive, but that is also a place where people truly want to live.

Innocent until proven guilty

Statement of Alderman Joe Davis, Sr. January 16, 2013

Enough is enough with co-sleeping deaths

Alderman Donovan calls for charges in recent infant death

Witkowiak Runs Off to Siberia

The former alderman is an obsessive marathon runner. And the city gets 2000 more trees.

FPC’s change of heart in Schoen case sets dangerous precedent

Today’s reversal by the Fire and Police Commission on the reinstatement of Officer Richard Schoen should be very troubling to Milwaukee residents.

Commission’s decision to reconsider should not be based on pressure

I am very disappointed that a mob of angry citizens has apparently persuaded the Fire and Police Commission to reconsider its decision to reinstate Police Officer Richard Schoen.

Be careful calling the MPD – you could be the one getting the ticket

My grandfather was a proud Milwaukee police officer for 43 years, serving with the department from 1922 until his retirement in 1965.

A Neighborhood On the Rise

Efforts to improve the Layton Boulevard West Neighborhood are bearing fruit.

Home Contest is a Big Winner

Most Improved Home Contest offers $7,000 in prize money, generates $164,000 in home improvements.

Alderman Donovan to recognize heroic efforts of police aide, citizens

Alderman Bob Donovan to present citations to citizens who helped pull victims from a wrecked vehicle following a hit-and-run crash

Alderman Donovan backs MPD, Chief Flynn on Williams case

While it appears to now be open season on the Milwaukee Police Department and its leader, I, for one, am standing squarely behind the dedicated and hard working men and women of the MPD and Chief Flynn with regard to the Derek Williams case.

Whoops, We Changed Our Mind

The Public Service Commission changes course and delays decision on who must pay utility costs for Milwaukee Streetcar.

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.

Thanks to rally attendees, and Mayor Zeidler’s position on streetcars

I firmly believe the big turnout is indicative of how strong the public opposition is to the massive boondoggle and waste of public money that is the proposed downtown streetcar.

The Saga Continues

Once again, a city committee approved -- after disagreeing -- the reappointment of DCD Commissioner Rocky Marcoux.

Referendum push will be key focus at tonight’s anti-streetcar project rally at Serb Hall

Alderman Bob Donovan will introduce an item for immediate adoption at Tuesday’s full Common Council meeting that (if approved) would require city employees to cease and desist from performing any tasks related to the downtown streetcar project until a majority of Milwaukee voters approve a referendum question asking whether they support construction of the massive public project.

DCD’s Rocky Marcoux is cleared by DA’s Office

Today I received correspondence from the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office, notifying me that the investigation of my inquiry into possible criminal wrongdoing on the part of Commissioner Rocky Marcoux of the Department of City Development had been completed.

Protests at Palermo’s not good for business

Future business grand openings in Milwaukee could depend on it.

Silver City Neighborhood Hosting InterNational Food & Art Walk This Weekend

The activities run from noon until 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 8, and will be taking place all along National Ave. between S. 34th St. and S. 39th St.

Alderman Donovan to announce two crime prevention efforts on city’s near south side

The news conference at 1 p.m. Wednesday, September 5.

City Defies Journal Sentinel

Fire & Police Commission will hire consultant the newspaper repeatedly claims is biased.

The Journal Sentinel’s Attack Dog

Two stories this week continue its relentlessly biased coverage of Chief Flynn and the police department.

Where my loyalties rest

I feel compelled to respond today to the comments about me that came from Jeff Fleming on behalf of the Barrett administration.

Donovan’s New Anti-Streetcar Allies

After three press releases in three days, the alderman holds a news conference with new right-wing allies.

Alderman Donovan to announce new efforts in fight against streetcar

Alderman Bob Donovan will hold a news conference at 10:30 a.m. tomorrow (Thursday, August 16) to announce new efforts in his bid to derail the proposed downtown streetcar project.

We need a real public safety strategy, not another street roll call

We need to fill the MPD officer vacancies and create a real public safety strategy for Milwaukee.

Alderman Donovan to Mayor: Start paying attention to Milwaukee

How did the first moments of my first day of vacation begin (today)?

Tragedy in Oak Creek

Joint Statement from Members of the Common Council

WeTip has made a difference in Milwaukee

Today I had the pleasure of meeting with WeTip’s chief executive officer, Susan Aguilar, and Sue Mandell, WeTip’s national director. Very simply, I want to take this opportunity to give credit where credit is due.

FREE art activities for kids in the 8th District!

Join A.W.E. artists to create paintings, masks, sculptures and many other imaginative projects to take home!

Rent-to-own initiative expanding on city’s near south side

A scattered-site project on the near south side of Milwaukee to renovate and transform vacant foreclosed homes into rent-to-own single-family homes is expanding, said Alderman José G. Pérez.

West Allis votes to oppose the Downtown Streetcar

On Tuesday, July 3, the Common Council of the City of West Allis voted unanimously to oppose Milwaukee’s downtown streetcar project.

Extreme dry conditions, fireworks bad combination

Possession of fireworks is against the law in Milwaukee and can result in fines ranging from $500 to $1,000.

Neighborhood Ambassadors to again tend to near south side neighborhoods (news conference tomorrow a.m.)

Neighborhood Ambassadors – W-2 participants who gain job training and work experience while tidying up neighborhoods and business strip areas on the near south side – will be introduced during a news conference Thursday morning, Alderman Bob Donovan said. The news conference will be at 10 a.m. Thursday (June 28) at the intersection of S. 21st St. and W. Scott St. Alderman Donovan will be joined by ambassadors, neighborhood residents and business owners, and representatives from partner organizations – UMOS (United Migrant Opportunity Services) and Journey House. Modeled after the Downtown Ambassadors who “patrol” in and around downtown Milwaukee – the Neighborhood Ambassadors provide help cleaning up litter and debris, removing graffiti, and keeping an eye out for possible criminal activity, the alderman said. Alderman Donovan said the distinctively clad ambassadors – more than two dozen – will be working in the Operation Impact area on a daily basis. The Operation Impact target area is bounded by W. Pierce St. on the north, W. Lincoln Ave. on the south, S. 16th Street/S. Cesar Chavez Dr. on the east and S. 38th St. on the west – an area considered one of Milwaukee’s most ethnically diverse. The area is located within the 2nd Police District. Alderman Donovan has said the Neighborhood Ambassador program is a “win-win” for the near south side and the city, as participants are performing valuable community service work that improves the look of neighborhoods, and also increases “eyes and ears” on streets for public safety. 2012 Neighborhood Ambassadors Launch In addition, the ambassador program participants receive assistance with resume writing, job skills, and with applying for jobs online. UMOS is providing funding and overall administrative oversight for the ambassador program, and the crews will be supervised by staff at UMOS and Journey House.

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.

Operation Impact 2012 ready for launch

Now in its fifth year, Operation Impact will install additional surveillance cameras and will allocate up to $85,000 in 2012 to help put additional patrol officers on the street in an effort to reduce crime on Milwaukee’s near south side, Alderman Bob Donovan said.

Letter to the Mayor

I am persistent and believe in getting to the bottom of important matters and to the residents of Milwaukee.

Alderman Donovan will hold streetcar project rally, petition drive Saturday

Alderman Bob Donovan will hold a rally and news conference at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 16.

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.

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.

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.

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"

Donovan vs Bauman Streetcar Press Conference

Leave it to Ald. Bob Bauman to upstage Ald. Bob Donovan at his own press conference.

Bob Donovan’s Shadowy Charity

Operation Impact raises money to combat crime. But where are its records?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 […]

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.

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 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.

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").

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”.

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 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.

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.

Donovan Plays to His Base

"They said he should be governor."

When the Wealthy Serve

A Look at the Commerce Secretary’s Statement of Economic Interests

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.

Lame Duck Ruffles Feathers

Breier stuck on thorny hotel plan.

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 […]

Krug Scores Joint Finance Seat

Rep. Shirley Krug was chosen Monday to take a seat on the influential Joint Committee on Finance