Vel Phillips

Milwaukee County Celebrates Grand Opening of New Employee Health Clinics

Three new federally-funded clinics will provide easy-to-access health services for Milwaukee County employees

2024 Roundup- Gov. Evers Completes Annual 72-County Tour of Wisconsin

Design Concepts Revealed For Downtown Sculpture Honoring Vel Phillips

Public will be able to sit in a bronze version of Phillips' desk, contemplate her legacy.

A Record Year For Honorary Street Names

Pastors, community leaders, mathematicians and former politicians are being recognized.

Representative Shelia Stubbs Celebrates Unveiling of Historic Vel Phillips Statue at State Capitol

Gov. Evers to Celebrate Vel Phillips Statue Unveiling at Wisconsin State Capitol Grounds

Phillips memorial marks first statue of a Black leader on Wisconsin State Capitol building grounds

Vel Phillips Plaza Opens To Great Fanfare

Downtown's new "front door" honors civil rights pioneer, trailblazer.

Draft & Vessel Owner Plans Cafe at Vel R. Phillips Plaza

Entrepreneur Nat Davauer has big plans for key downtown space.

Free Day + Celebration Commemorates Milwaukee Philanthropist Alfred Bader

For the third consecutive year, the Milwaukee Art Museum celebrates the birthday of the late Dr. Alfred Bader with Bader Philanthropies.

Exhibit honoring female Council members comes to City Hall

See Inside Fiserv’s New Headquarters

Company is painting the town orange says CEO. Its headquarters is decorated with the Bucks' championship court.

Milwaukee County Honors Civil Rights Pioneer Vel Phillips

Barrier-shattering Phillips would have turned 100 on Sunday.

Vel Phillips Day at the Milwaukee Art Museum

Plus: Disney on Ice and a home improvement show.

Wisconsin Democrats Celebrate Black History Month

Nominations For the 2024 Vel R. Phillips Trailblazer Award Are Now Being Accepted

2024 Proclaimed The Year of Vel Phillips

Free Day + Celebration Commemorates Hometown Hero Vel Phillips

The Milwaukee Art Museum partners with the Vel Phillips Legacy Initiative to kickstart the Year of Vel Phillips, a statewide commemoration in the trailblazer's honor.

Plan Would Improve Red Arrow Park, Overhaul Two Downtown Streets

And use downtown property taxes to bail out Century City TIF district.

City Names Vendor For New Downtown Park

Nomad Coffee Bar will operate a 2,900-square-foot cafe at Vel R. Phillips Plaza.

UW President Jay Rothman Should Resign

If not, Gov. Evers should call for the Board of Regents to remove him.

Gov. Evers Announces “Celebrating 175 Years of Wisconsinites” Theme for 2023 State Capitol Holiday Tree

Governor invites students, families statewide to help celebrate Wisconsinites and decorate Capitol Tree

Punch Bowl Social Has Closed

Entertainment-focused bar and restaurant in Deer District had tumultuous run. The chain maintains 14 locations in U.S.

Vel R. Phillips Plaza Takes Shape

New downtown park aims to spur nearby development and create a sense of community.

Road Closures for the Republican Debate

City of Milwaukee Announces Artist Opportunity at Vel R. Phillips Plaza

Future public gathering space to feature original art installation in honor of iconic Milwaukee political activist and civil rights leader

Vel Phillips Statute At State Capitol Will Break Barriers

Only 6% of public monuments portray women in history.

City Seeks Restaurant or Cafe For Downtown Park

Its plan for Vel R. Phillips Plaza is to create new gathering spot for Westown.

New Council Members Sworn In To Great Applause

Andrea Pratt, Lamont Westmoreland and Larresa Taylor join first full council in 17 months.

Committee Recommends $16 Million For New Downtown Park

To be called Vel R. Phillips Plaza. Plus $6 million for other projects.

Gov. Evers Appoints Sarah Godlewski to Secretary of State

Secretary La Follette retiring after serving more than 40 years in office

New Design For Vel R. Phillips Plaza Revealed

Redevelopment Authority endorses $16.5 million financing plan.

City Has $16 Million Plan For Downtown Plaza

Vel R. Phillips Plaza would honor civil rights pioneer, anchor W. Wisconsin Ave. Will it serve streetcar?

Warming Center Opening Following Extended Power Outages

County Executive David Crowley declares snow emergency.

County Executive David Crowley Declares Snow Emergency

Effective immediately, Friday, March 10

BRT Grant Could Fund Downtown Plaza

New $2 million federal grant frees up funds for downtown upgrades along Bus Rapid Transit line.

County Executive David Crowley Declares Snow Emergency

Beginning Thursday, February 16 at 6am

Can Everett Mitchell Win High Court Race?

Last in fundraising in state Supreme Court race, Dane County judge says grass roots support is key.

Caucus Kicks Off Black History Month

'Black history is American history,' says a member of the Legislative Black Caucus.

Nominations Now Being Accepted For 2023 Vel R. Phillips Trailblazer Award

The Vel R. Phillips Trailblazer Award is bestowed annually to recognize a female Milwaukeean who exemplifies Vel R. Phillips’ legacy of selfless service and trailblazing work toward improving the quality of life for residents in Milwaukee.

Council Approves Fiserv’s Suburb-to-City Move

Global company will fill former Boston Store, be joined by new downtown Kohl's.

Committee Okays Racine Detention for Youthful Offenders

Board will reconsider agreement it opposed in September to pay for Racine facility.

Fiserv’s Move Downtown Is About Attracting ‘Young, Diverse’ Workers

Council committee endorses complicated subsidy for Brookfield company's relocation.

Council Renames 5th Street After William Finlayson

To honor doctor, civil rights pioneer, a renamed street through Bronzeville, North Side.

Complicated Fiserv Subsidy Earns First Approval

Complicated deal includes $7 million for financial company, $4.6 million for neighborhood improvements.

Chief Judge Mary Triggiano named director of Marquette Law School’s Andrew Center for Restorative Justice

Supervisors Clancy, Martinez Decry Passage of Budget Which Fails to Adequately Invest in Human Needs

Supervisors underline harm-reduction measures

N. 5th St. Will Be Renamed for Dr. William Finlayson

Black OBGYN doctor was trailblazer in Milwaukee.

City’s Fiserv Subsidy Includes Vel Phillips Plaza Funding, Michigan Street Upgrades

Relocation job target is 780 jobs within four years. Includes rules around work from home policies, bonuses for city residents.

County Ready For New Youth Correction Facility

With state funding approved, county officials are ready to build facility.

Honorary Street Name For Lena’s Food Co-Founder

City honoring late entrepreneur Bezelee Martin.

Vel R. Phillips Trailblazer Award and Girls’ Day Scholarship honors bestowed

City Completes Renaming Old World Third To Martin Luther King Jr. Dr.

Milwaukee fixes a 1984 "injustice" by extending King Drive through Downtown.

Warning Lights Flashing on Youth Justice?

Former county official warns that state's youth justice system is unsustainable, could lead to abuses.

A well-deserved place of honor for Vel R. Phillips

Statement of Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs November 3, 2021

Lena Taylor Is Running For Lieutenant Governor

Veteran state senator would be first Black woman to hold the position.

Mandela Barnes Enters Senate Race

Long-rumored run by Lt. Governor becomes official and targets Ron Johnson.

Vel Phillips Statue For State Capitol?

Statue of civil rights icon gets preliminary approval by subcommittee overseeing Capitol grounds.

Mark Born Offers a History Lesson

Republican representative and Joint Finance leader suggests small glass case of exhibits is quite enough Black history.

Council Makes Street Name Changes Easier

New rule requires four-fifths of council to approve. Cesar Chavez Dr. extension next?

Katie Avila Loughmiller receives Vel R. Phillips Trailblazer award

In recognition of International Women’s Day

Joint Statement from members of the Milwaukee Common Council: Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa, Alderwoman Nikiya Dodd, Alderwoman Chantia Lewis and Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic

After Prison, What Next?

How to handle the formerly incarcerated. Milwaukee town hall tackles the issue.

The Education of Sherwin Hughes

Talk show host for 101.7 The Truth talks about growing up in Milwaukee.

Group Fundraising for Vel Phillips Statue

Statue would be erected at state Capitol, the first person of color so honored.

Old World Third St. Will Be MLK Drive

Council unanimously approves naming entire street to honor civil rights leader.

“Wisconsin Black History Moment” debuts on WMSE 91.7FM

New series highlights Black entertainers, politicians and community members

Nominations now being accepted for 2021 Vel R. Phillips Trailblazer Award

Fire Department HQ Being Renamed For Wisconsin’s First Black Architect

Alonzo Robinson was a trailblazing architect

Key Players Back Renaming Old World Third to MLK Drive

Westown Association, Mayor, all 15 council members back proposal. But there are complications.

Vel Phillips Capitol Statue Moves Forward

State committee advances plan to honor Milwaukee civil rights pioneer.

Council Proposing To Rename Old World Third Street To MLK Drive

Extending Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. would correct an "injustice."

Council passes resolution in support of the erection of Vel Phillips statue in Madison

State Bar, Law Foundation support Vel Phillips statue on Capitol Square

Supervisor Clancy Applauds Activists on 200th Day of Protests

Will Address ‘The Peoples Revolution’ in Speech Tonight

Rep. Stubbs’ Statement on Vel Phillips Statue Advisory Committee

Road of Democracy Project Highlights Connection of Milwaukee’s Arts and Civic Life

Business Update

First Lady Evers Announces the Wisconsin 19th Amendment Celebration Committee’s “Women Who Inspire” Video and Final Nominee

Committee celebrates Vanaya Grice, Milwaukee

First Lady Evers Announces the Wisconsin 19th Amendment Celebration Committee’s Next “Women Who Inspire” Nominees

Committee celebrates Ntxhais "Chai" Moua, Stevens Point and Inez “Midge” Montano, Bayfield

First Lady Evers Announces the Wisconsin 19th Amendment Celebration Committee’s Next “Women Who Inspire” Nominee

Committee celebrates Sharlen Moore, Milwaukee

How To Understand These Historic Protests

These resources will put the nationwide protests in a proper context.

First Lady Evers Announces the Wisconsin 19th Amendment Celebration Committee’s New “Women Who Inspire” Nominee

Committee celebrates Deanna Singh, Brookfield

First Lady Evers Announces the Wisconsin 19th Amendment Celebration Committee’s New “Women Who Inspire” Nominee

Committee celebrates Dr. Berdie Cowser of Milwaukee

BLACK WMNZ Emancipation March

March honors Black women, protests injustice.

Protests Spur a Wave of Public Art

Murals and chalk art become a growing presence as marchers fill streets.

Crowley Sworn In As County Exec

First elected African-American Milwaukee County Executive in history seeks more equity, more state funding.

Five Women Make Council History

The Milwaukee Common Council now looks more like the city it represents.

The Life of Father James Groppi

New documentary captures life and impact of Milwaukee civil rights crusader.

Historical Society Showcasing Unseen Treasures

New exhibit highlights a wide variety of Milwaukee's history.

Express Yourself Milwaukee Announces Daylong Farewell Celebration this Friday, December 13, 2019!

Farewell Celebration includes Six Pop-Up performances around Milwaukee and a Finale Show and Celebration at EXYOMKE Studio from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Remembering Mildred Harpole

Beloved activist for education equity, equal rights, dies in her 80s.

A Time Capsule of Milwaukee

Art Museum's “Portrait of Milwaukee” offers vignettes of the city’s history over an 80-year period.

The Mishaps of Mandela Barnes

The state’s first black lieutenant governor has a target on his back.

Museum’s Nares Show Grabs Audiences

And a new mural in Bronzeville honors Vel Phillips.

County Proposal Replaces Youth Prison

Tells state it can renovate county Juvenile Justice Center to house children now in state prisons.

Supervisor Martin Supports Plan to Upgrade, Repair Youth Facilities

"It is important to have our kids close to home and close to their families while receiving culturally relevant treatment that meets their needs."

Marcoux Warns Not Acting Could Jeopardize Streetcar Extension

DCD officials tell council delaying project approval would cost $8.1 million annually.

Juneteenth Day 2019

State and local leaders join community for Juneteenth Day celebration.

Will Streetcar be Extended by the DNC?

Mayor, aldermen differ on whether rail extension can be completed for national convention.

End of the Line

RedLine gallery will close after its final exhibition, on display this month.

Council Needs to Direct Resources Toward Citizen/Community Priorities: Our Neighborhoods

Statement from Aldermen Bob Donovan and Mark A. Borkowski May 23, 2019

A Town Square for Downtown Milwaukee

City proposes Vel R. Phillips Plaza along W. Wisconsin Ave. with cafe and streetcar stop.

In Honor of International Women’s Day

I urge my fellow citizens to reach out today and thank (and/or hug if it’s someone close!) the women who make a difference in making your lives and our world better every day.

Legislators Clash on Black History Month

Republicans remove Colin Kaepernick from resolution, Rep. Bowen cries foul.

American Family Plans Downtown Building

"Fairly large building" planned for Madison insurance company's Milwaukee office.

Spencer Tracy Lived on Logan Avenue

Future Hollywood star grew up on street created in 1880s, named after Civil War general.

Some Final Memories of Civil Rights Era

Community members share stories, make memes to remember civil rights history.

Rep. Moore’s Bill Honoring Vel R. Phillips’s Legacy is Signed into Law

"Vel was a soldier for civil rights."

Legislation Designating the Vel R. Phillips Post Office Building in Milwaukee Passes the Senate

"Vel contributed so much at every level and paved the way for other Wisconsinites to help make a difference in people's lives."

7 Numbers That Explain Election

The election results would have been completely different if not for this.

The Harambee Revival Continues

Historic renovations of the underutilized Nunn Bush Shoe Factory and vacant former Fifth Street School are a dream come true for seniors, veterans, jobs seekers… and the late Welford Sanders. Presenters and guests include City of Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, the family of Welford Sanders, community members and project partners.

Black History Museum Celebrates 30th Birthday

Local museum only one to collect, preserve Wisconsin’s African-American history.

Special ceremony to mark naming of Vel R. Phillips Ante Chamber

News release from Alderman Cavalier Johnson

African-American Attorneys Host Scholarship Dinner in Honor of Vel Phillips and Dale Phillips

The 28th Annual VelanDale Scholarship Dinner celebrates and honors the achievements of the late Vel Phillips and Dale Phillips, and the next generation of Wisconsin African-American Lawyers.

Bucks Honor Herb Kohl at Arena Opening

Senator Kohl owned team from 1985-2014, made sure NBA franchise stayed in Milwaukee.

All the Election Data You Want

It was one for the history books, with many surprising results and newcomers.

4th Street Rededicated Vel R. Phillips Ave.

A who's who ceremony of politicians and candidates turns out to honor legacy of Vel Phillips.

The Collective PAC Endorses Mahlon Mitchell for Governor of Wisconsin

Today’s endorsement joins Mahlon Mitchell’s growing list of support.

Milwaukee Board of School Directors Moves District Forward at July Board Meeting

Agenda items include Dr. Posley's instruction plan, new appointments, charter and partner contracts

Committee a unanimous ‘yes’ on proposal to rename anteroom in honor of Vel Phillips

News release from Alderman Cavalier "Chevy" Johnson

Governor Walker Announces Plan to Name Future Milwaukee State Office Building After Vel Phillips, Civil Rights Pioneer & Former Wisconsin Secretary of State

The new building will replace the current Milwaukee State Office Building at 6th and Wells Street.

Rebuilding a Vibrant Bronzeville

Actor Danny Glover and many local notables celebrate new development anchored by Black Holocaust Museum.

Vel Phillips’ Home Razed

The trailblazing alderwoman bought home from Mayor Maier, who often quarreled with her.

The Collective PAC Endorses Mandela Barnes for Lieutenant Governor

Barnes is one of just 9 statewide candidates across the country to receive their endorsement, and the only candidate from Wisconsin

City Creates Vel Phillips Ave., Plans Statue

N. 4th St. to become Vel R. Phillips Ave.; where will statue go?

Does La Follette Believe in Democracy?

Secretary of State for 40 years, he calls his primary challenge "a nuisance.”

Milwaukee Turners Welcome Naming 4th Street in Honor of Vel Phillips

The Milwaukee Turners were founded in 1853 by immigrants and refugees from Germany who became strong abolitionists and allies of Frederick Douglass.

Cannabis Marchers Demand Legalization

8th annual March for Cannabis draws 200 people and speeches from six candidates for governor.

Governor Walker Orders Flags to Half-Staff Honoring former Secretary of State Vel Phillips

Governor Scott Walker ordered flags to half-staff on Saturday, May 5, 2018.

4th St. Will Become Vel. R. Phillips Ave.

Major downtown street to be renamed for Milwaukee leader and civil rights pioneer.

Arts @ Large to hold gallery opening in honor of civil rights hero Vel Phillips

The event will be held Friday, April 20 at Arts @ Large, 908 S. 5th St., from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Supervisor Moore Omokunde Celebrates the Life and Legacy of Attorney, Alderwoman, Judge and Secretary of State Velvalea Phillips

"Vel Phillips fought against systemic oppression before anyone really knew what that was."

Inspired and emboldened by a true stateswoman, Vel Phillips

Statement of Common Council President Ashanti Hamilton - April 18, 2018

The Remarkable Life of Vel Phillips

"A giant in our state" dies at 94; city to honor political pioneer with annual award.

A titan no longer with us

Statement on Vel Phillips from Alderman Khalif J. Rainey - April 18, 2018

Governor Walker Releases a Statement on the Passing of Former Wisconsin Secretary of State Vel Phillips

"She was a legend in Milwaukee and in Wisconsin - not only for her many firsts but for her passion."

Statement on the passing of the Honorable Vel Phillips

“My deepest condolences to her family and those who know and love her. May she rest in peace.”

On the public service of Vel Phillips

Statement of Alderman Jim Bohl - April 18, 2018

In memory of legend Vel R. Phillips

"Her legacy and strength in the face of hatred and injustice stays with us now as we continue her march."

Jewish Museum Milwaukee Exhibit Recounts Jewish, African American Alliance for Civil Rights

Museum forms committee of local leaders dedicated to ongoing mutual advocacy for equality

Garden Honors African American Heroes

And “she-roes,” says creator of community garden near 27th and Burleigh.

Common Council More Diverse Today, But…

Other cities have done better at embracing diversity.

“We Fought Just As Hard”

The role of women in the Milwaukee’s open housing marches of the 1960s.

Residential Segregation Still A Problem

Other than Brown Deer and Glendale, suburbs are overwhelmingly white.

Risking Their Lives for Fair Housing

The courageous protests of Fr. Groppi and the NAACP Youth Council.

District Attorney John Chisholm earns support of community leaders, elected officials, labor unions, citizen organizations, and law enforcement groups

Chisholm, a veteran of the United States Army, was first elected in 2006 after serving 12 years as an assistant prosecutor, including leading the gun unit.

Mandela Barnes Announces Key Community Endorsements

Key Community Leaders and More Progressive Organizations Endorse New Leadership They Can Count On

The Honorable Vel Phillips endorses District Attorney John Chisholm

“John Chisholm has dedicated his career to serving justice, and he has my full support,” said Secretary Vel Phillips,

Ready to Work

I am looking forward to serving the interests of district residents on Milwaukee's Common Council.

Johnny Thomas Announces Plan to Improve Transparency in Comptroller’s Office

Thomas pledged to develop and implement an online transparency platform to provide in depth, comprehensive financial data to City of Milwaukee residents

Vel Phillips Endorses Chevy Johnson

"Growing up in Milwaukee, Vel Phillips is one of those people who inspired me to get involved in politics."

Civil Rights Leader and Wisconsin Icon Attorney Vel Phillips Endorses Bailey Campaign:

“Keith Bailey is the most experienced & best choice for Milwaukee’s 2nd District Alderman”

Lawyers Grill Supreme Court Candidates

And what a lively forum it was. Here is the truth about the candidates, so help us God.

Vel Phillips’ son files to run for judge in Milwaukee

Vel Phillips denies encouraging local lawyer to run for Milwaukee County DA

Democrat challenging John Chisholm has uphill battle

Civil Rights Pioneer Vel Phillips Endorses Judge JoAnne Kloppenburg for Supreme Court

Vel Phillips, a trailblazing civil rights and community leader, has endorsed Judge JoAnne Kloppenburg for the Wisconsin Supreme Court.

Rep. Gwen Moore Honors Black History Month

In honor of Black History Month, Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04) issued the following statement:

Supervisor Patricia Jursik Introduces Resolution to Downsize County Holdings

Formal Facilities Strategic Plan Adoption

Civil Rights Champion Vel Phillips Endorses Jonathan Brostoff for Assembly

Brostoff campaign continues momentum towards August election

The House of Hank the Dog

The Brewer's canine mascot has a nine-room Whitefish Bay home and 10,000 square foot lot to roam in, all worth $570,000.

46th Annual National Black Law Students Association Convention at the Hilton 3/12-16

Convention at Hill in March

Common Council to honor Vel Phillips & Willie Hines

Attorney Vel Phillips and former Common Council President Willie L. Hines, Jr. will be recognized during tomorrow’s (Tuesday, March 4) regular meeting of the full Council at City Hall.

Vel Phillips’ Newport Co-op

The high-rise co-op has "sweeping" views of Lake Michigan and Shepherd publisher Lou Fortis as a fellow resident. What more could you ask for?

“Sisters of Freedom” Display Showcased at the Milwaukee County Courthouse

A unique art display honoring African American women from the 1800’s to present day will be on display on the third floor of the Milwaukee County Courthouse through the end of the month. "Sisters of Freedom", African American Women Moving Us Forward, is on loan from Mount Mary University.

The Jewish Judge Who’s a Quarter Irish

Governor James E. Doyle told about 75 people at Mo’s Irish Pub last Friday that “there are a number of good things I can do as governor. … I get to appoint people to the bench. As a lawyer and the son of a judge, I take this seriously.” What does the governor look for in a judge? – He’s appointed about 6 of them so far –“I get a list of very – incredibly good people. I could pick them out of a hat. But I look for intelligence, fairness, and understanding of people. Also, frankly, some much needed diversity.” Doyle got diversity all right when he appointed Glenn Yamahiro as a Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge last year. Yamahiro, a former public defender, lawyer in private practice, and teacher of disturbed students, is also the first Asian-American to sit on the bar in Wisconsin. He is that, and more, the crowd, gathered for a fundraiser, was to learn. Yamahiro told the crowd that he was proud to be “the first [judicial] appointee by a democratic governor in almost 20 years.” Yamahiro is running for a full term against former Judge Robert Crawford, whose antics on the bench in the past cost him his seat to Judge Louis Butler, who was present, as were such other judges as Jean DiMotto, Ted Wedemeyer, Tom Donegan, Paul Wall and judge wannabees like Audrey Skwierawski. Attorneys including the venerable Dominic Frinzi and Mark Thomsen popped in for the gig. Yamahiro has already proven himself to be one of the more amusing speakers on the bench, and among politicians generally. “I told the governor at the time of my appointment that any opponent I would get would be buried at the election. “Now we have to come through on that promise,” he said, to the general assent of the assembled, not eager for a return of the goofy Crawford. Yamahiro rubbed it in: “If it was an election of the informed, we wouldn’t need this gathering,” he said. Do not think that Yamahiro tried to coast by solely on the merits of his wit and the novelty of his Asian background. “I am the first Asian-American judge in Wisconsin, but I did have a grandma in Iowa, born about 100 years ago. Her name was Morrissey. So I have 25 percent Irish blood, and I am happy to be in Mo’s Irish Pub with the Guinness flowing.” The crowd really liked this intercultural news, and I talked to Deja Vishny, a public defender with a really cool name – and yet another story. “I’m Glenn’s wife,” she said. The couple has one child, who attends a Jewish elementary school. “I’m Jewish,” she explained. “So is Glenn,” she added. Observations From the Governor On the Legislature You get the feeling from Governor Jim Doyle that the legislature is acting like a pesky housefly that he has to keep swatting at. The recent meetings of the august representatives of the people were characterized in this […]

Clark Picks Up Two State Endorsements

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

Krug Scores Joint Finance Seat

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