Willie Hines, Jr.

Hines Would Reduce Fire & Police Commission Power

Council appears to back radical change, Barrett seems lukewarm.

How to Raise Chickens

Former aldermanic aide Alex Runner is among 14 city residents raising chickens -- and enjoying fresh eggs -- since a new ordinance was passed.

Common Council’s plan will allow developers to combat blight

More than 130 vacant, city-owned houses are set to be renovated or rebuilt and converted into rental properties, as a result of action by the Milwaukee Common Council last week.

Council President Hines & Ald. Witkowski to announce process changes for FPC confirmations

11:00 a.m. TODAY, January 17

M. L. King Library is Open and Will Hold a Special Program on Martin Luther King Jr. Day

All Other Milwaukee Public Libraries are closed for the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday

Same-day voter registration advisory referendum goes to voters on April 2, 2013

Statement from Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs January 15, 2013

Indonesian Consul General set for City Hall visit, welcome

Indonesian Consul General Andriana Supandy will visit City Hall this week to promote good relations and cooperative opportunities with Milwaukee, according to Alderman Joe Davis, Sr., chair of the Common Council’s Community and Economic Development Committee.

Milwaukee One of Six Cities Selected to Receive Free Neighborhood Development Consultations Under Second Year of US EPA Grant to Global Green, USA

Sustainability Experts from Global Green USA to Visit Towns Across the Country in 2013

Council members applaud 911 cell phone shift vote by County Board

The Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors today approved a compromise plan that will allow Milwaukee Police Department dispatchers to begin handling all 911 cell phone calls that originate in the city – a cooperative move that will save taxpayer dollars.

Sheriff Clarke’s gun rights diatribe disappointing in the wake of tragedy

Sheriff Clarke’s gun rights diatribe disappointing in the wake of tragedy

Statement of Common Council President Willie L. Hines, Jr. December 18, 2012

I will continue to monitor this situation, and more information will be released as it becomes available.

President Hines to stress importance of new smoke alarm ordinance

Common Council President Willie L. Hines, Jr. will join Mayor Tom Barrett and Fire Chief Mark Rohlfing to highlight the importance of the city’s new smoke alarm ordinance on Thursday, December 13, 2012 at 11:00 a.m.

Fire and Police Commission’s reversal sends hope throughout the community

Fire and Police Commission’s reversal sends hope throughout the community

Quiet Company Could Build City’s Tallest Building

An examination of the who, what, where, and when of the new Northwestern Mutual office tower.

Statement of President Hines on the passing of Felmers Chaney

Statement of President Hines on the passing of Felmers Chaney.

Reinstatement of Officer Schoen sets dangerous precedent

I am deeply troubled by the Fire and Police Commission’s inexplicable decision Monday to reinstate the employment of Police Officer Richard Schoen, who was fired by Chief Edward Flynn following an excessive force case.

Politics & Poetry

Politicians and others try their hand at poetry in City Hall.

Common Council makes cuts in approved budget, preserves property tax relief

The 2013 amended city budget approved today by the Milwaukee Common Council provides some property tax relief for residents, while holding steady on crucial city services.

Council votes to support County Board’s Medical Examiner legislation

County Board file establishes new policy for ME in cases involving death while in law enforcement custody

Clear Channel Outdoor will provide pro bono digital billboard spots for Milwaukee election info

Clear Channel Outdoor will provide pro bono digital billboard spots for Milwaukee election info.

U.S. Civil Rights Division now accepting tips from Milwaukee citizens about MPD

Residents who believe Milwaukee Police officers have violated their rights have an outlet for their concerns starting today.

Pattern and practice of potential police misconduct warrants federal investigation

Joint Statement from members of the Common Council

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

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

Citizens still waiting for answers about illegal strip searches

Other Council members and I have recently been directing our efforts toward learning more about the tragic death in police custody of Derek Williams, and seeking justice for him.

Meeting with medical examiner to be covered by Council President Hines & other Council members at 2 p.m. news conference

When: 2:00 p.m. TODAY, Sept. 28, 2012

Common Council members question Medical Examiner on Williams investigation

In their ongoing efforts to provide clarity and transparency about the investigation into the tragic death of Derek Williams in Milwaukee Police custody, Alderman Willie L. Hines, Jr., Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, Alderman Willie C. Wade and Alderman Ashanti Hamilton met with the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner this morning, expressing their concerns and seeking answers.

Common Council to deliberate on Mayor’s proposed 2013 City Budget

Today, Mayor Tom Barrett delivered a 2013 proposed executive budget to the Milwaukee Common Council that provides some relief to property taxpayers, includes no employee layoffs and maintains police staffing, but also includes an agreement to have the city absorb police patrols in parks and 911 communications duties from the county.

U.S. Attorney’s insight needed in Williams death investigation

We are respectfully requesting that the office of the U.S. Attorney conduct an investigation into the case of Derek Williams, who died last year while in the custody of Milwaukee police.

Common Council members to meet with Medical Examiner on Williams investigation

The Common Council members intend to relay their constituents’ concerns to the Medical Examiner

Council members to discuss Williams case

4:30 p.m. TODAY, Sept. 25, 2012

Council President Hines issues statement in wake of shootings: Citizen Action Needed

Late last night, shots again rang out in the 15th Aldermanic District.

Tragedy in Oak Creek

Joint Statement from Members of the Common Council

Alderwoman Coggs seeks voter experience input in online survey; wants Council review of Election Commission practices

Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs is asking Milwaukee voters to provide input about their experiences at the polls during the June 5 recall election, and the information provided via the online survey could be made part of a Common Council review of Election Commission practices and procedures.

The War Against Chief Flynn

Why is the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel trashing the city’s best police chief in decades?

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.

The Impending New Milwaukee Delegation, Free Brewers Tickets for Aldermen, 24 to 1, and More

Welcome to the ninth installment of Eyes on Milwaukee. This week I examine the coming changes to the Milwaukee Delegation, how another big city gets quite the luxury perk, the difference between the charter meetings of the City and County, Milwaukee's new City Clerk, 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.

Milwaukee Moves Forward!

Council committee moves forward with the streetcar.

John Norquist Milwaukee Tour – Congress for the New Urbanism

One day before the start of the Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU) 19th annual conference in Madison, former Mayor and current CNU President & CEO John Norquist returned to Milwaukee with a number of his former deputies to offer a tour of many of the urban projects started during his tenure as mayor.

MPS isn’t Coke or Pepsi, it’s Walmart

America's suburban landscape has become littered with empty blight inducing big-box stores. As Walmart uses up a market, the company shutters stores and moves on to the next neighborhood, leaving hulking vacant boxes and thousands of empty, litter-filled parking spots in its wake.

Marriott Hotel Project Wins Appeal on 3-2 Vote at Zoning Committee

At yesterday's meeting of the Zoning, Neighborhoods & Development Committee Jackson Street Management LLC won an appeal of the Historic Preservation Commission's ruling regarding their request to demolish five buildings within the East Side Commercial Historic District to make way for a new Marriott Hotel.

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.

Expect The Hoan Bridge Debate To Heat Up

Like the temperature outside, the Hoan Bridge reconstruction debate will heat up over the next few weeks. Alderman Robert Bauman, who represents downtown Milwaukee and the north end of the bridge, recently issued a press release that details how the city will likely position itself on the issue with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT).

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.

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").

Senator Russ Feingold to Address Milwaukee Common Council

As part of the President's Speaker Series, Council President Willie Hines Jr has invited Senator Russ Feingold to address the Common Council on September 2nd. There is a reception before the meeting at 8:30 a.m., followed by the meeting at 9:00 a.m. The meeting and reception are both open to the public.

What is the True Value of Water?

Or as Common Council President Hines put it "What is Water Worth?" This question has been on the minds of local officials and citizens as of late because of the City of Milwaukee approving an agreement to sell water to New Berlin.

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.

Doyle to Taste Good Life of Milwaukee

Governor James Doyle will be in Milwaukee on Thursday, October 5th to attend a fundraiser on his behalf to be held from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. at Good Life.

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

Mequon Turns Voter Away

The City of Mequon told a local man who tried to register and vote at City Hall last week that he was “too late.”

Crisses Averted

Barrett and Walker Announce Plan for Ballots in Milwaukee

Let My People Shop!

Ald. Zielinski is upset, because Jewel Osco has taken steps to prevent a new grocery store in his district.

The Governor and the Empire Builder

How Did Peggy Know?

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

The Inaugural

Marvin Pratt did not stand up with the crowd when Tom Barrett was inaugurated mayor, and the press has made a good deal of the slight. However, just after Judge Louis Butler administered the oath of office to the new mayor, Barrett’s first comments were to commend Pratt, and the former acting mayor did stand up and take a bow. The ceremonies were held April 20th outside of City Hall in some perfectly dreadful Milwaukee spring weather. So, who was the idiot who came up with that idea? “I’m the idiot who thought to hold it outside,” fessed up Kris Martinsek. After all, the president is inaugurated outdoors in January. However, January in Washington is not nearly as unpleasant as Milwaukee in April. The stage was set up on Wells Street, facing east. Upon the stage sat Milwaukee’s new leaders, including the mayor, the common council, the comptroller, treasurer, city attorney, city clerk and a municipal judge. Their families sat out in the street and in the adjacent park next to the Frank P. Zeidler Municipal Building. Frank P. Zeidler was there himself, sandwiched between Marvin Pratt and Senator Herb Kohl. Kohl was dressed as he always is around here. He wore a shirt, a tie, a Milwaukee Bucks cap and a windbreaker. Except for the tie, he pretty much looked like the guy who harvests aluminum cans from my recycling bin. If he tried to walk on to the floor of the United States Senate in that getup, the sergeant-at-arms would toss him out. But this is Milwaukee, the “come as you are” capital of America, and he fit right in. Barrett has made a list of 18 things he wants to accomplish in his first hundred days in office. I don’t know if reducing the police overtime budget is one of them, but the men in blue were certainly racking up the hours during the interminable ceremony. The aldermen were sworn in sequentially according to district. Each alderman then gave a little speech. The last district, the 15th, is occupied by Willie Hines, who is now the Common Council president. He then gave a big speech. He began by saying, “my ascent to the Council Presidency is not a compromise or consolation prize for the African-American community.” This was an effective way to defuse speculation that his election was a compromise or consolation prize, and was a rather sharp thing to do. Hines also insisted that corruption will not taint his council. (We’ll check back on that in four years.) His delivery was generally quite good, and had a hint of religious fervor to it. Moments earlier, he did have a slip up. When Valarie Hill was about to be sworn in as municipal judge, Hines said, “The City Clerk will now come to the altar – er, the podium – to take the oath.” Also, when Hines introduced the new mayor he called him “Mayor Marvin Pratt – er, Mayor Barrett.” These things happen. The Common Council […]

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 […]

My Campaign Blog

Two hundred fifty bucks or a free press pass?

Rally ‘Round the Convention Center, Boys

It was a mere three years ago that the Midwest Express Center opened, as a state-of-the-art solution to the city's convention needs.