Board Adopts Key Items Promoting Accountability, Public Input, Responsiveness to Local Stakeholders
MILWAUKEE – Today, the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors adopted three resolutions authored by Supervisor Ryan Clancy and Supervisor Juan Miguel Martinez. The resolutions initiated a comprehensive probe into the Milwaukee County jail, took a stance in favor of shared revenue and local autonomy, and created an additional coordinator position for local committees. Supervisors Clancy and Martinez made the following joint statement:
“These issues hold immense importance for the future operations of Milwaukee County. After hearing of the horrific conditions in the jail and experiencing four in-custody deaths within a nine-month period, it was essential for us to conduct a comprehensive probe, assessing both the policies and finances of this department that has often operated with limited transparency. The jail probe resolution signifies a significant step towards addressing the long-standing issues surrounding the county jail. After witnessing unacceptable conditions and a concerning number of in-custody deaths, the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors initiated this comprehensive investigation. The aim is to thoroughly examine both the policies and finances of the jail, ensuring transparency, accountability, and the implementation of necessary reforms.
Additionally, the recently released Republican shared revenue bill targets the City and County of Milwaukee specifically, making it crucial for us to hear directly from our residents. We need to determine if Milwaukee County wishes to retain its ability to shape budgets and spending based on residents’ priorities or if we should relinquish local control to the political whims of state legislators.
Today, the Board said clearly that it was opposed to a shared revenue bill full of detrimental policy provisions. Recognizing the impact of the recently released Republican shared revenue bill, which specifically targets the City and County of Milwaukee, the Board aims to protect the autonomy of local decision-making. By voicing support for shared revenue and local control, the Board asserts its commitment to setting budgets based on the priorities of Milwaukee County residents, safeguarding the county’s ability, and those of its 19 municipalities, to shape our own future.
Furthermore, the establishment of a staff position dedicated to facilitating public participation in task forces and subcommittees underscores the Board’s commitment to inclusivity and collaboration with stakeholders. This position will enhance opportunities for community members to actively engage in the decision-making process and contribute their valuable insights. By ensuring a robust platform for public input, the Board aims to foster a more transparent, representative, and responsive government.”
Supervisor Gómez-Tom expressed her pleasure with the measures being adopted as well, stating:
“I am especially appreciative of the vote taken for transparency in the CRC. We need to make sure we are appropriately caring for all of our County residents, including people in our care at the Community Reintegration Center.”
The first resolution, requesting a probe and initial baseline report about the operation of the Milwaukee County Criminal Justice Facility (CJF) to inform future policy decisions and promote well-informed, thoughtful, and respectful engagement, and to balance transparency and accountability with the need to manage legal risks and legal privileges was adopted [16-1].
The third resolution creating one additional position of Committee Coordinator to provide additional capacity to service legislative meetings and other bodies created by the County Board was reconsidered and adopted [12-5].
Supervisors Clancy and Martinez commended the active participation of members of the public in three committees: the Committee on Judiciary, Law Enforcement and General Services (JLEGS), the Committee on Intergovernmental Relations (IGR), and the Committee on Personnel, where these items were heard.
“We particularly want to acknowledge the mother of Cilivea Sunray Thyrion, who died in December while in custody at the jail, for her powerful and compelling testimony. Kerrie Hirte’s powerful words moved the Board to action today. We offer our condolences and thank her for her fierce advocacy.”
All three resolutions will now head to the desk of County Executive Crowley.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
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