Sup. Taylor Reacts to Board’s Missed Opportunities on Zoo Catering, Streetcar Funding

Milwaukee, WI – Milwaukee County Supervisor Steve F. Taylor today expressed his disappointment with the County Board’s vote to reject a resolution to enter into a contract with Service Systems Associates, Inc. (SSA) to provide concessions and non-exclusive catering at the County Zoo, as well as its rejection of a resolution to prevent Milwaukee County from operating or participating in the funding and development of the Milwaukee Streetcar Project.

The County Board voted, 11-6, to deny the County Zoo authorization to enter a 10-year contract with SSA to provide concessions, non-exclusive catering, and novelty operations.

“The County Board continues to fear the word ‘privatization’ and, in this case, doing so leaves $3 million on the table.  That is the amount of money that was going to be invested in the Zoo without using a single tax dollar.  SSA is currently in 33 other zoos, but somehow this Board thinks and acts like they are smarter than the rest of the country,” said Taylor.

The County Board also voted 9-8 to reject a resolution co-sponsored by Supervisor Taylor that would prohibit the County from making financial contributions to the Milwaukee Streetcar’s construction and/or operation and prevent the Milwaukee County Transit System from managing or assisting in the Streetcar’s operation.

“This resolution was very simple: it asks whether County residents who live outside the City of Milwaukee should be responsible for the cost of the streetcar? And it is clear by the vote that half of this County Board is okay with County taxpayers footing the bill for the City’s streetcar adventure.  I am disappointed that this pre-emptive strike failed so my message to County taxpayers is clear: watch your wallets!” Taylor said.

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.