Supervisor Weishan Calls Out County Executive on Selling Out Taxpayers
Weishan Calls Giving Away County Assets Irresponsible
Arena Development Live Block View
Supervisor John F. Weishan, Jr. issued the following statement today on the proposed funding of a new downtown arena:
“County Executive Chris Abele, the Milwaukee Bucks owners, and state legislators have submitted a proposal for a new arena, and it is being financed on the backs of our working class community.
“Milwaukee area business leaders expect Milwaukee County, 21.6 percent of which is below the poverty level, to pay for an arena that is primarily used by the wealthy of our area. The proposal is immoral and irresponsible.
“The arena financing plan would require the County to pay $80 million over 20 years through the increased collection of ‘bad debt.’ If unable to collect the bad debt, the County’s shared revenue would be cut leading to raised taxes or drastic cuts in services. This, along with the transfer, or what most people would consider the theft of, the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, owned by the citizens of Milwaukee County, to the new Wisconsin Center District is outrageous.
“The taxpayers of Milwaukee County do not benefit from financing a new arena. Collecting on all of Milwaukee County’s ‘bad debt’ is an unrealistic task and a thoughtless attempt at a new revenue stream. Milwaukee County will lose its shared revenue, meaning further cuts for county programs. Once again, the County Executive targets the poor, increasing the hardship the less fortunate face in order to further enrich his wealthy friends.”
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.
“The taxpayers of Milwaukee County do not benefit from financing a new arena.”
Is this guy nuts?! How about hundreds of millions in property value added to the tax base? How about helping better connect and complete our downtown? How about keeping an international brand in Milwaukee? How about all the community outreach and money that comes from being home to a professional sports franchise?
Oh Jerad… I wish you luck, but you’ve come to the wrong place. Urban Milwaukee is the best place to come for reasons not to support the arena. You’re in for a treat.