The Administration has Lost the Common Council’s Confidence in Addressing the Lead Issue
Unfortunately, we have a real problem and my district bears a huge burden because of poverty, density and the age of the housing stock.
Mayor Tom Barrett and his administration can no longer be trusted to lead the investigation into the broken lead abatement programs within the Milwaukee Health Department. Unfortunately, we have a real problem and my district bears a huge burden because of poverty, density and the age of the housing stock. The administration has been asleep at the switch and we had every right to expect better for our children and their families.
The recently-released initial report from the Health Department provided Monday evening only made clearer how detached and unaware the Mayor and his immediate circle were to the mismanagement of the department. The Mayor, by his actions and inactions, has lost the moral authority to lead on this matter. The Council is done with offering deference to the Mayor. He has failed and we are going to fully engage and take responsibility where the administration has failed.
All options – including fundamental restricting of the Milwaukee Health Department – were on the table as the Council moves forward. No structure, no process, and no person should consider themselves exempt from scrutiny in the case of a failure this fundamental. The investigation is only beginning.
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.
More about the Lead Crisis
- Milwaukee School Board May Sue Paint Companies Over Lead Crisis - Evan Casey - Apr 19th, 2025
- Trump Administration Axed Federal Employees Needed for MPS Lead Crisis - Jeramey Jannene - Apr 14th, 2025
- New MPS Superintendent Dumps Beleaguered Facilities Director - Jeramey Jannene - Apr 3rd, 2025
- Amidst Lead Crisis, State Reprimands MPS Facilities Director - Evan Casey - Apr 3rd, 2025
- Three MPS Schools Remain Closed Because of Lead Contamination - Evan Casey - Mar 29th, 2025
- MPS Submits Draft Lead Action Plan to Milwaukee Health Department - Milwaukee Public Schools - Mar 21st, 2025
- City Hall: Milwaukee Sees 250% Surge in Lead Lateral Replacements, But It Needs More - Jeramey Jannene - Mar 20th, 2025
- City of Milwaukee Health Department and MPS Provide Updates on Lead Safety Efforts - City of Milwaukee Health Department - Mar 19th, 2025
- MPS Closing Three More Schools Due To Lead Hazards - Jeramey Jannene - Mar 13th, 2025
- MPS Will Reopen School Shuttered Because of Lead Dust - Jeramey Jannene - Mar 12th, 2025
Read more about Lead Crisis here
Mentioned in This Press Release
Recent Press Releases by Common Council President Jose Perez
New committee assignments reflect diversity of experience, expertise to move Council forward
Apr 11th, 2025 by Common Council President Jose PerezStatement of Common Council President José G. Pérez April 11, 2025
In recognition of César E. Chávez
Mar 31st, 2025 by Common Council President Jose PerezStatement of Common Council President José G. Pérez and Alderperson JoCasta Zamarripa March 31, 2025
