It’s A Done Deal: Scott Walker Signs Bill to Gut Milwaukee County Board

Governor Scott Walker found his way to Milwaukee today and signed Assembly Bill 85 to gut the power and authority of Milwaukee County’s Board of Directors:

Gov. Scott Walker said Friday Milwaukee County government should function more efficiently, under a County Board reform bill Walker signed into law.

“This allows us to empower the taxpayer,” [...]

Whither Milwaukee County: Why Hasn’t Scott Walker Signed THE Bill?

I would have thought that Governor Walker signing Representative Joe Sanfelippo’s Assembly Bill 85 to neuter the Milwaukee County Board was a slam dunk. Or is the governor really too busy jet setting from GOP enclave to GOP enclave?

But really, I would have expected an nearly instantaneous signing with tons of fanfare and rousing [...]

Whither Manitowoc County: Board Passes Resolution in Support of Milwaukee County Board

Quite frankly I am surprised that it has taken this long for other county boards to take notice and then take action:

MANITOWOC, Wis. —The Manitowoc County supervisors have passed a resolution criticizing Republican-backed legislation that would weaken the power of the Milwaukee County Board.

Manitowoc County is three counties north of Milwaukee County, but [...]

WEDC Pay Ain’t Enough To Keep Talent But Proposed Supervisor Pay Is No Problem!

Last week Zach wrote about Governor Walker’s prominent policy initiative, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, and their inability to retain qualified staff…particularly a Chief Financial Officer.

He linked to an article from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that explained the situation and included this throw away quotation from Rep. Jeff Stone:

Rep. Jeff Stone (R-Greendale), another [...]

State lawmakers to host public hearing on changes to local control in Milwaukee County

From the email from the Milwaukee Democratic Legislative Caucus;

State lawmakers to host public hearing on changes to local control in Milwaukee County

MADISON – Local residents are invited to share their opinions on the state-imposed changes to the Milwaukee County Board at a public hearing this Tuesday in Milwaukee. The hearing starts at 5:00 [...]

Alderman Bob Donovan Said $11.55 An Hour Not The Kind Of Jobs We Want In Milwaukee

Just a quick hit for a Sunday morning…in an article in this morning’s Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Rick Romell reviews the reasons that BuySeasons didn’t bring it’s 450 permanent (300 of them full time) jobs to Milwaukee from Waukesha County.

One of the main roadblocks was Alderman Bob Donovan who thought the jobs just didn’t, [...]

Public hearing will allow Milwaukee County residents an opportunity to speak out on County governance reforms

Intergovernmental Relations Committee to Hold Public Hearing on Local Reform Measures

4 p.m. Monday, April 22, 2013

Milwaukee County Courthouse 901 N. 9th St., Room 203 R

Public hearing will allow Milwaukee County residents an opportunity to speak out on County governance reforms

(MILWAUKEE) – The County Board’s Committee on Intergovernmental Relations will hold a [...]

Saturday Open Thread: AB 85 vs. OUR Milwaukee County

You’ve all had plenty of time to digest the media coverage and dozens of op ed pieces in favor of and against Representative Joe Sanfelippo’s Assembly Bill 85 to reform Milwaukee County Government…and by now you’ve had a chance to read about the County Board’s own plan to reduce costs and salaries and request to [...]

Senate Hearing On Bill 95 – the Bill to Reform Milwaukee County Government

Senate PUBLIC HEARING Elections and Urban Affairs

The committee will hold a public hearing on the following items at the time specified below: Wednesday, April 24, 2013 9:30 AM 411 South

Senate Bill 95 Relating to: changing the compensation structure by which a Milwaukee County supervisor may be paid, changing the term length of [...]

MILWAUKEE COUNTY BOARD ANNOUNCES MAJOR BOARD REFORM OVERHAUL $2.75 Million Cut to Board Budget

(MILWAUKEE) – The Milwaukee County Board’s budget will be cut by 50 percent under a bold new set of initiatives proposed before an “Our Milwaukee County” listening session Thursday night.

The major initiative includes but is not limited to government streamlining, mandatory training for County Supervisors to clarify roles and responsibilities in County governance.

“This [...]