Political
Join us for the Virtual WI State Senate District #6 Candidates’ Forum Thursday, July 23rd & the WI State Assembly District #17 Candidates’ Forum Tuesday, July 28th
Hello Sherman Park Community & Friends,
Please join us for the Virtual WI State Senate District #6 Candidates’ Forum this Thursday, July 23rd from 6:00p.m. – 8:00p.m. & Virtual WI State District #17 State Assembly Candidates’ Forum next Tuesday, July 28th from 6:00p.m.- 8:00p.m. This event will be hosted by Grasslyn Manor Block Association and The Sherman Park Community Association, Inc. Please share the attached flyers with your networks of residents, family and friends. Registration on Zoom is open now and this event will be live streamed via Facebook also. We hope you will join us for both of these very important events!
YOUR VOTE MATTERS!
SafeVote Postcard Hitting Milwaukee Mailboxes this Week
MILWAUKEE— This week, every City of Milwaukee household will be receiving a SafeVote postcard encouraging residents to vote safely from their home by requesting an absentee ballot by mail. The postcard will provide residents written and visual information on how to register to vote and request an absentee ballot, encouraging use of the myvote.wi.gov website. Additionally, residents can visit one of eight Milwaukee Public Libraries to receive assistance with the registration or absentee process.
“The City of Milwaukee is committed to protecting our citizens’ right to vote and protecting their health. We especially want to encourage Milwaukee residents to vote absentee ballot by mail because it is the safest way to participate in our democracy while protecting yourself from COVID-19,” said Mayor Tom Barrett. “We are beginning the necessary education and outreach far in advance of the August 11 election to ensure everyone has the opportunity, resources and assistance to vote absentee and stay home on Election Day.”
The Common Council’s first action as a governing body in the new term was to unanimously pass the SafeVote program, authored by Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic to empower and enable all residents in the City of Milwaukee to participate safely in the fall elections.
“The circumstances around the April election forced thousands to choose between exercising their right to vote and possibly endangering their health. Steps needed to be taken to ensure voters don’t have to face this choice again,” said Alderwoman Dimitrijevic.
The demand for absentee voting has increased since the onset of COVID-19. The April 7 spring election saw 96,712 absentee ballots issued with 76,362—roughly 80% of all votes cast— returned. To date, the Milwaukee Election Commission has received over 60,000 absentee ballot requests for the August Partisan Primary Election, and over 50,000 requests for the November General Election.
Recognizing some of the mail delivery delays the City experienced in April, the SafeVote plan has also expanded the number of physical absentee ballot drop-off locations at the libraries. Voters can deliver their ballot and obtain a witness signature, if needed. Plans are still evolving to further expand drop-off locations ahead of the November 3 General Election.
“In creating the SafeVote plan, it was important to the Election Commission to ensure that we had community partners at a neighborhood level to provide assistance to voters who might not be comfortable navigating the MyVote website or uploading a photo ID,” said Election Commission Executive Director Claire Woodall-Vogg.
“We have always had a strong partnership with the Milwaukee Election Commission and remain committed to expanding the partnership and voter services in the midst of a pandemic,” agreed Milwaukee Public Library Director Paula Kiely.
Anchored in Milwaukee, 2020 Democratic National Convention will be a “Convention Across America”
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Representative David Crowley Announces Resignation from Assembly
MADISON, WI – Representative David Crowley (D-Milwaukee) made the following statement announcing his resignation from the Wisconsin State Assembly, effective today, June 18, 2020, at 5 p.m.:
“Serving in the Assembly has been the honor of a lifetime. Since I began my career in the Capitol more than eight years ago in then-Senator Harris Dodd’s office, the people in and around the building have helped me grow personally and professionally more than I could have ever dreamed. I want to thank all my colleagues for serving with respect and dignity, even when we did not agree on issues.
“I am eternally grateful to the people of the 17th district for putting their faith in me to represent them in their state government. Nothing is more important to me than serving the public, and I thank my constituents for their trust these last four years.
“I look forward to continuing my public service for the people of Milwaukee County, and hope to continue working in tandem with my colleagues in the state legislature to make Wisconsin a better place to live for all.”
Representative Crowley was elected as Milwaukee County Executive in the April 7 election. Constituents in the 17th Assembly district can still reach out to their Assembly office by emailing [email protected] or calling (608) 266-5580.
Rand Paul’s Indifference to Lynching Seen In His Continued Delay of Vital Legislation
Statement of Kristen Clarke, President and Executive Director of the Lawyers’ Committee
for Civil Rights Under Law(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.) acknowledged Wednesday that he is the final U.S. Senator holding up passage of the Emmett Till Antilynching Act. The following is a statement from Kristen Clarke, president and executive director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law:
“Senator Rand Paul has singlehandedly blocked Congress from final passage of the Emmett Till Antilynching Act. It is shameful that he continues to do so on the same day as both George Floyd’s funeral and shortly after a hearing was conducted in connection with the death of Ahmaud Arbery. Senator Paul’s resistance to the bill amounts to rubbing salt into the wounds of a nation grieving over loss and devastation from racial violence. In no uncertain terms, we condemn Senator Paul’s decision to fight a one-man war against a bill that would make clear that lynching occupies a dark place in our country’s story and provide recognition to thousands of victims of lynching crimes.”
Supreme Moore Omokunde announces run for state Assembly
Long-time community leader and organizer, County Board
Supervisor announces run for Wisconsin State Assembly,
District 17
Milwaukee County Board Supervisor Supreme Moore Omokunde has announced his candidacy for the 17th District of the Wisconsin State Assembly.
Supervisor Moore Omokunde stated, “I’ve spent more than a decade working on the most pressing issues in our community as a member of the Milwaukee County Board since 2015 and as a community organizer, including five years, right here, in the Sherman Park Community.
“During this great pandemic health and economic crisis, this 2020 election is arguably the most important election in the history of the United States. The expansion of health care, economic recovery, economic equity, criminal justice reform, and voting rights will all be on the ballot and on the legislative agenda of the next Wisconsin legislative session. “I have the legislative experience, demonstrated leadership skills, and passion to help our community leverage both Federal and State resources which are so desperately needed to sustain our community. I would be honored to serve as your next representative in the Wisconsin State Assembly. Growing up as the son of Congresswoman Gwen Moore and Rev. Dr. Tolokun Omokunde, I have been taught that public service is an honorable and impactful way to improve the quality of life in our community.
“With your support, I hope to continue the excellent work and constituent services of State Representative and current County Executive David Crowley.
“Today I announce my candidacy and look forward to earning the trust and support of every resident in our community.”
Marcelia Nicholson Elected Chairwoman of the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors
By a 11 to 7 vote, the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors recently elected Sup. Marcelia Nicholson to lead the body as chairwoman for the 2020-2022 term.
Sup. Willie Johnson Jr., who has served on the County Board since 2000, also ran for the position. Nicholson is the first Afro-Latina elected chairperson of the Board of Supervisors. Her father is African-American and her mother is Puerto Rican.
Nicholson thanked her colleagues for their support and expressed optimism about the future.
“I thank my colleagues for their support, and I pledge to make the 2020-22 term one that is marked by a renewed spirit of collaboration. We have many challenges ahead, but I know that each supervisor is ready to get to work, and to work together. I pledge to do my best to empower this body to develop solutions to our most challenging problems and to serve the people of Milwaukee County with honor and integrity,” said Nicholson.
The 18-member Board of Supervisors, five of whom are serving their first term of office, also elected Sup. Sequanna Taylor as First Vice Chairperson, Sup. Steve Shea as Second Vice Chairperson.
“I supported Supervisor Nicholson for Chairwoman because I have seen and know her ability to lead. The legislation she has passed to date demonstrates her track record of getting things done in ways that positively impact the county. I’m excited to move forward with her at the helm the Board of Supervisors,” said Sup. SeTaylor.
“I was honored to cast my vote for Marcelia Nicholson as our new Milwaukee CountyBoard Chairwoman. Chairwoman Nicholson brings positive energy and a proactive vision that will serve us well as we face the future together,” said Sup. Jason Haas.
“Supervisor Nicholson will be an outstanding Board Chairwoman during this pandemic.
Her sharp intellect and level-headed approach will serve us well, and her ability to bring people together and focus on our responsibilities as legislators will ensure that the work of Milwaukee County government is done safely and efficiently,” said Sup. Sheldon Wasserman.
Chairwoman Nicholson was first elected to the Board of Supervisors in April 2016 as the Sup. to the 5th District. She served as First Vice Chair of the Board and Chair of the Economic and Community Development Committee during the 2018-2020 term.
“Chairwoman Nicholson is a creative and effective leader who will ensure that Milwaukee County continue to provide essential services during the Covid-19 emergency. I admire Chairwoman Nicholson’s advocacy for working people and appreciate that she will continue that advocacy in her new role. I look forward to getting to working with our new colleagues and our new leadership on the Board of Supervisors,” said Sup. Eddie Cullen.
Nicholson’s tenure prior to becoming Chairwoman included successfully passing a $15 County living wage ordinance, adopting a racial equity ordinance, and bringing together Milwaukee County, the City of Milwaukee, and Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) to collaborate on service delivery and improving efficiencies across the three-largest local public institutions.
“Milwaukee County faces unique challenges and that may require drastic changes.
Now more than ever we need a Board chair who can be that change agent. I value Chairwoman Nicholson’s open-minded approach and willingness to listen to the advice and guidance of our predecessors,” said Sup. Sylvia Ortiz-Velez.
“I’m excited about the new energy Chairwoman Nicholson will bring to the role, and I look forward to her leadership,” said Sup. Russel Antonio Goodwin.
“I was honored to cast the first vote for Chairwoman Nicholson today. Her background as an educator and her track record as a proven progressive make her well-equipped to lead the Board of Supervisors. I look forward to her leading the way in bold, forwardthinking efforts to make our community stronger,” said Supervisor Ryan Clancy.
“It’s been an honor to work alongside many colleagues at the Milwaukee County Board.
Although the County remains challenged by the need for a better solution to fund local government, the administration and the Board are in a good place. I extend congratulations to Supervisor Nicholson and her colleagues for their trust in her leadership to lead the Board to a stronger, more unified place that reflects the diversity of the residents in Milwaukee County,” said County Executive Chris Abele.
On April 7, Nicholson was elected to a third term as the County Board Supervisor representing the 5th District, which includes neighborhoods to the north, east and south of Washington Park, the Merrill Park area, portions of the Marquette University campus, and the east side of downtown Milwaukee, from Juneau Avenue to the Third Ward.
Nicholson is a former MPS educator and works for the Milwaukee Area Service and Hospitality Workers union. She is 31-years-old and earned her bachelor’s degree from UW-Milwaukee.
She was born and raised in the 53206 zip code and is a proud graduate of MPS schools, including BenFranklin, Morse Middle School, and the Milwaukee School of Languages.
Source: Milwaukee County Board of County Supervisors Press Release
Common Council President Cavalier Johnson announces 2020-2024 committee assignments
Common Council President Cavalier Johnson today announced the committee assignments for the 2020-2024 Milwaukee Common Council class, including the seven members who will be tasked with chairing the council’s standing committees.
President Johnson said the wealth of experience and leadership styles offered by the Council’s 15 members provided him with no wrong options when deciding on committee assignments.
“My colleagues on the Council have unmatched passion and dedication when it comes to serving our shared community,” President Johnson said. “The challenges and opportunities facing our city will require creative, outcome-based strategies, and I believe the resulting committee assignments reflect the best alignment of everyone’s skillsets that will allow us as a body the ability to tackle the pressing health, economic, safety, financial and social issues in an effective manner.”
Alderman Michael J. Murphy will chair the Finance and Personnel committee which is charged with overseeing the city budget process and other financial matters. “Alderman Murphy has more than a decade’s worth of experience in this post, and with looming fiscal challenges facing Milwaukee from the City’s coronavirus response to a larger pension contribution, I know his extensive experience and leadership will serve the city well,” said President Johnson. The committee will be served by vice chairAlderman Scott Spiker.
President Johnson has tabbed Alderman Khalif J. Rainey to chair the Community and Economic Development Committee. “ An innovative alder who has worked with local and national partners to engage the community on issues such as health, financial literacy and civic engagement using hip-hop as the bridge, Alderman Rainey will utilize his collaborative style to lead the Community and Economic Development Committee,” said President Johnson. First term Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa will serve as the committee’s vice chair.
The Licenses Committee will be chaired by Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs. “Arguably the most public facing committee, the quasi-judicial Licenses Committee will be led by Alderwoman Coggs who is a lawyer, true community servant and the most experienced member of this committee having served on it for more than 10 years,” said President Johnson. Vice chair of the committee will be Alderman Nik Kovac.
Alderman José G. Pérez will lead the Zoning and Neighborhood Development Committee. President Johnson remarked on the selection, “Alderman Perez has helped oversee countless development projects in his district and in particular the Walker’s Point neighborhood. In addition to having a past life in development and as a former employee with experience at the Department of City Development, I couldn’t think of a better choice to lead this committee.” Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs will serve as vice chair of the committee.
The Judiciary and Legislation Committee will be led by Alderman Ashanti Hamilton. “As Milwaukee residents continue to turn in responses to the 2020 Census, the Judiciary and Legislation Committee will turn its sights toward the important task of ensuring that our community’s representation is just, fair and diverse. Having led Milwaukee’s redistricting after the 2010 Census, there is no one more experienced than Alderman Hamilton to lead us through this process. A lawyer in his own right, Alderman Hamilton is also well equipped to lead the council’s response to ligation against the City,” said President Johnson. Alderwoman Nikiya Dodd will be the committee’s vice chair.
14th District Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic will serve as chair of the Public Safety and Health Committee. “A former chairwoman of the Milwaukee Board of Supervisors, the 2nd highest ranking elected official in Milwaukee County government, Alderwoman Dimitrijevic has experience leading an elected body and has shown the ability to lead with public health at the forefront. She will serve our city well in this position,” said President Johnson. Vice chair of the Public Safety and Health Committee will be Alderwoman Chantia Lewis.
Rounding out committee chairs, Alderman Robert J. Bauman will chair the Public Works Committee. Regarding the appointment President Johnson commented, “A true champion for public transit and public infrastructure improvements, Alderman Bauman will continue on in his service as chair of the Public Works Committee with nearly 15 years of experience in the post.” Alderman Mark A. Borkowskiwill serve as vice chair.
“The depth and breadth of experience on this Council is an embarrassment of riches,” Alderman Johnson continued. “I look forward to an engaging and productive term with my colleagues, and I know that all of the committees will produce outstanding results in the name of improving our city.”
Common Council Committee Appointments by Ald. Cavalier Johnson, President
April 28, 2020
Finance and Personnel Community & Economic Development
Ald. Michael J. Murphy, Chair Ald. Khalif J. Rainey, Chair
Ald. Scott Spiker, Vice Chair Ald. JoCasta Zamarripa, Vice Chair
Ald. Nik Kovac Ald. Nikiya Dodd
Ald. JoCasta Zamarripa Ald. Chantia Lewis
Ald. Milele A. Coggs Ald. Russell W. Stamper, II
Licenses Zoning and Neighborhood Development
Ald. Milele A. Coggs, Chair Ald. José G. Pérez, Chair
Ald. Nik Kovac, Vice Chair Ald. Milele A. Coggs, Vice Chair
Ald. Mark A. Borkowski Ald. Robert J. Bauman
Ald. Nikiya Dodd Ald. Ashanti Hamilton
Ald. Chantia Lewis Ald. Marina Dimitrijevic
Judiciary and Legislation Public Safety and Health
Ald. Ashanti Hamilton, Chair Ald. Marina Dimitrijevic, Chair
Ald. Nikiya Dodd, Vice Chair Ald. Chantia Lewis, Vice Chair
Ald. Scott Spiker Ald. Mark A. Borkowski
Ald. Robert J. Bauman Ald. Scott Spiker
Ald. Michael J. Murphy Ald. Khalif J. Rainey
Public Works Steering and Rules
Ald. Robert J. Bauman, Chair Ald. Cavalier Johnson, Chair
Ald. Mark A. Borkowski, Vice Chair Ald. Michael J. Murphy, Vice Chair
Ald. JoCasta Zamarripa Ald. Milele A. Coggs
Ald. José G. Pérez Ald. José G. Pérez
Ald. Russell W. Stamper, II Ald. Khalif J. Rainey
Ald. Robert J. Bauman Ald. Ashanti Hamilton
Ald. Marina Dimitrijevic
Cavalier Johnson Thank you
I want to extend my heartfelt thanks. Thank you to the 2nd District residents who placed their trust in me again to provide reliable, accessible, and dependable service to our northwest side neighborhoods.
I am also humbled and honored to also have been voted Milwaukee Common Council President by my peers. I appreciate my colleagues for giving me the opportunity to serve in this capacity. My dream is that regardless of our differences, we recognize we have work to do and we must do it together.
All of us have a duty to make sure that representation on this council is just and that it is diverse.
All of us have a duty to make sure that public safety means health and not just badges and guns.
All of us have to raise our collective voices until we have the money necessary to fund our services at a level that our residents expect and deserve.
Lastly, to every single one of my supporters, neighbors, colleagues, and family who have believed in and trusted me to do this important work: thank you. I wouldn’t be where I am today without you. I look forward to continuing to serve our community.
Getting to this point wasn’t easy, but I never gave up on my dream of serving our city. As I was recently quoted in Urban Milwaukee, “There were times that I did not think I would make it, but I held my head high and got to work.”
In the days and months ahead, I will continue working hard to help lead this community forward and to our bright future.
Thank you,
Cavalier