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February 2005 Bay View Compass Editorial
Dear Neighbors,
January was a very busy month here at the Milwaukee County Board. County Executive Scott Walker delivered his State of the County Address on January 10, 2005. Unfortunately, it didn't directly address the many concerns I hear about on a daily basis from 4th District residents concerning county government and their needs. His address centered around freezing Milwaukee County property taxes, but offered no solution on how to maintain the critical services we all depend upon and enjoy. The way to pass a fiscally responsible budget begins with being honest with the taxpayers of Milwaukee County. In his address, he discussed the beginning of the privatization of our County Parks by asking for more private ventures within the system. He also introduced his concept of building a water park at the Milwaukee County Zoo. I am looking forward to receiving more information on this issue. However, at first glance it is odd to me that just a few summers ago the County Executive ordered the closings of many pools and laid off hundreds of parks workers. This contradictory stance can easily confuse the public. Lastly, Walker emphasized his veto of the legislation regarding the Park East asking for local job creation and family-supporting wages in that development. Vetoing this issue will hurt our local economy and I believe the County Board will vote on whether to override his veto at our next meeting February 3, 2005.
In addition, I co-sponsored legislation similar to the City of Milwaukee's which asks the State of Wisconsin to raise the minimum wage to $6.50 an hour. Which will be taken up on February 3, 2005. Lastly, the County Board will be voting at it's next meeting to add a public referendum to the April 2005 ballot. This referendum will solicit input from the public on whether the county should borrow $260 million in pension obligation bonds as proposed by the County Executive. This deal is very risky and involves a substantial amount of the public's money. I am happy to discuss the details of this proposal with anyone, and as always feel free to contact my office at 278-4232.
Milwaukee County Supervisor Marina Dimitrijevic
MILWAUKEE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Courthouse Room 201, 901 North 9th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53233
PHONE: 414-278-4232 FAX: 414-223-1380
Page last updated 07-19-05
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