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March 2006 Bay View Compass Editorial
The Real State of Milwaukee County
Selling Off Our Parks System is Not the Answer
Dear Bay View Compass Readers,
On February 6, 2006 County Executive Scott Walker delivered his annual State of the County Address. I do agree with him that the financial future of Milwaukee County is not sound. However, we need to address this issue as a community and come up with real answers to our problems. His solution to the projected budget deficit in our Milwaukee County Parks System is to slowly sell it off, piece by piece allowing public parkland and green space to be turned over to developers. We should be finding new and creative ways to maintain and protect one of Milwaukee County's most precious gems-we owe this to future generations.
Economic development is one solution to our growing financial problems. However, County Executive Walker has not helped the cause. Good economic development is taking place in the Park East Corridor because of the courageous actions this County Board took in adopting the Park East Redevelopment Compact (PERC), while being blocked every step of the way by Walker. We have sold two parcels of land already and currently have a bid on the third parcel. With this proposal and the two parcels sold, Milwaukee County will receive millions of dollars in revenue and the value of these developments total well over $100 million, truly expanding the city's tax base. The PERC ensures that local contractors can compete for the work being done and will be able to deliver family-supporting wages to Milwaukee County workers. More minorities will be trained and hired and green design will be integrated into our downtown.
Instead of addressing real problems in Milwaukee County such as one of the nations' highest levels of poverty, unemployment rate, and incarceration rate, the County Executive talked about selling the Milwaukee County Mental Health Complex, the Parks Administration Building and creating more coffee shops in our neighborhood parks. He also spoke of his famous County Executive motorcycle ride across the state to promote all of the wonderful things in Milwaukee County. This year he will have to hand out coupons for a free cup of coffee in every Milwaukee County Park. Speaking of the county's financial situation, don't you think the tax-payer supported motorcycle ride should be cut?
Your County Supervisor Marina Dimitrijevic
414-278-4232
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 04-12-06
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