My Take: Wisconsin’s Spring Election was a Hot Mess. Really it was and no, Milwaukee alone is not to blame.

In the second installment of us going through the Coronavirus, it’s now time to shift gears to talk about the “S***T Storm” that many had to go through in Wisconsin of the Spring General Election. However, before we go to that, ask yourself, what exactly led to this.

OK so….what really happened was goes back to last month when three of our early voting sites had to be closed due to the pandemic. It seemed like a good idea at first, but as the concerns of our health and wellness came about, it was not a choice but more of asking why. Also on March 22nd, this was posted on the City of Milwaukee’s Election Commission Page as indicated:

REVISED POST: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Effective immediately, the City of Milwaukee will no longer be operating in-person absentee or “early” voting at the city’s three locations: Zablocki Library, the Zeidler Municipal Building or the Midtown Center. Due to increased CoVid-19 exposure risk, the Election Commission can no longer maintain sufficient staffing levels to operate these sites in a manner that would ensure a safe or efficient public voting experience.
Given the city’s longstanding dedication to fair and equitable elections, the decision to end early voting in Milwaukee has been exceptionally difficult for all involved. However, given daily increases in CoVid-19 cases on the local level, a critical balance must be achieved between access to voting and the health of election workers and the public. Milwaukee residents may still request an absentee ballot online at myvote.wi.gov or by calling 414-286-VOTE. Online voter registration (previously suspended in Wisconsin) will resume on Tuesday, March 24.
Even during extraordinarily difficult times, the Election Commission encourages residents to exercise their constitutional right to vote in the upcoming election. By-mail absentee voting is accessible to the public and safe.

Then came the news that nobody didn’t wanted to hear on March 29th:

For Immediate Release: Contact: Neil Albrecht
March 29, 2020 (414) 286-6119

Milwaukee Election Worker Staffing Drops As Cases Rise
City has less than one-third of required election workers

MILWAUKEE— March 29, 2020, The City of Milwaukee Election Commission reports a continued decline in election worker staffing numbers in anticipation of next week Tuesday’s Spring Election and Presidential Primary.

Prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, nearly half of the City’s election workforce were over the age of 60, with one-third over the age of 70. A majority of those workers have indicated an inability to work due to their high-risk status. Others, following local and state Stay at Home guidelines, are self-confining. The City has provided regular updates to elected state officials as well as the Wisconsin Elections Commission.

“The math is simple,” said Neil Albrecht, Executive Director of the Milwaukee Election Commission. “We would normally operate our 180 sites with a minimum of 1,400 election workers. As of today, we have less than 400. We will not be able to maintain our longstanding tradition of neighborhood-based voting for this election.”

The Commission’s recruitment efforts have been ongoing and many in Milwaukee have come forward to allow senior election workers to stay home, but the numbers of trained workers have declined daily. The Commission has three more training classes scheduled prior to the election.

The Election Commission is currently reviewing voting models used by other states in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as seeking guidance from the Wisconsin Elections Commission. Many municipalities in Wisconsin are consolidating sites in order to reduce the number of necessary workers and to be able to better enforce health and safety standards.

One option would involve Milwaukee moving to a model of ‘voting centers,’ where several aldermanic districts are combined into one voting site. “This is not a model I’m comfortable with,” said Neil Albrecht, citing that combined sites could also mean many more people voting per site, “but this is where the inaction of the Wisconsin Legislature has left the public: potentially placing themselves at risk in order to exercise their constitutional right to vote.”

Milwaukee has joined with other municipalities across the state to request an extension of the election date and limit voting to absentee only. Last week, all 19 Milwaukee County municipalities submitted a letter to the governor and members of the Wisconsin Legislature encouraging the elimination of in-person voting due to the risk to election workers and the public. To date, there has been no response.

The City continues to urge residents to vote absentee by applying online at myvote.wi.gov, or at Milwaukee’s recently launched drive-up voting site at the Frank P. Zeidler Municipal Building located at 841 N. Broadway. By-mail absentee ballots can be requested up until Thursday, April 2, and returned by mail or at any of the City’s five absentee ballot drop-off sites. Drive-up voting will continue until Sunday, April 5, with weekday hours of 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. and weekend hours of 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.

And of course, here we were on April 3rd courtesy of the Election Commission:

Due to severe shortages in election workers, the Election Commission has had to consolidate the city’s 180 voitng sites into five voting centers. This means that very few Milwaukee residents will be voitng at their traditional voting site on Election Day. To locate your voting site, please click the link below or go to myvote.wi.gov

This change is in no way an endorsement of this state’s dangerous decision to move forward with the April 7 election, but is instead a necessary step to provide in-person voting.

More information to follow.

And just to add, the 5 voting centers were Riverside High School, South Division High School, Hamilton High School, Washington High School and my Alma Mater of John Marshall High School. And they all had multiple wards into one school . So if you saw a long line of cars and voters yesterday that was a prime example of Voter Suppression. Make that “Dangerous VOTER SUPPRESSION!” And you know who really kicked that off? You’re assuming Milwaukee right? Not exactly. Mayor Tom Barrett? HELL NO! Sorry Lena Taylor Fans. With many feel about him in general being a nice guy in all, even Barrett wouldn’t put citizens in danger like that. You know he had the Coronavirus, right? The real idiots or to quote WWE Superstar The Undertaker, “A$$Clowns” on top of this were indeed coming from the legislature of the State. Make that Republican Led Legislature like the minds of Robin Vos and Scott Fitzgerald. Oh these are the same A-hole clowns that also “limited” the powers of Tony Evers, and when Scott Walker was still around, they were responsible of dismantling unions, no High Speed Rail and many others that didn’t appeal to all Wisconsinites. And don’t forget they recently whined to the State Supreme Court and later on the US Supreme Court to block Governor Evers’ Executive Order that would have been rescheduled for June 9th and to extend the use of the Absentee Ballots to be postmarked. BUT OH NO: they said April 7th by 8pm.

Now I am going to get a whole lot angry on this. You are not like what I am about to say or think so here were go. When I hear stuff like this coming from our leaders, it’s sickening. First you can blame Tom Barrett and Neil Albrecht all you want. The fact of the matter is they didn’t wanted this way at all! NOT ONE! I hear that Senator Lena Taylor blamed both Barrett and Albrecht for this, but Senator Taylor in view “failed to look and ask” those in Madison like Fitzgerald and Robin Vos about the choices they did in this matter! She is a State Senator, duh! Oh Lena’s got issues too. But we know this don’t we Black Milwaukee? If Senator Taylor would have done her job and asking the tough questions to Vos and Fitzgerald on how why the ultimate decision was notified instead getting on Barrett’s and Albrecht’s Case that that would have been an ultimate option. Yeah, I’m going there. You probably like, “Oh Stephen is siding with Barrett and kissing up to Neil Albrecht of the Election Commission”. Look here, idiots. I don’t care if Barrett would be a 5 Time Mayor in the making. Long as he does his job right all that matters. And for those who thought he hasn’t done nothing, um….what was “the nothing” he’s supposed to do? Where are the receipts? I have not seen not ONE RECEIPT from any radio station, host, blogger, video editor, media, or any other person claims they were taking notes. But as far as Neil Albrecht of the Election Commission is concerned, I have not met him. Yes, when I’m not doing Secretary stuff for the Church, I am a Poll Worker and I know the game for 13 years! I studied the inside and outside. Every time I go to do these things, it’s for the people! Not JackA**es! You may not agree with that, but it is THE TRUTH!

I’ll bet a lot of you who voted for Lena Taylor probably got mad with emotion and yet, uninformed! How many of you that voted for Lena are Milwaukee Poll Workers that didn’t get called up yesterday? Don’t worry I’ll wait! How many of you contacted the Election Commission’s office and ask why you didn’t called up to work? How many of you so-called woke folks followed that? That’s right NONE OF YOU! So who’s pointing fingers now? All of you who didn’t ask that are just punks! But oh, you want to go in on Barrett regarding this. No, you REALLY should have went towards AGAIN: Robin Vos , the Republican Legislature left behind by Scott Walker, and Scott Fitzgerald. And to top it off: say with me – ELECTIONS HAVE CONSEQUENCES! And yesterday’s “S—t Storm” noted by Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes on Twitter was a prime example that this should not have been taking place. AT ALL! And usually when elections happens bad, why does Wisconsin have to be the number one spot of embarrassed objectives? And this time, it’s not on the Mayor or anyone else that didn’t want this to happen!

April 13th will be the day we’ll see who moves on, gets booted off the island, and stays home!

Sigh…..This is so stupid. A group wants to recall Tom Barrett. No really!

Oh the irony. There is a group out now that wants to recall Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett. There is an organization called “Save Our City: Milwaukeeans Can’t Wait” that has filed a petition to get about 50,000+ signatures in order to have an recall election to run against the 4 time mayor of the Milwaukee.  As many DO RECALL: Mayor Barrett won his election bid to continue against then opponent Alderman Bob Donovan for another 4 years. Yes, Milwaukee he won.

What was some of the reasons for this so-called request?

1. Streetcar Project
2. Lead Pipes
3. Not enough to fight Crime

After reading about this petition idea, I have only ONE Question to ask: Why didn’t this came out last year in 2016 when the Mayor was re-elected? I mean they had the chance to out him on the ballots, BUT Tom still won. 

For this bogus recall group, they are just mad. They are mad at what many think that Tom here is this nice guy mayor that many feel that he’s projecting the work downtown than in the other sectors of the city. For the record there are some projects in the City that are under construction, developing and others that are happening right now. It’s not just downtown! I’ve seen them with my own Nikon.

Plus according to Urban Milwaukee, Mayor Barrett had noticed this idea for several weeks. And of course if or when these signatures and others made themselves known, expect the DEFENSE of Mayor Barrett will come out and defend his record in the last previous term. Expect that Milwaukee!

Also, I heard that one of the Milwaukee Black Panthers Darryl Farmer is acting as the treasurer for the Organization. Not familiar with Darryl Farmer? He is also known as King Rick by the way. And I’ll bet some of the Panthers might question why he is in this instead of the black fist rising. I’m just saying!

And by the way, ASK ME THIS: why hasn’t no company or organization has NOT gone into the Century City Park I Building that A.O. Smith used to be? And it’s still vacant?

We know that Mayor Barrett isn’t perfect. We know this. But in all of this request to get 50,000 signatures in 60 days in my opinion, will not happen. I’m sorry, Allen L. Jansen! Many don’t realize that the petitions will again cost taxpayers extra money to get this done. And who is going to challenge Mayor Barrett? Who?!  Keep in mind that the election was LAST YEAR!

For all of those whom are the “Save our City: Milwaukeeans can’t wait” flagship whatever group, if you challenge this per se, with this idea of a recall, and Barrett defends his record in a truthful manner, guess what?  you will make him a 5 time mayor. I’m calling it right now! And no I will NOT sign your petition.

Let me just say this on the real though: How is the Milwaukee Streetcar a potential problem of Police and Schools when the federal tax dollars (you heard that right) were used, plus also the ongoing construction is putting in jobs?

Second about the Lead Pipes: we all know that the lead in the water is a problem. There is no denying that. Matter of fact it’s been a problem BEFORE Tom Barrett was in office. Why wasn’t the issue discussed when Norquist was in office? Remember cryptosporidium? Explain that, Save our City folks.

As far as the crime statistics, we know it’s a major problem.

As a native and still living in the Brew City, yes Milwaukee is not perfect. It wasn’t perfect when John Norquist was mayor, and neither now. So what’s the haps?

It’s going to take all of the near 600,000 plus Milwaukeeans that live in the City Limits to get this city going. Not all the former residents who still got love for Milwaukee whom work and go back to the boonies. Nope, you don’t count. In all of this, it’s all about some dude who thinks that when someone is in office, there is always whom feel that someone that is not doing all things, or not focusing on all of the Milwaukee sector except DOWNTOWN! Oh, we talk about the Milwaukee Bucks. We know that the Arena is coming up, but did you know that the Milwaukee Bucks will turn one of the former battered playgrounds into a multi-field for track, soccer, basketball, tennis and other sports?

This is what I’m talking about for those whom are late to the bar:

The title says: “Milwaukee Bucks, Johnson Controls to build $150,000 ‘multi-sport complex’ in the city’s Westlawn neighborhood”

This was reported in Milwaukee Journal Sentinel 2 months ago! HELLO! Anyone of the Save our City folks read this? Where have you been?! Ok, I get it. Everybody got different schedules. BUT STAY ON SCHEDULE!

And I’ll bet whom probably already forgotten after reading this will be like, oh yes that right, but what else is being built? First of all, I see construction stuff alot. No matter if it’s in Wauwatosa, Downtown, The East Side,  or the South Side. But mostly, on the North Side besides the Multi-sports complex, there are some construction projects that are happening, and I’m not talking about the roads nor new stores that might sell liquor. Some are popping up. You need to get out and look that yes there are construction jobs coming and doing, but there might other jobs too.

Let’s be real. We know better than this.  All I’m saying!

Breaking News: North Side of Milwaukee goes berserk. And it started with a shooting.

I was going to wait after the Olympics to blog again. But the reason for this, the Northside of Milwaukee was up in total anger with fires and tension. And to connect with social media for those of where to go and meetup and havoc. How stupid.

I had to break away from watching the Olympics in which was a historical performance, to see the ironic tension of looting, fires, deep tension and many other concerns that plagued this city. 44th and Auer is where the shootings started. A 23 year old was shot and killed in the view of the Milwaukee Police Department. And yes after that, all hell broke loose. And a weapon was stolen with 23 shots rang out. And bricks being thrown.

The hell that broke loose, also continued with bus shelters, and street lights near Sherman and Auer were damaged. The BP Gas Station in the same area where a protest happened a month ago: burned. Right near Sherman Park. Further blocks away, more fires happened at a Jet Beauty Store near 35th and Burleigh. Also a O’Reilly Auto Parts in the same area, engulfed in flames. Nearby, a BMO Harris Bank right near my old Middle School had smoke issues in the building . All of this many feel that the black community has not had no love. And the thing is, it’s a warning sign.

 

Now I know that many had to go in about Milwaukee in which like comparing this riot to a championship win. Or there are those who don’t care about the city and having this shrugging shoulders mixed with pinned up frustrating matters.For all those who think have the answers and are acting foolish, SIT DOWN and Shut up! Clearly those don’t have all the answers. I don’t give a care if you transplanted to Texas or Atlanta or the East Coast, or the West Coast or a well known international region, you’re living there now. But I’ll bet none of you never actually really care about this city known as Milwaukee!

If so, PROVE ME WRONG! Send a long distance donation to your old schools and charitable functions you left behind.

Many of you have this noting about “oh well that’s Milwaukee for you when the violence happens.” Really?! Is that what those think?  Seriously? All you have to do is go on Twitter, Facebook in all and with the negative remarks on the likes of CNN commenters saying “yeah tear down that stuff, you bunch of hoodlums!” If many of you so-called Americans say that, I consider that being unpatriotic! And many folks know it!

Now for those of us here in Milwaukee. Those of us who work, pay our taxes, contribute to our causes, we need to rise more. We need to rise up like a freaking phoenix. We can have the clergy coming out, the community leaders, the fraternity, the sorority, the employed, the unemployed, the underemployed,the neighbor that looks out, the neighborhood leaders, the hardcore activist, the conscious, the not so-conscious, the in between, the Introverted, Extroverted, Ambiverted, the Unsung Heroes, and many other categories: Rise like the Phoenix! It’s time to do it. For the police, firefighters, EMTs, your are in this as well! We pay our taxes, so your salary stays on point.

Just the other day, a day after all the burnings, I took a trip near the corner of Sherman and Burleigh and my reaction to the damage in person of the BP Gas Station was just shocked. The anger. The concern. And began to ask why this. Why would ANYONE like this would destroy a Gas Station?! Why? I went to my Nikon Camera and like everyone else, I snapped about several pictures that was like this:

 

And also, if many have not guessed it, a stream of cars on Sherman Boulevard going south and north was nearly jammed packed. The same with vehicles going East on Burleigh Street. Television Trucks of ABC7, WKOW, CNN and many others from the different parts of America came out to cover this tradgey that has sparked my home city’s unrest. Also, there folks preaching the word on Megaphones on both corners. Water was on sale on the corner where Sherman Park is along with individals giving away cupcakes and free hugs.

 

As I left the area, I driven North on 44th Street towards Auer Avenue, this was the area that the shooting began. And plus it was nearly jammed packed with cars and also residents and ministers as Salvation Army Chaplians.

The day after, I went further east to take pictures of the 7th District Milwaukee Police Station where it was roped off with Caution tape and boarded up. Also, the BMO Bank was boared up after it was struck by fire. A MetroPCS store was boared up after looting as well as a restaurant of KFC/Taco Bell was broken up with glass. Nearby an O’Reilly AutoParts store was destroyed by fire as well as a Jet Beauty Store not only looted, but also was destroyed by fire as well.

Ladies and Gentlemen of America, this was the experience that Milwaukee endured during that weekend of unrest. And like many others in the past, it was an unrest concern that never should have happened. The Sherman Park Neighborhood is a legendary neighborhood. I know so because my older sister and I used to reside in the area between the years 2000 and 2006. We resided on Grant Boulevard in a church parsonage in which was near Center Street. I used to catch the 22 MCTS bus to go either to work, school, shopping or church. Nearby, there was a barbershop where I used to go to get my haircuts. An organization called ASHA Family Services is in that area along with the Ritz Fish Market near the corner of 38th and Center, and it was and is owned by my family members. My old elementary school, 38th Street School, (now under the Milwaukee College Prep) is in that area. Washington High School, my high school’s rival is in the area. The homes in the area are almost legendary with years going back to about 100 years old. This is what I learned back then and understand now. Plus also, the Sherman Park Neighborhood is an active diverse neighborhood and still is. And plus I’m a northside born resident.

But I want to go back to this shooting. And I know that many are asking: what compelled this act of shooting that lead to this burning of several buildings, cars, houses, and others that had NOTHING TO DO WITH THIS MATTER?! We know already that Milwaukee is the well known factor of being the most hyper-segregated city in the United States. That is part of the things that goes mostly heard and widely examined in the entire state of Wisconsin. Many have this notion of leaving Milwaukee and go to places like Atlanta just to get away from the violence and racism. And also talking smack about the city in which they failed to help out. Oh trust me, we had a whole lotta folks have felt that way!  But many of us WHO ARE STILL HERE, are upholding our accountabilty of our taxes, our jobs, our way of life, and purpose of being more engaged to solve the problems of our well being. What we have expereinced here most recently, is nothing more what happened 49 years ago before I was born: when Milwaukee had the race riots of 1967 and the black community back then was going up in flames. That area is now called MLK Drive in Bronzeville. And the trauma of being in the predictament of the segregated climate still lingers even today. Not just in Milwaukee. But that same symptom also exist like racism in America’s DNA. I don’t give a crap where you are in America, that racism DNA has not gone away. Even after 240 years.

But in this era, the 23 year old Syville Smith, whom had a CCW Licence, and was armed with a stolen weapon from Waukesha, was shot to death. Nevermind the history of his life, or the crimes he may have done, his killer per se happens to appear as a officer of the Milwaukee Police Department. Many of us in Milwaukee looked at the person’s picture on Facebook. And according to a family member of the victim, it was known that they go way back to High School here in Milwaukee. Try Pulaski High School, and no disrespect to the Pulaski Rams in all. Plus W.E.B. Dubois High School in the Marshall Complex.

Other points, there are those around Milwaukee should have kept their mouths closed. One of them is Sheriff David Clarke. The reason being he kept hinting about the use of the National Guard to aid the Police Officers during the Unrest incidents. And in his own words having the gaul to blame the single mothers of Milwaukee for the incidents and and of course: Black Lives Matter. REALLY SHERIFF CLARKE?! He must be high on something to say that. And plus, Black Lives Matter or his words “Black Lies Matter” were not the reasons why some buildings in Milwaukee went up in flames. Sheriff Clarke already embarasses himself and Milwaukee County hanging out with the likes of Donald Trump. HOW DEPRESSING OF HIM! Yes he’s still the Sheriff, but in the next two years he and another guy, Scott Walker  MUST BE VOTED OUT! And part of the blame that Sheriff Clarke has his job is because of those in the Black Community voted up for him to have another  4 years. Why? Because he’s black. I think the Black Community needs to rethink their votes for Clarke. Speaking of Walker, dude had to come to a black church in Milwaukee not to far from the BP Gas Station. Let me remind Milwaukee one thing: Walker doesn’t give a da*n about Milwaukee! He doesn’t care about the Black Community, nor the needs. Remember the High Speed Rail Train that was BUILT in the Black Community? Go back to that. That was derailed by HIM due to one word: politics. Now he wants in to be supportive of the Black Community. Really Walker?! Oh please! And additional group of folks outside of the city, who don’t even in live in Milwaukee had the nerve to put the blame on President Barack Obama. Obama is not the blame for this! So stop it non-Milwaukeeans!

But of all of the folks who seemed to be in supportive the most of Milwaukee, is Mayor Tom Barrett. Call me crazy, but he is. Another is the still Wisconsin Senate Rep from the 4th District, Lena Taylor. Ashanti Hamilton, President of the Common Council, Alderman Russell Stamper II, and Alderwoman Chantia Lewis are just a few. The curfew in Milwaukee under 18 is in effect. Sherman Park closes at 6pm and roped off with orange. When it switches to the MPS Curfew starting September 1st that’s every night. And that was activated this past Sunday.

Speaking of Sunday, I was in church and during our “joys and concerns” we highlighted the concerns of the Unrest Issue. One of my millennial church members talked about the incident in which it was witnessed in person. She indicated that her younger brother was about 2 cars behind the shooter’s car going east on Burleigh near the Jet Beauty Store, and indicated that if one of those bullets hit him, he would have been gone. She also comforted an Police Officer near the Beauty Supply Store who was going though that high alertness of concern of another citizen. The last thing she said: God Bless You. And a tear was starting to roll on the Officer. I just had to tell you that because whenever I hear about church folks being all judgmental or acting hypocritical, NOT ALL OF THEM ARE LIKE THIS. And my church member is a single mother in her 20’s.And is a prayer warrior in my church under the United Methodist banner. Is she always like this? Just maybe you need to visit The New St. James Community Church UMC in Milwaukee and find out. And plus the setting of our church is in a County Park Pavilion on Milwaukee’s East Side. And the church is the first African-American United Methodist Church established in the city since 1949.

Just today, the ATF was sprung into action to survey the damages. And it was announced that a reward of $10,000 for anyone who knew what happened and also those responsible for those alleged damages. For all you snitches in Milwaukee: FESS UP! Don’t go into Stop Snitching Mode like cowards back in the day. Whenever the Federal Government comes on the scene, it’s is a huge concern. The sticks got a whole wide larger than before. This is not a game! It’s real lives were and are still at stake!

Milwaukee is 170 years old. And in the 170 years it faced open gaps of unemployment, segregation, violence, arson, race riots, shootings, festivals going in and out (African World Festival) educational values questioned and answered, underemployment of applicants/jobs, and many other concerns and factors. However in the 170 years, Milwaukee remains a underestimated city that has some good in it. We can talk about Summerfest, the Art Museum, The Pabst Theater, Riverside Theater, the newly soon to be Lakefront Gateway Area, the soon to be Northwestern Mutual Tower, the other festivals that do go past Summerfest, Garfield Days, Juneteenth Day Parades, Bronzeville Arts, riding Bublr Bikes, and soon to be construction of the New Bucks Arena and the Streetcar.

Why has Milwaukee been like this?

It’s not Chicago, Atlanta, LA, San Francisco, Seattle, Texas, Florida, and other cities and states that mostly “knows” black folks. Milwaukee as medium-sized as it is, its well known for Harley-Davidson, MillerCoors, our County Parks, and past relations with being the Beer Capital of the World, Bowling Capital of the world at one time, or known in the past for shows like Happy Days and Laverne and Shirley. Oh, did I mention that The Blues Brothers, Public Enemies, and  Transformers were filmed here? Famous Americans like Bud Selig, Eric Benet, Al Jarreau, Gene Wilder, George Tillman Jr, Charlotte Rae, Speech, Tank were all born here. The Core DJ’s a well known DJ organization is known for DJ’s around the world, but it was started in Milwaukee. Wrestling has a history here. From AWA of Da’ Crusher, to the birth of Austin 3:16. And also currently in the WWE, Austin Aries is a born resident.

Milwaukee does have a Urban Scene that is so underground that is hard to get airplay on a V100, a Jammin 98.3, KISS FM, and others. Also Milwaukee does have some support of it’s genre of Hip Hop, but the fans say that the City has haters because the lack of support. However, not all Milwaukeeans don’t listen to rap music! Some listen to Polka or other genres. But every ethnic group has their own thing.Well known here: Ray Nitti, Rusty P’s, Charles Walker Band, Element, and Coo Coo Cal just to name a few.

For radio, we know WTMJ. But I know 1290 when it was the talk of the town. WNOV as many know us the lone wolf of black radio that many folks still listen to. Plus also there are podcasts, and other radio stations like WUWM that is well known for based on UW-Milwaukee.

Milwaukee to me is misunderstood. Very misunderstood. Our education system isn’t that bad. The Milwaukee Public Schools is legendary around here and it’s the same age as the city.I am a product to call myself an MPS Alum because of the schools of 38th Street School, Jackie Robinson Middle School and John Marshall High School.Not only that, I come from a line of educators that taught in MPS in my family!  Some of our famous folks are MPS Alums also. Our Colleges of the Milwaukee Area Technical College, Mount Mary, Marquette University, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee are fully known educational institutions. I’m a product of the Milwaukee Area Technical College which I got an Associates Degree in the year 2000. The program was Printing and Electronic Publishing in which I got my hands dirty in Bindery and Offset Press.

Part of Milwaukee’s history was the tanneries. Pfister and Vogel, Albert & Trostels should ring a bell. And some of our family members used to have those good paying jobs growing up! Now the tanneries are gone, and mostly the Health Care fields are in exchange, with retail, customer service, and some manufacturing are left. Printing was also huge here. It’s still exists under the digital level, but not really enough as it once was.

Milwaukee has some strong programs here that many recognize like the Running Rebels, True Skool, and mostly now known is getting recognition: We Got This. Also part of the strong programs, does have a direct connection with local churches, community counterparts, some well known companies, and neighborhood block watch organizations.

But all in all, like any other city, Milwaukee is not alone with problems. And with the issue of this recent shooting of Syville Smith is not a stranger of gun violence period.

 

 

Oh no she didn’t! This will not help in reducing crime.

This is just for the current residents of Wisconsin. Just today, one of our State Republican Representatives, Janel Brandtjen had this idea that about cutting funding to the city of Milwaukee in order for her district of Menomonee Falls to be free from time. From the crime that is going on.

What is she talking about, you ask?

I was reading the Urban Milwaukee Webpage about this “idea” and from the looks of it, in my opinion: she is in denial. Plus check out the story below:

Last week homeowners in Washington County were held hostage in their homes by the actions of 5 young criminals from Milwaukee. All night long the Milwaukee Police, SWAT teams and law enforcement from Washington County combed the darkness for 5 youths with guns. Families were forced to unlock their gun cabinets and instruct their loved ones to shoot to kill.

The violence and the crime that has plagued Milwaukee for decades has now begun to spill over into Milwaukee’s suburbs. I lay the responsibility for this growing and out of control problem at the door of the Mayor’s office. Mayor Barrett may not care about the safety of his family but I certainly do care about mine.

Mayor Barrett, the people of southeast Wisconsin will not sit by and watch your administration destroy the entire region with failed liberal policies and a 10 second “Tommy Tough Talk” sound bite. If you do not fill the hundreds of vacant police officer positions, apprehend and arrest car thieves, demand prison for repeat criminals and start standing up to the judges who let repeat offenders off easy you will be in my opinion “assisting and enabling” the very criminals who are responsible for the record number of shootings, car jacking’s and murders.

I will be openly advocating for funding cuts to Milwaukee unless steps are taken to dramatically cut crime in Milwaukee. I will no longer sit by while you destroy Milwaukee and its flourishing suburbs. I cannot justify financing your failed policies in Milwaukee until you take public safety seriously.

I got to say this and I’m going to be unapologetic: WHITE WOMAN PLEASE!

Seriously, State Republican Representative  Janel Brandtjen?! You obviously think that the dollars that you “somewhat support” would be cut off from Menomonee Falls to Milwaukee due to Milwaukee’s problems with the young black folks that hid away in YOUR COUNTY from the police? And you believe that the crime from Milwaukee is harming Menomonee Falls! You must be, and I must say, “STUCK ON STUPID!”

How many times have I heard and read about in the Milwaukee Suburbs about drug crimes and also many types of assault that occurred in YOUR AREA?

How many times, have I heard and read about racism in YOUR AREA that kept popping up?!

How many times have I heard about the concerns of ALCOHOL or Drinking and Driving that has occurred not only in the suburbs, but also IN YOUR AREA?!

And you honestly think that cutting funding from Milwaukee will solve this problem and just go away without any harm or concern. Like it’s nothing. REALLY?!

Don’t worry I’ll wait!

You said in your “commentary of denial” that Mayor Barrett needs to do something about this crime thing that is not only harming Milwaukee but also the suburbs. Well let me say this as a Milwaukee RESIDENT: We all know that Mayor Barrett is handling his “Mayor Business” here in Milwaukee. We know this. We know what is going on a day by day basis. Good or bad. By the way, excuse my French: What the hell have you done? What the hell have you done to fix or curb the problems with employment that disrepects the VALOR of African-American Applicants that want to work IN YOUR CITY? Out of Milwaukee? I demand the answer to that instead of you making this demand of you pulling dollars from Milwaukee. If the dollars you demand to be pulled from Milwaukee and if concerns the safety part of it, that would be trouble. Oh, I don’t agree with Gov. Numb Nuts, but even he feels that pulling dollars from Milwaukee due to crime is a bad idea. WOW Scott Walker, the Marquette University Dropout made one little sense that this idea is bad. Now if Scott Walker would have got his brain straight about 5 years ago about the High Speed Rail, we would be in business NOW getting from Milwaukee to Madison faster than clunking cars. Open for business, probably?

State Representative Janel Brandtjen: If you really want to share your “fighting crime” techniques so bad, then go get your crew. Mayor Barrett will get the Milwaukee crew. Either meet in Milwaukee or Menomonee Falls, or even at the State Capitol. Let’s be like “Real Wisconsin folks” and bring all of our ideas to the table to bring in stopping the violence in the Southeastern Part of Wisconsin. Not only that, don’t be surprised if any of the Black families from either side will show up!

Hey State Rep: your move if you want it. Put down that conservative mantra like a bad rash of hate, and meet up. And that goes for ANY rep that has a dislike for Milwaukee. Are we Wisconsinites that carry the motto Forward also?

Put the money where the mouth is.

 

 

A Stephen’s Spot Exclusive: Another recent incident deaths in Milwaukee. What is the VIABLE Solution?

Just yesterday, Milwaukee had a rash of violent deaths. A 2 year old, a 15 year old Teenager and a 41 year old black man were all killed on a Sunday. But before I get into the story, read my commentary of the incident via my Facebook message.

Before I lay down, let me comment on the recent killings in the city. Even though I didn’t know any of the individuals or individual, I can relate. This reminds me of my relatives that were killed senselessly either by a gun over car rims, and by a domestic dispute in a stabbing. I am not kidding! And their deaths were indeed senseless. Now I know that when stuff like this happens per say, there are those whom chose to relocate to other areas of the country. I understand that. But HOWEVER: no matter if you’re in Seattle, or Albuquerque, Augusta Maine, Santa Fe New Mexico, Oklahoma City, or any small town or well known big city, hear me when I say this: It’s EVERYWHERE! No matter if it’s being reported by the local newspaper, news, social media, video footage or whatever. It’s everywhere. Some have asked about safety nets, where are these safety nets? I know I had this question asked of me in 2006 after getting my degree from Stout (UW-Stout) if I was leaving. At the time, I didn’t know. Now I say this: it’s God’s will. But I’m not let any incident or incidents make me run for the hills. Absolutely not! There is one question that many should be asking (not some) is what is the real VIABLE Solution? And this needs no right or wrong answer. If anyone haven’t done so, send a prayer or sympathy to the families that are going through this horrific time.

This incident just took place yesterday, near the areas of 48th and Hampton in the Wahl Park sector. The 2 year old was dead due to the accident. And it was a boy toddler dotting out into the street. We know that yes, at time we see young children without supervision run out, they run out. Period. Sort of like when a ball goes into the street, and if you’re driving to Point B, what follows a ball? A child. The child will look in one direction at the ball but not the direction of the oncoming car. But according to the news, there was no ball in the street. Not one. And the toddler was killed by the oncoming vehicle. The driver of the vehicle was Archie Brown Jr in which after the toddler was hit, he immediately IMMEDIATELY CALLED 911 and got out of the van to attend to the toddler to see if it was still alive. Then he was shot once in attempt to do the right thing! Also the teenager was killed later on towards the Hospital in the connection, and many in the city, mainly the police are determining what the role he played in this incident. And the twist of all of this was that the toddler, Damani Terry and the 15 year old, Rasheed T. Chiles were brothers! And their lives were senselessly, SENSELESSLY taken!

Folks, this recently incident has caused an ongoing spark of commentary out of emotion and viewpoints. Many had to flock to Facebook as soon as the word got out. Oh yes, there were point of opinions or viewpoints that really settled in which that “Milwaukee is too small to have all this drama going on”. Many have said that they will never move back to the city in regarding it’s stance on Violence and the ongoing dialogue and actions when it comes to it’s Segregated Checkered Past and Present. In my commentary or my expressive opinion, I had to let my Facebook Audience know that there might be some who would move to Florida, California, Atlanta, or wherever that most might go. I can understand that notion. But……HOWEVER there has to be realization that there is violence everywhere! Not just in Milwaukee! How many times we heard about the violence in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Portland Oregon, Suburban Seattle, Newtown, Florida, Texas, Ohio, Ferguson, South Carolina, and many other small cities, large cites, or medium market cities? Let’s be honest! HOW MANY TIMES? Don’t be shocked! As for the Milwaukee area Suburbs, this means you also! And speaking of Violence in Wisconsin, we know Milwaukee, but also Madison and a Southwestern county near the Iowa and Minnesota Border: Grant County. Where a 6 year old child out there was killed. This is where UW-Platteville remains and I haven’t been to that part of the state, ever.

I know there are those who might say stop saying it’s everywhere! I can’t. Part of the reason I can’t stop saying it because the main reason: ITS THE TRUTH! And I don’t care who say it and where! No matter if it’s your neighbor, church member, co worker, bestie, another blog, or that connection of your friends and alliances on FACEBOOK! And for the record, you can throw out the rulebook of the stats, politics, Being strong democratic, Being strong Republican, Strong Libertarian, Independent or whatever. You can throw out the rulebook on the income, housing areas, metro sector or any other THING that maybe, just maybe might be hindering the thought. The crime that happened yesterday (now also two more have happened) and those behind it probably doesn’t give a two hoots about Archie Brown Jr being from a good family or contributed to positive assignments or having connections to the Milwaukee Urban Music scene and black owned businesses alike.

What just happened also, is a prelude of what might come during the Summer. We know that by then, the weather will be hot. And when that happens, MOST will be out of school during the break (I’m referencing kids here) and I’ll be one of the first who might say that some of them WILL DIE! They will not be at the playgrounds, Summerfest, their neighborhoods or matter of fact, some may not get on Facebook or even my blog (with their parents) asking and/or addressing the issues that harbors the game in a negative light! I’m sorry to say this, but this is a butt naked truth! Another butt naked truth: this is for those who migrated out of Milwaukee. Normally I would say that if you had a change in career or choice to move because of whatever, and if you are successful at what you’re doing, hey congrats. But, hear me on this, and this might hurt many of you. You can’t please folks all the time! I know many of you probably expressed that in a sense of choice or pride. However, never forget that there those here that WANT to see the Change for the better while you are in your new digs!

And yes, it’s not about bragging. And it should not put down those who have boots on the ground here! Watch your words!  If I was in the same boat leaving, then I wouldn’t say a darn thing! I’m not trying to make those whom left come back. That is not the purpose of this blog story. What I’m saying is, that yes you made your way good, but sometimes you need to check yourself and not please folks all time, period! And I don’t care how many degrees, accolades, doctorates, business mergers, or what ever accomplishment you have obtained! Overtime, I often talk about my Bachelor’s Degree from UW-Stout, got it in 2006 in Industrial Management via Distance Education. And I’m happy that I got the degree WHILE STAYING in Milwaukee! And also was recognized in front of my peers in getting to the stage and having my congrats in order in front of the dean and chancellor on the campus of UW-Stout. But the real reminder came from all of the folks of my mother that she said you can’t please people all the time. Even though I didn’t agree with her, but she has a point. Again, I’m not call out jealousy of me. When I see folks doing well, I congratulate them. And I wish them well in all. BUT they must also realize that the pleasing portion of them can’t be promised. Just because so-and-so moved to Dallas Texas in getting his own business or working for UPS as a Management Accountant with big money and being successful on the job there with accolades, and also have this “I made it” thing, in reality: IT DOESN’T MEAN THE SAME FOR THE NEXT PERSON! Don’t be a copycat. Just because that person moved to Texas in all (don’t mean to pick on the Lone Star state) doesn’t mean YOU have to move and be like that person that left.

There was an commercial back in the 80’s when I was young, it was an anti-drug commercial. And it had the lyrics featured: “Be an Original!” So far in regarding the situation in Milwaukee of the three recent homicides: Already the shooter who killed Archie Brown Jr is still at large, but knowingly he (or she) will be caught on the spot! And yes, the family of Archie Brown has to make the hard decision to bury him at age 41. His father, Archie Brown, Sr will have to make the hard decision to bury his son! We often hear that no parent shouldn’t bury their children!

Consider this my mini-version of Scratching my head this whole time that I do annually. So what is the viable solution in all of this? What is it?

Do we need to curb our guns in all?

Do we need to get our butts in gear when the issues of Neighborhood Watch Meetings are in effect?

Do we have to commit to our community groups that we need a buy a block program along with the churches?

Speaking of churches, does the church (no matter the denomination) REALLY need to get out of the buildings and actually get at the table of the community? I know this is a simple answer, but it’s also hard because either some Church members don’t want to commit or there are those who will REFUSE to help a church because they got molested since the age of 5 or got their friends thinking it’s all about money. But guess what? When problems happen, they come running with the request of the Pastor asking them to pray for their concerns. It’s true!

Do the after school programs need to step their game up?

Speaking of us whom went to any Milwaukee Public High School: King, Tech, Vincent, Juneau, Marshall, Riverside, Custer, North Division, South Division, MHSA, Reagan, Hamilton, and others,  is there a way that ALL HS Alumni can come out for a MPS ALUMNI meeting of our own, and just to help those in need of concern with the colors of our our beloved schools that were ruled with an iron fist?

What about the MATC, UW-Milwaukee, Marquette or any other college Alumni group that is STILL HERE: what are we doing?

Where are the Fraternities and Sororities at? No matter if they are the Divine 9, or a well known Fraternity/Sorority that is predominately white, but WILL WORK and SUPPORT the ideas of concerns with African-Americans? Even if you want Black folks in your clubs in general to spread that thing of Diversity!

What about our Transportation stuff?

Attention companies that give a darn: when are YOUR community events coming to the hoods?

HOLD UP: What about the Funeral Homes? Yeah I said it. Any of the Undertakers/Morticians want to hold those Mock Funeral things? And also talk about what they do with the bodies being embalmed for the home-going?

Or, will the real mantra of #BLACKLIVESMATTER be really revealed for the truth and not just some catchphrase happenstance?

Somebody in Milwaukee or around Milwaukee better tell me something!

I’ll leave it here with this: the struggle continues.

Just a side note: A fundraising project is up for Archie’s Family in support to pay for his Funeral and daughters. To contribute to the cause: reference this link: http://www.gofundme.com/rthxyk. 

A blog letter to: Us Milwaukeeans via the Streetcar and The Arena for the Milwaukee Bucks.

For today, another chapter in the history of the brew city had turned the page. A long waited Streetcar project that kept on the shelf for over 20 years can finally be put to good use. And yes there was a twist with the new idea with the new Bucks Arena involving the Menominee Tribe offering $200 million to cover the cost of the place via taxpayers.  That second part still remains to be seen if Walker can actually make a fair shake. However for this day, something must have shook the core to get the Ill Mil started up.  And yes the idea might be costly but effective. So with that, here is a blog letter.

Dear Milwaukee folks.  Yeah all of us:

It’s me Stephen.  Yes, I’m local, born here, work here, haven’t thought about leaving yet, still black and a blogger here in the city.

History was made today. The Brew City has done something that it needed to do. And the Common Council whom voted to approve for the project has finally had the brass balls that has been long waited through polarized politics in a segregated climate. Congrats, Milwaukee you have finally began to snap out of the funk of denial of getting the Milwaukee Streetcar to become a significant reality. Keep the pressure on and don’t stop! The reason being there might be folks who would toss your game and make you quit. And this goes for the Streetcar supporters and project ambassadors and business connections alike. Again do not stop!

Just a thought here: add a provisional clause in the contracts, agreements and proofing that the project SHOULD be under “Iron Clad Rules.” Anything it’s Iron Clad should not be put on ballots, nor referendums. NONE!

And to those in Milwaukee that are still in the funk of not moving forward to help the city out, then CLEARLY you are not doing your job! For those in the CRG Network, yeah you are still circulating petitions and trying to force a referendum to halt the project. Even though its a right but I think you are wasting your time of halt opportunities for those who want to shine! Not just those who want the Streetcar, I’m talking about those who are super hungry, super waiting on hand and foot just itching to do skills they were trained to do and also waiting to do!!!!

What is it about Milwaukee or Wisconsin that an idea comes to motion that seems good, then here comes the folks that have to debate, and debate, and debate, and debate from some wannabes who feels that they know what the people want?

CALLOUT: CRG Network, I’m posing this question to you since you indicated the knowing part, what do you know what I want in Milwaukee? What do you know?! And to those who are on these Anti-Streetcar pages particularly in Milwaukee and the so-called Koch Funded Americans for Prosperity, I’m posing this question also, what do you know what I want in Milwaukee?

My former pastor used to say: “Beware of wolves in sheep’s clothing!”

Over and over again I said that Milwaukee needs to play hard poker to gamble and over again. We’ve gotten soft with all the Polarized Politics in a Segregated City. Don’t deny the thought! Many of you were probably taught that when you were growing up and refusing black folks to work along for a successful job! And those you turn away, either they do two things: either move away to another city or take another job that will keep folks poor. Ruffle the feathers much?

And as for the new Bucks Arena. With an idea with the Menominee Tribe has in mind of covering their 200 millions for the taxpayers of the building. With a twist of the proposed Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. That to me seems interesting. It does. Simply because I think the Tribe would like to assist the need to help the taxpayers portion of the third leg of the funding. Which to me seems interesting to follow up. However, it might not happen because many folks know that Scott Walker will not make that happen. And already he denied the funding of casino by listening to Iowa in his somewhat request to become President. Which I think he would not get far.

And of course we all know that Illinois is also looking at us to see if Wisconsin reaches its familiar breaking point of turning down funding that could benefit folks for jobs. There are folks here that need to eat, work, and play. And I’m not talking about those that are currently doing it. I’m talking about those who really need to eat! And aren’t lazy and do want to work!

And also note to the Menominee Tribe, if the full idea is a moot, and we know this per say, donate part of your 200 Million to the UW Universities to assist those in Higher Education. And partially, make a deal with Hard Rock International to build Hard Rock Cafes in the state.  I see them everywhere else, but why not here in Wisconsin? Or Build a Hard Rock Cafe Roadhouse near Summerfest. I’m giving some ideas here!

Finally, as I close. I hope this day can teach us a lesson. I love my city. And at times I have to condemn my city for not doing right. I’m not just talking about the ballot box or radio, I’m talking about letters, emails, blogs,  Social Media postings and many other forms of communication. Even face to face or eye to eye. Now I would probably post this on Facebook per say in a Streetcar group page. But here, I feel this blog of WordPress is the best thing to go.

Play hard poker Milwaukee. Snap out of the funk of denial and get your resumes out!

Get onboard.

Sincerely (in the city),

Stephen

Three Way Dance: The Milwaukee Streetcar Update, Plus I did say: Beware of wolves in sheep’s clothing. Plus Milwaukee Alderman Dudzik is pathetic for his “racial” remark.

Breaking news out of Milwaukee this morning: Call it the Three Way Dance – The Milwaukee Streetcar Edition. However, my last dance card will not be pretty.

For many many years and months of concern and hope, the Milwaukee Streetcar Debate reached to a breaking point. In a vote of the Milwaukee Common Council of 10 – 5, the Streetcar still lives. BUT: there is one stipulation that was noted from the Common Council President Michael Murphy.

In the meeting, yes there was positives. Even coming from Alderman Nik Kovac (whom I’ve known since Middle School), has been the positive vocal point of the Streetcar Project. Alderman Terry Witkowski of the South Side was at first undecided previously, but the idea sparked for him to support the Streetcar as well. He also noted that there are some in his district had memo that the Streetcar may not work due to the district he oversees. But overall, Alderman Witkowski did say that the streetcar would benefit all of Milwaukee via downtown. The meeting of the Streetcar lasted for about over an hour with the pros and cons. Even the commentary cons of Alderman Bob Donovan, Joe Davis, Tony Zilenski (who favored the Streetcar but due to the stipulation of the signatures) Joe Dudzik, Jim Bohl, and Robert Puente.

For those who favored: Alderrwoman Coggs, and Aldermen Kovac, Witkowski, Hamilton, Wade, Bauman, Murphy, Perez, and Stamper.

Lastly, the CC President himself did indeed noted his support of the Streetcar. He also noted that the even though the project would be taking a risk, but also noted (and it’s real talk) that in his words: “there is a risk in everything in life.” So technically he was point of taking challenges even they seem to be “controversial” or in this case, daring. However on the other end, for those who feel that they needed to say against the project (even though the thoughts in my view are “Conflicted”) he also fairly said that those with the petitions would be welcomed. So with that, the official (and hopefully THE LAST) vote will be extended until February 10th, 2015. The vote was noted with a 10 – 5 decision. But with the stipulation of the signatures, it stood as of 9-6 overall with 8-7 in favoring the signature requests. So it came close with the backing of the Streetcar by the council, but the final vote was put on pause.

Now since that’s on ice until Black History Month, here is something else to note: Beware of Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing!

Apparently there was a true backing of the Milwaukee Streetcar Dilemma in the eyes of Bob Donovan and others: Americans for Prosperity. A Koch Brothers funding group, who has backers in Milwaukee of all places has been the culprit of these referendums, obstruct and cancel plans that have been planted to stop the Streetcar. For all those who are signing those referendums, I know you have a right to say what’s up, BUT I must warn those pretty much:

Beware of Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing!

Personally what these so-called Americans of Prosperity folks are just doing the work that want to keep stuff held back. That’s all they do. Keeping folks poor in all. And yes they are Koch Funded that helped the likes of Scott Walker per say to get the chair in Madison. Matter of fact that group has been responsible for “cheating” for the last four and half years in terms of getting the High Speed Rail and the KRM defunded and money to be left alone and went out of the state. Oh yeah, they have been “cheating” just to fund their money to deflate anything that does not like them. Oh, I hope the black community in Milwaukee is paying attention, closely! Especially those who like to say, #TEAMSHUTITDOWN on Facebook. And those referendums that your crew on FB probably got circulated via the net, all that came from the Americans For Prosperity.

AGAIN: BEWARE OF WOLVES IN SHEEP’S CLOTHING!

Well since the cat has been let out of the bag in regarding the Streetcar in this sense, The “proponents” per say need to further the cause of the real deal by February 10th. The proponents need to be “reproofers” and to go onto the “Stop The Milwaukee Streetcar” Facebook Page and reproof the folks who are misguided, uninformed, poisoned with thoughts, and just need to get the dose of reality of what is the real truth with this project! The same goes for other Facebook pages, other social media platforms, radio, TV, blog or bloggers, and EVEN the Americans For Prosperity themselves that what they are spreading is just false mess! For 25 years, Milwaukee has been talking about this project over and over again. And the use of future transportation has been thoroughly commented. Sometimes BUSES aren’t the answer at all times. And I mentioned in my previous blog that some employers don’t allow employees to take buses! They don’t! The next time when you look at a job description either online or in print, read it very carefully. If it states on the description that the job does not require applicants or employees to take public transportation, that says it. Again, I’m not saying all jobs have this, only some. I’m making this clear because of my experience back a decade ago. Has there been some changes in the last 10 years? Yes and No.

So in summary, here is the rundown via the Shepherd Express:

• The final vote on Feb. 10. This will likely pass. When you remove Tony Zielinski’s vote for the project and then to reconsider, it received 9 of 15 votes in support, giving the streetcar more than enough votes for it to pass at the next meeting. Significantly, Common Council President Michael Murphy voted in favor after opposing the project in the past. That carries a lot of weight and says something about how important this project is to the future of the city. (And, no, I don’t think it’s the “second coming.”)

• Opponents need to come up with 31,000 signatures in the next few weeks. Right-wing radio will be fanning the flames to help out this effort and the petition drive will be well financed. I’m going to assume that Nate Hamilton’s radio ad will continue running as well. One wrinkle for opponents is that they need 31,000 city voters. Suburban residents won’t be able to sign.

• If the Common Council passes the project and the petition drive is successful, I assume that the city will go ahead full steam to begin launching the actual project so that it’ll be difficult to kill and people will have gotten used to it. (Then again, that didn’t work out so well for the high-speed rail project, which Walker killed even after Doyle was signing contracts right and left to try to lock in that project.)

• The Joint Review Board needs to give its final approval. I was unfamiliar with this body until this morning, and it seems like a few council members—except for the streetcar opponents—were fuzzy on it, too. According to state statutes, the JRB gives the final approval to any TIF or TID project. (Here’s the state fact sheet on it as well as the city’s fact sheet.) It’s made up of the local taxing authorities as well as one member of the public. Why did the opposing alders mention the JRB this morning? If you look closely, you’ll see that the JRB doesn’t have to be the final word on any TIF or TID project. A majority of the JRB can request that the information the city submits for JRB review be reviewed for errors. And who would do that review? The state Department of Revenue.

So, in my prediction, the Streetcar will roll for approval and the jobs with it. Get the resumes out!

Finally just today, this one of the worst comments coming out of the mouth of Milwaukee Alderman Joe Dudzik. This Alderman, well according to WTMJ 620 AM, he commented that blacks in Milwaukee will be in his words via the Streetcar:

“There’s going to be a couple of assaults, maybe a rape, or a shooting on one of these streetcars,” Dudzik told WTMJ’s Wisconsin’s Afternoon News.  “The [millennials] that claim they’re going to be riding this thing are going to be nowhere to be seen.” 

He also claimed that his comments were not racial, but having to review the previous stuff with Northridge and the Grand Avenue Mall.

What did the Mayor say for this?

The Mayor’s office responded to Dudzik’s comments with a statement:  “There have been a lot of irresponsible statements about the Streetcar and this is one of the worst.”

You know what, I’m calling out the B.S. out of the mouth of Alderman Joe Dudzik. His comments about blacks messing the Streetcar with Rape and Violence is very stupid. No it’s BEYOND STUPID! This is just as dumb and immoral as Joe Davis saying the Streetcar is racist. I do have a question though: Has Alderman Joe Dudzik ever been beaten by a black person before he became an Alderman? When was the last time Dudzik was ever defeated and felt soft, snobish, weak minded and racist against those of African-American? Since when, High School?!!! He claims he’s not making it racial, but he is by opening his mouth! If you live in his district, PUT HIM IN CHECK! Was he ever aware that the MCTS had rapings, fights, shootings on the buses?! Has he?! He, like Joe Davis better wake the “F” UP! Plus also he was wrong about the Northridge Mall closing up due to blacks. According to one of my favorite black Milwaukee radio stations, and I’m glad the “The Forum” brought this up, due to the fact that real reason why Northridge is really closed was due to a rumor that a black man way back when caused a violent shenanigan against a white patron previously. Go ask Jesse Anderson, a white dude in JAIL! Who also killed his wife many moons ago. That’s the real main reason why Northridge Mall is closed up now! Put that in the archives all because he killed his wife and blame it on a so-called black guy!  If Alderman Joe Dudzik is up for re-election, he better not get reelected! He need to be fired and recalled for his commentary and yet to apologize to every single African-American he offended with his comments! He might lose alot of “Black Friends.” Just a warning! How does he know what might happen when violence on a Streetcar would occur? As I mentioned from my previous blog, the MCTS had shootings, stabbings, fights and etc. Carjackings. Has any Taxis in Milwaukee had been shot up before? I definitely want to know.

Put a petition together to get him fired! 

And plus, to those who are on the “Stop the Milwaukee Streetcar” Facebook Page or any other Anti-Milwaukee Streetcar Social Media site: do you condone this?! Put down your burgers, fries, sodas, beers, coffees, pizzas, and other eats/drinks and put this fool of an Alderman in serious check! Now you know why Milwaukee is a segregated city? This is not just about the Milwaukee Streetcar idea. Again, this is where “Race in Milwaukee” needs to be talked about and clarified and put on the table. Now for those who say “I have alot of black friends”, to  “I’m not a racist, or that repeating feeling of “I don’t care if you’re purple, red, green, and etc……We’re all the same.” REALLY?! I call B.S. on that also! And don’t even bust out with the MLK speech with the favorite of not about color but about character. Half of you probably believed that notion also have broken that belief with your actions, and your so-called lessons that you obviously proposed or learned! Just admit it! And I don’t care if it’s 2015!

I’ll bet these are the same folks who fear having their boots shaken when going into Milwaukee for a spot visit, work, or just to relive the “good ole’ days” per say, they are the same folks who have this fear of getting shot, assaulted or raped in the city. Well I got news for them: where you are, I might get caught dead for being strange in the nice neighborhoods. Or being called that scary N*gger and getting arrested for some alleged B.S. that went down. Or being accused of any other thing that they feared since something was taught being afraid and racist of black folks! I’m putting this out there to be real!

Like Dr. King once said: “Where do we go from here?” Ponder that hard.

And other than that: check out the statistics thus far from Urban Milwaukee in regarding the Yay’s and Nay’s of the Streetcar.

A blog letter to: Milwaukee Common Council and “your” vote on the Milwaukee Streetcar.

Mark it down. January 21st will be D-Day for the Milwaukee Common Council in which they will vote Yea or Nay in regarding the Milwaukee Streetcar Project. Yes, it’s still a hot potato in which many might rock it or drop it. I think those who rock it, in a sense could lead to additional opportunities to jobs in which the city has been preaching forever! And those who like to “drop it” in terms of it being racist, a thing of waste, and also as I put it in my last blog, “Conflicted Viewpoints” among those who are angry and  protesting in disgust. However, my viewpoint is for one thing, and one thing only: Employment Opportunities to the next level. Not just about the routes, times, or highly concerned options. The main focus IS JOBS! PERIOD! So for that, I present this blog letter to the council.

And if those who are apart of the Milwaukee Common Council that uses WordPress, share this before voting!

Dear Milwaukee Common Council:

It’s me Stephen. Obviously, I’m a black blogger in the city by hobby.

It’s seems that you have a big decision to make in terms of the Milwaukee Streetcar Project. But before you make your decision of cost, structure, construction, and many other factors of human emotion and misguided dialogue: hear me on this of why it should matter to the additional construction ideas in Milwaukee. I often blog about Milwaukee being as a “tail-end”city. What I mean by that is, it’s always behind. And most recently, it’s also stuck in the word of “Can’t”. Twice as most of you are aware, we came so close with the previous projects that would have linked our City with Madison with High Speed Rail and not to forget another one: The KRM Commuter rail that would have linked Kenosha, Racine and Milwaukee to get to those unreachable places for those looking for work. Of course! We also have problems with the violence, with potholes, housing, and many other factors that needs attention. Even yes, addressing the ongoing saga of the death of Dontre Hamilton, in which his brother Nate used a platform on WNOV to speak out against the Milwaukee Streetcar in relation to get justice. And additionally with the saga of the Republican-like organizations of Citizens for Responsible Government and this recent United For Milwaukee forged by Alderman Davis and Donovan. These I think are factors of examples of just trying to keep Milwaukee held back.

I’m sure you’ve heard and/or stood on the platform of all this.

But now, here is my only reason of the project: Four letters here – J-O-B-S! I like many others have been saying and commenting and blogging about the need of jobs in the City. I’m coming at this from a general standpoint. We need more “improved and never seen before can do jobs” in Milwaukee! I feel that it’s high time that this city needs to start playing more poker of new things that seemed daring to compete. I’m not just talking about against other cities, but we really need to step our game up for the future. Recently, the Mayor said that he’s betting on the future. And I hope all 15 of you are betting on the future as well. Yes, we still live in a segregated climate where mostly of my ethnicity of African-Americans are somewhat considered a suspect to death! Yes, we have other factors that might believe that Milwaukee is a wrong choice for jobs when it comes to skills, experience, residence (especially for those who are black job seekers) and many other factors combined. And I’m sure many of you, recently viewed the news out of California in their debut of the Bullet Train for their state. They stuck with their idea (along with Wisconsin’s part of the HSR money) built it, and it’s fully operational to get from Point A to Point B. They dared, they built it, and it’s arrived.

For all 15 of you and this Streetcar thing, yes I know many of you don’t like the idea. And there are those who favor the plan that it should move forward. And there are those who are undecided. I believe it should move forward to get something started. You see, I’m a job seeker for better employment, with a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Management from UW-Stout, and I think this project with my college background skills should favor and interest me. I studied Occupational Safety/Loss Control, Strategic Management, Engineering Economy, Project Management, Statistics, Product Inventory and Control, just to name a few. And I feel it should be an investment not just the talk of wasteful government spending as the detractors put it. And definitely not controversial.

Clearly, I feel this should be a new investment to get this city going. And if  it’s not the investment of whatever, then Common Council: what is YOUR plan for the absence of the project? I don’t want to hear the same plans that have been burned out for the last 15 – 20+ years! I want to see NEW PLANS, NEW IDEAS, NO CONTROVERSIAL OVERALL EMPLOYMENT CAREER PLANS for this City! And unlike Alderman Joe Davis, it should NOT be racist or immoral but should effect those who are citizens of color looking for work.

And I hope that it should sink in for this vote next week after or maybe on the King Holiday.

So this is where I stand: I support the idea of the Milwaukee Streetcar for a new improved, fresh out of the box employment plans for the future. This is my reason and my reason only. There are other reasons, but I choose this reason to get things started. It doesn’t matter if it’s downtown or midtown, or uptown, this city as medium as is, needs something to think about. And do! This is my opinion and statement.

Sincerely,

Stephen

 

 

 

Related articles

• Milwaukee Common Council members ask for police reforms
• Can I just vent a little: those who oppose the Milwaukee Streetcar have conflicted viewpoints.
• Photos: Breaking ground for California’s bullet train in Fresno
• The twisted saga behind California’s bullet train
• Eyes on Milwaukee: Council Delays Streetcar Until January

18th Letter to Wisconsinites: I Told You So!!!! – The Quest of restoring our conscious

Let me give a shout out to the New York Times for posting this article: How Did Wisconsin Become the Most Politically Divisive Place in America?

Alot of you outside of the state must be really asking the question, “what is going on there?” ” Why are you all so like this?” Not to make a mockery of anything but we ask ourselves this everyday. In relation to what has been happening within the past year under the current administration, and those feel that this a civil war among those favoring left and right, and those who feel that being behind is the best thing going, then Wisconsin, I need to say this as a resident: WE NEED TO CHANGE OURSELVES NOW!!!!! Find a church to get saved and get saved now.

Politically, the events within the past year have really ravaged this state. All beginning with the installation of Walker, and the tearing down the hardworking traditions, and important reminders that this state once stood for. Remember our slogan: FORWARD. Not Backward.

Now since the country knows about us, there might be something that we have to understand: At times we shake hands and stab each other in the back. I hate to be a picky citizen, but this is real talk. And the recent politics of taking away rights is showing. I also know that those involved in unions and agree with Walker of stripping most of collective bargaining is stupid. Yes, I said it. As a former union member myself,  I have to say that is the most unethical strategy on the planet! How can some in the state (or those in the 39% households) call themselves “union members” and agree on stripping most of the collective bargaining rights? I don’t get that. That should be shameful in my view. And as far as education, don’t get me started! For BadgerCare and the status of the poor, again don’t get me started!

Here in Milwaukee, I think we felt dissed when Scott Walker said that “we don’t want the state to be like Milwaukee”. Really?! You know I think that he needs to retract that statement. Oh yes, I’m going there! Let’s not forget that Scott Walker was a Milwaukee County Executive for 8 years. Most of what he did then, effects the state now. The same when Tommy Thompson once said “stick it to Milwaukee”. So this tells me that the state wants to distance itself from Milwaukee? Despite of the unemployment rate in all? Most of that effects African-Americans? It doesn’t matter if you follow the liberal side or the conservative side. You know there is a consciousness surrounding the aspects of it. But when those think that in a sense, it’s becoming apparent that those fear Milwaukee in terms of this matter. Whether is likeable or not, Wisconsin NEEDS Milwaukee and Milwaukee NEEDS Wisconsin, in order to succeed.

Oh speaking of going slow or being behind. That IS NOT the Wisconsin Way. Labeling things that are boondoggles IS NOT THE WISCONSIN WAY! Stripping rights away due to gender, race, creed, class, education, preference in all IS NOT THE WISCONSIN WAY! Let’s say that you got a table that you put your food on every Sunday dinner. And the questions have to come out of asking why. In a demeanor sense. Most of us need to remind ourselves that if hadn’t been for those that BUILT the table, none of us wouldn’t be using it today in terms of traditions. That is what the unions reminds me of in terms of Wisconsin in keep that tradition alive. Not shoving it into the trash like yesterday’s garbage. Or a thing of the past. How is this teaching our kids in terms of respecting tradition?

Some say that Wisconsin needs a revival. Or in this case one of those “come to Jesus meetings”. Scott Walker and his administration, including Reggie Newson needs a “come to Jesus meeting” in terms of the so-called slogan “Open for Business”.  PLEASE ON THAT. I was listening to a Radio report provided by WUWM here in Milwaukee, and it was concerning  Talgo. Technically as well known the company was supposed to be apart of the future High Speed Rail project with Milwaukee and Madison. But after the deal was signed, Walker came in and scrapped it. Wasting away not only $800+ Million Dollars, but also in my estimation an opportunity to get passed up all because of the politics labeling things that are wouldn’t work. Or in another sense: boondoggles. And a waste of jobs. So technically the Administration doesn’t care about a lick about new opportunities that most feel that don’t work along with the fans of support. What a drag. All because of politics.  And after what has happened to Talgo so far, what will THAT say about Wisconsin in terms of business? Most I think would be linked to “Scott Walker’s toxic politics” in terms of what business does Wisconsin wants and not what it needs. So I’m assuming that building a new McDonalds in Milwaukee or Green Bay may be acceptable than investing in a factory to be restored for trains, or airplane parts in Grant County? – COME ON WISCONSIN!

Now I mentioned on a previous blog that yes, Jim Doyle made setbacks during his term. But why wasn’t he recalled? Answer that, Conservatives. Just saying. And Milwaukee, if Mayor Tom Barrett is that bad, then why wasn’t HE recalled? Hmmmm, ponder that!

It’s time to step up and let the country know that we Wisconsinites want to be open to all businesses and ideas without the toxic politics. Should that be the Wisconsin Way? If not, I don’t know what is.

I have love for the badger state. I do. But like Frederick Douglass once said that “a true patriot is a lover for his country, who rebukes and does not excuse it sins!” And the I rebuke the actions, (negative actions) of those who feel this way!

My Triple Take: A Streetcar Push, Standing for Black Men and “the truth” from a local columnist

I haven’t done a three way dance in a blog in a while, but I’m going to hit a triple play. All Milwaukee related. All Black Milwaukee Related. Yes, I’m still in my NFL Beastmode thing, but what I am about to write is my first ever triple threat of WordPress thoughts.

First: Today in Milwaukee,  our streetcar projects have been put on a new push to move forward. The Federal Transit Administration finally approved the green light to move the Milwaukee Streetcar based from the fact it was stalled for “environmental” issues. But after all of that, the project is still on. My reaction as usual was indeed GET IT DONE! Not in that notion, but still get it done! The fact of the matter is, I know that there are those who don’t want to see this happen all because it’s a….get ready for it. It’s a Boondongle. Government waste of spending. Get it out, Milwaukee conservatives, you know this. Speaking of being conservative, that I think is another reason why Milwaukee is falling behind. Just think about it. CONSERVATIVE ACTING CITIZENS. That’s one of the main reasons, besides ranked as the number 1 segregated city. I really wish these conservative thinkers need to get out of the bubble that folks here in city need jobs, a stable revenue, efficient opportunity to run per capita, and most of all, getting the city to push from the dark ages of the 20th Century into the now efficient of the 21st Century. I told those that boondongle talk will get them one day. Had to bring it out.

Second: I often write about the status of Milwaukee with the concern of black men not working. And since I am addressing this issue on WordPress, I thought I should share it up because, their might be some of your cities, towns, and I dare say countries are somewhat asking, “is this real?” Since in the last couple of years,  between 50% – 55% of African-American men haven’t been working or have been unemployed. This issue is staggering even for Black Milwaukee. I’ve said this many times, and many times it gets worse. This weekend, one of my Wisconsin State Representatives, Elizabeth Coggs will be hosting an event entitled “We will Stand with our Men” on Saturday, February 4th. Yes, the first Saturday in Black History Month. This gathering from what I’ve been reading about on Facebook, that the women of the community will lead the support of Milwaukee’s men of color to actively find and retain jobs in the Milwaukee area. And yes, the men are invited to support her cause.  Just to let you know that Elizabeth Coggs comes from a long line of politicians in her family. You may have heard of her cousins Spencer Coggs and Leon Young, Milele A. Coggs,  her parents Issac and Marcia Coggs,  and now her daughter Priscilla Coggs-Jones is now running for office for Milwaukee County’s 5th District.  And by the way, they’re all Democrats and African-American.

Now you’re wondering what is a person like Elizabeth Coggs doing this for? What’s the purpose of it?  Or here’s a lame question: Why should I care?! Well if you’re passionate about something in your community, you go after it. Kind of like Ed Schultz last year when he came here to Wisconsin in protest against Scott Walker and his collective bargaining rights being stripped of union workers. And to Ohio and other states in support of the Middle Class Families. Look here, she’s passionate. Not just because she’s a State Reprenstative, but check this, she was born here! This is her home. And this issue like having the 50% of the African-American Men in Milwaukee is concern that most politicians should pay attention too. Will I’ll be in attendance in support of her? Yes. Not because I’m a African-American Male, but as a citizen of this city and state, I’m in support to have a switch to help change the status of Milwaukee’s ultimate problem for its Black Citizens. I’m only one person, but the fact of the matter is, it’s going to take a team effort to back up.

Finally there was Real Talk coming from one of my Milwaukee columnist, Mikel Holt. He wrote on Facebook that Mayor Tom Barrett is not very happy with him about a comment he made on Sunday Insight, which is a Sunday Morning show with WTMJ Radio Host Charlie Sykes. By the way, Charlie is a huge Scott Walker supporter and conservative hack like James T. Harris. (****rolling eyes and shaking head****) Anyway he wrote this comment on his Facebook page :

“I hear the mayor is pissed at me for my comments on this morning’s Sunday Insight…several Black politicians are upset as well…Well, I can’t retract…If you didn’t catch it, I said in the heat of the moment that we’re not getting better under the mayor’s watch, or with the current crop of black politicians. Black unemployment, poverty and the high school drop out rate (mortgage rejection, infant mortality and gap between white and Black income) increased by 10% in the last eight years. Yeah, I said it, and I said the mayor hasn’t done enough. Yeah, I like him, everybody does…but that doesn’t mean I’m going to go to bed hungry and smile about it. Black children are dying, 55.8% of their daddies are unemployed, and 70% of their mommas living in poverty. If it aint’ on the mayor’s shoulder–and Black politicians–who is to blame?”

Well, after reading this, and by the way, I haven’t commented on the post as of yet. But I can say from this stand point that even though the he likes the Mayor, but there is a sense of responsibility that must be surfaced. And of course that he’s being vocal about it. Frederick Douglass wrote that “A true Patriot, is a lover of his country who rebukes and does not excuse it’s sins.”  Does that sound familiar? It should. This same example that I witnessed, commented, and wrote about in my past blogs. Even on those MyFoxMilwaukee Blogs. Oh yeah I did. But those who thought Blacks are lazy on the old MyFoxMilwaukee Blogs in all, I’m going to say it: they didn’t understand it! Or some. Maybe if they didn’t have the chance to be so conservative in all…..OK I assume they get it. Even though it’s been about 4 of 5 years. But the talk continues. Even in 2012. Now you’re assuming that it’s a political year and it’s a year to keep or remove in a big time fashion. I know. But stuff likes this really needs to be addressed and those make the mess or not paying attention, really need to pay attention though those affected. And those who left Milwaukee need to chime in for reference. Even those that left Milwaukee, they are still citizens at heart hoping those of us here can continue to find that chink in the armor.  And citizens like Mikel Holt and State Representative Elizabeth Coggs have got the ball restarted again. But this time, it’s no time for fake talk. No time to be trapped in the conservative bubble and assume it’s all “smoke and mirrors”. But a time to get into action.

Overall, Milwaukee is still a prideful city. However the problems of blacks unemployed, poverty levels and all are the armor of problems that need to be addressed and resolved NOW! If not now, when?