With all of the public outrage and protests against Gov. Scott Walker in recent weeks, his would-be Republican successor Jeff Stone faced some daunting odds in his race against philanthropist Chris Abele to be the next Milwaukee County executive.
However, the county executive race took an abrupt turn Thursday with the revelation that Abele received a ticket for driving under the influence in July 1996, after he was clocked driving 65 mph in a 35 mph zone in Glendale with a suspended license. Abele was 29 years old at the time.
According to a report by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Abele failed to show for his Aug. 21, 1996, court date, and a bench warrant was issued for his arrest. It was not until December 2003 – more than seven years after the warrant was issued – that Abele finally appeared in court. He finally entered a no contest plea and paid a fine of $694 in February 2004.
So after addressing a media panel and focusing mostly on public policy issues at a Milwaukee Press Club Newsmaker Luncheon on Thursday, Abele agreed to answer questions from a swarm of media outlets. To view a BizTimes video of the exchange between Abele and reporters, click here.
Facing bright lights, cameras and microphones in his face, Abele answered questions from reporters asking him if he believed he was above the law or that the laws that apply to the common man do not apply to him.
A political novice in his first campaign for office, Abele said he made “an incredibly stupid mistake” 15 years ago.
Acknowledging that today is St. Patrick’s Day, Abele said, “Don’t do what I did 15 years ago.”
Abele said he paid his due to society and has moved on. "I am proud of what I’ve done in the last 15 years," he said.
However, the media wanted more explanations for why it took him nearly eight years to pay a fine for the ticket.
Today’s drama comes on the heels of a previous story alleging that Abele routinely racks up parking tickets in the city.
Vi Hammelman, Stone’s campaign manager, said Thursday’s developments change the dynamics of the county executive race.
“The county is at a very critical crossroads. I truly wish he (Abele) would be more direct, authentic and substantive. Taxpayers deserve it,” Hammelman said.
