Voters approved a referendum Tuesday to cut Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors’ pay by half and eliminate their future health and pension benefits.
The mandate for a part-time county board was approved by 71 percent of the voters, with only 29 percent voting against it.
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele said, “I’m happy the voters of Milwaukee County had their voice heard on this important issue and I look forward to continuing to work with the board. For three years I’ve been focused on improving the community I love. As long as I’m in office I will continue to work as hard as I can to bring Milwaukee County the government we all deserve.”
Milwaukee County Board Chairwoman Marina Dimitrijevic issued the following statement: “The results of last night’s referendum were not surprising. The outcome was pre-determined when, almost one year ago, state Republicans introduced legislation to dilute the people’s representation. As wealthy special interests subsequently raised money to campaign for the misleading referendum, weakening local representation was the goal. Supervisors represent the working families of their districts and ensure the voices of our diverse community are heard when it comes to policy discussions of transit, income inequality, parks and public safety. The board remains dedicated to serving our constituents, and we will continue to provide taxpayers a balance against unchecked executive power. All options are on the table because we must ensure a strong representative branch of county government for future generations. As we move forward and respond to recent changes in state law, I plan to create an inclusive task force with diverse appointments. Everyone will have a seat at the table. Over the next two years, this task force will be charged with strengthening the legislative branch. For example, the task force may explore different options for adjusting the board’s operations for the next term beginning in 2016 and ensure the office is accessible and attractive to a wide slate of diverse candidates. It also will work to ensure the supervisors can continue to do the job they were elected to do: provide oversight of administrative operations, create policies and adopt Milwaukee County’s billion dollar budget.”
Voters in Waukesha and South Milwaukee elected new mayors and defeated incumbents Tuesday.
Waukesha mayoral challenger Shawn Reilly, an attorney who specializes in municipal law, real estate development and business law, easily beat incumbent Jeff Scrima.
In South Milwaukee, challenger Eric Brooks, an alderman, ousted incumbent Mayor Thomas Zepecki.
In the Franklin mayoral race, Alderman Steve Olson easily defeated Common Council President Steve Taylor.
Meanwhile, Muskego Mayor Kathy Chiaverotti, West Bend Mayor Kraig Sadownikow and Brookfield Mayor Steven Ponto each won re-election. Delafield voters elected Alderwoman Michele DeYoe as mayor.
