The Time is Now

For several weeks I have had posts relating to the plight of the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors under the helm of Chairman Lee Holloway.

Yesterday, in a Milwaukee Insight opinion column for WisOpinion.com, I wrote:

Sick of being the subject of ridicule at both the hands of the chairman and his critics like me who mock their impotence, many county supervisors are discussing ways to break the monotony of life under Holloway.

There needs to be a vote of no confidence against Holloway. This public effort will not force him from his position of power. But it may, among other things, help encourage the county's corporation counsel, William Domina, to provide the board a clear roadmap on the procedures to replace the chair. The board has never faced such a task and such direction is needed.

At the very least, the board could reduce Holloway'’s pay by some $20,000 with a simple majority vote. (As chair, Holloway'’s pay is significantly higher than that of his fellow board supervisors.)

This week could prove to be pivotal for the board. For while I doubt Holloway will do the right thing and step aside voluntarily, the momentum to force a change at the next meeting of the county board may finally reach the breaking point.

Fittingly, the Milwaukee County Board holds its next meeting this Thursday, Feb. 2[.]

Thursday. That's two days from today.

If you live in Milwaukee County, you can find out if your elected representative on the County Board supports the current chairman, or if he or she will work for a change at the top.

If you do not know who your specific supervisor is, that's ok. You can call the main switchboard at 414-278-4222 and politely give the receptionist your address and ask to be directed to your supervisor's office.

Or you may check the various district maps at the Milwaukee County Board site here.

Personally, I am going to ask my supervisor the following:

1) Will you sponsor and also vote for a motion of no confidence against Chairman Lee Holloway on Thursday when the full County Board meets?

2) Will you vote to remove him Chairman Holloway pending the resolution of his 90-count ethics violations?

Many have asked whether I, as a political consultant, am receiving compensation for publishing my opinions regarding the Milwaukee County Board. The answer is no. My interest in a clean, effective county government extends beyond even 1998 when I ran for and lost a supervisory seat (Political Fact Number 1,458, political consultants make lousy candidates). I've worked closely with advocates of county government across Wisconsin for more than a decade. I know how important a strong, ethical, functioning county government can be. What kind of good can be accomplished when budgets are watched, and when politicians display frugality, integrity and compassion.

My county deserves better than what the current board has done. Perhaps the Milwaukee County Board will take a step in the right direction this week.