Until recently, only news junkies would have been aware of a growing conversation regarding fundamental changes in Milwaukee County’s government. Now with a newly reelected, universal GOP majority in Madison and strengthened numbers in local communities statewide, a new wave of reforms is beginning to take shape again.

Local residents’ frustration with Milwaukee County corruption and largess is nothing new. Discussions on reform have been knocked around for at least 15 years. Recently, in the last decade, it became a fever pitch as people were either kicked out of office though historic elections, charged with corruption, or just run out of town in shame for their behavior.

HISTORY OF REFORM

Our current governor, Scott Walker, was elected Milwaukee County Executive 11 years ago in a special election on the basis of reforming a county government making national headlines for all the wrong reasons. He spent the next nine years building a reputation as a reformer. Many politicians have come and gone over the last decade, some were successful… most not so much. Now on the back of current executive, and twice-elected Chris Abele, and some local state legislators that represent large parts of Milwaukee County, there is a new storm brewing. The latest conversation began to take shape April 3^rd, 2012.

Twelve of the 19 municipalities in Milwaukee County voted overwhelmingly on referenda recommending massive and fundamental reforms to the governing structure of Milwaukee County. This is no small-ball, here. Abele highlighted that two questions were on the ballots of 12 of the 19 municipalities, “That referendum actually contemplated a harsher reform, part time, AND cut to nine Supervisors. [They] passed all municipalities with an average of around 80%. (Very Democratic) Shorewood passed both at 72%,” he said. Continue reading →