Regional Plan

Southeastern WI
 Milwaukee
 Kenosha
 Ozaukee
 Racine
 Walworth
 Washington
 Waukesha

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DISCRIMINATION IN REGIONAL PLAN – MILWAUKEE 7

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My office is deeply troubled by the discriminatory actions of the lead agency – Milwaukee 7. In particular:

• the City of Milwaukee Mayor (Tom Barrett)
• the City of Milwaukee Common Council President Willie Hines
• Milwaukee County Executive (Scott Walker), and
• Milwaukee County Chairman Lee Holloway.

Reasons
1. People of Color and the Working Poor have been left out, not been at the decision making table, and do not have buy-in or approval power for their destiny - Two societies, one black, one white “separate and unequal” in southeastern Wisconsin.

2. Mayor Tom Barrett is one of the 3 Co-Chairs – Milwaukee 7.

3. Mayor Tom Barrett has “outsourced” the process to 2 private organizations who’s bottom line is big business and profit for its stockholders; not, quality of life and economic development issues for residential and neighborhood commercial stakeholders/Milwaukeeans of the municipality.

Elected officials Scott Walker, Willie Hines, and Lee Holloway have failed to put representation of People of Color and the Working Poor at the decision making table; and, appear to be in “lock step” with Mayor Barrett, CEO Gale Klappa, WI Energy Corporation and Ed Zore, Northwestern Mutual.

4. The City of Milwaukee is the largest city in Wisconsin and brings to the table many opportunities; e.g., cultural and economic center for Racine and Waukesha, World Class status, etc.

5. It is the city with the largest population.

6. It is the city with the largest population of People of Color – 58%.

7. It is the city with the largest population of Poverty/Working Poor – 41% - African American, 38% Latino, 12% Caucasian, 9% includes American Indian and Asian populations.

8. The plan is failing to invest in the people – all Wisconsinites.

9. The plan is failing to invest in the buy-in power up front for necessary, meaningful and successful participation of the citizenry.

10. The Milwaukee 7 plan is continuing to perpetuate the education divide, digital divide, employment divide, business development divide, communication divide and racial divide which perpetuated the findings of the Kerner Report - Two societies, one black, one white —separate and unequal” in Milwaukee.

11. My office has been denied public information.

12. The present planning is a guarantee for more incarcerations and a continued correctional strangle-hold of the state’s budget, breakup of the family structure, unsafe neighborhoods, increased abject poverty and a lower per capita income.

People of Color and the Working Poor of Milwaukee are experiencing hardships which is a direct link to high unemployment. They have been “by design” left out of the introduction and pioneering of the regional planning and plan to date.

We do not want this 21st Century opportunity of the DOL/Department of Labor – WIRED to pass by and those who need connectivity the most are not at the table, planning, investing and providing the necessary “buy-in”.

The attached Exposé speaks to the specifics of this complaint.

Mary Glass – Milwaukeean
Chair/CEO
Campaign Neighborhood - CFNBA
http://bdcproundtable.info/Main/NEWSAndPress

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Exposé

CN-CFNBA

CAMPAIGN NEIGHBORHOOD – CFNBA

April 11, 2008
Open Letter

TO: Mayor Tom Barrett
City of Milwaukee

FROM: MARY GLASS - Chair/CEO

SUBJECT: Hog Wild Institutional Racism in Milwaukee by Elected Officials
Two societies, one black, one white —separate and unequal” in Milwaukee

40 Years After Kerner

The City of Milwaukee has received approximately $319 Million over the last four years in state and federal funds. People of Color make up the majority population (58.8% - 2000 census) of Milwaukee. People of Color and the Working Poor bring to the city coffers the bulk of federal dollars; and, sizable residential and commercial property taxes. From time to time, they are mandated to pay “special taxes”.

Yet, they are the brunt of chronic poor ratings in studies, lack of quality of life issues; and, economic development opportunities.

They are not valued in “decision making”, best practices and quality customer care. In fact, most often are the last to be informed, if at all informed.

There is something inherently discriminatory and wrong here.

Mary Glass – Milwaukeean, Chair/CEO, Campaign Neighborhood – CFNBA

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Today, April 11, 2008, my office is releasing the first municipality OPEN LETTER to the charter CEO of the City of Milwaukee - Mayor Tom Barrett.

PURPOSE
1) To shine a bright light on the conventional discriminatory Code of Conduct of the Mayor and Common Council of Milwaukee the last four years, 2004–2008, against the majority population of Milwaukee, People of Color and the Working Poor.

2) To compare today, 2008 in Milwaukee, with the 1968 Kerner Report about Milwaukee.

3) To openly state my office’s disapproval of the exclusive outsourcing of municipal economic development to the Milwaukee 7, MMAC, GMC and MEDC because of their: Two societies, one black, one white —separate and unequal” format – exclusion of People of Color and the Working Poor.

4) To acknowledge with respect the Faces of Poverty.

5) To put Milwaukeeans, especially People of Color and the Working Poor, at the center and head of the decision making tables (all levels – hired consultants, committees, appointments, BIDs/Business Improvement District boards, NSPs/ Neighborhood Strategic Planning groups, evaluation boards, review panels and any “regional” group representing the City of Milwaukee ) as the strategic planners and leaders for revitalization in Milwaukee.

6) To offer your office and the common council a “golden opportunity” to win the confidence of Milwaukeeans with full-transparency, full-accountability, authenticity, best practices, and stakeholder care for all the next four (4) years.

7) To request that your office show Moral Will leadership and begin a NEW dialog with the stakeholders of Milwaukee, especially People of Color and the Working Poor, that is inline with your 2004 Inaugural speech on trust, diversity and working together.

8) To share CN-CFNBA Smart Growth 5-Year Signature Plan (2005–2010) – municipality expectations for specific and measurable solutions to eliminate infrastructurally the Face of Poverty in Milwaukee.

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April 11, 2008
Mayor Tom Barrett, 2004–2008, Page 2
Two societies, one black, one white —separate and unequal” in Milwaukee

In 2004, you were elected to serve the City of Milwaukee as Mayor. In 2008, you have been elected to serve the City of Milwaukee as Mayor.

Tom Barrett, Mayor, Inaugural Speech – April 20, 2004 (last part)

Confidence in Government
We will start to work on each of these issues in the first 100 days – lower taxes, more jobs, better education for our kids, safer streets and more regional cooperation. But we will only win back the confidence of Milwaukee residents when we change the way business is done at City Hall. Each one of us starts with a clean slate today, and the symbolism of moving this ceremony outside of City Hall should not be lost on those present. Today is a new day.

So let’s work together to lay out a new set of ground rules for those who do business here – both lobbyists and government officials. Together, let’s earn the trust of the people.

MILWAUKEE – STRENGTH OUT OF DIVERSITY

Diversity is our strength and we should celebrate it in Milwaukee. Milwaukee is a wonderfully strong multicultural community of neighborhoods.

Some call this a melting pot. But in a melting pot, everything blends together and some of the distinct flavors and colors can be lost. I see things differently. Milwaukee is a kaleidoscope, which begins with a beautiful array of distinct colors. When put together, the result is something more beautiful, because it retains the brightness and beauty of each individual color. This is the Milwaukee I see today and this is the Milwaukee I want us to build together.

Our work starts with the creation of a government that looks like Milwaukee and listens to all of Milwaukee. But it doesn’t end there. As mayor, I am committed to economic opportunity for all citizens. For example, this beautiful building will undergo significant renovations in the next few years. I pledge to you that the work will be done by people who reflect the rich diversity of Milwaukee.

CONCLUSION

As we move forward from this day, we must remember that the full measure of our success will be seen in Milwaukeeans not yet born and a Milwaukee not yet known. This is a new day and a new beginning for each of us. Let us be judged in this time for how well we serve the men and women of this community who pay their taxes, work hard to make ends meet and dream of a brighter, stronger future.

To be mayor of Milwaukee, my home and the city I love, is a privilege and a challenge – a privilege I do not take lightly and a challenge I embrace. This service is also an honor and – as I have pledged before you today – I will fulfill it “to the best of my ability.”

Thank you for your trust, your friendship, your sense of community and your willingness to move forward – together. Let’s get to work.

We start with your words above and match them to your deeds.

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April 11, 2008
Mayor Tom Barrett, 2004–2008, Page 3
Two societies, one black, one white —separate and unequal” in Milwaukee

Barrett defeats Pratt 54%−46%
Mayor-elect calls for unity,
celebrates city’s diversity
By STEVE SCHULTZE and GREG J. BOROWSKI
sschultze@journalsentinel.com
Posted: April 7, 2004

Your 2004 election ended in bitterness and polarizing a large sector of Milwaukeeans, especially African Americans. In part, it was due to the way ex-mayor Marvin Pratt and his wife were treated by the powers to be. It was seen as political tactics that had an overwhelming smell of racism to achieve political gain.

That being said, you started off telling the people of Milwaukee that you would work on the racial divide.

(1) RACE RELATIONS - Promise of Inclusiveness
From the Journal Sentinel Posted: April 7, 2004

Tom Barrett talked throughout the Milwaukee mayoral campaign about what he planned to do in his first 100 days in office. Well, today is day one, and job one for the former Milwaukee congressman and newly elected mayor is something that he also stressed during the campaign: bringing white Milwaukeeans and black Milwaukeeans together for the common good.

(2) RACE RELATIONS – Promise of Inclusiveness
Mayor-elect calls for unity, celebrates city’s diversity
By STEVE SCHULTZE and GREG J. BOROWSKI
Posted: April 7, 2004

Barrett pledged to work hard every day to improve schools, create jobs, cut crime and hold the line on taxes. He also sounded a unity theme, saying: “We are a city that is rich with diversity. Our diversity is our greatest strength.”

YET, one of your first and biggest decisions was to engage in segregation and institutional racism.

You outsourced the economic responsibilities of your office, your cabinet and the common council without notice to the “bosses” – “taxpayers” - “diversity of Milwaukee”. What happened to, “We the People”?

The People did not have input and decision making about the challenges of their City. Further, they did not authorize through planning, discussion, vote and buy-in the use of the resources they help bring to the city.

You did this after your campaign pledge to racial harmony, inclusiveness and unity.

Racism
o A belief or doctrine that inherent differences among the various human races determine cultural or individual achievement, usually involving the idea that one’s own race is superior and has the right to rule others.
o A policy, system of government, etc., based upon or fostering such a doctrine; discrimination.

Discrimination
o To make a distinction in favor of or against a person or thing on the basis of the group, class, or category to which the person or thing belongs rather than according to actual merit; show partiality – Random House Unabridged Dictionary, 2006.

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April 11, 2008
Mayor Tom Barrett, 2004–2008, Page 4
Two societies, one black, one white —separate and unequal” in Milwaukee

(3) RACE RELATIONS – Frank Cumberbatch, Economic Development
Mayor of Milwaukee joins forces with city’s business association
Sean Ryan. The Daily Reporter. Milwaukee, Wis.: Jul 16, 2004. pg. 1

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, making good on a campaign pledge, is soliciting opinions from Milwaukee’s 23,000 companies to see how city government could help them prosper.

Frank Cumberbatch, who challenged Barrett in the primary and is now his assistant for economic development, will be the point man on the project. He said the MMAC would send letters to small businesses first. As the six weeks of mailings move forward, the government will solicit comments from local unions as well as businesses, he said.

Barrett’s administration has teamed up with the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce to mail out 4,000 letters a week to companies in the city. The letters will ask what the advantages and disadvantages of working in Milwaukee are, and how city government could better promote business.

The MMAC is mailing the letters, and the mayor’s office will sift through the responses.
It is a public-private partnership being created very early in the new administration, said MMAC President Tim Sheehy. What the business community is excited about is working with a mayor that will not only listen but will also take action.

FRANK CUMBERBATCH
When my office learned that Frank Cumberbatch had joined your staff for Economic Development, I invited Frank to my office with a group of individuals to discuss the role of People of Color and the Working Poor.

He was invited again during August, 2004 for the Annual Milwaukee and Muskegon Trade Meeting to address Smart Growth economic development possibilities and capabilities involving cultural competencies of People of Color and the Working Poor.

Cumberbatch original meeting with us revealed your strategy of “first” to speak with the “corporate organizations” (Caucasians as it turned out) and then your office would speak with other businesses (Inner City/People of Color as it was presented) – again, separate but definitely not equal.

The “segregated” approach your office was using was immediately rebuffed by my office and others present. It had the far too familiar scenario - an African American as the gatekeeper, to give the appearance of inclusiveness. While all the time, Caucasians were busy with the pioneering, strategic planning, oversight and using People of Color and Working Poor funding.

The all-Caucasian trips to China, Ireland and other trade meetings without Frank were also very telling. The last one to Ireland, I strongly suggested to Michael Cudahy that he invite Dr. Darnell Cole – MATC, for the purpose of growing our economy educationally and working with People of Color and the Working Poor since Ireland had a “progress” economy advantage at that time.

I never asked Frank why he left so abruptly from your administration without finishing the equation. I do have my thoughts given the way it was originally pitched, your contact with the MMAC/Sheehy, MEDC/Sheehy, Milwaukee 7/Sheehy; and, the formation of the majority Caucasian Milwaukee 7.

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April 11, 2008
Mayor Tom Barrett, 2004–2008, Page 5
Two societies, one black, one white —separate and unequal” in Milwaukee

(4) RACE RELATIONS – Outsourcing to MMAC
City gets help reaching out; Mayor enlists business group to troubleshoot; [Final Edition] JOHN SCHMID. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Milwaukee, Wis.: Feb 6, 2005.

You and the common council outsourced to the MMAC/Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce, an organization that is 99.9% Caucasian base, privately focused AND not responsible for municipality stewardship.

It is an organization that receives a lot of notoriety due to power base, but has no visible proof of commitment to “employment challenges – family supporting jobs” and “business development” in People of Color and the Working Poor neighborhoods in Milwaukee, even though they represent Fortune 500 companies, make donations and receive great benefits from being in the largest city of Wisconsin.

The MMAC engages in “creaming”, when dealing with People of Color businesses in Milwaukee and ignoring “cultural competency” businesses; and, as evidenced by my office year-long experience with CEO Gale Klappa (Chairman – MMAC, Chairman/CEO/ President – Wisconsin Energy Corporation and Co-Chair – Milwaukee 7). CEO Klappa has refused to speak with me and value dialog regarding the People. It included his company importing outside companies for work in the Inner City neighborhoods of Milwaukee.

The MMAC even have a segregated/token/feel good membership for African Americans and People of Color - The Business Council (TBC) – separate and definitely not equal.

The MMAC is an organization that is seen as privileged power brokers that receive heavy support in resources (whatever is needed) from the city-state-federal government, as well as, privy to top notch information as friends, financial contributors, professional associates, individual advisors, board appointees, board decision makers, board planners and review boards. Your newest outsourcing gives a NEW MEANING to “access” and “privileges”.

The MMAC is an organization with most (if not all) of its business membership CEO and chairmen living outside of Milwaukee and having little to NO personal interaction with People of Color and the Working Poor.

An organization that is “Open for Business” to mostly those outside of Milwaukee; for certain, not People of Color and the Working Poor merchants/businesses/organizations in Milwaukee you were hired to service.

Question 1: What broad-based African American business owners and/or leaders (39% Milwaukee population) did you summon for Tim Sheehy to work with, provide input, connectivity and oversight from the beginning and through the pioneering of the economic initiative?

Question 2: What African American business owners and/or leaders (39% Milwaukee population) did you summon for the MMAC board and the boards of the automatic hybrid organizations (MEDC/Milwaukee Economic Development Committee, GMC/Greater Milwaukee Committee; and the newly formed Milwaukee 7) to work with?

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April 11, 2008
Mayor Tom Barrett, 2004–2008, Page 6
Two societies, one black, one white —separate and unequal” in Milwaukee

Question 3: What People of Color and Working Poor business owners and/or leaders (business ambassadors) did you summon or Sheehy summon that already have engaged in employment of Milwaukeeans, especially those from high under-employed and un-employed neighborhoods; those cultural competency businesses who hire re-entry workers; as well as non-profit organizations, BIDs, NSPs and professional organizations that included chamber of commerce, business associations, fraternal organizations, and emerging businesses?

Question 4: What broad-based outreach for authority, consensus, BUY-IN of the People did YOU get as the mayor to avoid a continuation of two societies, one black, one white —separate and unequal” in Milwaukee?

Is this the kaleidoscope you had reference to in your 2004 Inaugural Address?

(5) RACE RELATIONS – Assimilated Gatekeepers
The Chairman of Milwaukee Common Council, Willie Hines, African American, became a token gatekeeper of assimilation. He too, has failed the majority People of Color and Working Poor residential and commercial stakeholders of the City of Milwaukee. His lone ranger sponsored City Resolution helped to provide the wording for statutory disenfranchisement. Chairman Hines is a decision making board member of MEDC.

Carla Cross, Cross Management and her cross-hybrid membership is also an Assimilated Gatekeeper. She has recently reached new heights with her arrogant refusal to document her role as data gatherer for the $75,000 Workforce Development study claiming to target Inner-City businesses. Her role as a board member of MEDC/Milwaukee Economic Development Corporation and getting a consulting job gives the big-time appearance of “conflict of interest”. Since you are a major decision maker of the MEDC Board, an organization that self-impose decisions and authority to the board, and seemingly endless membership; you are again questioned as to the legitimacy of your claims of trust and unity.

To the public, both of these African American Milwaukeeans are to give the appearance of the citizenry knowledge, participation and support. This is a deception and an insult to the People.

Their roles are suspect and seen as a too familiar trend of self-aggrandizement. They are also considered examples of far too common racial technique of the Willie Lynch theory (pitting one African American against another). It is used to compromise African Americans, People of Color and the Working Poor. We will provide Open Letters to Alderman Hines and Carla Cross to address their role in helping to create, Two societies, one black, one white —separate and unequal” in Milwaukee.

(6) RACE RELATIONS - Exclusion
Getting in the Game
In a November 25, 2006 article by John Schmid, Journal Sentinel, “Milwaukee 7 to make splashy Web debut, Interactive maps, other features aim to attract investors to region, he states the $200,000 web designer, … any region without a Web presence gets bypassed without even knowing it lost its chance. To this, was added, “You have to be in the game to play the game, and Milwaukee obviously hasn’t been in the game,” said Pat O’Brien, the M-7′s executive director.

According to what O’Brien said above, Milwaukeeans, especially People of Color and the Working Poor are not “in the game”. My sentiments.

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April 11, 2008
Mayor Tom Barrett, 2004–2008, Page 7
Two societies, one black, one white —separate and unequal” in Milwaukee

Mayor of Milwaukee joins forces with city’s business association
Sean Ryan. The Daily Reporter. Milwaukee, Wis.: Jul 16, 2004. pg. 1

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, making good on a campaign pledge, is soliciting opinions from Milwaukee’s 23,000 companies to see how city government could help them prosper. Part of the goal is to retain the businesses we have here and part of the goal, quite naturally, is to attract new businesses, Barrett said. If there are problems with city government, I want to know what they are. Barrett’s administration has teamed up with the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce to mail out 4,000 letters a week to companies.

It appears that MMAC duties on July 16, 2004 increased to monopoly in the Resolution sponsored by Hines on March 16, 2006. Is that why Frank Cumberbatch left?

(7) RACE RELATIONS - Exclusion
November 29, 2006
MILWAUKEE 7 CODE OF ETHICS

We, the members of Milwaukee 7, are committed to the economic prosperity of southeastern Wisconsin. Our mission is to support the development, retention, and attraction of world-class companies and talent in the region, which includes Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Walworth, Washington and Waukesha counties.

Where in the above Code of Ethics is the priority or even the inclusion of People of Color and the Working Poor?

(8) RACE RELATIONS – Balance Promise of Economic Development
Friday, Feb. 6, 2004 – Q & A (Milwaukee Journal)
Tom Barrett
Milwaukee Mayoral Candidate

Q Jeff of Milwaukee – It seems that the Norquist administration ignored the inner city for the most part. What will you do to ensure that some of the city resources and development polices go to the inner city instead of downtown/3rd ward/East Side?

Tom Barrett – We must have a balanced development strategy for our city. The strength of our city and region is dependent on strong city neighborhoods.

Where is the “balanced development strategy” and “strength in the neighborhoods”?

The Milwaukee 7 has been and is about the 7 counties, not the 15 aldermanic districts or 18 strategic planning neighborhoods of the City of Milwaukee as we propose in CN-CFNBA 5-Year Signature Plan (2005–2010).

(9) RACE RELATIONS – Refusing to provide public information
RECENT WORKFORCE STUDY

Your office has refused to provide a Response regarding A CALL FOR AUTHENTICITY OF INNER CITY STUDY BY GASSMAN & BARRETT, sent February 29, 2008 by my office.

The Code of Conduct gives the appearance of impropriety. There is funding by a state facility (Workforce Development) shuttled through MEDC with consultants from: MEDC Board, UW-M department, MMAC for the GMC/MILWAUKEE 7 that have not had input from the public, oversight from the public and/or public bid. Your office provided letters to selected/creamed businesses; yet ALL REFUSE TO PROVIDE PUBLIC INFORMATION.

How does the exclusivity of Hybrid organization made up of Caucasian leadership and memberships know what to do OR have the moral will to do for People of Color and the Working Poor of Milwaukee?

What is considered “balance in number”? A lot of clarity is needed here.

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April 11, 2008
Mayor Tom Barrett, 2004–2008, Page 8
Two societies, one black, one white —separate and unequal” in Milwaukee

(10) RACE RELATIONS – Abject poverty
FACE OF POVERTY
According to your partnering efforts with SDC/Social Development Commission, a non-profit organization, Milwaukee has the following Face of Poverty:

 41% - African American

 38% - Latino

 12% - Caucasian

 41% - Children

We would surmise that in the 9% remaining from 100%; we would add the Asian and American Indian populations.
With data like the ones above, how is it everyone but the stakeholders ARE at the decision making table BUT them?

The above statistics speaks to what the mayor and common council in Milwaukee priority should have been the last 4 years. To correct the systemic poverty that claim 58% unemployment in some census tracts such as in Common Council Hines district. It requires dedicated communication, information, training, pioneering the plan, working the plan and decision making buy-in. Since the above Milwaukeeans have been neglected, they are not aware of a plan; and, wondering why? It is also a major reason for the chronic and on-the-rise safety issues and feelings of hopelessness.

(11) RACE RELATIONS - Civility
August 2004
Mayor Rillistine Wilkins, Muskegon Heights, Michigan (an African American) and a delegation of business owners from Muskegon Heights for CN-CFNBA annual trade meeting.

You refused not only to attend but you “snubbed” her (pretended not to be available in the timeframe she was in the city - 6 hours; and offered no apology. If it wasn’t for my prior affiliation with Frank Cumberbatch, Mayor Wilkins, the delegation and participants would not have had the appearance of representation from the government end of the City of Milwaukee. Frank Cumberbatch came on his own.

(12) RACE RELATIONS - Control
HYBRID/OLIGOPOLY
Hybrid/Oligopoly organizations are autocratic cross-membership and decision making authorities of more than one organization. The following are the Hybrid-Caucasian monopoly. They are:

MMAC – Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce – President, Tim Sheehy
MMAC – Chairman, Gale Kappa (Chairman/President/CEO Wisconsin Energy Corporation)
MMAC – Board Member Edward J. Zore (President/CEO, Northwestern Mutual)
MMAC – Board Member Tim Sheehy
MMAC – Board Member Carla Cross (President, Cross Management)
MMAC – Jim Paetsch, Vice President – Milwaukee Development Corporation (subgroup of MMAC)

www.mmac.org

GMC – President, Julie Taylor (Greater Milwaukee Committee)
GMC – Chair, Greater Milwaukee Committee, Edward J. Zore (President/CEO, Northwestern Mutual)
GMC – Supporting Organizations: WI Energy Corp (utility) and Northwestern Mutual (financial/insurance/retired)

www.gmonline.org

MEDC – Tim Sheehy, President - Milwaukee Economic Development Corporation
MEDC – Tim Sheehy – Executive Committee
MEDC – David Clarke – Executive Committee & Land Resource Development Committee (Vice President Real Estate, Northwestern Mutual)
MEDC – Board Member Carla Cross - Land Resource Development Committee (President, Cross Management)
MEDC – Tom Barrett, Executive Committee (Mayor – City of Milwaukee)
MEDC – Willie Hines, Executive Committee (Common Council Chair – City of Milwaukee)

www.medconline.com

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April 11, 2008
Mayor Tom Barrett, 2004–2008, Page 9
Two societies, one black, one white —separate and unequal” in Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE 7 – Co-Chair, Tom Barrett, Mayor – City of Milwaukee
MILWAUKEE 7 – Co-Chair, Edward J. Zore (President/CEO, Northwestern Mutual)
MILWAUKEE 7 – Co-Chair, Gale Klappa - (Chairman/President/CEO Wisconsin Energy Corporation)
MILWAUKEE 7 – Jim Paetsch, Director - Corporate Relocation, Expansion & Attraction

www.choosemilwaukee.com

MILWAUKEE 7 INVESTORS

• We Energies - $1,000,000

• Northwestern Mutual - $300,000

• The Business Council – MMAC affiliate, $5,000 o Jerry Fulmer - Director Supplier Diversity, We Energies o Carla Cross - 2nd Vice Chairperson, President - Cross Management Services, Inc

http://www.choosemilwaukee.com/council_members_investors.aspx

RESOURCE CENTER - We Energies – Gale Klappa
Located inside We Energies’ headquarters at 231 W. Michigan Street
http://www.choosemilwaukee.com/resource_center.aspx

 Decision Makers

Gale Glappa – MMAC & Milwaukee 7

Ed Zore – MMAC/GMC & Milwaukee 7

Tom Barrett – MEDC & Milwaukee 7

Willie Hines – MEDC & Milwaukee 7

Tim Sheehy – MMAC/MEDC/Milwaukee 7

Carla Cross – MEDC & MMAC

Jim Paetsch – MMAC & Milwaukee 7

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Kerner Report, February 29, 1968

“Our basic conclusion: Our nation is moving toward two societies, one black, one white —separate and unequal”.

Segregation and poverty have created in the racial ghetto a destructive environment totally unknown to most white Americans.

What white Americans have never fully understood but what the Negro can never forget—is that white society is deeply implicated in the ghetto. White institutions created it, white institutions maintain it, and white society condones it”.

ADDRESS & ACCOUNTABILITY
Forty (40) years later after the Kerner Report, we have continued “institutional poverty” based primarily on “greed” and “institutional racism”.

We can not have Tom Barrett, Mayor of Milwaukee and the Common Council, engaging in “institutional racism” such as seen in the previous pages, the attached pages; and your past four-year administration.

Your failure to communicate, meet and respond to inquiries, is a Code of Conduct that sets the tone for your office staff, cabinet, government departments, MMAC, MEDC, GMC, Milwaukee 7, contributors, and the public.

Moreover, it adds greed, misconduct, lack of MORAL AUTHORITY, and systemic deficits to our growing problem.

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April 11, 2008
Mayor Tom Barrett, 2004–2008, Page 10
Two societies, one black, one white —separate and unequal” in Milwaukee

FRIDAY, April 4, 2008, marked the 40th year after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Memphis, Tennessee. He was there on behalf of injustices to the Sanitation Workers.

It also marked 40 years and 35 days after the Report of the National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders, better known as the Kerner Report.

The injustices fought by Dr. King and the injustices reported in the Kerner Report about Milwaukee in 1968 are “glaringly” seen today in Milwaukee.

On March 28, 2008, Bill Moyer’s Journal shared an interview with one of the remaining members of the Kerner Report, ex-Oklahoma Senator Fred Harris. Moyer’s first question: What was the “most formidable” issue he remembers? His response was:

And I remember one— we went for example, we went to— Milwaukee. And I spent a good portion of that day in a black barbershop. We found Milwaukee as segregated really, maybe more so, then southern cities.

I kept saying to people— “Do you run into much discrimination here in Milwaukee?” And people didn’t know quite how to answer it. It turned out the reason was, that they didn’t see any white people.

That’s how segregated Milwaukee was. And we found there people, of course, and this was true all over. Black people had come up there looking for jobs.

And the trouble was they found very little opportunity.

Jobs is what we heard everywhere.

John Lindsey and I were walking down the streets in Cleveland, I believe it was, for example. And we’d see idle young black men on the streets, you know. And these guys get up, and they said, “What we need is jobs baby. Jobs. Get us a job, baby.” I remember that so— and that’s what we heard all over.

In Milwaukee, we got the huge funding as the Kerner Commission recommended to make the difference.

As a matter of fact, CDBG/Community Development Block Grant brings approximately $30 million per year.

Now, if it was only spent for the empowerment of those it came for. Instead, the lobbyists, influence peddlers, and lacking in ethics elected officials spend the dollars for pet projects, personal fortunes, repaying campaign promises and on and on.

Does this sound like TRUST?

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April 11, 2008
Campaign Neighborhood – CFNBA
www.bdcproundtable.info

Below is part of the KERNER Report – February 29, 1968.
We have updated it to fit Milwaukee.

DISCRIMINATION and SEGREGATION have long permeated much of American life; they now threaten the future of every American.

This deepening racial division is not inevitable. The structure of discrimination has stringently narrowed opportunities for People of Color and the Working Poor and restricted their prospects. The movement apart can be reversed. Choice is still possible.

Our principal task is to define that choice and to press for a municipality resolution supported by Milwaukeeans.

To pursue our present course will involve the continuing polarization of People of Color and Working Poor neighborhoods of Milwaukee and, ultimately, the destruction of basic democratic values.

The alternative is not blind repression or capitulation to greed that leads to two societies, extremely poor and extremely rich. It is the realization of cultural strengths for common opportunities for all within Milwaukee first, then connectivity with the next suburb, county, state, nation, world.

This alternative will require a commitment to actions by Milwaukeeans and with Milwaukeeans to work through differences, needs and common interests.

It demands that the massive federal and state funds piped into Milwaukee for quality of life and economic development empowerment of People of Color and the Working Poor be used just for that.

From every Milwaukeean/Wisconsinite and elected official, it will require new attitudes, new understanding, and, above all, NEW Will.

It is time now to turn with all the purpose at our command to the major unfinished business of this city. It is time to adopt strategies for action that will produce quick and visible progress. It is time to make good the promises of American democracy to all citizens-urban and rural, African American, Latino, American Indian, Asian and Caucasian; with a special emphasis on those who have been systematically left out due to racism.

Our recommendations embrace four basic principles:

 To make no decision without People of Color and the Working Poor at the table as equal partners and decision makers. The present Economic initiative with the MMAC, GMC and Milwaukee 7 needs to be revisited and changed to include People of Color and the Working Poor, the majority population of Milwaukee; as well as, restructure Mission.

 To mount job development, business development, education attainment, environmental, wellness and technology programs for Milwaukeeans, especially People of Color and the Working Poor as an ALL-IN-1 intricate program on a scale equal to the dimension of the problems.

 To aim the programs and spend federal funding designated for high impact and historic presence in the immediate future in order to close the gap between promise and performance.

 To undertake new initiatives and experiments that value and encourage connectivity with the People, and people-to-people connectivity, can change the system of failure, frustration, and adversarial conflict between the races and neighborhoods.

 There can be no higher priority local and no higher claim on the city and state’s conscience.

We submit the first Open Letter, Friday, April 11, 2008 to Mayor Tom Barrett, City of Milwaukee.

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MILWAUKEE 7 COUNCIL MEMBERS
Below are decision makers, members and attendees. Guess Who’s Who?

CO-CHAIRS
Gale Klappa
Chairman/President/CEO
Wisconsin Energy Corporation

Ed Zore
President/CEO
Northwestern Mutual

Mayor Tom Barrett
City of Milwaukee

AT LARGE
Michael Bolger
President
Medical College of Wisconsin

Cory Nettles
Partner
Quarles & Brady, LLP

Jack Fischer
Secretary
Wisconsin Department of Commerce

Phillip Neuenfeldt
Secretary/Treasurer
Wisconsin State AFL-CIO

Michael Grebe
President
Lynde & Harry Bradley Foundation

Carlos Santiago
Chancellor
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Dennis Kuester
Chairman
Marshall & Ilsley Corporation

Steven J. Smith
Chairman/CEO
Journal Communications

Larry Nelson
Mayor
City of Waukesha

Mary Ellen Stanek
Managing Director
Robert W. Baird

KENOSHA COUNTY
Stephanie Phillips
Executive Director
Kenosha Area Chamber of Commerce

Mark Jaeger
Senior Vice President
Jockey International

MILWAUKEE COUNTY
Scott Walker
County Executive
Milwaukee County

Lee Holloway
Chairman
Milwaukee County Board

Willie Hines
President
Milwaukee Common Council

OZAUKEE COUNTY

Mark Cronce
Vice Chairman
Ozaukee County Board

Carol Schneider
CEO
SEEK, Inc.

RACINE COUNTY
Bill McReynolds
County Executive
Racine County

Dave Rayburn
President
Modine Manufacturing

David Lynch
President
Lynch Automotive

Steve Stanbrook
President, Developing Markets Platform
S.C. Johnson & Son

WALWORTH COUNTY
Nancy Russell
Chair
Walworth County Board

Dr. Robert Spitzer
(retired)
Milwaukee School of Engineering

Richard Telfer
Interim Chancellor
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

WASHINGTON COUNTY
Tom Sackett
Chair
Washington County Board

John Torinus
President Serigraph

WAUKESHA COUNTY
Dan Vrakas
County Executive

Waukesha County
Joel Quadracci
President/CEO
Quad/Graphics

Suzanne Kelley
Regional Manager
GE Healthcare

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Investors

More than 60 contributors have raised more than
$6.4 million for a five-year economic development campaign.

LIST OF INVESTORS ($1 million to $500)
Does money play a role here? Does it provide influence and favor?

We Energies
$1,000,000

Bradley Foundation
$500,000

Wisconsin Dept. of Commerce
$500,000

Harley-Davidson Foundation
$300,000

M&I Corp. $300,000

Northwestern Mutual
$300,000

Quad/Graphics
$250,000

AT&T Wisconsin
$200,000

Aurora Health Care
$200,000

S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
$200,000

City of Milwaukee
$150,000

A. O. Smith Corp.
$125,000

Briggs & Stratton Corp.
$125,000

Johnson Controls, Inc.
$125,000

Manpower, Inc.
$125,000

Modine Manufacturing Co.
$125,000

Robert W. Baird & Co., Inc.
$125,000

Bader Foundation
$100,000

Children’s Hospital of WI
$100,000

Froedtert Hospital
$100,000

Journal Communications
$100,000

Miller Brewing Co.
$100,000

US Bank
$100,000

Milwaukee Downtown BID #21
$75,000

Columbia-St. Mary’s
$50,000

Deloitte
$50,000

Foley & Lardner, LLP
$50,000

GE Healthcare Technologies
$50,000

Marcus Corporation
$50,000

Quarles & Brady, LLP
$50,000

Roundy’s Supermarkets, Inc.
$50,000

Wells Fargo Banks
$50,000

American Transmission Company
$25,000

Ernst & Young, LLP
$25,000

Fiduciary Management
$25,000

Irgens Development Partners, LLC
$25,000

Kenosha County
$25,000

Milwaukee County
$25,000

Ozaukee County
$25,000

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
$25,000

Racine County
$25,000

The Spancrete Group, Inc.
$25,000

Waukesha County
$25,000

Ruekert/Mielke
$22,000

Economic Development/ Washington County
$10,000

Microsoft Corporation
$10,000

Medical College of Wisconsin
$5,000

The Business Council
$5,000

City of Brookfield
$2,500

Kahler Slater
$2,500

Sensient Technologies Corp.
$2,000

Serigraph
$2,000

Sam’s Club/Wal-Mart
$1,000

The Business Journal
$500

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Hog Wild Institutional Racism in Milwaukee by Elected Officials Two societies, one black, one white —separate and unequal” in Milwaukee

Footnote
To end this Open letter, I am offering some additional footnotes that speak to why my office created the OPEN LETTER.

These are snippets from Mayor Tom Barrett’s Inaugural Speech, April 20, 2004.

 But we will only win back the confidence of Milwaukee residents when we change the way business is done at City Hall.

 So let’s work together to lay out a new set of ground rules for those who do business here – both lobbyists and government officials. Together, let’s earn the trust of the people  So let’s work together.

 Our work starts with the creation of a government that looks like Milwaukee and listens to all of Milwaukee.

 As mayor, I am committed to economic opportunity for all citizens.
I pledge to you that the work will be done by people who reflect the rich diversity of Milwaukee.

 Let us be judged in this time for how well we serve the men and women of this community who pay their taxes, work hard to make ends meet and dream of a brighter, stronger future.

Footnote
No.1
On April 20, 2004, your Inaugural speech spoke of the government’s responsibility.
On June 1, 2004, I flew over to Muskegon, Michigan to witness for myself the maiden voyage docking in Muskegon, Michigan and to see what African Americans and People of Color would be there from the Milwaukee area.

Given my research, the reality was predictable but very disappointing. ONLY You, Mayor Barrett, and 2 on duty African American Milwaukee Policemen came over.

I came up to you and expressed my strong disapproval of no African Americans and People of Color from Milwaukee on the first lag of the Lake Express maiden voyage to Muskegon.

You provided a blank stare and NO response.

Federal, state and local government funding (Wisconsin and Michigan) allocated many millions for the launching of the Lake Express vessel. I saw it as a new opportunity to employ People of Color; and, my office has continued my dialog with Lake Express.

It is wrong to discriminate; and, it is wrong for us to condone discrimination by not saying or doing anything.

FootnotePAGE 2
No. 2

Our observation recalls six (6) other major opportunities your office has failed to honor your Inaugural pledge. They are:

 COA/Children Outing Association vs. PAL-Police Athletic League Your office refused to meet with the 4 +2 Milwaukeeans from the neighborhood to save a jewel of the Inner City. Your office was seen as engaging campaign fundraisers of COA over the needs of the neighborhood.

 Bronzeville neglect - Blighted, extremely low city dollars for delayed Bronzeville Area vs. engaged support of Harley Davidson Center and Discovery World.

 Johnson Control Inner City Development vs. Manpower enrichments

The Inner City development project by Johnson Control was foiled but the mega and unprecedented support was/is given to Manpower in planning and operational dollars for a partnership training paid for by the city; a TID/Tax Increment District, a private ( over $1 million) garage, private street named, prime real estate on the Milwaukee River while they import from the suburb 600+ employees, with a promise of “maybe” hiring additional employees. This is an international temporary agency with no visible People of Color as decision makers as staff members.

This was done in spite of opposition of the citizenry and caution of the Comptroller’s office. It was also at a time of extreme high unemployment and negative data of temporary agencies exploiting Milwaukeeans, People of Color and the Working Poor.

This was seen as heavy campaign payment for the various sources of contributors – again not in line with Inaugural speech and campaign promises.

 Milwaukee Wireless vs. Midwest Fiber Network
To-date the City of Milwaukee has presented Milwaukeeans a failed 20-year agreement with Midwest Fiber Network.

It was ill-conceived without an open BID and ill-conceived in planning. According to original projection, April 2008, it is at the time of completion and Midwest Fiber Network has had no real engagement with the majority population. And, has repeatedly failed to provide information to the public why.

The digital divide is as wide as before. Recently additional under-the-table and make matters worse leadership has brought in AT&T to “cream” customers on both the south side and north side. AT&T is one of the Investors in the Milwaukee 7.

This 16 plus four years (20 years) option agreement is at the very least seen as a form of incompetence (mayor, common council, Midwest Fiber). With the recent appearance of AT&T, it is seen as part of the Milwaukee 7 Investor privilege.

FootnotePAGE 3
No. 2

 BID #31 – BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
Bid #31 was formed incorrectly and with the sanction of the Department of City Development. I have for over two (2) years come to your office and asked that you “right” this statutory error. Over a year ago I told you face-to-face, you said you did not know about the year before inquires to your office.

It has now been over another year and you, the City Attorney, Common Council, Common Council President Willie Hines and Alderman Joe Davis have failed to respond.

What happed to the following statement in your 2004 Inaugural speech?

“Let us be judged in this time for how well we serve the men and women of this community who pay their taxes, work hard to make ends meet and dream of a brighter, stronger future.”

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 TODAY, April 11, 2008 Job-training ideas sought; Milwaukee 7 to award $2.5 million in grants
JOHN SCHMID. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Milwaukee, Wis.: Mar 14, 2008.

West Bend — The Milwaukee 7, the metro region’s main economic-development agency, on Thursday said it will solicit new and experimental ideas as it doles out $2.5 million in grants to train workers for 21st-century jobs.

The group will hold an innovation forum April 11 to hear proposals aimed at matching workers with employers.

The goal is to move beyond bureaucratic “risk-averse” job-training models and begin testing “risk-tolerant” ideas, said Julia Taylor, president of the Greater Milwaukee Committee, a civic group that co-founded the M-7.

“We know they won’t all work,” Taylor said of the proposals that the M-7 hopes to test. The seven-county consortium will invite employers, training agencies, educators and economic activists to the event at Discovery World.

Federal grant program
Grants ranging from $20,000 to $250,000 will be awarded under the first round of a U.S. Department of Labor program called WIRED grants, which stands for Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development.

Notice this article comes from West Bend.
Again, big dollars come into Milwaukee for to engage and EMPOWER by providing education attainment and job development, but People of Color and the Working Poor stakeholders have not been at the decision making table. Two societies, one black, one white —separate and unequal” in Milwaukee.

FootnotePAGE 4

The vital needs of the nation must be met; hard choices must be made, and, if necessary, new taxes enacted.

Violence cannot build a better society. Disruption and disorder nourish repression, not justice. They strike at the freedom of every citizen. The community cannot—it will not—tolerate coercion and mob rule.

Violence and destruction must be ended—in the streets of the ghetto and in the lives of people.

Segregation and poverty have created in the racial ghetto a destructive environment totally unknown to most white Americans.

What white Americans have never fully understood but what the Negro can never forget—is that white society is deeply implicated in the ghetto.

White institutions created it, white institutions maintain it, and white society condones it
Kerner Report – February 29, 1968

The report was as a result of the riots and President Lyndon B. Johnson seeking to find out why, the reason and how to avoid it happening again.

The reasons for the violence then are on the “table today” only worse.

The violence of poverty and racism is alive and deeply rooted. They are at the heart of the challenge and success of Moral Will for your next four years. If it is to change, Milwaukee stakeholders MUST be at the decision making table.

Mary Glass – Chair/CEO, Milwaukeean

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April 15, 2008
2008 Installation of City officers
This is the day you will layout again your promises and shed light on what you consider to be the topics for the day.

Take a close look at what this Open Letter has said. And, remember as you look around the Pabst Theater, given to Michael Cudahy, your international private jet traveler, for $1.00 by the city - Know this, some folks there may be wondering why there are not large buildings in the Inner City that can provide theater, shows and tourism.

Michael Cudahy, philanthropist, is the same one that would not respond in a courtesy reply to a letter of inclusiveness sent by my office; and, the creator of the Discovery World on the lake front. Discovery World is where the Milwaukee 7 WIRED event is being held today. What a coincidence and great aesthetics connection. Isn’t your 2004 campaign manager now at Discovery World after a brief term with DCD?

The People – Milwaukeeans, especially People of Color and the Working Poor have NOT been represented appropriately by your office during your first four years. I will be back – Milwaukeean.

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April 11, 2008

To see the photos that came with this Open letter, go to:
www.bdcproundtable.info - click on,
Photos