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Like many in our community, I needed healing and optimism yesterday; I found it in the celebration event for an exceptional piece of public art at Pulaski Park. This mural engaged youth from Milwaukee Christian Center's Community Art Leaders and Cosmic Butterfly Design by Tia Richardson. It depicts the symbolic progression from challenges (from left to right) through struggle into a brighter future. The process was extraordinary, originating entirely with the community, aided by the work and vision of organizations and facilitated with the agile accommodation of the Parks Department. I recommend seeing it in person to take it all in.
I was joined by County Executive David Crowley, Milwaukee County Parks Executive Director Guy Smith, County Supervisor Sheldon Wasserman, Alderman José Pérez, Travis Hope, 16th Street Community Health Center and KK River Neighbors in Action.
Photos by Jim Lautenbach
I am proud to author Resolution 21-556 (full resolution in comments) which would increase pay for ALL lifeguard positions by $3, provide retention bonuses, cover training costs for lifeguards, and create a new seasonal park worker position to attract new hires and encourage employee retention. We need to find creative solutions to combat the significant lifeguard shortage while retaining and recruiting new lifeguards.
This is a positive step towards having a safe and enjoyable 2021 and 2022 swimming season.
I am proudly joined on this Resolution by County Supervisor, Steven Shea, County Supervisor Sheldon Wasserman, Milwaukee County Board Supervisor Shawn Rolland, County Supervisor Patti Logsdon, and County Supervisor Ryan Clancy. The Personnel Committee unanimously passed this resolution, and it will be up for adoption at the July 29th Milwaukee County Board Meeting.
In the 1980s, the county had over 1,300 full time Parks employees. Parks now has only 240 full time employees and a fraction of the seasonal staff had in the past. From our June issue, here's a piece by County Supervisor Sheldon Wasserman.
County Supervisor Sheldon Wasserman is exactly right regarding the desperate state of funding for our Milwaukee County Parks. Without a revenue solution, in six years every dollar of Milwaukee County's current revenue will be dedicated to services mandated by the State of Wisconsin. This means no money for local priorities such as our beautiful county parks.
Our solution is simple. Allow Milwaukee County residents to vote on a local sales tax to fund our local priorities. We cannot achieve this however without action by the State Legislature. We need legislation to allow us the opportunity to help ourselves and solve local problems with local solutions.
Curious to know your thoughts/
Do you check your facebook? I sent you messages awhile back and you never responded
Hi Dr. Wasserman!
If you are free, please consider attending the Concord Chamber Orchestra’s annual holiday concert at the Basilica of St. Josaphat this Saturday. The CCO has been serving the Milwaukee area since 1975. It would be wonderful to see you there.
Cheers,
Jessica
https://www.facebook.com/events/247458972605451/?ti=icl
Milwaukee County needs a written pesticide policy for its park system. When is Marek Landscaping's contract up for renewal? How are you going to help me with this pesticide concern? Please answer my emails.