Like I have been repeatedly pointing out, there are many questions about the investigation of the tragedy which occurred at O’Donnell Park last month. Scott Walker has been trying to control the information getting out, once again putting his political aspirations above the public good.
Some of the concerns of the Supervisors and pro-Milwaukee citizens are outlined in a joint press release issued by Supervisors Weishan and Dimitirijevic:
“The lack of information available to us, as County Supervisors, about the O’Donnell Park parking garage tragedy and the other building inspections being performed is simply astonishing. We’re not alone. A number of our colleagues have not yet learned how this contract was awarded or the scope of the work being performed. As policymakers providing legislative oversight, we need this information. We are requesting that a complete and detailed report be presented to the Board. So far, the news media has received more information than we have as elected officials.
“We are also concerned that Graef-USA Inc, a firm that has contributed to County Executive Scott Walker’s gubernatorial campaign, was awarded a no bid contract. Even though a lot of the work is being subcontracted, the fact remains that County dollars are being funneled through Graef, which was one of the contractors involved in building the O’Donnell Parking garage in the first place. How can we expect them to provide unbiased reports in light of that fact?
Not only did Walker give another no bid contract to another campaign donor, but what makes it even odder is just the week before, Walker stated that Holloway’s calling for the safety 
inspection was “irresponsible.“
Walker’s office has a long history of stalling on open records request, even with the media. Many of the articles in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel regarding O’Donnell Park have a paragraph indicating that they were still waiting for requested documents regarding inspections and repair schedules.
He has also been known to order his department heads to not cooperate with the County Board. But for something this serious, not only is he acting recklessly and irresponsibly, but it also makes it seem even more suspicious that things were not done in the proper fashion.
People are getting fed up with his misdirections and irresponsible actions.
Many concerned citizens as well as members of AFSCME and SEIU will be joining Supervisors John Weishan, Chris Larson and Marina Dimitirijevic for a protest march and press conference on Wednesday, July 21st.
The march will start at 4 pm on Wednesday, at SEIU Local 1, located at 250 E. Wisconsin Avenue, and proceed to O’Donnell Park, next to the orange “sunburst” statue.
Milwaukee County First will proudly join them in a call for openness and honesty from the County Executive’s office. It is well beyond time for Walker to start acting like the leader he brags that he is and come clean. These things have gone on for too long and need to stop before another avoidable tragedy occurs.
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Perhaps the board members should talk with the chairman of the board, holloway, that agreed with the no-bid contract in the first place. Wait, no that wouldn't fit theirs or your template of accusing walker...never mind then don't tell the truth.
ReplyDeleteJust like with the furloughs, it doesn't matter what a supervisor said. It was Walker's call to go with it, even though it violated county policy.
ReplyDeletelol, the chairman agreed to the deal of the no-bid...but you decided to leave it out of your version of the story because it didn't fir your theme.
ReplyDeleteAs far as information, I guess the board members and bloggers forget this is also an investigation that requires exact levels of evidence handling because all the results will be used in court proceedings. Hapless details tossed out until vetted is not what is needed.
Apparently, you are either illiterate, or just a liar. Again, it does not matter if the Chairman agreed. Nice try though. And how about Walker saying it was "irresponsible?" No comment to that?
ReplyDeleteThe examination of the concrete has nothing to do with releasing the requesting information. If they can find documents from 20 years ago, they can find document from the past six years. Unless they don't exist, of course, because the work was never done.
You are the one echoing a press statement that said "A number of our colleagues have not yet learned how this contract was awarded".
ReplyDeleteHave you asked these board members why they didn't ask the chairman of the board about the contract he agreed to?
What makes you think I haven't spoken to the supervisors? Odds are that I speak with them more than Walker does. But again, I know how the system works and I am not the one with something to lose by being honest about it.
ReplyDelete"If" you do talk with them and they don't know what the chairman of their board has done this would be a great story for you...
ReplyDeleteSince you never tried to play that hand it is doubtful.
So what exactly is your question Capper?
ReplyDeleteAnonymous, the do know, but they also know that Holloway's approval is nothing more than symbolic, since Walker didn't really need it.
ReplyDeleteWhy do you have such a hard time understanding that simple concept?
Aaron, what are you referring to? The only questions I have are for Walker. Are you saying that you have the authority to speak for him?
If they know holloway approved it is troubling they would also release a statement that says "A number of our colleagues have not yet learned how this contract was awarded".
ReplyDeleteEither they understand approval or they don't...
Apparently you don't, since you are still too obtuse to understand that Holloway did not have the authority to approve the contract. But don't let facts deter you. They don't deter Walker either.
ReplyDelete