Development of the police department and public safety.
Development of jobs and workforce.
"In 2007, my two top priorities continue to be reducing crime and putting more people to work," Barrett said. "In my book, public safety comes first." ,”
In his State of the City address Monday morning, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett stressed development.
Development of the police department and public safety.
Development of jobs and workforce.
"In 2007, my two top priorities continue to be reducing crime and putting more people to work," Barrett said. "In my book, public safety comes first."
Public safety
Barrett said he hopes to focus on "hometown security" and add 50 officers to the Milwaukee Police Department.
"Any time we can have additional officers on the street, it's positive for the city of Milwaukee. It gives us that much more of a leg up," said Anne E. Schwartz, spokeswoman for MPD.
In addition, Barrett called for the passage of tougher gun laws in Wisconsin.
"This is not about second amendment rights; this is not about guns used for hunting," Barrett said. "This is about saving young lives and futures in Milwaukee."
Schwartz said MPD supports Barrett's gun initiatives.
"Getting illegal guns off the streets is important to the police department," Schwartz said. "More guns are not good for the city of Milwaukee."
Schwartz also said MPD appreciates the mayor's opposition to conceal and carry laws in Milwaukee.
Economic development
Barrett lauded projects that have brought jobs to the city. He specifically mentioned 1941 Marquette Law School graduate Joseph Zilber's redevelopment of the old Pabst Brewery site.
Barrett called for Milwaukee businesses to continue their growth.
"We also need our current anchors to stay here and stay strong – including of course Midwest Airlines, Milwaukee's hometown airline," Barrett said. "Hang in there Midwest – Milwaukee's behind you."
Midwest recently rejected a proposed buyout plan by AirTran, a Florida-based airline company.
In addition to keeping businesses in Milwaukee, the mayor stressed the need for renewing older manufacturing districts.
"The underused properties along the corridor present another opportunity to grow and attract businesses near other successful companies, major transportation routes and an eager workforce," Barrett said of his next renewal project, the 30th Street Industrial Corridor.
The mayor spoke of the creation of the Office of Workforce Development that will ensure the needs of Milwaukee employers are met.
Donald Sykes, who is currently an advisor to city leaders on workforce development, will become the new department's first director.
The mayor may be excited about taking a local approach to workforce development, but some believe such an approach already exists.
"The county executive hopes that this doesn't go counter all the work done in the Milwaukee 7 project," said Rod McWilliams, director of communications for Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker.
The Milwaukee 7 is a group of seven southeast Wisconsin counties that helps the area "think and act in ways that promote the long-term economic and social health of the entire region," according to the group's Web site.
Other issues
Barrett also talked of creating a School of Public Health through University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with the support of Gov. Jim Doyle.
"I am pleased Governor Doyle has put $200,000 in his budget for the school," Barrett said. "I recognize that the road to a School of Public Health in Milwaukee will not be easy, or short. But I am convinced together we will succeed."
Barrett said he wants to revamp the city's transit system.
"Let's face it, when it comes to transportation, Milwaukee is behind the times," Barrett said.
Better transportation would attract both employers and employees, Barrett continued.
"My plan brings together integrated transit modes based on moving workers to jobs and visitors to destinations and we will pay for it without further burdening the Milwaukee property taxpayer," he said.
Barrett made his speech at the Tramont Corp. facility, 3701 N. Humboldt Ave.
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