Milwaukee Professionals Association

FLIP FLOP ACTING MAYOR - SHAME ON YOU!

Marvin, What's Goin On?

March 16, 2004

Written by:
Mary Glass

On Saturday, March 6, 2004, Acting Mayor Marvin Pratt and Chief of Staff - Curtis Harris came to a Neighborhood Public Hearing, Wisconsin Black Historical/Society, 2620 W. Center, regarding the RUSH TO ADOPT, Fond du Lac & North Neighborhood Comprehensive Plan Draft.

A group of stakeholders had assembled to provide information and to discuss how the present Fond du Lac & North Comprehensive Neighborhood Plan was not inclusive and would serve to "displace" and "compromise" the people who live, work, invest, worship, pay taxes and grow families. They requested a SIX-MONTH DELAY of the plan for inclusiveness.

PLEDGE
The Acting Mayor gave some opening statements and then cited his concern with infringing on an Alderman's district. He stated that the Alderman of the district would handle that.

He was quickly and clearly told of the absence of representation by the present Alderman, Fred Gordon. How Gordon has repreatedly "not responded". He was also reminded of the fact that the district was in a "redistricting mode" and Willie Hines and Keith Martin were the potentials.

At which time, "He pledged to hold the process until the Election - April 6th, when an Alderman was elected.

The group was pleased that finally someone from City Hall in the Mayor's seat had come out. Come out in short order. Listen. And, made a key support decision.

NOT SO FAST
When Mary Glass contacted Curt Harris on Tuesday Morning March 9, 2004, for follow-up. He quipped that he had not spoken with Marvin and that matter was handle by someone else in the office. He told Glass he would check on it.

When Glass did not hear from him. She called the Mayor's office and was referred to Andrea De Toro-Balda who was identified as the liaison for Department of City Development. De Tora-Balda claimed she knew nothng about such a pledge. She too claim to be looking into the matter. She stated she would get back the next morning. She has not been heard from.

By now, the warning signs are all over the wall. Marvin has "flip flop".

He has misrepresented the truth.

Question
If he is doing it now -- and he is not the full-term Mayor. WHAT WILL HE DO IF ELECTED.

HIDING
Marvin and Curt went into hiding.

No response. No returning of calls to Glass.

ZONING, NEIGHBORHOOD & DEVELOPMENT
Turned around and there was Curt Harris just inside the door of the hearing.

He quickly existed the room and was down the hall.

Glass called out to Harris and asked had he gotten her call.

He surprised her with, "I guess I did".

To which Glass asked, "Did the Mayor Change his Mind about holding the Plan until the election?" To which, Harris quipped, "I made that decision".

Glass returned, "I will quote you on that".

SHAME ON YOU
Well. Well. Well.

So this is what we can expect from the so-called "INCLUSION" ADMINISTRATION.

Shame on You! More to come..........