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Vol. 32 No. 38 • Thurs., Sept. 19, 2013 - Wed., Sept. 25, 2013 • An NCON Publication Serving The Milwaukee Area • 65¢
Walker administration will assist city in eliminating blighted properties
Staff Photos
Governor Scott Walker visited the 2500 block on 34th street in Milwaukee Tuesday September 17, 2013 to announce a $2-million pledge of state money from the Department of Financial Institutions that will be used to help eliminate blighted properties in Milwaukee. The governor was joined by Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, Common Council President Willie Hines, Aldermen Bob Donovan and Michael Murphy, Milwaukee Police Chief Ed Flynn, State Representatives Evan Goyke and Mandella Barnes, along with other state and city officials. Before making the announcement of support, the governor spoke briefly with
two residents who reside in the 30th Street Corridor Redevelopment Zone after which he walked slowly on the sidewalk and chatted with Willie Hines whose aldermanic district he was in. The governor lauded Mayor Barrett for initiating an $11.7-million fund in the city’s next budget that will target boarded up and abandoned properties. Earlier in the year the Gov. Walker vetoed a $3.5-million provision in the state budget that was intended to demolish foreclosed homes in Milwaukee over the next two years.
Possibilities of a new direction for county transit system By: Raina J. Johnson Special to The Milwaukee Times Since 1975, Milwaukee Transport Services (MTS) has managed the transit system here in Milwaukee County. At the beginning of August, County Executive Chris Abele issued a press release answering some general questions about the management of that transit contract and why the management services were put up for bid in April 2013. County Executive Abele is looking to get the most value, accountability and service for taxpayers, riders and the public. In the past decade, transit has seen fares increase and routes cut. Putting the management out to bid does not commit us to any specific provider, but it allows us to ensure that
transit service is sustainable for decades to come. It is not certain if it will be decades, but the County will have options: section 2.2 of the RFP, states that “the initial term of the agreement will be not less than three (3) years with an option by Milwaukee County for two (2), one-year terms. Communications Director of MV Transportation, Inc. Nikki Frenney said, “This contract gives the County protection, so if someone isn’t doing well, they aren’t stuck with them for 38 years; that also challenges us to make sure that we’re doing a good job. We made the decision that MV Transportation would not make any profit on this contract for the first two or three years.” (Continued on pg. 3)
Teachtown MKE welcomes new educators
Staff Photo
Photo by George Neal
MV Transportation executives held a meet and greet reception at the Wisconsin Club on Wednesday, September 11, 2013. MV founder and owner Feyson Lodde, along with her executive staff were in Milwaukee to share their vision for transportation service in Milwaukee County. MV Transportation is an African American, woman-owned transportation company, which operates in 28 states. Pictured are (L-R) Lisa Winston, MV general counsel; Feyson Lodde, MV founder; Vicki Wells, MV vice president of human resources; Shirley Delibero, MV strategic advisor; Nikki Frenney, MV director of communications; Marsha Moore, MV chief of technology; and Erica Noble, MV vice president of finance.
Teachtown MKE held their New Teachers Reception on Friday, September 6, 2013 at the Milwaukee Athletic Club. New teachers were welcomed by Mayor Tom Barrett, Superintendent Dr. Gregory Thornton, and Greater Milwaukee Committee President Julia Taylor. The purpose of the reception was to introduce new educators to various resources and business outlets throughout the city of Milwaukee. It was announced that Teachtown MKE has scheduled monthly events throughout the year to inform new teachers of social and cultural events. Pictured are (L-R) Shamika Johnson, MPS educator; Julia Taylor, President of Greater Milwaukee Committee; and Morgan Conyers, MPS educator.