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Ald. Zielinski Launches Unemployment Task Force
On July 7, 2010 the Common Council approved a measure that creates a city task force, initiated by Alderman Zielinski, to address the unemployment crisis as it specifically relates to African American men in our community.
“When statistics show that unemployment in Milwaukee so dramatically affects black men, it is our moral and social responsibility to put resources and innovation together and take the lead in developing solutions,” Alderman Zielinski said.
A number of community leaders, educators, legislators and activists are part of the task force and the body will report its findings and proposals to the Common Council.
 Massive Graffiti Tag Moves Up News Conference
A massive graffiti tag sprayed on a Marquette Interchange wall pushed Common Council members and other officials to move up a planned news conference in early August.
During the news conference at S. 15th St. and W. St. Paul Ave., Anti-Graffiti Policy Committee chair Alderman Tony Zielinski was joined by vice chair Alderman Terry Witkowski, member Alderman Bob Donovan, a state Department of Transportation official, a representative of the city Dept. of Neighborhood Services (DNS) and citizens who are active in removing graffiti from their neighborhoods.
Alderman Zielinski said the freeway graffiti incident is indicative of a recent “ramping up” of graffiti activity that all Milwaukeeans must fight against. “We are fighting a battle that requires ‘all hands on deck,’ and part of what we’ll be talking about today is the importance of citizens and neighbors getting involved and lending extra hands in the battle against graffiti,” said Alderman Zielinski.
DNS has anti-graffiti inspectors who assist groups interested in removing graffiti, and DNS takes reports of graffiti and also alerts owners when their property is hit with graffiti. If need be, DNS can issue orders to remove it. Citizens who see vandals doing graffiti are reminded they should call 911. To report graffiti on property call DNS at the Anti-Graffiti Hotline at 286-8715 or use E-Notify. For more information about graffiti removal techniques, click here.
Opposing The “Wheel Tax”
As a result of constituent feedback, I voted against the proposed “wheel tax” the Common Council passed this July. The tax adds an additional $20 to vehicle registration fees (for vehicles under 8,000 pounds) and I continue to work with constituents who have called in adamant opposition to this additional fee. This additional fee is not the best choice for financing road work within the city and my vote will continue to reflect our district’s best interests.
Bay View Is A Targeted Investment Neighborhood
Ald. Zielinski is happy to bring Bay View its first TIN! The program is an essential tool to sustaining and revitalizing neighborhoods. It funds small areas of the city in an attempt to help encourage owner occupancy and to support the safety and aesthetic quality of the neighborhood. Homeowners in the target area are offered a combination of low interest and forgivable loans for home improvements and opportunities to rehabilitate rental housing in the area are available. Learn more about the Bay View TIN at www.mkedcd.org/housing/nidc or call Linda Nieft at 482-1000.
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