Tom Barrett Kicks Off Campaign

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett has launched a campaign website.

Although he hasn't announced that he's running in '08, I guess it's official. The proof is in the website. He wants to keep his job, four more years.

In other words, DONATE MONEY.

A message from Barrett is on the website's homepage:

Please explore my new campaign website to see my vision for stronger neighborhoods and expanded opportunities for ALL of Milwaukee. I encourage you to read my issue pages and learn about upcoming events. And I welcome you to join our campaign team through exciting volunteer opportunities.

Together, we can build a safer, stronger Milwaukee for every resident.

Yeah, well. Right.

The city has problems, big problems.

Having spent four years in office as the mayor, Barrett has a record to run on. He can't dodge the reality of Milwaukee under Tom Barrett.

An abstract, Utopian vision will be a tougher sell when there are concrete factors for voters to assess.

Reality is not a plus for Barrett.

The crime in the city has spiraled out of control and Barrett seems out of touch, refusing to call it what it is -- a crisis.

The public schools are an absolute disaster.

There have been scandals in city government on Barrett's watch.

Let's not forget voter fraud in the city.

Barrett will have plenty of explaining to do.

True, Milwaukee has a history of hanging on to mayors for years; but Milwaukee isn't the same city it used to be when Henry Maier was at the helm or even John Norquist.

The city isn't as stable from an economic and social standpoint as it once was.

The solid base of intact families is shrinking dramatically.

The thugs rule now. Community leaders appease them rather than take them out.

Common Council president Willie Hines wants Barrett to veto the gang loitering ordinance that passed on Tuesday. So far, Barrett has been noncommittal though last year he threatened to veto such a measure if the Council passed one.

The thugs are terrorizing the city and killing innocents, and Barrett is mulling over a possible veto of a bill aimed at breaking up potential troublemakers before they can wreak havoc on the city. It's crazy.

I think the question that Barrett's challengers need to raise is this:

Is life in the city better than it was four years ago?

Simple answer: NO.

I think Barrett is vulnerable, but that's irrelevant if he has no serious opponent willing to take him on.

Moreover, if Milwaukee voters allow Ald. Michael McGee (current residence: JAIL) to win a recall election, I certainly think they'd be willing to give Barrett another term.

Look at this upcoming event being promoted on Barrett's site:

Cool off at LA FUENTE

Date- Monday, June 25, 2007
Time- 05:30 PM - 07:00 PM
Location- La Fuente. 625 S. 5th St. Milwaukee

Become an "Amigos de Tom Barrett" at one of Milwaukee's most popular restaurants. Nestled in the Latin Quarter this event is sure to please.

Sponsor $25

Please RSVP to 414-271-8050 or campaign@mayorbarrett.com

So Barrett is looking for "amigos" to support him.

He's not wasting any time in trying to appeal to Milwaukee's Hispanic population.

I suppose he'll court Milwaukee's African-American community, too. He already has Milwaukee's east side libs in his pocket and the teachers' union.

I wish Milwaukee voters would demand more from their leaders.

I wish they would insist on accountability.

I wish they would expect them to keep their promises and deliver a better Milwaukee instead of excuses.

Selling hopelessness, an " I understand" and "I feel your pain" approach, may win over voters, but it doesn't solve anything.

Milwaukee is in dire need of a strong, no-nonsense leader, one who expects citizens to behave in a civilized manner and will get tough when necessary, holding them responsible for their actions.

In other words, not Tom Barrett.