Last night, some of Milwaukee's leaders met with residents of the south side to address neighborhood issues. Police are putting together a plan to tackle crime in the area.
The meeting was well attended. No doubt the recent murder of Miller executive Vic Milford had a lot to do with that.
From the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:
Milwaukee police will unveil a new plan Wednesday to beef up their presence and tackle crime issues on the city's south side, including the neighborhood where a Miller Brewing Co. executive was shot and killed over the weekend.
Detectives are working some promising leads in the murder of 43-year-old Lodewikus "Vic" Milford, police officials said Monday. But they are still asking the public to tell investigators what they know.
Miller Brewing Co. is offering a $10,000 reward for tips leading to the arrest and conviction of the robber who shot and killed Milford, a South African native who was the company's director of compensation and benefits.
Meanwhile, more than 100 residents from the Walker's Point business and entertainment area voiced anger and concern after the homicide early Saturday near S. 2nd St. and W. Walker St.
Mayor Tom Barrett, Police Chief Edward Flynn and other city leaders listened while residents lined up at Bradley Tech High School during a community meeting to share concern about police response times, nuisance properties, poor lighting, vehicle break-ins and other problems.
"I share your anger, and it's justified," Barrett said. "But we can't let that anger paralyze us."
Many residents of Walker's Point said they don't want their neighborhood to be dismantled by criminals. Police officials said violent crime has dropped in Walker's Point in the past year, but some residents don't agree.
"I lived here for 14 years and had no problems with crime. I walked home from the restaurants at night," said Kyle Cherek, a salesman who told Flynn he's witnessed a 20-person fight, had his car broken into and heard about his friends being mugged in the past year. "This is a real crucial moment."
I don't get this.
Again and again, officials cite statistics that crime has dropped.
Again and again, residents cite instances that prove the statistics don't paint an accurate picture.
Having some official tell you that crime in your neighborhood is on the decline when a man was just gunned down AFTER a robbery is a joke.
It reminds me of what was happening in Bay View last year. Yes, there have been a rash of armed robberies, but the city is really safe, blah, blah, blah.
BS.
It does no good for Mayor Tom Barrett or Police Chief Ed Flynn to toss out numbers in order to convince residents that things aren't as bad as they know them to be.
Such community meetings become little more than venting sessions for residents.
I don't think the officials are really listening. I don't think they get it.
...Flynn implored residents not to give up on their fight against crime.
"We can't let this incident drive a wedge between the community and the Police Department," Flynn said. "It isn't about pointing fingers. It's about being more effective."
I don't think people are frustrated with police officers or the departmant in general as much as they're frustrated with the leaders.
I think residents understand that the officers are doing their jobs and serving the citizens of Milwaukee. It's the higher-ups. They're the problem.
How many times are Milwaukeeans going to hear Barrett say that he feels their pain and then give him a pass?
Fair or not, the buck stops with Barrett.
Milwaukee Police Capt. David Zibolski said two people confronted Milford and three women in a parking lot, and that after they surrendered their valuables it appeared the robbery was over. But then one of the robbers shot Milford after he was in his car, Zibolski said.
Barrett said Milford was shot through a side window.
That makes me ill.
Only a truly evil, soulless individual would do something like that, evil to the core.
I wonder if the shooter was a teen. If so, and he's caught and tired, I hope he loses his freedom for the rest of his life.
Milford's companions have provided their accounts to police, but investigators are hoping to improve upon the limited descriptions they provided. Anyone with information is asked to call the police at (414) 935-7360.
Anyone with information?
That's a laugh. Maybe there were some witnesses, but there's no way others familiar with the crime will come forward.
You know that there are a number of people in the city right now with information on the robbery and murder, but these thugs don't talk.
Forever 4-year-old Jasmine Owens' murder is still unsolved, though it occurred on a crowded street last May. These thugs don't talk.
Even the $10,000 reward from Miller probably won't matter.
TMJ4 offers this account of the meeting:
Vic Milford's murder has touched a raw nerve here in this neighborhood and while many came here to listen they were also looking for answers.
They're upset. "Don't settle for that," one resident said.
They're concerned. Another speaker said "please do your homework because we can use your help."
Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett and Police Chief Edward Flynn listened as residents laid out their long list of concerns.
"Fear can destroy a community faster than crime can," Flynn said.
For chief Flynn it was his first test in the hot seat as he tried to win over the public's confidence.
"That murder took the life of a man it must not take the life from this community," Flynn said.
An angry finger waiving Al Jansen challenged city leaders who were calling the murder an isolated incident .
"It's not acceptable and if any one of our city father's who want to accept I challenge you," Jansen said.
Mayor Barrett shared Jansen's anger but not his accusation.
"Am I mad about it you bet I am," Barrett said. "We are going to fight back."
Barrett has been talking about fighting back for years, every time something horrific like this happens.
He has to fight harder. He has to go on offense.
Residents know the truth. These "isolated incidents" are increasing at a pace that is both frightening and infuriating.
Welcome to Milwaukee, Chief Flynn.
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