McGee Verdict: Aldermen React

This morning, some Milwaukee aldermen made statements in response to former Ald. Michael McGee Jr.'s conviction on federal charges of extortion and bribery.

Last night, U.S. Attorney Steven Biskupic called on Mayor Tom Barrett and the Common Council to re-examine the practice of aldermanic privilege. Biskupic said there's definitely a need for reform.

Milwaukee aldermen weighed in:

Milwaukee aldermen expressed little surprise this morning at last night's guilty verdict in the federal trial of former Ald. Michael McGee, with many citing the sheer weight of the evidence against him.

But none of those interviewed this morning said they had any sense that McGee was operating inappropriately in his dealings with district business owners.

And all interviewed said they do not believe the practice of "aldermanic privilege" - which was at the core of the government's case - exists, at least not in the way it was described during testimony.

..."If you're bound and determined to be a crook, no matter what the system is, you'll find a way to abuse it," said Ald. Bob Donovan.

..."I don't know what I exercise is aldermanic privilege as much as I exercise aldermanic knowledge of my district," said Ald. Joe Dudzik, a former member of the Licenses Committee.

...McGee ran for re-election this year, but lost to Ald. Milele Coggs. She declined to comment this morning at City Hall.

Eileen Force, a spokeswoman for Mayor Tom Barrett, indicated the mayor is not likely to have a comment today. She noted the mayor's office is not involved with licensing matters.

I think it's cowardly not to comment.

You'd think Coggs would at least make some sort of vague comment about justice or something. This no comment stuff is ridiculous.

Barrett comes off like a pal of McGee's by refusing to say a few words, like he's avoiding saying anything incriminating. For God's sake, he's Milwaukee's mayor! Where's the outrage?

...Ald. Jim Witkowiak, a former chairman on the Licenses Committee, said he attempted to carefully watch the details of matters before the committee and actions by aldermen, including McGee.

"I didn't sense anything was going on," he said.

Witkowiak added: "I'm very disappointed this happened, regardless of what individual was involved. It tarnishes our system when something like this happens. But it involved that individual. I don't believe anything like this is going on since Mike McGee left."

...Several of those interviewed this morning said McGee had only himself to blame. Few suggested that any changes to the system are needed.

Said Donovan: "He dug his own grave, as far as I'm concerned."

Ald. Bob Bauman said more committee meetings should be scheduled in the evenings, so residents who live near the stores and bars with liquor licenses could more readily attend and make their views known.

I get the feeling that aldermen are ticked off that Biskupic is calling for reform.

I also think it's a bit embarrassing that aldermen have tried to avoid commenting on McGee's conviction.

The guy was shaking down businesses. Is it really that difficult to condemn "Thug Mike" for his wrongdoing?
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After dragging his feet, Common Council President Willie Hines has finally commented.

From the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:

In a statement issued today about last night's guilty verdict for former Ald. Michael McGee, Common Council President Willie Hines declared it's "time to move on" and rejected the idea that "aldermanic privilege" -- at the core of the federal trial -- controls outcomes at City Hall.

..."Based upon the evidence, Ald. McGee's guilt was his own and was not shared by the rest of the Common Council, the License Division, the city attorney's office or the Milwaukee Police Department, all of whom sit on every license hearing as active participants," Hines' statement read, in part.

...Said Hines: "The reality is that every application is well vetted and scrutinized with (the) greatest level of integrity, honor and professionalism."

Time to move on?

I don't know. Maybe it's just me, but I sort of think that this whole "Gatekeeper," shakedown thing was kind of a pretty big deal.

I think the public deserves more from Hines than a call to "move on."

Now would be a good time for the Common Council to assure Milwaukee residents that the city's licensing process is free of corruption by evaluating it. A review is in order. There must be adequate safeguards in place to ensure its integrity.

Milwaukeeans have just been treated to a dramatic display of how its integrity has been breached.