Number
061343
Version
SUBSTITUTE 1
Reference
Sponsor
ALD. MURPHY AND D'AMATO
Title
Substitute resolution directing the Department of Administration - Intergovernmental Relations Division to seek introduction and passage of state legislation relating to the manner in which the City of Milwaukee's Board of Election Commissioners is selected.
Analysis
This resolution directs the Intergovernmental Relations Division-Department of Administration to seek introduction and passage of state legislation relating to the manner in which the City of Milwaukee's Board of Election Commissioners is selected.
Currently, the county committees of the 2 political parties receiving the most votes for governor provide the Mayor with a list of at least 3 names of candidates for each potential Commission member, and the Mayor must select Commission members from persons included in those lists. The legislation sought would enable the Mayor to directly select members from the 2 political parties receiving the most votes for governor in the city, 2 from the majority party and one from the minority party, rather than selecting members from the lists provided by the county committees of the 2 political parties. It would also amend the selection process, so that all members shall be confirmed by the Common Council.
Body
Whereas, The City's elections are fundamental to the democracy of the City, and the elections process must be overseen by a body of persons that most accurately and appropriately represents the integrity of the City throughout all elections processes; and
Whereas, The City of Milwaukee's Board of Election Commissioners is entrusted to provide fair and unbiased oversight to the entire elections process, while conforming to applicable state laws and administrative procedures; and
Whereas, The actions undertaken by the City of Milwaukee's Board of Election Commissioners are ultimately the responsibility of the Mayor; however, s. 7.20, Wis. Stats., provides only for the limited discretion of the Mayor in the selection of Commissioners; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, By the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee, that the Common Council directs the Intergovernmental Relations Division-Department of Administration to seek introduction and passage of state legislation relating to the manner in which the City of Milwaukee's Board of Election Commissioners is selected, so that the Mayor shall directly select members from the 2 political parties receiving the most votes for governor in the city, 2 from the majority party and one from the minority party, rather than selecting members from the lists provided by the county committees of the 2 political parties; and that all nominations shall be confirmed by the Common Council; and, be it,
Further Resolved, That the City Clerk shall forward a certified copy of this resolution to members representing Milwaukee in State Assembly and Senate.
Requestor
Drafter
LRB07052-2
LCS
2/15/07