NUMB:
971994
VERS:
ORIGINAL
REF:
XXBY:
ALD. MURPHY, GORDON AND FRANK
TITL:
Resolution introducing state legislation providing for election of all Milwaukee Public School Board members at the time of election for Milwaukee Mayor and Common Council members.
ANLS:
- Analysis -
Currently state law provides for staggered election of Milwaukee Public School Board members (4-year terms) in the spring of odd - numbered years. This resolution introduces state legislation providing for election of all board members at the time of election for Milwaukee Mayor and Common Council members, commencing with the spring elections in 2000.
BODY:
Whereas, Wisconsin State Statutes currently provide for staggered election of Milwaukee Public School Board members for 4-year terms in the spring of odd - numbered years; and
Whereas, Voter percentage turnout for School Board members is extremely low when compared to turnout for Mayor and Common Council members, particularly in years where there are few elections other than for school board members:
Mayor-Common Council spring primary - 1992- 33.9% Mayor-Common Council spring election - 1992 - 51.2% School board spring primary - 1993 - 35.8% School board spring election - 1993 - 22.2% School board spring primary - 1995 - 7.4% School board spring election - 1995 -21.9% Mayor-Common Council spring primary - 1996 -16.1% Mayor-Common Council spring election - 1996 - 41.5% School board spring primary - 1997 - 5.5% School board spring election - 1997 - 14.1% ; and
Whereas, Low voter percentage turnout for School Board members is conducive to special interest domination of the vote, which is not in the best interest of the community; and
Whereas, Interest in School Board elections could be heightened and voter percentage increased by having all School Board members elected at the time of election for Milwaukee Mayor and Common Council members, commencing with the spring elections in 2000; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, By the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee, that the Intergovernmental Relations Division-Department of Administration is directed to seek introduction and passage of state legislation providing for the election of all Milwaukee Public School Board members for 4-year terms at the time of election for Milwaukee Mayor and Common Council members, commencing with the spring elections in 2000.
ZDPT:
DFTR:
LRB98122.1
BJZ/dw
4/6/98