Number
021212
Version
SUBSTITUTE 4
Reference
Sponsor
ALD. MURPHY, BOHL and GORDON
Title
Substitute resolution directing the Intergovernmental Relations Division-Department of Administration to seek introduction and passage of state legislation relating to Mayoral appointment of fire and police chiefs in first class cities.
Analysis
This resolution directs the Intergovernmental Relations Division-Department of Administration to seek introduction and passage of state legislation which grants to cities of the First Class the option of enacting a system under which the chiefs of their fire and police departments would be appointed by the Mayor, subject to Common Council confirmation. The chiefs would then only be removed for cause as recommended by the Mayor and confirmed by the Common Council.
Body
Whereas, Since its establishment in 1885, the Fire and Police Commission has been responsible for appointing the fire and police chiefs of the City of Milwaukee; and
Whereas, The Mayor, as Chief Executive of the City, should have the power to appoint and the fire and police chiefs, similar to the authority the Mayor has for appointing other City department heads; and
Whereas, In most major cities, authority to appoint police and fire chiefs is vested in the Mayor; and
Whereas, There is a long tradition in the State of Wisconsin and the City of Milwaukee of establishing checks and balances among even the agencies of local government to prevent abuses and insure the widest range of participation in vital decisions; and
Whereas, There is no agency more important to a City than its Fire and Police Departments and the Common Council has a proper role in the hiring and dismissal of the heads of these departments; 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 whi...
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