Kid Rock?
We launched the #EngageMKE initiative earlier this summer and have received some incredible feedback so far in response to the question of what is the biggest issue facing Milwaukee County government.
Mostly what we’ve heard is that affordable, reliable transit and investments in services that empower people are among the community’s highest priorities.
“A public transit system that continues to scale with the city, and reach out into suburbs to reduce everyone’s dependence on vehicles. Sustainability and renewable energy are the broader goals to take on,” said one user. “Transit, people without cars can’t get to work,” said another.
“Transportation costs. We need to continue to support individuals who are homeless and living with disabilities,” another contributor commented.
We also heard concerns about public safety, workforce development, healthcare costs, declining state revenue, unsustainable pension costs, and more among the biggest issues facing the County.
“Lack of support from the state level.”
“Recovering from horrible choices made in the past and staying appealing.”
“Backdrops for the old pension system, and expanding services without the proper income. Need for innovative revenue.”
“Kid Rock running for Senate.”
That last one isn’t a typo. We did have one user tell us that Kid Rock running for the U.S. Senate (in Michigan, mind you) was the biggest issue facing Milwaukee County. I don’t agree, but that’s OK — the whole point of this exercise was to hear a broad array of opinions from the community.
If you haven’t yet tried your hand at balancing the budget, I encourage you to check it out. It won’t take too much of your time, but I’ll tell you now that these are some tough choices, because we have no shortage of challenges and opportunities that require an investment of resources.
Here’s the link: http://milwaukeecounty.abalancingact.com/
Balancing Act will be open for one more week and then it’s time to start making final budget decisions. I hope you’ll also take a few minutes to share your thoughts on the biggest issue facing Milwaukee County, even if you think it’s Kid Rock.
