MADISON – One month after a 20-pound chunk of limestone broke loose from the Milwaukee County Courthouse and plummeted to the sidewalk below, a new report reveals that Scott Walker and his Administration ignored the recommendation of engineering firm to make major repairs to the Milwaukee County Courthouse a year and a half ago.
The 2008 report from engineering consultants Graef, Anhalt, Schloemer and Associates, lists $350,000 in repairs that are “necessary to ‘make safe’ façade conditions that are exhibiting significant deterioration.” Despite these warnings, the Walker Administration said it didn’t appear to be an urgent problem and did not include money for these much-needed repairs in the 2008, 2009, or 2010 budget.
Now Walker and his cronies are stonewalling, using bogus legal claims as cover to refuse to share additional documents on the 2008 inspection.
“We all know Scott Walker has allowed the infrastructure of the County to crumble, but willfully ignoring reports and putting public safety at risk is unacceptable,” said Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Mike Tate. “It’s time for answers and accountability. Instead of hiding behind lawyers and using flimsy excuses, Walker must share with the public all documents about County Courthouse repairs.”
Chronic mismanagement, poor performance and deferred maintenance are nothing new under Scott Walker’s failed leadership. He has pushed back nearly $300 million in repairs on County bridges, dams, and facilities during his tenure.
“Scott Walker will point fingers to score political points, but it’s clear his own record on infrastructure is shameful,” said Tate. “It’s time for Scott Walker to end the Crumbling Courthouse Cover-up, and come clean with the people of Wisconsin.”
View the full letter from Graef, Anhalt, Schloemer & Associates: http://libertycontrol.net/uploads/wisconsin_dems/countyreport.pdf
