“This unique opportunity to break bread with Aldermen from other municipalities is both refreshing and enlightening. It allows us to come out of our silos, visit other communities that we might not see often, and also share our experiences as public servants.”
– Ashanti Hamilton
Local government is a reflection of the people it represents. When a community is hyper-segregated by race, class, political affiliation, and even geography, it is harder to expect leadership can cross the same political barriers that average citizens do not.
Southeastern Wisconsin is an example of the modern tug-of-war between ideology: rural vs. urban, right vs. left, even white vs. black. Yet, in order to build bridges and heal all the local divisions, elected leadership must find opportunities to be united when the system seems, by generational design, to be fractured.
So when the water agreement between the City of Milwaukee and Waukesha was announced a few months ago, there was disbelief across the region that asked: “how is it possible that the leaders in the two historically opposed communities were able to reach across the “divide” and agree on such a major deal?”
The stereotype of political discussions under elected leaders of the past conjures images of a dark backroom swirling with cigar smoke. But for a new generation of municipal officials, such talks are likely to take place while watching their kids play soccer.
As basic and rudimentary as it sounds, the tradition of scorched earth politics has required this current generation of leaders to re-invent a concept as simple as cooperation, and a process to build trust and understanding.
What evolved from random chats at events and questions bounced between Twitter has become a monthly lunch meeting, where a handful of participants share personal stories interwoven with political dialog over a meal. With no formal structure, the flexible gathering remains focused on being low key and personal.
The lunches are not designed to foster political agreement, but personal friendships as topics of conversation range from individual interests and stories about family, to shared ideas, frustrations, and hopes.
The group’s lunch on April 11 took place down the street from Milwaukee City Hall at DOC’s Commerce Smokehouse. Those breaking bread together this month, over a conversation of ribs and pulled pork slathered in barbecue, included Ashanti Hamilton, Milwaukee Common Council President; Aaron Perry, Waukesha Common Council President; Dennis Griffin Jr., Waukesha Prairie Elementary School Principal; Bobby Tanzilo, Senior Editor and Writer for OnMilwaukee; Bobby Pantuso, Wauwatosa Alderman; and Michael May, West Allis Alderman.
Hamilton-Perry Op Ed: Generational change and a new path to cooperation
– Ashanti Hamilton and Aaron Perry
Milwaukee Common Council President and Waukesha Common Council President
When news broke late last fall that the City of Milwaukee had reached an agreement to sell water to Waukesha, one could almost hear a gasp of surprise heard across the region. How is it possible that the leaders in the two historically opposed communities were able to reach across the “divide” and agree on such a major deal?
The answer is surprising because it is so simple: change.
We represent a generational change in perspective about how our region can and should be. We recognize our shared destiny and the vital need to close the door on a past that we cannot change, and to move forward embracing a future that we can build together.
We recognize that the change in how we think and act is more tangible and more impactful. We made a connection with each other during the water agreement process and began talking about how we can plan and act in cooperation to make our region as economically diverse and powerful as possible, and with the best amenities and systems that our citizens deserve.
It’s no secret that the journey to cooperation has seen ample drama and missed opportunities. The City of Waukesha had been working to obtain a long term sustainable water source for more than a decade. Lake Michigan water is the most sustainable source and the cheapest option. In June 2016, the Great Lakes Compact voted to approve the application. The intention for years was for Waukesha to purchase Lake Michigan water from the City of Oak Creek. Many in the City of Milwaukee had been opposed to the application, looking for a greater commitment from Waukesha on key issues such as affordable housing, public transit and transportation.
But then we started talking about the future and our shared belief in a region that exudes its best qualities and strives toward its full, amazing potential. It started with a shift in thinking, and with listening to each other with an open mind. The conversation opened additional channels and in May 2017 communications began between City of Milwaukee leaders and City of Waukesha leadership. Leaders in both communities worked together and did what was mutually beneficial, and in December 2017, we signed an historic 40-year water sale agreement.
The “win-win” agreement makes water cheaper than it would have been for Waukesha ratepayers and it assists Milwaukee in costs for needed upgrades for residents.
But we are not done working together, and in fact, we are just getting warmed up. We now have a new tradition of working in cooperation for our shared vision of a stronger region, and we are excited to start talking about the many possibilities – including going to Madison to meet with our lawmakers to foster better collaborative regional/community/city relationships.
Whether it’s the new Bucks arena and related development Downtown, Foxconn or the new Northwestern Mutual HQ building and residential tower, we are seeing a wave of excitingly diverse and extensive investment in the region. We believe this is just the beginning, and we are asking, “What’s next? Who’s in?”
It is our strong belief that the more our leaders and our communities work together (and truly embrace regional cooperation) the better off we will be for the long run. We need to nurture and expand our regional communication and continue the positive progression. With Milwaukee and Waukesha as our prime cooperation example, we all need to be willing to change our thinking and start the conversation.
We recognize we have some difficult discussions coming next, ones that will require critical public input and a focus on what is truly best for the region.
For example, there’s no reason why we cannot have a regional approach to transportation needs. With the huge level of investment we are seeing (Foxconn, Downtown, Bucks arena, etc.) in developments and infrastructure, we must strategically adapt our transportation system appropriately or face new problems.
In that vein, we also hope to begin a serious discussion about a future rail system that can move workers and citizens efficiently throughout the region. Minneapolis, St. Louis and Atlanta are just a few of the large cities and regions with commuter rail systems in place and working well. We are excited about our economic and job growth, but we have to be able to get to point A and to point B in an efficient way. Why not here?
So what’s next?
We have launched a tradition of working with a forward vision and shared goals, with the water agreement serving as a foundation for future successful collaboration. As a region we are in this together, and we invite our citizens and everyone to join us in building a collaborative future together.
© Photo
Lee Matz
