03.06.06 Barrett speaks out against proposed local airport district

News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 6, 2006

Contact:	Eileen Force, Communications Director
	Office of Mayor Tom Barrett
	414-286-8504 (phone) 414-286-3191 (fax) eforce@milwaukee.gov

Mayor Tom Barrett today released the following statement on the proposal to create a local airport district for Mitchell International:

"Assembly Bill 1089 – the bill to create a local airport district – is a classic example of legislators looking to create a solution to a problem that doesn't exist.

Despite the fact that Mitchell International Airport is within the City of Milwaukee and governed by the Milwaukee County Board, the bill is being heard 75 miles from Milwaukee.

The bill, as drafted, creates a local airport district with no representation from the City of Milwaukee. The airport is in the City of Milwaukee. Residential neighborhoods and business districts around the airport are in the City of Milwaukee. Yet the city that will be impacted the most by the creation of the new district would have no representation.

The bill also gives the new district eminent domain powers. City residents and business owners would find themselves at the mercy of a board with no vested interest in the City of Milwaukee. There is no good reason to create a new district with such broad powers, especially because the City's tax base could be eroded by an entity that doesn't share the City's concerns.

There is no urgency or immediate crisis that the bill addresses. I urge the legislature not to schedule AB 1089. If the sponsors are truly interested in doing what's best, the bill should be given a full and fair hearing in Milwaukee."

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