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May 16, 2008
Dear Friends:
CEASEFIRE SABBATH
This weekend will mark our annual Ceasefire Sabbath, an initiative that enlists clergy and leaders of the faith community to deliver a message of non-violence throughout Milwaukee.
Ceasefire Sabbath is a critical part of my efforts to galvanize the community in the mission to fight crime, reduce violence and make every Milwaukee neighborhood safer.
The reason is clear: faith is the cornerstone of a healthy and productive community. Historically religious leaders have led the charge for social justice and change. I believe the same still holds true today.
Across the city this weekend, in churches, synagogues and mosques, we are asking the community to stand with us and help us rid the city of the violence that is killing our brothers and sisters, neighbors, classmates and friends.
I will personally visit five houses of worship during Ceasefire Sabbath to deliver this message, and I encourage all of you to spread the word – we need the community and the police to work together. We need to show strength in our neighborhoods that violence will not be tolerated.
I know that the criminals aren’t likely to be in church this weekend, but their mothers are; their girlfriends are; and their neighbors are. That is why I need every single person who cares about crime in our community to stand with me to make Milwaukee a safer, stronger City. Together, we can solve Milwaukee’s crime problems.
SUMMER YOUTH JOBS PROGRAM GETS A BOOST
I was proud to work with the Helen Bader Foundation to secure a $100,000 grant to help the City and the Milwaukee Area Workforce Investment Board expand the number of summer jobs available for teens this year.
The generosity of Dan Bader and the Helen Bader Foundation will allow us to expand our investment in Milwaukee’s future workforce. We have 3,000 teens who want to work this summer, and I believe this is Milwaukee’s best chance to prepare our young people with job skills and a connection to careers that meet tomorrow’s workforce needs.
I also urge Milwaukee businesses to get involved by creating at least one job for a teen this summer. The Milwaukee Area Workforce Investment Board can assist you with identifying tasks and providing businesses with an idea of how to provide an opportunity for a Milwaukee teen.
If Milwaukee’s businesses could take on a teen or two this summer, we can help prepare our young people for the future and help Milwaukee compete globally in the future with a highly skilled workforce.
I ask any interested businesses to contact Bill Malone at 286-5800 to get learn how to get involved.
BIKE TO WORK WEEK
This week I rode my bike to work to celebrate national “Bike to Work Week” in the City of Milwaukee. I was joined by riders from the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin and others to promote cycling as an alternative mode of transportation for Milwaukee commuters.
Riding a bike in the city is not only good for the environment and good for your health, it’s good for your wallet. And as gas prices creep up toward $4.00 per gallon, why wouldn’t you take advantage of the beautiful Milwaukee spring and summer to cut down on traffic and car emissions, save a few bucks and get more exercise.
I am proud that Milwaukee is a bike-friendly city with more than 50 miles of bike paths and 100 miles of designated on-street bike routes for visitors and residents to enjoy. So consider biking to work, not just during this one week but all season long.
Sincerely,
Mayor, City of Milwaukee
Visit my website at: http://www.city.milwaukee.gov/mayor
News from the Mayor – May 16, 2008
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