AFSCME Local 952

AFSCME District Council 48 recently went to Madison to participate in Lobby Day. The event happened to be the same day as an important hearing in the Committee on Energy and Utilities on AB 475. This important legislation from Representative Kessler would prevent Milwaukee from privatizing its water works. Copies of the Food and Water Watch Report (PDF File) were delivered to the members of the Committee and Representative Kessler. At the hearing Representative Kessler spoke about his duty to the people of Milwaukee to protect them from the economic disaster we could face if the City’s water quality suffered under private operation. District Council 48 Executive Director Rich Abelson spoke about the dedicated employees of the water works who take pride in working for the public. KPOW representative Terri Kinis spoke about the broad community opposition to private operation of the Milwaukee Water Works. Local 952 member Dave Guran also spoke on the pride he feels working for the City and the Milwaukee Water Works. The only voice against the bill was Milwaukee Alderman Terry Witkowski. Alderman Witkowski spoke against privatization, but opposed Madison’s interference in what he felt was the City’s right to govern. AB 475 is currently awaiting a vote by the Committee.