Some aldermen voice concern over Election Commission appointee

MILWAUKEE -- Neil Albrecht is Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett's pick to serve as the executive director of Milwaukee's Election Commission. This, as the August GOP Senate primary and November general elections loom.

Albrecht went before the Milwaukee Common Council's Judiciary and Legislation Committee Monday, July 16th, as members were set to decide whether to recommend confirmation to the full council.

That confirmation appeared to be in jeopardy Monday, as the merits of current executive director Sue Edman were voiced.

"I'm not content necessarily with the appointment at this point in time. I see no reason to make a change. I think we've had excellent leadership and will be voting against this appointment," Alderman Terry Witkowski said.

"It's not a question for me if, or in fact whether, I support Sue or whether I support Neil. These particular cabinet positions -- they serve at the pleasure of the mayor," Alderman Joe Davis said.

Albrecht is a former deputy director of the Milwaukee Election Commission and has worked closely with Edman in the past.

"They want to know that the person in the position has the qualifications to insure the integrity of the election, and so I appreciated their questions and hearing their concerns," Albrecht said.

Albrecht said he's ready to do what's necessary to ensure smooth, efficient and transparent elections come August and November.

"I think the Election Commission is in good hands. We're all fighting to make sure that our election process is fair and open," Alderman Ashanti Hamilton said.

All of the mayor's nominations will be presented before the full council next week.