Vote Tuesday: Eight of 15 Common Council members support Ashanti Hamilton for president

MILWAUKEE -- There could be a new president of the Milwaukee Common Council on Tuesday, April 19th.

In a statement, eight of the 15 members and members-elect on the council said they are supporting Ashanti Hamilton over current Common Council President Michael Murphy.

Hamilton represents District 1 on the city's northwest side.

His supporters said he has the unique ability to work with all sides, and he will bring in previously-underserved members of our community.

"I threw my support for Alderman Hamilton simply because of the vision that I see for the city. I think that one of the things that we have been lacking is inclusiveness and making sure that we are unified as a city and we're healing. We need to use the healing process," Alderwoman-elect Chantia Lewis said.

The meeting is set for Tuesday morning at 9:00 a.m.

Below is the statement from the group of Common Council members supporting Ashanti Hamilton for president:

A diverse group of newly-elected and newly re-elected members of the Milwaukee Common Council voiced their support for Alderman Ashanti Hamilton to serve as the next Milwaukee Common Council president.

Members of the 2016-2020 Common Council will elect the next council president during the 2016-2020 charter meeting at 9 a.m. on April 19, 2016 at City Hall.

Alderwoman Milele Coggs said she is proud to support Alderman Hamilton for council president.

“Throughout my tenure on the council, Alderman Hamilton and I have worked together on numerous initiatives and legislative items aimed at increasing opportunities, addressing poverty, and investing in people – especially children and families,” Alderwoman Coggs said. “He has a collaborative and results-oriented approach to getting things done that is sorely needed at this time in our city’s history, and he has the unique ability to work with all sides, all players to make progress on the issues and policies that we must address now to move Milwaukee to a better place for all citizens.”

Alderwoman-Elect Chantia Lewis said she is supporting Alderman Hamilton for Council president, but is grateful to Alderman Murphy for his service.

“I recognize and applaud the contributions Alderman Murphy has made to the city, especially excellent initiatives such as the Housing Trust Fund, and MKE Plays, which are worthy of our continued support,” Lewis said.