Co. Board votes against appointment of Patrick Farley

MILWAUKEE -- Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele says he's astonished and disappointed by the actions of Milwaukee's County Board. The Board voted against the appointment of Patrick Farley, the City's Administrative Services Director, for another four-year term.

Last year, Farley took part in an investigation that lead to the arrest of Milwaukee County Supervisor Johnny Thomas.

Thomas is accused of accepting a bribe, and is facing trial. He is no longer a Milwaukee County Supervisor.

Abele said in a statement Thursday..."I'm astonished and disappointed that four supervisors would vote against Pat Farley without giving an explanation.  Not only was he crucial in helping me craft a budget that erased a $55 million deficit without raising taxes or using furlough days, but Pat is shining example of what we want from public servants.
 
Pat knew doing the right thing might not easy or popular, but when the District Attorney asked for help he stepped up to the plate.  Every single one of us who holds the privilege of elected office in Milwaukee County has taken an oath to uphold the law to the best of our ability.  Pat's efforts to aid the DA were not about my office or the supervisors; they were about integrity and taking that oath seriously.  I am grateful to have such an intelligent, hard-working, and ethical person working alongside me at the County.
 
The committee's vote today sends a terrible message to taxpayers and Milwaukee County employees about the Board's transparency and their commitment to clean and open government."

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