Alderman Joe Dudzik responds to controversial comments made over downtown streetcar proposal
MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Milwaukee Alderman Joe Dudzik is responding to controversial comments he made about the proposed streetcar project late last week.
Dudzik called into a radio show Thursday, January 22nd and told the host that if the streetcar gets built, he expects there to be assaults, shootings or even a rape on board.
Thirteen of his fellow aldermen have publicly denounced the remarks -- specifically calling out his reference to sexual assault.
In a statement, they say it was used as a "scare tactic:"
Well thought-out and well-chosen words can heal and enlighten. Unfortunately, not-so-well-chosen words can also spread fear and ignorance.
The hurtful and divisive comments Alderman Joe Dudzik made on a radio program yesterday regarding the streetcar project were baseless and do not warrant repeating. However, we must address them because we believe we cannot move Milwaukee forward by dismissing or avoiding the message they carry.
The message of fear and divisiveness at the heart of the comments is not what we stand for as members of the Common Council, nor does the message resonate in our community. We stand together and embrace our rich and diverse city, built by generations of good and hardworking people, and we celebrate our neighborhoods where people of all colors, religions, and ethnicities live, work and play together. We are united in our belief that our city’s best days lie ahead.
In addition, Alderman Dudzik’s reference to sexual assault -- used as a scare tactic in a political debate about a transportation project -- is disappointing and completely devoid of any factual basis. Rape and sexual assault should never be used to advance a political position or to stir fear in the hearts of our citizens.
Going forward, we will continue to focus the debate on the merits of the project, in hopes of cultivating an informative conversation about the streetcar. We fully expect our colleagues and others to do the same.
That statement was signed by: Alderman Michael Murphy, Alderman Ashanti Hamilton, Alderman Joe Davis Sr., Alderman Nik Kovac, Alderman Robert Bauman, Alderman Milele Coggs, Alderman Willie Wade, Alderman Jose Perez, Alderman Terry Witkowski, Alderman Tony Zielinski, Alderman Russell Stamper II, Alderman James Bohl Jr.
'My colleagues have let me know that I used an unfortunate phrasing and that`s all I`m going to make a comment on," Alderman Dudzik told FOX6 News.
The 13 aldermen who have denounced Dudzik's remarks say their goal moving forward is to try to focus the streetcar debate on the merits of the project.
CLICK HERE for further streetcar coverage via FOX6Now.com.
CLICK HERE to learn more about the streetcar project.