Tom Barrett PHOTO: WRN
Tom Barrett has officially launched his candidacy for a fourth term of Wisconsin’s largest city. The Milwaukee Democrat made the announcement Tuesday, in an email to supporters.
I wake up every day determined to make a difference for our city’s future.
We all know that Milwaukee has been through a lot. From the financial meltdown and Great Recession, to dealing with a Republican governor and Legislature intent on ignoring our needs. But we can’t let any of that stop us from making a difference.
We should be proud of the things we’ve done to move Milwaukee ahead, from turning neighborhoods hit hard by the economic downturn into centers for revitalization – with five billion dollars of economic investment – to building up our neighborhoods and battling the scourge of gun violence. Our progress was hailed nationally when Milwaukee was named one of America’s “comeback cities.” But we’re not done yet – there’s a lot more work to do.
I want you to be among the first to know that I’ve filed papers to run for re-election in 2016.We’ve got a lot of work to do to continue the progress we’ve made as a city, including lifting up every neighborhood and tearing down the barriers to better wages for families. Continuing to create more jobs that can support a family. Building partnerships between our neighborhoods and our police officers to create a safer city for all. Giving our youth more opportunities to get ahead. And continuing our battle against the scourge of gun violence.
We all love this city. Every neighborhood. Every block. Working together we can continue our fight back and make Milwaukee the city we all know it deserves to be.
Six others already have filed to run for the office, including Common Council members Joe Davis and Bob Donovan.
Barrett was first elected in 2004, and re-elected in 2008 and 2012 – the same year he lost a historic recall elections against Republican Governor Scott Walker, who also defeated Barrett in the 2010 race for governor.