Priorities

Reckless Driving

Reckless driving is the most significant threat to public safety in Milwaukee and is a scourge on our city. We all have experiences about the insane things we witness daily on the streets, and that has to change.

While the Milwaukee Police Department and city officials have made efforts to combat reckless driving in recent years, we must acknowledge that there is still a significant amount of work that needs to be done. Changes made by the Milwaukee Common Council in May 2023 to allow the impoundment of vehicles used in reckless driving have not yielded the desired results. It's clear that there are too many loopholes in our current law, and we can and must do more.

Alderman Westmoreland firmly believes that reckless driving is akin to wielding a "two-ton weapon," and we should approach it with the same seriousness as we do firearms. It's time to get as many of these dangerous drivers off the streets as possible. In his efforts to do so, Alderman Westmoreland authored Resolution (File #230557) to expand the circumstances under which reckless drivers’ vehicles can be impounded. This Resolution was signed by Mayor Cavalier Johnson on November 6, 2023.

The City of Milwaukee now needs assistance from the Wisconsin Legislature with a simple law change. Westmoreland took his message to the State Capitol in Madison where he testified before the Wisconsin Senate's Judiciary and Public Safety Committee to advocate for this change in state law. This is a critical step forward in curbing reckless driving in our city and he is determined to get it done.

As Alderman, Westmoreland is dedicated to ensuring that our streets are safer for all.

Infrastructure

Alderman Westmoreland is committed to enhancing the infrastructure of the 5th District and the city of Milwaukee. Recognizing the vital role infrastructure plays in community development, he is actively working on addressing this issue. Investing in infrastructure is essential for the long-term prosperity and well-being of the 5th District. By addressing infrastructure, he aims to create a more resilient and connected community for everyone.

Problem Properties

Foreclosures have been on the rise in the Milwaukee area over the past 2-3 years. When properties go into foreclosure, they can end up in the hands of property management companies or investors that are absentee. Some of these investors and property management companies are great. However, too many of them are less discerning and will rent to anyone with a pulse who will pay rent on time. Usually they have no rules, behavioral expectations, or standards for their tenants or the property itself.

Living styles that have no consideration for others will no longer be tolerated. This situation is detrimental to neighborhoods and quite frankly has single handily stunted the growth of many neighborhoods across the city while disrupting many lives. Alderman Westmoreland is currently working on drafting legislation that will hold these individuals and/or companies accountable to the highest extent possible.

Litter & Illegal Dumping

In some parts of Milwaukee, litter has become a major issue. It's as if multiple dumpsters have exploded, leaving fast food trash, wigs, liquor bottles, and more strewn about. But the truth is, no dumpsters have exploded. What we're witnessing is the result of individuals who litter without a second thought, trashing our neighborhoods.

Our children, the future of our city, deserve a clean environment. Litter drives away potential businesses and residents, hindering our neighborhoods' growth. We must reverse this trend starting with each of us.

Every corner of the city produces the same amount of trash. There's no excuse for some areas not using trash and recycling bins. It is time to combat the littering culture and restore community pride.

With every license renewal and application that has come before him, Alderman Westmoreland has made it mandatory (through business operation plan amendments) that businesses pick up the exterior premises of the property at least three times per day - or, however many times is needed to keep the overall appearance clean. Non-compliance has already resulted in Westmoreland suspending licenses, shutting businesses down, to continue to send the message that the littering trend MUST come to an end. Working hand-in-hand with the Licensing Division and Department of Neighborhood Services, Alderman Westmoreland is drafting new legislation and working to change policies within these departments - to further hold businesses accountable.

In addition, Alderman Westmoreland is working with the Milwaukee Police Department on special enforcement patrols as well as planning Public Service Announcements to further push the message along with exploring adding cameras in frequent illegal dumping areas.

Criminal Accountability

Simply put – criminals need to face stiffer consequences & penalties for the crimes they commit. The slap of the hand has to end, especially for repeat offenders.

More often than not when individuals are arrested for crimes, they are charged inadequately, leniently, and our jails seem more frequently equipped with revolving doors. Alderman Westmoreland will continue to seek opportunities to work through this issue with the Milwaukee County District Attorney Office and Judges in Milwaukee - and continue the collaborative dialogue to correct this broken system.

Lastly – while in custody – we simply have to do a better job of establishing stronger programs to help these individuals get on the right track in their life. We have to care more about being proactive in helping these individuals help themselves, so we aren't seeing them continuously commit these crimes. It can’t be, just throw them in a cage. We can’t afford to continue missing opportunities to REALLY hold them accountable for their actions while truly helping them. Those two key opportunities have been missed for far too long.

City Services

Alderman Westmoreland is committed to ensuring that city services effectively meet the needs of the residents in the 5th District. Understanding that public safety and the quality of our neighborhoods are directly tied to city services, Alderman Westmoreland has made enhancing city services a focus of his re-election campaign.