Chris Abele For Milwaukee County Executive

I'm voting for Chris Abele for Milwaukee County Executive.

Four points:

1. As to State Rep. Jeff Stone, (R-Greendale): I very much do not want to see him usher in another four years of Scott Walker's hallmark degradation of County assets, disinterest in public services and dismissal of the valid mission of government.

Stone's cheap attack on democracy as lead sponsor of a noxious, unnecessary and blatantly partisan voter ID bill is reason enough to turn aside his candidacy.

2. As to former State Sen. Jim Sullivan: This is a primary choice but not meant as a slap at him in any way. I want him and his supporters to know that, and I will understand if that's not meant to be.

3. Abele strikes me as the best choice given what is coming down the pike from Walker and the Republican majority in the legislature where Stone has been a GOP team player for years.

This is the moment for the reins at the Courthouse to be taken by someone who will, with independence, confront the County's myriad fiscal and institutional problems.

Abele has been an involved and generous force in the community. He will bring that experience to the political environment along with fresh eyes and ears - - absolutely what taxpayers need and rightfully demand.

The political and financial times require effective alliances with City Hall, with business, labor and non-profits that can help the County and the next Executive with innovative, dedicated, tireless and inclusive decision-making.

Chris Abele is the person with the right combination of spirit, mindset and background to bring about that cooperation, and to have available the best advice and talent for a County government on the brink and with a hostile state government 80 miles up the road.

4. For the record, no candidate asked me for an endorsement, no one asked me to write this and I will repost it again early next week before Tuesday's balloting.