Common Council delays confirmation of Karin Tyler as new director of Milwaukee's Office of Community Wellness and Safety
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Governor Tony Evers has awarded nearly $15 million across the state in an effort to reduce crime and prevent violence. Milwaukee County received $1.8 million.
However, the City of Milwaukee's Office of Community Wellness and Safety got nothing.
Citing that lack of funding for the city, the Milwaukee Common Council decided not to appoint Karin Tyler as the new director for the Office of Community Wellness and Safety Tuesday morning. Instead, they moved it back to committee.
Alderwoman Sharlen Moore said she had "grave concerns" over Karin Tyler's ability to lead the department, citing in part the decision from the governor to exclude the City of Milwaukee from receiving grant funds.
Tyler has been acting as interim director after Adam Procell resigned from the position back in January. She was one of the original candidates in town hall meetings last summer, but Mayor Cavalier Johnson went with Procell instead.
Tyler had a hearing two weeks ago, before the Public Safety and Health Committee, with a confirmation expected Tuesday morning. But that didn't happen.
"I have concerns, and I think sending it back to committee will provide an opportunity for conversation, and how the department is going to be funded zero dollars from the state for violence prevention. It was alarming," Ald. Moore said.
"The fact we're pinning on lack of receiving funds from Evers onto the nominee is just unfair," Ald. Mark Chambers said. "We're not a council of being unfair."
This motion to confirm Tyler was sent back to committee, which will meet again on April 10.
The mayor's office, in a statement, said:
"The administration remains confident that Karin Tyler's appointment will be approved, notwithstanding this delay."