Karin Tyler's confirmation to Office of Community Wellness and Safety moves forward to Common Council

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) --Milwaukee’s Office Of Community Wellness And Safety is one step closer to having a new director.

In a 3-2 vote Friday, Milwaukee's Public Safety And Health Committee voted to approve Karin Tyler's nomination to lead the Office Of Community Wellness And Safety – after some contentious debate.

“Can you talk about – we received a number of letters of support from organizations tied to the office. Were those funded organizations solicited for support. How did we suddenly get so many letters of support two weeks ago?” asked Ald. Peter Burgelis.

“You’ve been in the department for years, but just since the last time you were here, how many times have you communicated with the full council?” asked Ald. Sharlen Moore.

These were just some of the concerns committee members voiced as they discussed Tyler’s nomination to lead the city’s Office Of Community Wellness And Safety.

Tyler was nominated by Mayor Cavalier Johnson after former director Adam Procell resigned in late january.

Community Wellness And Safety used to be a part of the city's Department Of Administration – but became its own department last fall. A Wisconsin state law states that a felon can not lead an office in the state unless pardoned.

Procell was convicted of a homicide at 15-years-old and released after serving 10 years in prison.

Last month, the common council delayed Tyler's confirmation after Ald.Moore expressed “grave concerns” over Tyler's ability to lead OCWS, including the lack of funding given to OCWS by the state.

“We have already gotten a commitment from the Annie Casey foundation for 2027 and so we’ll have specific numbers in regards to how much that investment will be but we really just want to get out of this transition space so we can do the work that you are kind on us to do,” said Tyler.

Tyler’s confirmation now moves on to the full common council meeting next Tuesday.