Milwaukee Ald. Bauman calls city's 'botched leaf pickup' a factor in recent flooding

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee Alderman Bob Bauman is linking last week's flooding to the city's interrupted leaf pickup last fall, giving strong criticism to the Department of Public Works. 

Early snowfall and freezing temperatures were blamed for the incomplete leaf collection.

In a statement Monday, Ald. Bauman referred to it as a "botched leaf pickup" and suggested it was directly related to last week's clogged catch basins in the city. 

The alderman said in part:

"The gaslighting by the administration has to end. The Department of Public Works screwed up, and residents and neighborhoods suffered. What we need is accountability. A promise to do better in the future and a promise to review department decisions and practices."

CBS 58 reached out to the city, and officials are offering no new reaction to Bauman's criticism.