Most diverse Common Council in Milwaukee history takes office

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The banging of the gavel on Tuesday morning marked a new beginning for local government in Milwaukee. It was a beginning that would go down in city history. 

The most diverse body of Common Council members were sworn in. 

“We’ve got a new term; we got new challenges. I’m not afraid of them," said Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson. 

For the first time in the city's history, there is a Black majority in the Common Council. Eight out of 15 members are African American, six members of the Common Council are women, and two members are part of the LGBTQ community. 

“More women, more people of color, and I’m proud to be the second out member of the Common Council. We will now have a queer caucus in Milwaukee," said District 11 Alderman Peter Burgelis. "That’s the people’s voice. People have spoken. Our residents and voters have spoken and now it’s our job to get to work."

Alderman José G. Pérez will continue to lead the council. The 12th district alderman won a 10-5 vote against Alderwoman Milele Coggs. 

“Representatives that look like them, that have gone through some of the same trials and tribulations in the city – that we could get them better engaged, more participating, and for me, it’s really turning out people to be engaged in our civil process," said Pérez. 

Mayor Johnson will step into office for his first full term as Milwaukee's mayor. 

“Physically growing and drawing in new visitors, as well as prominent events in Milwaukee," said Johnson, discussing the RNC's visit to Milwaukee in July. 

Elected officials say local government should look like the people it represents. In Milwaukee, they say it continues to do just that. 

“Ladies and gentlemen, let’s get to work," said Johnson.