*“I’m the only candidate that has put forth a comprehensive plan for public safety.”*br>- John Connelly

As a coordinator for the Community Prosecution Unit and a former staffer for Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm, 3rd District aldermanic candidate John Connelly talks tough when it comes to public safety. He believes he is the only one with the plan to back his rhetoric up with results.

“I’m the only candidate that has put forth a comprehensive plan for public safety,” said Connelly. “And I’m the only one really addressing the issue.”

Connelly, 27, hopes that his experience and commitment to reducing crime will push him to the forefront of the crowded 3rd district field. While the district is among the safest in the city, he said that safety has been the primary concern of area residents, and that more work can be done to reduce crime.

His plan consists of expanding the community prosecuting model, which involves assigning assistant district and city attorneys to work with community leaders and law enforcement in each city district. Connelly proposes expanding the program within the 3rd district and forming a Community Prosecuting Unit specifically for the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee campus area.

He also proposes building a Milwaukee Police Dept. substation on campus, something that Connelly said the university was “open to exploring.” The closest substation is currently located on Locust Street, and makes it hard for students without cars to get to, Connelly said. He believes that a campus substation would increase collaboration between students, law enforcement, and administration to help reduce area crime.

A 2003 UWM graduate with a major in political science, Connelly believes that his status as a recent student give him perspective in dealing with student/resident relations, and will help him deal with the very different set of issues that face each group.

Connelly calls Milwaukee’s lack of a fixed mass transit system “a sad commentary” and would like to see the Flexcar program expanded. Connelly has also voiced his support for a commuter rail system.

He is hesitant to tinker with the Residential Preferred Parking (RPP) program currently instituted around the campus area. “RPP works in principle, with UPASS and Klotsche Pavilion usage going up,” said Connelly. He added that the program hasn’t existed long enough to properly evaluate yet.

Another concern for Connelly involves incorporating more resident input into the decision-making process, something he believes has been neglected in the past. He cited the recent Downer Avenue development as a prime example.

“In talking with residents (about the Downer Avenue development), people felt their input was disregarded. That’s a problem and something I am definitely looking to change,” said Connelly.

In line with most of the other candidates, Connelly said he supports area development, but disagrees with the size and scope of projects like the Downer construction.

“We need to listen more and act on the concerns of our residents,” said Connelly.

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