Complied by Courier Staff
Following the announcement regarding his appointment as Interim Milwaukee County Executive, Marvin Pratt (l) is congratulated by acting County Executive Lee Holloway.
On Tuesday, Jan. 25 acting County Executive Lee Holloway appointed former acting Mayor of Milwaukee Marvin Pratt as interim county executive until after the April 5 election.
In his resignation letter, Holloway stated, It is my pleasure to officially submit the appointment of Mr. Marvin Pratt to serve as Interim County Executive during this period. In addition to serving as Mayor, Common Council President, and Alderman within the City of Milwaukee, Mr. Pratt’s résumé details a wealth of public and private sector experience. He currently serves as the principal of Marvin Pratt and Associates and is the Executive Director of V. E. Carter Development Group. He also serves on the board of Christ the King Credit Union in Milwaukee.
Holloway also added, this decision was not taken lightly. I have full confidence that Mr. Pratt will do an excellent job in this capacity. This appointment is being forwarded to you for consideration at the next County Board meeting. I ask all of you to confirm this appointment.
Holloway’s decision not to appoint himself is a safe way of keeping his current position, if he happens to lose the election for the permanent position as Milwaukee County Executive.
“I can’t lose,” said Holloway. “If I can’t be county executive, I’ll still be chairman of the board.” Holloway would have been forced to resign his County Board seat if he had named himself interim executive.
Pratt’s appointment is subject to County Board confirmation. Holloway said he plans to bring it to the full board Feb. 3. No objections to Pratt surfaced immediately. Various legislators and even current County Executive candidates are weighing with their reactions to the appointment of Pratt as well.
State Senator Lena (D) Taylor said, “As a life-time resident of the district that former Milwaukee Mayor Marvin Pratt represented, I am assured that the county will be in good hands with County Executive Holloway’s choice of Marvin Pratt as an interim Milwaukee County Executive.”
She added, “I am confident that Marvin will maximize his time in office, and his knowledge of local government issues and the Greater Milwaukee-area needs will allow him to hit the ground running. There are few that can bring the knowledge and commitment of service to the people and the position; without hesitation, Marvin Pratt is one of those people. Milwaukee is hopeful most of all that a Chairman Holloway and County Executive Pratt combination will accomplish to restore the county, and confident that Marvin will be a trustworthy caretaker of the government until an elected official takes the reins of Milwaukee County.”
State Senator Jim Sullivan (D Wauwatosa) who is also a candidate for Milwaukee County Executive stated, “I have confidence in Marvin Pratt as a capable leader to hold the office of County Executive until the voters of Milwaukee County elect a new leader,” Sullivan said. “I know Marvin will work to get Milwaukee County back on track, but I hope he plans to leave long-term decisions to the next elected Executive.”
Chris Abele, also a candidate for the County Executive position said, “I’ve known Marvin Pratt for many years and wish him well. As Interim County Executive, Marvin’s role is to serve as caretaker and steward of the office until the people elect a permanent County Executive in April. I know Marvin will approach this responsibility with seriousness and respect, and will allow the County Executive chosen by the people in April to make major policy and personnel decisions.”
Milwaukee County Supervisor Joe Sanfelippo released the following statement in response to County Executive Lee Holloway’s decision to appoint Marvin Pratt Interim County Executive:
“This appointment is positive all the way around. I could not be more pleased that County Legislators and candidates weigh in on Pratt appointment Executive Holloway has forwarded the appointment of Marvin Pratt for Interim County Executive. He brings to the table a wealth of public and private sector experience.
“Mr. Pratt will respect the process and will not overstep his bounds. He will lend a steady hand and keep us on course during this transitional period until a new County Executive is elected in April.
“Marvin Pratt is a man of integrity and impeccable character. I look forward to working with him during his tenure as Interim County Executive.”
Pratt himself realizes that time will not allow for him to launch any major changes while he serves in this interim position. He did state that he wanted to help implement Holloway’s mental health overhaul during his brief tenure in the county’s top job and noted he isn’t planning any major staff changes or firings.