Council members, Mayor Barrett decry reckless driving in wake of fatal hit-and-run, call for state assistance

From JSOnline:

Lee Bergquist, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Alderman Nikiya Dodd speaks Saturday at a news conference with other members of the Common Council and Mayor Tom Barrett after this week’s hit-and-run that killed a 6-year-old girl. They appeared at North 22nd Street and West Center Street, the scene of the crash. (Photo: Lee Bergquist / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

In the wake of a hit-and-run crash that killed a 6-year-old girl Thursday, the Milwaukee Common Council has asked Gov. Tony Evers for state assistance to help address reckless driving in the city.

The council requested the Evers administration identify resources that could go to the Milwaukee Police Department for traffic enforcement to stem out-of-control driving.

"Until those driving in Milwaukee are compelled to obey laws we seem now to take for granted, we fear more will be injured and worse," the council members said on Friday. 

On Saturday, several members of the council and Mayor Tom Barrett held a news conference at the corner of West Center and North 22nd streets to decry the hit-and-run crash that killed Lisa Gee and severely injured her 4-year-old sister and 10-year-old cousin. 

Lisa Gee (Photo: Courtesy of Julie Garrison)

Milwaukee police have made arrests in the crash. 

"We're proud over here," said Ald Russell Stamper II, who represents the district where Lisa was killed. "But when we have idiots who reckless drive and have no care or concern for the community, the streets or children, it sets us back, it hurts.

"Dozens of balloons were tied to a tree along Center Street in front of Gwen T. Jackson Early Childhood and Elementary School. Candles and flowers had been laid at the base of the tree.

From: https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/crime/2019/10/26/milwaukee-council-mayor-call-state-aid-combat-reckless-driving/2468528001/