Conflict of Interest Questioned Among Historic Mitchell Street BID 4 Board Members

Dimity Grabowski and Rudy Gutiérrez

At least four Historic Mitchell Street BID #4 Board members also serve with the Historic Mitchell Street Perservation Corporation, according to information disclosed at last Thursday's BID #4 meeting.

By H. Nelson Goodson

June 20, 2014

Milwaukee, WI - On Thursday, Dimity Grabowski, one of the Historic Mitchell Street Business Improvement District (BID) #4 Board members questioned an alleged conflict of interest among the Board membership. At least four current BID #4 Board members are also Board members for the Historic Mitchell Street Perservation Corporation (HMSPC), Hispanic News Network U.S.A. (HNNUSA) has learned. Grabowski during the BID #4 meeting also requested clarification from Nancy Bush, the executive director for the BID #4 of its association between the two entities. 

A two hour session was scheduled before the next BID #4 meeting on July 17 to discuss Grabowski's request and the $247,000 discrepancy that HNNUSA reported. Grabowski stated to HNNUSA, "I have full faith that our new President, Rudy Gutiérrez will be a "positive" voice for Mitchell St., on the BID #4. My direct concerns are related to the obvious conflict of interest within several BID #4 members who currently serve on the HMSPC jointly." Grabowski is the owner of Think Resale on Historic Michell Street.

Last Monday, Bush released that the BID #4 had made $2,562.49 after costs during Sun Fair 2012, an annual street outdoor event. In April 2013, Ron Giguere, then president of the BID #4 told the Bussiness Journal (BJ) that the Sun Fair had made over $250,000, which HNNUSA reported. Giguere abruptly resigned as president of the BID #4 in October 2013. 

The building at 1635 S. 8th St. where the BID #4 is housed is owned by

the HMSPC, which Giguere is the current Chair of the Board. Bush says, it rents the first floor, which actually are three rooms. The BID #4 pays about $1,200 per month and both the BID and HMSPC share the whole building, which has no separate entrances or exits for each group. The house doesn't even have a sign outside the building indicating that BID #4 is at the location.

BID #4 has not responded to Giguere's statement to the BJ and if they found any funding missing or not reported concerning the Sun Fair event in 2012.

Bush also wouldn't release her annual salary, but HNNUSA has learned that she makes over $63,300 annually, including benefits, cellphone service and gas allowance. Bush's salary is funded through levy accessments collected from businesses and property owners along the Mitchell Street Business district.

There are 30 BID's in the City of Milwaukee, not all have the same assessment formula. The BID #4's is $4.00 per $1,000 of assessed commercial property value, not to exceed $2500, Bush confirmed.

In an e-mail to HNNUSA, Bush wrote, "In 2012, the Sun Fair did not make "more than $250,000," it made $2,562.49. Last year, in 2013, the event made $911.26. In 2011, its first year, the event made $1,296.16." HNNUSA learned that the Rainbow Valley Carnival and Rides (RVC) gave BID #4 $16,895 in commission in 2013. Sun Fair in 2013 made $20,889, total expenses were $19,997.74, net income $911.26.

In 2014 and 2013, BID #4 paid $7,903 for a city permit to block off W. Historic Mitchell Street from S. 8th to S. 11th Streets for the three day event. 

This year, Sun Fair 2014 made $19,235, the expenses reported were $14,946,51 and net income $4,288.49. The RVC commission to BID #4 was $15,660, according to the BID #4 financial report for Sun Fair 2014. 

Esperanza Unida International Building Sold For $1.3M

Four member Esperanza Unida Board accepted offer before deadline on Wednesday from Milwaukee apartment developer to buy the Esperanza Unida International building for $1.3M to help pay incurred debts.

By H. Nelson Goodson

June 19, 2014

Milwaukee, WI -  On Thursday, Manuel "Manny" Pérez, the executive director of Esperanza Unida, Inc. confirmed, that the current four members of the Board from the non-profit organization had accepted a $1.3 million offer from a local developer to purchase the building and property at 611 W. National Ave. Pérez said, that most of the 20 tenants have until December 31, before the developer will begin making the transition to acquire the property.

The developer will convert the Esperanza Unida International Building into a $7 million development project to create a 55 apartment unit complex and will keep some businesses on the first floor, according to Pérez.

The Esperanza Unida organization will continue to operate at 1329 W. National Ave., where they own a second property.

The current Esperanza Unida Board members are Steed Welch, Chair; James "Jim" Witkowiak, Vice-Chair; Susan Pepper-Sims and Tamara Owens. The Board has three vacant seats, according to Pérez.

Pérez stated, that the Esperanza Unida building was not listed to be sold, but a week ago, the developer made an offer and gave the Esperanza Unida Board until Wednesday to accept the $1.3M offer. The Board couldn't refuse the offer, since it has been on debt and facing a $1.3M deficit. 

Last year, Esperanza Unida ended with $495,000 in gross revenue and for 2014, Pérez projected about $900,000 in gross revenue. But in terms of net income, Esperanza owes $50,000 to CD, it owes $388,000 to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and $70,000 to the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) employment insurance. He also confirmed that several "inappropriate loans were made during former Richard Oulahan (1978 to 2005) or right after, which a $600,000 loan from M&I Bank was made before former executive director Robert F. Miranda (2005 to 2014) took over, also a loan from Wells Fargo of $100,000 was made and we have no idea where it is. So, the total debt for Esperanza Unida is beteen $1.2 to $1.3 million," according to Pérez.

Today, about $700,000 in loans has not been able to be accounted for or no records exist for its disbursement and it has been reported to the Federal Economic Development Authority,  Pérez said.

Esperanza Unida rent space was previously valued at $6.50 per square foot during the Oulahan administration and later increased to $8.25 and remained steady for decades. The city recommended $10.00 per square foot and Esperanza Unida remained at $8.25. New tenants rented space at $12.25 per square foot, since Pérez took over. Pérez also said, that Esperanza Unida had a history of being an incubator for helping businesses grow and prosper, but the low rent never generated revenue to cover the costs of maintaining and operating the building.

If the building would have been listed for sale last year, it wouldn't have been sold for more than $800,000. Today, the Board made at least $500,000 more due to current repair maintenance and improvements conducted under Pérez. The $1.3M from the purchase will go to pay over due city taxes, the IRS debt, DWD, several loans and other bills incurred by previous administrations.

Pérez, who would not disclose the name of the developer says, the purchase by the developer will "generate construction jobs, attract community activity and stimulate economic growth." There has been no new development on S. 6th Street or vicinity since, Alderman José G. Pérez was elected, which have kept rent values low. With the lack of any new development, many buildings are under valued in the area, according to city tax records.

José G. Pérez before becoming Alderman in the 12th District had made an offer to a former Board member to purchase the Esperanza Unida building, but no offer amount by made available.

Esperanza Unida, Inc. Board of Directors

West Historic Mitchell Street Days To Be Proposed By BID Board President

Rudy Gutiérrez

Mitchell Street Days in the horizon, according to Gutiérrez.

By H. Nelson Goodson

May 27, 2014

Milwaukee, WI - Rudy Gutiérrez, the current president of the Board of Directors for the West Historic Mitchell Street Business Improvement District (BID) #4 told Hispanic News Network U.S.A. (HNNUSA), that he would like to see the area revitalized with economic growth along Mitchell Street. One of many projects planned to accomplish his goal is to propose the Mitchell Street Days, which could add several activities per month to attract a steady flow of shoppers to the area.

This weekend, the Historic Mitchell Street Sun Fair will take place on May 30, 31 and June 1 along the strip from S. 7th Street to S. 11th Street. It has been a yearly event for the last two years and Gutiérrez says, it's time to reevaluate the Sun Fair event that includes, beer sales, food and carnaval rides. 

Last year, the BID made just enough revenue to pay for the Sun Fair costs and this year, the three year contract expires with the carnaval rides company. The Sun Fair's future is uncertain and depends on the revenue generated on this upcoming weekend to determine its future on Mitchell Street.

Today, Gutiérrez wants to focus on additional events that can attract more business to Mitchell Street depending on available funding.

He was selected as BID #4 president of the Board in February and is working to get more business owners to join the BID. Currently there are five vacancies on the Board.

Gutiérrez is the current Bank Manager and Assistant Vice-President of the US Bank on West Mitchell St. He is also a Board member for La Casa de Esperanza in Waukesha. 

Johnson Brass Foundry Explosion Injures Seven Employees, Including One Hispanic In Saukville

Two critically burned and five others injured after melted brass metal in tumbler lost balance and spilled over water causing an explosion.

By H. Nelson Goodson

May 19, 2014

Saukville, WI - On Monday, the Saukville Fire Department and local police responded to an explosion at the Johnson Brass and Machine Foundry, 270 N. Mill Rd. Seven people were reported injured, 2 men were critically burned and flown by Flight for Life to the Columbia St. Mary's Hospital in Milwaukee for treatment. A third was taken there by ambulance. Four other men were taken by ambulances to nearby hospitals. 

One Hispanic, Miguel Gomez, with five years seniority was splattered with hot metal in his lower body and feet; Steve Jones, with 20 years seniority was splattered with melted brass and is in critical condition and shift Supervisor Jeff, with 25 years seniority was injured after he jumped for safety, injured his head and was also splattered with melted brass were among those reported injured. Another victim was identified as Mark Edbauer Jr. who was also injured.

The explosion happened before 4:00 p.m. while the 7:00 a.m. shift workers were getting ready to leave. Some of the workers were in the shower and locker section when the explosion occurred.

One 5 ton molted piece had been completed earlier before the second attempt was made to make another piece. As melted brass was being poured into the rotating mold, it became unbalanced and got loose from the bolted base as it rotated about 300 times per minute. The base of the mold when placed on the tumbler was narrow and the top, which was suppose to be the base was wider.

It's believed that the tumbler loaded with 10,500 pounds (5 tons) of melted brass lost balanced as it rotated and tilted over. The hot brass (2,100 degrees, 3-D class temp) then poured over and combined with water used at the base to cool the rotating connection with the mold causing an explosion.

The gas torch hoses used to melt the brass burned with the melted brass spill and flames ensued. The gas flow was shut off. The torch hoses and water coolant for the tumbler are located at the base.

OSHA is expected at the scene on Tuesday. The company has had other incidents at the foundry, according to OSHA.

The plant was evacuted on Monday and employees working at the section where the incident occurred have been notified by the company not to show up for work for several days.

Ryan Road Mobil Selling Racist Illegal Immigrant Hunting Permits In Oak Creek

Sales cashier didn't know they were selling them!

By H. Nelson Goodson

May 18, 2014

Oak Creek, WI - On Saturday, a Facebook (FB) posting by Alejandro Alba indicates that the Ryan Road Mobil at 9444 S. Chicago Ave. is selling U.S.A. Illegal Immigrant Hunting Permits at their location. Alba took a photo and posted it on his FB account. Since then, FB users have been sharing and circulating Alba's post.

When Hispanic News Network U.S.A. (HNNUSA) contacted the establishment on Sunday,  the sales clerk stated, "that she didn't know, and that she was to busy to check because she had a line of customers."

In 2011, the decals began to be distributed in Wisconsin and some gas stations began to sell them. The stickers are sold for $4 to $5.00 a piece. To some the stickers are a form of speech, novelty, comical and to others it promotes hate and violence towards immigrants.

The decal is a novelty, but tasteless and feeds into racial hate, profiling and suggests that illegals can be hunted (killed) in the country. Someone with a lack of common sense could actually believe it's legal to hunt illegals (undocumented immigrants).

The U.S.A. Illegal Immigrant Hunting Permit is distributed by Central States Novelty, LLC.

Some FB users are asking people to boycott the business as a result of selling the so called racist decals. 

The FBI reported that between 2003 to 2006, hate crimes against Latinos had increase by 35% in the U.S.

The City of Oak Creek, which has more than 34,000 in population made national headline news in early August 2012 when a crazed lone suspect massacred multiple Sikh Temple members. The Sikh Temple at 7512 S. Howell Ave. was attacked by a known racist, Wade Michael Page, 40, a White male who went to the temple and opened fire killing six victims between the ages of 39 to 84. Three of the deceased victims were also brothers.
Three injured victims that survived were identity as Baba (priest) Punjab Singh and Baba Santokh Singh, including Oak Creek Police Lieutenant Brian Murphy, 51. Murphy was shot at least 15 times, 12 struck his body and three his body armor (bullet proof vest), but survived and later retired from the Oak Creek Police Department. 
Page, an Army Veteran was a member of a supremacy group, according to the FBI.

Mexican Fiesta 2014 Will Continue To Profile And Discriminate Hispanic Festivalgoers

Mexican Fiesta organizers in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to continue profiling and discriminating against Latinos and non-Hispanics for exhibiting body and facial tattoos not in good taste for the Wisconsin Hispanic Scholarship Foundation Board.

By H. Nelson Goodson 

April 25, 2014

Milwaukee, WI - Mexican Fiesta 2014 at Summerfest grounds, which are city owned plans to use once again the Milwaukee police intelligence center to profile festivalgoers as alleged gang members for exhibiting body and facial tattoos or certain clothing to expell them without returning refunds or deny them admittance to the three day event without committing any wrong doing (crime) inside the festival grounds. 
Last Summer, festival security LPOA (Latino Peace Officer Association) and police were exposed for profiling festivalgoers and kicking out multiple innocent people for exhibiting tattoos not in good taste for festival organizers and wearing clothing not approved by security without returning refunds. Fiesta organizers conspired to keep refunds, by knowingly expelling profiling victims and not offering them refunds. Shameful Mexican Fiesta organizers, more transparency and accountability needed for the Wisconsin Hispanic Scholarship Foundation Board who sponsor Mexican Fiesta! 

Acevedo Honored As Milwaukee Police Officer Of The Year By LPOA Local Chapter

Jose "Ace" Acevedo

Local Latino Peace Officers Association named Acevedo, one of its members as Officer of the Year 2013.

By H. Nelson Goodson

January 26, 2014

Milwaukee, WI - On Saturday, Officer Jose "Ace" Acevedo from the Second Police District Station was recognized as the Latino Peace Officers Association (LPOA) "Officer of the Year." Officer Acevedo is an active member of the LPOA and the Second District's police auxiliary coordinator and explorer coordinator.

Acevedo was recognized for his commitment to the community and the LPOA, according to Acevedo's Facebook posting. 

In brief, the local LPOA in the Summer made news after some of its members who volunteer as security for the annual Mexican Fiesta three day lakefront festival allegedly were involved in kicking out suspected gang members and a man with a facial tattoo from the event without just cause. The current LPOA president, Milwaukee Officer Alexander C. Ayala confirmed that the Milwaukee Police Intelligence center was used to identify the victims that were kicked out of fiesta without actual prove of their affiliation with gangs. The discriminatory policy was endorsed previously by the former LPOA president Ruben Burgos, a retired Milwaukee Police Lieutenant of Detectives.

The discrimination policy was also adopted by the Mexican Fiesta officials with the aid of the Milwaukee Police Department that sparked protests and a boycott for next year's fiesta by members of the community.
At a press conference held in September at the fiesta office run by the Wisconsin Hispanic Scholarship Foundation (WHSF), which Hispanic News Network U.S.A. was barred from attending, they actually confirmed their policy to kick out or deny entry to any former, current  or alleged future gang member from admission to the Mexican Fiesta grounds even though they hadn't committed any wrongdoing at the grounds. 

The Summerfest grounds are owned by the City of Milwaukee and rents the area to World Festival Inc., who runs Summerfest at the lakefront.

Those kicked out from the fiesta last Summer were not given any recourse to prove such gang affiliation allegations were false and were never given a refund. They victims were ripped off by Mexican Fiesta.
Also, Mexican Fiesta, WHSF and several LULAC chapters deny access for scholarships to undocumented DREAMers, despite a majority of those attending the festival are undocumented and spent money at the event.