Since Scott Walker first took office in 2002, he has established an amazing record of accomplishment. He reformed the pension board, and now, power is not concentrated in one area, appointed members must have basic financial literacy, and there are no conflicts of interest.

He capped the pension lump sum backdrop for all incoming employees, signed off on a lawsuit against the firm that advised the county in 2000 and asked the pension board to pursue an investigation of the buy in and by back programs over the past 15 years.

Scott made all of the department heads reapply for their jobs and only kept those who were there based on merit. He then aggressively recruited new cabinet members from throughout Wisconsin. Without much fanfare, he put in place a cabinet with more women and minorities than his predecessor. Together, they are part of an extremely well qualified team.

When he first ran, Scott promised that he would not raise taxes to pay for the excesses of the pension and sick leave scandal. For the past five years, he presented budgets that do not raise the tax levy from the previous year. Prior to his election, the tax levy went up 55% under the Ament administration.

Drivers can now see the west side of the Milwaukee County Courthouse. For years, the annex parking structure stood over the northbound side of the expressway. After years of cement fragments falling off the annex, Walker worked with the state Department of Transportation to get the County Board to approve the demolition. Now, everyone can see the wonder of the courthouse.

Through an outstanding partnership with the Zoological Society of Milwaukee, the Zoo completed a $30 million capital campaign with projects ranging from the animal health center to the giraffe experience to the education and conservation center. A new gathering place and flamingo home are on tap within the next year – along with plans for bids on a hotel and water park.

Unlike the decline in passengers at other airports, Milwaukee County continues to see a steady increase each year. Last year, Mitchell International Airport had more than 7 million passengers and broke another record. Remodeled and expanded concourses, a new food and concession area, and expanded parking are new in the past few year.