I have recently tried to help a friend who discovered that Open Pantry at Hartford and Oakland had D'Amato's support to demolish a single family building and most likely build yet one more fast food restaurant on Oakland. As I got in to the issue I got the impression that Mike, who I've admired and liked for at least 10 years, was intent on pushing this through, despite considerable last-minute protest from the neighbors.

I think "ambition theory" from political science text books offers some help in understanding D'Amato's clear tilt toward developers. Mike has ambitions for higher office, i.e. Mike hopes to become the mayor. Given the absense of cohesive political parties for majoritarian agendas, candidates must build coalitions and raise lots of money. Supporting developers is a good way to create iou's for bigger campaigns. It's a way for Mike to show that he is not an eastside "liberal" but a business friendly man who knows the score.

The organized minorities, since the dawn of history, have prevailed over the disorganized majority. One makes compromises in politics, according to the context and the balance of power. If D'Amato's district as a totality were as well organized as Riverwest, with its own newespaper and e-mail network of over 200 families, Mike D'Amato would cut deals quite differently.

Mike D'Amato and other ambitious alderpersons will become more public servants and less developer's buddies in proportion to the political power the neighborhoods can develop.

If the political resources Riverwest is creating are created in all of our city neighborhoods, a new day would dawn in Milwaukee. We'd be able to force serious neighborhood plans that reflect existing neighbors preferences. We would be better able to promote and defend our turf.

James J. Godsil, President
Community Roofing, Inc.
Agent: Repair/Restore Artisans for Older Homes
Organizer: Milwaukee Historic Preservation Network(PROMO)

It is unlikely that Ald. D'Amato is going to run for mayor in the upcoming election.