Budget trainwreck could derail Walker

Scott Walker's new slogan -- "I'm from Milwaukee County and I want to help you balance your budget" -- may not work in the governor's race.

Dave Umhoefer reports in a top-line Journal Sentinel story today:

Milwaukee County's already bleak financial picture darkened considerably Thursday, with word that its tax-freeze 2004 budget is likely to close as much as $3 million in the red, and that looming problems in the '05 budget might prompt emergency cutbacks in social service programs.

The budget bombshell came amid a litany of reports of financial mismanagement, late-breaking disclosure of shortfalls, and departments stretched thin by retirements and budget cuts. It would mark the second successive deficit budget for County Executive Scott Walker and the County Board.

Walker, as usual, tried to point the finger at everyone but himself. That has been his style since taking the office;; nothing is ever his fault.

At least one county supervisor, Michael Mayo, wasn't going to let Walker blame others: "Poppycock," responded Mayo, who is chairman of the board's Economic Development Committee. "If he would stop running for governor and keep his eye on Milwaukee County, he'd have a handle on what this government is all about. If his people were distracted from doing their work, they should not be there."

The whole story

UPDATE: As predicted, the Walker news release blaming the County Board and State of Wisconsin but taking no responsibility himself. Classic Walker.