Mayor Barrett Names New Executive Director of Election Commission

Mayor Barrett Names New Executive Director of Election Commission

Milwaukee—Mayor Tom Barrett today announced his nomination of Captain Susan Edman to serve as Executive Director of the Election Commission.  More than 60 applications of highly qualified candidates were reviewed.  "Captain Edman brings the right level of experience in management, law and community service that I was looking for in the position," stated Mayor Barrett.

Captain Edman has served the people of Milwaukee for 28 years on the Milwaukee Police Department.  For more than half of her career, Captain Edman served in a supervisory role.  She was a groundbreaking force in the advancement of women on the police force.  Edman also spearheaded numerous projects which include overhauling records systems and the automation of tracking violations. 

"I believe Captain Edman brings the skills, enthusiasm and integrity this position demands.  Her daily work with Wisconsin Statutes gives her the expertise to ensure election laws are followed and that every vote is counted.  I am confident under Captain Edman's leadership we will make the changes and improvements necessary to address the problems we faced with the overwhelming turnout in the 2004 election.  I believe this is the next step we must take in fixing our system," said Barrett.  "I stand ready for a new challenge," stated Captain Edman.  "I believe my experience in law enforcement from being on patrol to a top administrator have given me the outreach, leadership and management skills to make me successful in this position. I know the challenges facing the commission and I look forward to addressing them head on and one-by-one."

The nomination of Captain Edman will go to the Common Council on June 14th.  The Judiciary & Legislative Committee will then take up the issue on June 27th and the full Common Council is expected to confirm Edman July 6th.

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