Good news for Ray Harmon, (pictured), the challenger in the race for alderman in Milwaukee's 9th District: He's been endorsed by the Milwaukee Police Assn.
Without knowing all the ins and outs of City Hall politics these days, it makes you wonder what the incumbent, Robert Puente, did -- or didn't do -- to upset the police union.
Puente is a former captain and 27-year veteran of the Milwaukee Police Department.
But the MPA says in its release that:
"Ray [Harmon] has an absolute appreciation of the cop on the street. With Ray’s strong understanding of public safety as the cornerstone of community growth, the 9th District will have a great future.”
Puente is among those identified recently as double dippers on the city payroll, drawing a $73,222 salary as alderman, plus a $67,253 pension as a retired police captain, for a total of $140,475.
Harmon has worked in local government as a legislative assistant for the city and county governments, with the Milwaukee Urban League, Neighborhood Schools Initiative and the administrations of former Gov. Jim Doyle and former Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz.
A heart transplant recipient, Ray is a volunteer for the Wisconsin Donor Network and other health care charities. And, yes, Xoff and the MPA are on the same side on this one, which doesn't happen often.