Candidate Profile: Earnell Lucas For Milwaukee Mayor

MILWAUKEE, WI — Milwaukee residents will vote and decide Feb. 15 the next mayor for the first time in nearly two decades.

Earnell Lucas, who currently serves as Milwaukee County Sheriff, is among seven candidates running for mayor.

The sheriff said that the city needs a vision and that "crime and disorder" are the issues Milwaukee faces currently.

Name

Earnell Lucas

Age (as of Election Day)

63

Position sought (including ward or district number if applicable)

Mayor of Milwaukee

Party Affiliation

Democrat

Family

Wife, Linda. Two adult children who were raised here in Milwaukee.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Attended Milwaukee Public Schools and graduated from Rufus King High School. Earnell went to earn a bachelor’s degree cum laude in criminology and law studies from Marquette

Occupation

Milwaukee County Sheriff

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Milwaukee County Sheriff

Campaign website

Here's Lucas' campaign website.

Why are you seeking elective office?

For Milwaukee to rise, it first needs a vision. Then, we need to act, and follow through on our promises to achieve our collective goals. While that may sound simple, it will not be easy. Tough decisions need to be made with knowledge gained through experience, compassion and empathy.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Crime and disorder are the most important issues facing Milwaukee. From our citizens to our businesses to visitors and tourists, we all want to be safe.

I am uniquely qualified and experienced to regain security in our city. As Milwaukee County Sheriff, I have been at the forefront of proactive policing efforts on our expressways and in our parks. On my watch, we built an investigative bureau from scratch to take on the challenges of homicide, gun violence, and human trafficking. I will do the same as your mayor.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

What sets me apart is that I’m not a career politician – this is a strength. Up to this point, the only public office I have ever run for is the office I hold now – Sheriff of Milwaukee County. My goals are not for myself, my goals are about making positive change for our city.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community

It's an open seat.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Our infrastructure is in decay. We need a strategic plan to rebuild our bridges, repave our roads, and remove snow and garbage in a timely and reliable manner. As an executive with experience managing multi-million dollar budgets, I will take personal charge of our public works response during snow and weather emergencies, ensuring that you receive services in a prompt fashion. As mayor, I pledge that no neighborhood will be left behind — all will receive equal services.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I was head of security for Major League Baseball protecting fans and players alike across the country and around the world.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

To always listen, and pay attention to those around you.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

Milwaukee is my hometown. It belongs to all of us, and we belong here, together. I grew up here. This is where my wife and I raised a family. I love Milwaukee because of what it has meant to me, and for what it can become. It can be so much more.